Love stories have always held a special place in the hearts of moviegoers. The sweeping romance of “Titanic,” with its breathtaking visuals and heart-wrenching tale of star-crossed lovers, continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. Over the last decade, several films have drawn from the timeless essence of “Titanic,” delivering modern-day romances that echo its emotional depth and grandeur. Here, we rank the best Titanic-inspired love stories of the last decade based on IMDb ratings.
1. La La Land (2016) – IMDb Rating: 8.0
Director: Damien Chazelle
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone
“La La Land” captures the bittersweet essence of romance and ambition. This modern musical follows the love story of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician as they navigate their dreams in Los Angeles. Like “Titanic,” the film explores the intersection of love and sacrifice, leaving viewers with a poignant reminder that love doesn’t always conquer all.
2. The Shape of Water (2017) – IMDb Rating: 7.3
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Doug Jones
A fantastical love story between a mute janitor and an amphibious creature, “The Shape of Water” evokes the themes of forbidden love and societal constraints reminiscent of Jack and Rose’s romance. With its ethereal visuals and heartfelt narrative, the film earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Picture.
3. A Star is Born (2018) – IMDb Rating: 7.6
Director: Bradley Cooper
Starring: Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
“A Star is Born” reimagines the tragic love story through the lens of a fading rock star and a rising singer. Echoing the emotional highs and lows of “Titanic,” the film’s intense performances and unforgettable soundtrack have resonated deeply with audiences.
4. Brooklyn (2015) – IMDb Rating: 7.5
Director: John Crowley
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Emory Cohen
Set in the 1950s, “Brooklyn” tells the story of a young Irish immigrant torn between two countries and two loves. Its lush period detail and heartfelt exploration of identity and belonging mirror the sweeping romanticism of “Titanic.”
5. The Great Gatsby (2013) – IMDb Rating: 7.2
Director: Baz Luhrmann
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan
Featuring “Titanic” star Leonardo DiCaprio, “The Great Gatsby” offers another tale of doomed romance. The opulent setting and intense passion between Gatsby and Daisy echo the epic scale and emotional depth of James Cameron’s classic.
6. Me Before You (2016) – IMDb Rating: 7.4
Director: Thea Sharrock
Starring: Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin
This tender love story follows the journey of a young woman and a paralyzed man who transform each other’s lives. With its themes of unconditional love and personal sacrifice, “Me Before You” draws comparisons to “Titanic’s” emotionally charged romance.
7. Adrift (2018) – IMDb Rating: 6.6
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin
“Adrift” combines a survival drama with a poignant love story, chronicling a couple’s struggle to survive after being stranded in the Pacific Ocean. The film’s themes of resilience and love in the face of adversity align with the spirit of “Titanic.”
8. Five Feet Apart (2019) – IMDb Rating: 7.2
Director: Justin Baldoni
Starring: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse
This heartfelt film tells the story of two teenagers with cystic fibrosis who fall in love but must remain physically apart. Its blend of romance and tragedy captures the spirit of “Titanic,” appealing to viewers who crave deeply emotional narratives.
9. Midnight Sun (2018) – IMDb Rating: 6.6
Director: Scott Speer
Starring: Bella Thorne, Patrick Schwarzenegger
“Midnight Sun” follows the story of a young woman with a rare condition that prevents her from being exposed to sunlight, and her blossoming romance with a boy who shows her a world beyond her illness. Its themes of fleeting love and living in the moment resonate with the spirit of “Titanic.”
10. Your Name (2016) – IMDb Rating: 8.4
Director: Makoto Shinkai
Voice Cast: Ryûnosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi
This Japanese animated film weaves a tale of love, fate, and time. While stylistically different, its powerful emotional core and themes of separation and reunion echo the universal appeal of “Titanic.”
Conclusion
Over the past decade, filmmakers have continued to craft love stories that echo the timeless allure of “Titanic.” From musicals to survival dramas, these films remind us of love’s ability to transcend boundaries, inspire sacrifice, and leave a lasting impression. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt musicals, fantastical romances, or poignant tragedies, these Titanic-inspired films offer something for every romantic at heart.
