8 most romantic period dramas to get lost in this Valentine's Day

If you watch one film this Valentine's Day, then it's really got to be Emerald Fennell's hotly-anticipated adaptation of Emily Brontë's gothic novel. 

Its leading stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi have been making headlines during the film's publicity campaign, and fans can't get enough of the pair's chemistry. The two Australian actors even have matching rings engraved from one of the novel's most memorable quotes: "Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same". 

With a soundtrack by Charli XCX, striking costumes and electric chemistry between its two leads, Fennell's visually stunning take on the iconic text is set to be one of 2026's biggest films. 

In cinemas from Friday 13 January. 

This heartbreaking story of love and loss made stars of Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio back in 1997, and remains one of my go-to films for whenever I need a good ol' cry. The Oscar-winning film follows Rose, an aristocratic teen, who falls head over heels for poor artist Jack on-board the titular ship's ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912. 

Titanic is still one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and with Kate and Leo's undeniable chemistry and Celine Dion's iconic theme song, 'My Heart Will Go On', it's not hard to see why. 

Watch on Disney+ and Prime Video. 

Step back into the roaring 20s in Baz Luhrmann's glittering 2013 adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's tragic novel. 

The story follows Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire), who arrives in New York with big aspirations and moves next door to enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) and across the bay from the 'old money' neighbourhood, where his wealthy cousin, Daisy (Carey Mulligan) and her cheating husband, Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton) live. 

It's not long before Nick is consumed by the captivating world of the rich, as he witnesses Gatsby's intense obsession with his former lover, Daisy, and his desperate pursuit to recreate the past.

Available to purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV and Sky Store. 

Speaking of affairs, if you're after a steamy tale of illicit love, then look no further than Netflix's adaptation of Lady Chatterley's Lover, starring The Crown's Emma Corrin and Skins star Jack O'Connell.

After a whirlwind courtship, Connie Reid (Corrin) becomes Lady Chatterley when she weds British aristocrat, Clifford Chatterley (Matthew Duckett). But with no romance in her life, Connie feels unfulfilled - that is, until she meets a humble gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors (O'Connell), working at her husband's country estate, and can't deny her great desire for him. 

Watch on Netflix. 

Keira Knightley stars in Joe Wright's 2012 adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic 1878 novel. The story follows the titular Russian aristocrat and socialite, the wife of a Russian imperial minister (Jude Law), as she embarks on a scandalous affair with a dashing cavalry officer, Count Vronsky (Aaron Taylor-Johnson).

With lavish costumes, stunning cinematography and powerful performances from a star-studded cast, Anna Karenina is a delightful watch. 

Watch on Prime Video. 

If Matthew Macfadyen's iconic "I love, love, love you" line isn't enough to get Pride and Prejudice on this list, then I don't know what is. 

Another hate-to-love story, this 2005 adaptation of Jane Austen's 1813 novel tells the classic tale of Mr Darcy (Macfadyen) and Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley). Set in rural England, the film follows the five Bennett sisters as they attempt to secure suitable marriages. 

Watch on Prime Video and Netflix. 

This beautiful love story is based on James Baldwin's 1974 novel which follows childhood friends Tish and Fonny whose plans for a future together are derailed when Fonny is accused of a crime he didn't commit and is sent to jail. 

KiKi Layne and Stephan James deliver stunning performances in this moving tale of despair and hope. 

Watch on Prime Video. 

How could we not include The Notebook? Have the tissues at the ready for this classic romance. Based on Nicholas Sparks's best-selling novel, the film stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as two young lovers who are separated by class. But will true love prevail? 

Watch on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video.