Maybe it’s the sun-soaked surroundings and salty tans, or the miracle of two compatible strangers being in the right place at the right time, but there’s something about a sunny destination that completely elevates what would otherwise be an ordinary love story.

It could be to do with the fact that you can be the very best version of yourself on holiday, or that a holiday romance comes with a time limit that makes each gelato date feel a little more intense. And while we can’t guarantee a holiday meet-cute coming our way, these films certainly make us want to book a flight to find out.

Dirty Dancing

1987

Arguably the blueprint for ‘holiday romance’, a rewatch of Dirty Dancing is enough to market even the most mundane holiday resort. There are constant downpours, the entertainment is lacklustre and even Mr Kellerman himself acknowledges the tired appeal of a family holiday there. “You think kids want to come with their parents and take fox-trot lessons? Trips to Europe, that’s what the kids want.”

However, when Baby (Jennifer Grey) steps in as Johnny’s (Patrick Swayze) dance partner, their whirlwind romance makes sure none of those things matter, and every lift and twirl has us dreaming of the time of our lives.

Before Sunrise

1995

After a chance encounter brings two strangers together in Europe, Before Sunrise follows a young American tourist (Ethan Hawke) and a French student (Julie Delpy) over the course of one impulsive day in Vienna. They explore the city, exchange vibrant stories about life, love and philosophy, and convince all hopeless romantics that they, too, could meet their soulmate on a train somewhere in Europe.

People We Meet on Vacation

2026

Netflix’s adaptation of Emily Henry’s novel follows polar opposites Poppy (Emily Bader) and her best friend Alex (Tom Blyth), who, despite living far apart, reunite every year for a summer vacation together. While Poppy and Alex don’t technically meet on holiday, watching their relationship unfold against the backdrop of so many beautiful destinations has us itching to book several trips back-to-back.

Letters to Juliet

2010

When aspiring writer Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) takes a holiday to Verona with her distracted fiancé, she joins a Juliet Capulet-inspired volunteer group, offering guidance to those who have left letters in Juliet’s garden. However, when she discovers a letter written 50 years earlier, she sets out to help its writer find her long lost love, only to discover that her own love story might need some help, too.

You, Me & Tuscany

2026

Another Italian escape, You, Me & Tuscany follows a house sitter and aspiring chef (Halle Bailey) who spontaneously travels to Tuscany and finds herself staying in an acquaintance’s villa without permission. When she is caught by the owner’s family, she fakes an engagement to explain her presence, however this becomes complicated as she grows closer to one family member in particular. And if Bailey’s palpable chemistry with Regé-Jean Page isn’t enough, the charming vineyards and community spirit will have you googling last-minute flights to Italy.