This is pure, unadulterated emotional torture in the best way. Collins shines as a woman who is both fiercely independent and heartbreakingly in love with the one person she can’t have. The film’s message—that it’s never too late for the right person—will leave you sobbing into your popcorn. It’s the definition of a tearjerker romance. 2. Rules Don’t Apply (2016) – Old Hollywood Romance Directed by and starring Warren Beatty, this period piece is a quirky, stylized look at the eccentric life of Howard Hughes. Collins plays Marla Mabrey, a young, devout Baptist from Virginia who moves to Hollywood to become an actress under contract with Hughes.
While Collins isn’t the lead, the film is essential viewing for romance fans because it explores how love and grief are intertwined. It argues that falling in love again after loss is not a betrayal but a celebration of life. The film’s dreamy, poetic visuals make every romantic encounter feel like a memory you’re scared to forget. 5. Emily in Paris (2020–Present) – The Series That Keeps Giving While technically a TV series, no discussion of Lily Collins and romance is complete without this Netflix phenomenon. Say what you will about the berets and the clichés, but Emily in Paris is a romantic fantasy factory.
After the sudden death of her older sister, Lennie (Grace Kaufman) is torn between two boys: the safe, steady Joe (Jacques Colimon) and the wild, unpredictable Toby. Collins plays a character caught in the periphery of this love triangle, adding a layer of adult wisdom. lily collins movies romance
Collins is a vision in 1950s couture, channeling the elegance of Grace Kelly. The romance is a slow burn of stolen glances and repressed desire. It’s a charming throwback to a time when romance was about what you didn’t say, and Collins proves she has the chops for classic, screwball-era chemistry. 3. To the Bone (2017) – A Different Kind of Love Story Fair warning: To the Bone is not your typical rom-com. This Netflix original tackles heavy subject matter (eating disorders), but at its core, it features a quiet, healing romance that acts as a lifeline.
When you think of modern romantic leads who perfectly blend classic charm with contemporary wit, Lily Collins should be near the top of your list. The daughter of music legend Phil Collins, Lily has carved out her own niche in Hollywood, becoming a go-to actress for heartfelt romantic dramas, quirky comedies, and even a few darkly romantic tales. This is pure, unadulterated emotional torture in the
The romance here is not about grand gestures but about seeing someone at their absolute worst and choosing to stay. Luke’s patience and dark humor help Ellen find a reason to fight. Collins gives a career-best performance, showing that romance can be a powerful tool for survival. It’s a poignant, mature love story for those who want something deeper than a beach read. 4. Halo of Stars (aka The Sky Is Everywhere ) (2022) – Grief and First Love This Apple TV+ film, based on the YA novel by Jandy Nelson, is a visually lush and emotionally complex romance. Collins plays a supporting but crucial role as a love interest, but the film’s romantic center is the journey of its protagonist, Lennie.
Rosie and Alex have been inseparable since childhood. After a drunken night in their teens and a series of missed connections (including an unexpected pregnancy and a move to America), the pair spend over a decade orbiting each other’s lives. Letters, emails, and near-misses keep them apart as they marry other people and chase different dreams. It’s the definition of a tearjerker romance
The show is cotton candy for the soul. Collins plays Emily with relentless optimism, and the series delivers every romantic trope imaginable: the will-they-won’t-they, the love triangle, the rain-soaked kiss, and the glamorous lifestyle. Season 3 especially deepens the romance, forcing Emily to make real choices. For easy, escapist romance, you can’t beat the comfort food of Emily in Paris . Honorable Mention: Mirror Mirror (2012) While it’s a fantasy adventure, Collins’ take on Snow White is inherently a romance. Unlike other adaptations, this one is light, funny, and focuses on Snow White’s agency. Her romance with Prince Alcott (Armie Hammer) is genuinely hilarious—full of awkward banter and mistaken identity. It’s a great pick for a family-friendly romantic evening. The Final Verdict: Why We Love Lily Collins in Romance Lily Collins has a rare ability to play both the hopeless romantic and the pragmatic realist in the same scene. Her eyes are incredibly expressive—she can convey a decade of longing in a single glance ( Love, Rosie ) or the spark of new infatuation with a single smile ( Emily in Paris ).