The 50 most romantic films ever

The word 'romance' derives from the name of the vernacular language of medieval France, in which tales of chivalry and desire would be written for the masses who couldn't read Latin. It's a fitting etymology, for common wisdom (and many a travel agency's ad campaign) tells us that love is the lingua franca of the French – and especially of the hyper-amorous Parisians. With this in mind (and heart), we've compiled a list of the 50 most romantic films of all time. Needless to say, French films feature heavily; but far from monopolising the list, they sit alongside some beautiful movies from Britain, America, Japan, Italy, Iran, India and the Ukraine. After all, love knows no borders.

Have we missed out your favourite romance? Let us know in the comment box below.