On Valentine's Day, is Titanic really the most searched romantic film in the UK?

New data has revealed the most searched-for romantic films in the UK – with one that created waves more than a quarter of a century ago claiming top spot.

Experts at Venture Smarter used Ahrefs to find the average monthly Google searches in the UK for 210 of the most popular films featuring romance as a major theme.

The films were then ranked to determine which are the most sought-after.

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The findings may surprise some – and there is, of course, a link between the top two as Titanic, the most famous ship ever to sail, was built in Belfast'

Without further ado, the top ten you may be considering for your romantic home viewing tonight are:

1. Titanic (1997)

This epic tale of romance, love and heartbreak receives 33,930 monthly searches on average, crowning it the most popular romantic film in the UK. Jack and Rose’s timeless story of love is set against the backdrop of the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic and makes a perfect choice for couples looking for a tearjerker that celebrates love and connection or if you’re simply a big Kate and Leo fan.

2. Belfast (2023)

While on first appearance, this critically acclaimed film, centred around the Troubles in Ireland, may not appear your typical Valentine’s viewing material, a significant aspect of its narrative revolves around the love story between the protagonist's grandparents, played by Ciaran Hinds and Judi Dench. Their unwavering love and support for each other despite the adversity around them, as well as the film’s exploration of familial love, make it fitting Valentine's Day viewing for all. Kenneth Branagh’s film receives around 16,000 monthly searches on average.

3. Elemental (2023)

Monthly searches for the Disney and Pixar film have averaged at 11,400. This heart-warming tale of love is perfect for families and couples alike, looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their kids or as a pair. Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental creates a story of romance in the face of adversity that will set your heart aflutter.

3. Her (2013)

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, this romantic drama follows the unconventional romance between a man and an artificial intelligence operating system. The movie delves into themes of loneliness, intimacy, and the search for meaningful relationships and invites viewers to contemplate the nature of love in our digital age. This unique option for Valentine's Day viewing receives 11,400 searches on average per month.

4. Up (2009)

This entertaining and heartwarming Pixar film features one of the most iconic animated love stories: the story of Carl and Ellie Fredricksen. Fans of the beloved Pixar instalment are searching for the film 9,350 times a month on average. As well as looking at romantic love, the film also explores the familial love between Carl and Russell, as well as the love connecting humans and their pets.

5. Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)

While this murder-mystery film might not seem the most conventional choice for Valentine’s Day viewing, the adaptation of the bestselling novel by Delia Owens offers a captivating love story amidst the themes of resilience, survival, and murder. Set in the marshes of North Carolina, the film offers a deep exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of human connection, making it an ideal pick for this special day. It receives 9,300 monthly searches on average.

6. Cocktail (2004)

This '80s classic, based on Heywood Gould's semi-autobiographical novel, was a hit for Tom Cruise across the globe but especially in the UK, as people are searching for the romantic comedy-drama 8920 times a month. This emotional rollercoaster of a film explores the highs and lows of relationships, as well as being an entertaining, nostalgic ride back to the '80s.

7. Grease (1978)

The iconic and beloved '70s musical film Grease is a staple of many people’s Valentine’s viewing, with monthly Google searches averaging at 6900; high school sweethearts Danny and Sandy remain one of the most iconic fictional couples of all time. Filled with memorable songs, electrifying dance sequences, and iconic fashion, Grease remains a cultural phenomenon that continues to captivate audiences of all ages.

8. My Fault/Culpa mía (2023)

The Spanish romantic drama was a hit with audiences when it first premiered as, according to Amazon Prime Video, it achieved the highest three-day viewership numbers for any non-English local original in the service's history. Based on a Wattpad story by Mercedes Ron, this sexy, action-packed film has something for everyone with forbidden love, underground fighting, rich kids, and street racing. The film is searched for 6,600 times a month on average.

9. The Holiday (2006)

A staple of many households’ annual Christmas viewing around the world, The Holiday is a charming romantic comedy, with a stellar cast including Kate Winslet and Jude Law, and it receives 6300 searches per month. While romantic love is the main relationship explored in the film, one of the film’s most touching relationships is the friendship between Iris and Arthur; the pair share stories, laughter, and valuable life lessons, demonstrating that meaningful connections can transcend age and circumstance.

10. Vertigo (1958)

Another unconventional romantic film, Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller is the oldest film and only film from the mid-twentieth century in the ranking, with 5930 Google searches made each month. If you’re looking for an exciting romance to watch this Valentine’s Day, this is the one for you. It follows former police detective Scottie Ferguson, played by James Stewart, who becomes obsessed with a woman named Madeleine Elster, portrayed by Kim Novak, after being hired to follow her. As Scottie delves deeper into Madeleine's mysterious behaviour, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, manipulation, and psychological intrigue.

A spokesperson for Venture Smarter said: “The ranking highlights how people are drawn to romantic classics from previous decades, most likely because they offer timeless stories and themes that resonate across generations and capture universal experiences of love and relationships.It is reassuring for the film industry that viewers are also eager to discover new romantic films to watch, as people seek fresh stories and characters from recent years to capture their hearts.”

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