Let's be honest, how many movies do you remember the hairstyles more than the plot? Thanks to these leading ladies, these romantic films are what's at the top of our Netflix cue come February. Pull out the popcorn and let's get inspired.
—Additional reporting by Miriam Lacey
Carmen Jones
Are there many love stories more tragic than Carmen's? Dorothy Dandridge sizzles as the modern-day reincarnation of Bizet's ageless antiheroine with glowing skin, dramatic red lipstick, and beautiful curls that enthrall Harry Belafonte.
The Princess Bride
Yes, it was the '80s, but Princess Buttercup's long, curly/wavy hairstyle is as wildly romantic as it gets. Plus, it's still the best way to procure your own Dread Pirate Roberts.
Atonement
The gorgeous flapper waves Keira Knightley [4] wears in this movie are amazing, and perfect if you have a bob you'd like to make more sultry.
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
What's the dead sexiest hairstyle of them all? Sophia Loren's big, messy, bumped up hair in this rollicking romp. Add cat-eye liner and a healthy coat of black mascara and you'll be well-nigh irresistible.
In the Mood For Love
Maggie Cheung is so, so beautiful in this Wong Kar-wai masterpiece. Her soft updo and subtle pink lipstick are a perfect match for a delicate love story about two gentle people. The film may be heartbreaking, but wearing a look like this in real life is more likely to win you hearts than lose them.
Amélie
Those bangs. That blunt hair. Is anything more sweetly gamine than Audrey Tautou in Amelie [8]? If you're looking for a wild, quirky romance, this is the cut to get. (See more here [9].)
To Catch a Thief
Grace Kelly's lightly waved updo and peach lipstick are timeless. They're also an easy way to project sophisticated loveliness, so if you have someone you want to make a great first impression on, this particular look comes highly recommended.
The Notebook
The Rachel McAdams [12]/Ryan Gosling [13] romance started on the set of this tearjerker, where Rachel wore soft, strawberry blond curls and made bold lipstick look wholesome. The white flower adds an especially feminine touch.
House of Flying Daggers
This movie was utterly tragic, but Ziyi Zhang looked amazing in every scene. Steal her glossy red lipstick and golden eye shadow combination for a sweet but seductive look of your own, and try not to get caught in any love triangles.
Sullivan's Travels
Veronica Lake hair has become a romantic staple. She pioneered the over-one-eye look as a kind-hearted actress who shows a self-absorbed director what really matters in this classic romantic comedy.
Maid in Manhattan
Jennifer Lopez [17] woos a very fine Ralph Fiennes [18] in this Cinderella story. When Jennifer walks into the ball in her impressively chic braided updo and plenty of liquid luminizer, it's hard to imagine Ralph ever had a chance.
Titanic
Would anyone let go of a girl with sexy ringlets like this? I think not. Kate Winslet [20]'s Rose proves that letting your hair go loose and tousled is a recipe for heart-pounding encounters.
Devdas
Aishwarya Rai might have been miserable as Parvati in this oft remade tearjerker, but she looked great doing it. False eyelashes, nude lipstick, and soft waves are sensual without being overtly sexy.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
Catherine Deneuve's ill-fated love story has a notoriously pessimistic ending. However, her perfect French twist, nude lipstick, and just-visible eyeliner make her look so beautiful that it's hard to fault her.
Bobby
Dimple Kapadia is irresistible as Bobby Braganza in this Bollywood classic. It's a look that requires relatively minimal makeup, with the focus on subtly lined eyes. For a similar look, start by making a short, winged line on your top lash line. Next, waterline your upper rims, and then smudge the liner softly along your bottom lash line.
The Way We Were
Barbra Streisand's big, sexy curls made Robert Redford [23] do a double take in this classic, and the hairstyle is still bombshell material almost 40 years later.
(500) Days of Summer
Zooey Deschanel [25]'s Summer may jerk around poor Joseph Gordon-Levitt, but her messy topknot and heavy bangs are pure sweetness.
Woman on Top
Penelope Cruz [27] cooks up quite charmingly in this movie, and her look here made her a recognizable face in the US overnight. Shimmery, sheer red lipstick paired with dove gray eye shadow are "come hither" without being sultry. And voluminous, soft hair is always a good choice.
Swing Time
In this gorgeously shot musical, Ginger Rogers puts on some mile-long false lashes and red lipstick. Add some nice-girl curls, and all your date's signals will start getting crossed in a very good way.
Breakfast at Tiffany's
This is probably the most iconic of iconic romantic hairstyles. Audrey's baby bangs, big bouffant, and winged eyeliner are perfect for a night on the town.
Hitch
Will Smith [31] may have played the love doctor in this romantic comedy, but it's Eva Mendes [32]'s casual updo that could still any beauty-lover's heart. For your next lunch date, create a casual half-up style by teasing your strands in front and curling them in the back.
Anna Karenina
In this salacious period piece, Keira Knightley [34] wears the traditional style of the times: a mountain of curls. If you're headed to a formal affair, try adding an embellishment, too, like a brooch or even a small feather.
Dear John
Amanda Seyfried [36] is the epitome of beach beauty in yet another Nicholas Sparks romance hit. Try this middle part, relaxed waves, and rosy makeup look for a rainy day indoors with the one you love.
Ghost
The ultimate in tearjearkers, Ghost will have you holding your loved ones just a little bit closer. And Demi Moore [38]'s chic, boyish pixie will have you wanting to run to your stylist pronto.
King Kong
If this look can tempt the king of beasts, then it will definitely work on the modern man. Naomi Watts [40] shines in curls topped with a glorious hat, along with a spot of pink gloss on her lips. It's the perfect style for Winter outings with a special someone.
Jumping the Broom
Paula Patton proves a well-put together ponytail can still be considered romantic. Dress it up with a piece of hair wrapped around the rubber band for a more sleek look.
The Seven Year Itch
Is there any woman more glamorous than Marilyn Monroe? We think not! In this iconic film her platinum blond bob, smudged eyeliner, and beauty mark fully bring out the sex appeal.
Ever After: A Cinderella Story
Drew Barrymore [44] may play a servant in this classic remake, but her extra-long hair and hairline braid can be translated into a sweet look for a more casual date.
The Graduate
Take after Katharine Ross in this love story. Her neutral makeup is set off by bold brows and exaggerated mascara. Plus, her half-up style is whimsically flirty thanks to that flattering face-framing fringe.
Catwoman
OK, so technically Catwoman was an action flick. However, if you have a more sassy side, then Halle Berry [47]'s piecey pixie with heavy highlights is the perfect look for you. Now all you need is that leather jumpsuit . . .