Beaches have been the setting for endless swoon-worthy moments in film and television. Whether it is first love frolicking in the waves or a painful farewell with the sound of the surf crashing in the background, romantic beach moments are the ultimate symbolism for passionate love.
Summer is just around the corner so what better way to prepare than to revisit some of film and television’s most romantic beach moments over time? Read on and reminisce over 10 romantic beach moments in film and television. Ranging from the sweetly romantic to achingly heartbreaking, these scenes are sure to make you sigh in delight.
10 Romantic Beach Moments in Film and Television
(In No Particular Order)
#1 Grease (1978)
A romantic beach moments list isn’t complete without some summer lovin’! Waves crashed loudly against the surf as Sandy tearfully tells Danny she doesn’t want the best summer of her life to end. It’s the perfect setting for a heartbreaking farewell!
#2 Poldark, Series 2, Episode 9
The ocean was the backdrop to Demelza’s pain at Ross’s continued betrayal. It didn’t matter what Ross had to say but rather what he didn’t. She is finished waiting, no longer content to be second best. Yet, despite their being at odds, their connection is still strong which makes Demelza’s anger and grief all the more wrenching. Heartbreakingly sad, this is one of the most angst-filled romantic beach moments ever!
Related Post: Heartbreaking Farewells in Film and Television: 10 Tissue-worthy, Ice Cream Binging Scenes
#3 The Notebook (2004)
The innocence of young love! Boy from the wrong side of town falls in love with girl from the right side of town. It’s a recipe for heartbreak but that doesn’t stop these two lovebirds from falling deeper in love. The ocean seems in sync with their utter joy in each other. Ignore the grey skies coming their way!
#4 Brooklyn (2015)
The blush of first love! Homesickness is a thing of the past as Eilis cavorts with Tony in the ocean. Exchanging sweet kisses, the two enjoy a sun-drenched day on the beach and along the famed boardwalks of Coney Island. Whether it was strolling hand-in-hand while eating cotton candy or swimming in the ocean, this is one of the most sweetly romantic beach moments!
#5 Buffy the Vampire Slayer, “Anne”
Oh, the angst! After Buffy sends Angel, quite literally, to hell, she literally and figuratively, runs away. Her sorrow is unimaginable. So are her dreams. Yet, no dream is more painful than the one where she imagines Angel finding her on the beach at sunset. Adding to the dagger to our hearts? The words he whispers in her ear. These two star-crossed lovers set the standard for angst-filled romantic beach moments.
#6 From Here to Eternity (1953)
The kiss was as passionate as the ocean that washed over these forbidden lovers. This iconic scene undoubtedly continues to inspire romantic beach moments in the years since it first premiered. And why not? It’s as swoon-worthy now as it was then!
Related Post: 7 Almost First Kisses that Stole Our Breath
#7 Sense and Sensibility (2008 TV Miniseries)
Willoughby played to Marianne’s ideal notion of romantic love. So much so, he fell under Marianne’s spell, too. This walk is another one of those sweet romantic beach moments that makes you smile. Yet, the rocky beaches were just a hint of what was to come. Poor Marianne, indeed!
#8 Burn Notice, “Reunion”
After Fiona faced the possibility of life (or death) in prison and Michael lost his brother, the two regroup on the beaches of Miami. Their need for each other is as endless as the ocean. With few words, they reconnect emotionally. It’s not until the end when Fiona lays a gentle hand on Michael’s back do they touch. This isn’t like the other romantic beach moments on this list. Yet, it is typical Michael and Fiona.
#9 Message in a Bottle (1999)
The beach was the other main character in this romantic movie based on another book by Nicholas Sparks. Long walks on the beach (yes, I went there!), ocean-side campfires, and passionate arguments played out against the coast of North Carolina. Let’s be real, nearly every movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel could be on this list!
Related Post: Ranking the Nicholas Sparks Movies Romances
#10 How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Unlucky in love, 40-something Stella heads off on vacation where she engages in a fling with 20-something Winston. This May-December romance becomes more as Stella discovers love has no limits along the pristine beaches of Jamaica. Truly, romantic beach moments are ageless! Psst….it’s Taye Diggs!
This list is far from exclusive! What romantic beach moments are your favorites? Add them to the comments below!
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Such a good list for the start of summer, Catherine! When I read this, I had to go back and watch one of my favorites, the beach horseback riding scene from Empress Ki (With Ha Ji-Won and Ji Chang-Wook). The cinematography and music in the scene is gorgeous.
I’ll check it out! I’m a softie for romantic beach scenes. Probably because my husband proposed to me on the rocks over-looking the ocean in VA Beach!!
What a fun list! And it made me realize how much I miss Burn Notice.
Me, too! I love that show and was a huge fan of Michael and Fiona. I’m so glad you liked the list!
I *really* miss “Burn Notice” as well.
…great list, Catherine. 🙂
Great list! I absolutely love Brooklyn. It’s one of my favorite all-time movies. So many great movies with Grease, How Stella Got Her Groove Back, etc. too.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!
Great list! That Buffy scene is so heartbreaking.