Cafes have always been a romantic setting in films, providing a backdrop for love stories, heartfelt conversations, and life-changing moments. This curated selection of 10 melodramas takes you on a journey through different cultures and eras, all centered around the cozy atmosphere of a cafe. Whether it's the aroma of freshly brewed coffee or the intimate setting that fosters connections, these films capture the essence of human emotions in a way that only a cafe can. From heartwarming tales of love to poignant stories of loss and redemption, these movies will make you appreciate the simple beauty of life over a cup of coffee.

The Lovers on the Bridge (1991)
Description: While primarily set on the Pont Neuf bridge, the film includes scenes in Parisian cafes where the homeless protagonists find moments of peace and connection.
Fact: The film was one of the most expensive French films ever made at the time, with a budget of over $28 million.


Before Sunrise (1995)
Description: This film captures the essence of a chance encounter in a Viennese cafe, where Jesse and Céline spend a night talking about life, love, and everything in between, all while sipping on coffee.
Fact: The film was shot in just 25 days, and much of the dialogue was improvised by the actors, Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy.


Amélie (2001)
Description: In this whimsical French film, Amélie, a shy waitress at a Montmartre cafe, decides to change the lives of those around her, including her own, through small acts of kindness, often involving coffee.
Fact: The film's director, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, used a unique color palette to give the movie its distinctive look, with green being a dominant color to symbolize hope.


The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Description: Walter Mitty's journey includes a memorable scene in an Icelandic cafe where he shares a moment with Cheryl Melhoff, leading to a deeper connection.
Fact: The film was inspired by a short story by James Thurber, and the cafe scene was shot in a real cafe in Iceland.


The Lake House (2006)
Description: Although not entirely set in a cafe, this film features pivotal scenes in a cozy coffee shop where the protagonists, separated by time, exchange letters and fall in love.
Fact: The film was adapted from a South Korean movie, "Il Mare," and the time-travel element was a significant plot device.


The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011)
Description: While not exclusively about a cafe, this film features a charming Indian cafe where the characters often gather to share stories and find solace in their new life in India.
Fact: The film was shot on location in India, and the cafe scenes were filmed in a real cafe in Jaipur.


Midnight in Paris (2011)
Description: Although the film's main setting is Paris, cafes play a crucial role, especially in scenes where Gil Pender meets historical figures, discussing art and literature over coffee.
Fact: The film was shot in Paris, and many of the cafe scenes were filmed in real, iconic Parisian cafes like Café de Flore.


The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Description: Although not centered around a cafe, the film includes a poignant scene in an Amsterdam cafe where Hazel and Augustus share their dreams and fears over coffee.
Fact: The film was shot in Amsterdam, and the cafe scene was filmed in a real cafe called "Café Luxembourg."


Once (2007)
Description: This Irish musical drama features a busker and a Czech immigrant who meet in a Dublin cafe, where their shared love for music leads to a unique relationship.
Fact: The film was made on a very low budget, with many scenes shot in real locations, including the cafe where the characters first meet.


Café Society (2016)
Description: Woody Allen's film explores the vibrant cafe culture of 1930s Hollywood, where Bobby Dorfman falls in love with Vonnie, a cafe hostess, amidst the glitz and glamour of the era.
Fact: This was the first time Woody Allen used digital cinematography for his film, moving away from his traditional 35mm film stock.
