The world fell in love with Colin Firth with his now iconic (and very romantic) performance of Mr. Darcy in the 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice. And rightly so. Who doesn’t love Colin Firth?
It’s because of that very question I thought it would be fun to explore a few of Colin Firth’s best romantic leading man roles.
RELATED Pride and Prejudice (1995) – A 20th Anniversary Review
Now, not all of these choices are technically romances, but they do include an element of romance where Colin Firth gets to brush up on his romantic leading man skills!
No one quite does old-fashioned romance better than Colin Firth, with his smoldering stares, witty delivery of lines, and sullen charm.
So I have chosen 16 of his best romantic leading man performances (in the spirit of this site, of course) from the beginning of his film career to today.
So if you’re looking for a Colin Firth film to enjoy, I suggest giving these films and miniseries a try! All of these films can either be bought on DVD or streamed online.
TOP MOVIES WITH COLIN FIRTH
#1 Pride and Prejudice (1995)
Could there be anything other than this at #1? While Pride and Prejudice wasn’t his first time in the leading man role, his performance as Mr. Darcy is certainly his most memorable.
#2 Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Colin Firth shines once again as Mr. Darcy in this hilarious romantic comedy (and its sequel), also starring Renee Zellweger and Hugh Grant. Firth gets to play the role that made him a superstar, this time in a modern setting.
Content Note: Rated R
#3 The Importance of Being Earnest (2002)
Lesser known, this period drama showcases just what Colin Firth excels at – costume dramas with an element of romance and humor.
So, if you love Colin Firth in period costume (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), then The Importance of Being Earnest, based on the Oscar Wilde play, is a must-see.
#4 Love Actually (2003)
Colin Firth falls in love with his housekeeper in this charming romantic comedy. Though be warned, if you haven’t seen Love Actually, then know it is Rated R, and there are a couple of other storylines that have a little bit of graphic content.
#5 The King’s Speech (2010)
While not a romantic film in and of itself, Colin Firth does give an unforgettable Oscar-winning performance as King George VI, a king who struggles with a stuttering problem. He also has a strong relationship with his wife in the film, played beautifully by Helena Bonham Carter.
And in a noteworthy moment, co-star Jennifer Ehle from Pride and Prejudice reunites with Firth in the film for a memorable scene together.
Content Note: The film is rated R, but only for one scene with a few F-words.
#6 Nanny McPhee (2005)
This tale about a governess who uses magic to teach some unruly children is one for the whole family! Colin Firth plays the loving father who charmingly falls in love with the maid, played by Kelly MacDonald.
#7 Girl With a Pearl Earring (2003)
Colin Firth plays the famous painter Johannes Vermeer who falls in love with his maid in this historical fiction drama and then goes on to paint her in one of his most famous paintings. If you love history and art, then this one is a must-see.
#8 Magic in the Moonlight (2014)
If you love Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, then make sure to put Magic in the Moonlight on your watchlist. While not a perfect film, Colin Firth does play a Darcy-like role in this period romantic comedy about a magician who is called upon to help unmask a spiritualist and psychic who is conning people – whom he then falls in love with!
Take note of the proposal scene, which pays homage to Mr. Darcy.
#9 A Month in the Country (1987)
One of Colin Firth’s earliest performances, this unknown gem tells the story of a WWI veteran (Firth) who spends a month in a village to help restore an old mural in a country church.
There, he befriends another veteran, played by Kenneth Branagh, and shares an unrequited love with the Vicar’s wife, played by Natasha Richardson.
#10 What a Girl Wants (2003)
Sure, Colin Firth isn’t the main star in this teen film, but he certainly has an important role to play as the wealthy English politician who discovers he has an American daughter!
What a Girl Wants is pure, light-hearted fun with an extra bonus of an adorable romance between Colin Firth and Kelly Preston.
#11 Easy Virtue (2008)
You’re not expecting Colin Firth to become the romantic leading man in this comedy of manners, but somehow he steals the spotlight and the whole film.
Easy Virtue is worth watching, if only for the incredibly entertaining dance sequence between him and Jessica Biel.
#12 The Railway Man (2013)
While The Railway Man is technically not a romance, it does start as one, with Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman showing strong chemistry.
The film tells the story of a former British WWII veteran who confronts the Japanese man who tortured him many years before.
Content Note: This film is Rated R for a couple of disturbing war sequences.
#13 The Secret Laughter of Women (1999)
A single mother from Nigeria meets an English comic book writer (who is actually her son’s hero) in this lesser-known romantic film. It’s a sweet story Colin Firth fans are sure to enjoy!
#14 Hope Springs (2003)
It is a light-hearted film for anyone who enjoys Colin Firth in the romantic comedy genre. Hope Springs tells the story of a British artist who is torn between a new girl and his ex.
#15 Lost Empires (1986)
In pre-WWI, Lost Empires tells the story of the young Richard Herncastle who joins his uncle’s magic act. There’s romance, adventure, and more in this Emmy-winning series from the ‘80s.
#16 Camille (1984)
A very young Colin Firth stars in this tragic period drama about a courtesan who falls in love with a young man.
BONUS: The Secret Garden (1987)
Colin Firth may only have a two-minute role in this adaptation of The Secret Garden, but it’s worth watching. He plays an adult Colin Craven who becomes engaged to an adult Mary. He walks into the garden, and they share a romantic moment as adults! Make sure to watch the clip.
What are your favorite Colin Firth movies? Let me know in the comments!
Lost Empires has nudity, but only in one section. Firth has a torrid sexual affair with a older and beautiful actress and she is show in the nude. Too bad it wasn’t Firth! There are sex scenes. Camille has no nudity. Some sex scenes, but nothing graphic. Lost Empires is very good and Firth imitates Uncle Nick’s magic act deades later in Magic in the Moonlight – it is like a tribute to the actor in Lost Empires. Camille is not very good. But what a cast, Firth was not a developed actor yet, but it co-stars Sir John Gielgud and Ben Kingsley (as Firth’s father). Greta Scacchi, who should have had a bigger career is better than Firth. Firth seems younger than Sacchi, but they are about the same age.
Other great films are Trauma, Apartment Zero, Tumbledown, Where the Truth Lies, Summer in Genoa, and of course A Single Man, ( deserved to win the Oscar it was nominated for).
So right about “A Single Man”. Riveting.
Firth’s performance was exquisite!
Agree about Single Man. THAT was his Oscar-winning performance, in my opinion! (not King’s Speech which I think was a consolation). Love the rom coms, but he is an exquisite dramatic actor. Going to watch these others you’ve recommended.
Colin Firth is an incredible artist who becomes the character he plays, making people swoon all around the globe. I’ve seen nearly everything on the SPR list, and want to add (although not romances, but great Firth): The Kingsman 1 & 2 (hilarious & violent), When did you last see your father, Shakespeare in Love, Mama Mia 1 & 2, The English Patient, Valmont… I adore him and love that SPR loves him and that we all enjoy so many of the same books & movies.
Hi Dana! I agree. He is an incredible artist. 🙂 We love him here. Thank you for your comment!