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A Little Romance

A Little Romance

America is having a love affair with "A Little Romance"

1979110 minPGMidcredits score: 87th percentile of all films
Director
George Roy Hill
Starring
Laurence Olivier, Diane Lane, Arthur Hill, Sally Kellerman

Intellectually precocious teenager Lauren King lives in Paris with her somewhat ditzy mother. On a movie set, she strikes up a friendship with teenage film buff Daniel Michon. After Lauren's mother forbids her to date the outspoken Daniel, the young lovebirds team up with eccentric pickpocket Julius to run away to Venice, where, according to legend, a couple who kiss under the Bridge of Sighs will stay together forever.

Where to watch

Where can I watch A Little Romance?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove does not list A Little Romance on any major US streaming service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about A Little Romance?

A Little Romance earns 7 badges, led by Oscar Winner and Universally Loved.

  • Rank
  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is A Little Romance worth watching?

A Little Romance's Midcredits score is the 87th percentile of all films, from 13K ratings across 5 sources. 80% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

87th percentile

Better received than 87% of films

91st percentile among Adventure87th percentile among 1970s
Acclaim (how much people like it)81st
Approval (how many liked it)90th

71 /100

81st percentile of all films

88th percentile among Adventure82nd percentile among 1970s

Critics 52 · Audience 72

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

Most people land high, with a thin tail of low scores from those it didn't reach.

80% liked it

90th percentile of all films

92nd percentile among Adventure92nd percentile among 1970s
80% rated it 7–1020% rated it 1–6

Critics 72% · Audience 85%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

1 Oscars won · 1 Oscar noms · 4 wins / 5 noms overall

  • WonAcademy Awards· Best Music, Original Score
  • NominatedAcademy Awards· Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium

81st percentile

13K ratings across platforms

73rd percentile among Adventure85th percentile among 1970s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 4% in 30 days

Box office

Budget$3M

What reviewers say

Common ground

A sweet, innocent young-love adventure set in picturesque French and Italian locations.

Fans praised

  • Innocent pure romantic story of first love
  • Charming performances by Diane Lane and Thelonious Bernard leads
  • Laurence Olivier's scene-stealing comic turn as aging con man

Detractors panned

  • Contrived unrealistic plot and precious child characters
  • Olivier's hammy overdone performance
  • Story strains credibility with annoying smart-kid dialogue

What stands out

Sound and music80

Oscar-winning Georges Delerue score adds emotional resonance

Cinematography80

Beautiful location photography of Paris, Verona, Venice

Atmosphere78

Romantic European locations effectively used for mood

Acting75

Diane Lane luminous in debut; Olivier charmingly hammy; Bernard appealing but untested

Emotional impactDivisive72

Bittersweet finale moves fans but feels manipulative to detractors

CharactersDivisive55

Kids portrayed as unrealistically precocious geniuses

Dialogue55

Witty references but sometimes too adult for child characters

Plot and storyDivisive48

Predictable runaway-to-Venice contrivance with plot holes

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Users

Users scored it 13 points higher than critics.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 5 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is A Little Romance like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Feel-good: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you want something warm that leaves you smiling.

It is gentle, has a few laughs and leaves you feeling good. Skip it when you want something with weight.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Very little.

What it feels like

Feel-good.

Moods
JoyfulWarmRomantic
Heaviest: middle
Warm humor
Register
WarmRomantic · 8% of filmsTender · 13% of films
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its young lovers' romance with gentle sincerity and affection.
The rideThe film maintains a light, charming mood with a sense of adventure and young love, with mild tension during the journey.
StructureTold in straightforward chronological order with a traditional setup, journey, and resolution.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Feeling good.

The answer rests on this: Feel-goodHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayLeaves you with a warm, optimistic feeling about young love and the kindness of strangers.
How it ends · evidence
Happy ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).QuestMission
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10% (this title): Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% (this title) · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Quest: A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles. · Mission: Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).

10% of films fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe story follows a young couple and their mentor on a journey to Venice to secure their love, a classic quest structure.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfRomanticlove
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% (this title) · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Romantic love · 15% of filmsFriendship · 9% of filmsComing of age · 5% of films
Celebrates its theme: Affirms its theme — this is good and worth having.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film explores first love and the importance of friendship and mentorship in guiding young people.
StanceThe film affectionately celebrates first love and the importance of following one's heart.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanIn transitRealistic
Orchestral classicalForeground music · original score · Georges Delerue
SettingParisian schoolchildren and an American expat family in the late 1970s
MusicGeorges Delerue's lush orchestral score perfectly captures the romantic and adventurous tone.

Content guide

Is A Little Romance okay for kids?

PG

A Little Romance is rated PG. As of October 2, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at mild (20/100), sexual content at moderate (48/100), language at minimal (11/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (17/100) and frightening material at minimal (0/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • Germany6
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
heavy for a PG-rated film
heavier than 93%
Profanity
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (6 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (3 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (29 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does A Little Romance have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in A Little Romance?

Cast

Laurence Olivier
as Julius
Diane Lane
as Lauren
Arthur Hill
as Richard King
Sally Kellerman
as Kay King
Broderick Crawford
as Brod
David Dukes
as George de Marco
Claudette Sutherland
as Janet Duryea
Graham Fletcher-Cook
as Londet
Claude Brosset
as Michel Michon
Jacques Maury
as Inspector Leclerc

Crew

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What are movies like A Little Romance?

Movies like A Little Romance include The Party (1980), Chasing Liberty (2004) and Only You (1994). Of the 12 closest matches, most are whirlwind romances, and several are road movies.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

6 of these 12 share its world: Paris. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with A Little Romance?

2.5K other films share the rarest tag below, kind of film: road movie. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.