This curated list of melodramas set in nature reserves offers viewers a unique blend of romance and the serene beauty of the natural world. These films not only explore the complexities of human relationships but also highlight the importance of conservation and the tranquil settings of nature reserves, providing a perfect escape for those who appreciate both romance and the environment.

The Way We Were (1973)
Description: This classic features scenes in a nature reserve-like setting, where the characters' relationship develops amidst the backdrop of political and personal turmoil.
Fact: The film's iconic scenes were shot in various locations, including the serene landscapes of California.


The Age of Innocence (1993)
Description: While more about societal constraints, the film's scenes in natural settings, like parks and gardens, evoke the feeling of being in a nature reserve, where love is both nurtured and stifled.
Fact: The film was directed by Martin Scorsese, known for his diverse range of films, showcasing his ability to capture the subtleties of romance in natural settings.


The Secret Garden (1993)
Description: While not strictly a melodrama, this film's focus on the rejuvenation of a neglected garden in a Yorkshire estate captures the essence of nature's healing power, intertwined with themes of love and growth.
Fact: The garden was created in a real nature reserve in England, and the film's director, Agnieszka Holland, was known for her work on films with strong environmental themes.


The Bridges of Madison County (1995)
Description: Although not set in a traditional nature reserve, the film's rural Iowa setting and the iconic covered bridges provide a similar serene environment where a passionate love affair unfolds.
Fact: The film was based on a novel by Robert James Waller, and the bridges were real, preserved as historical landmarks.


The Horse Whisperer (1998)
Description: While primarily about healing, this film features a ranch set within a nature reserve, where romance blossoms amidst the backdrop of natural beauty and horse rehabilitation.
Fact: The film was shot in Montana, utilizing the natural landscapes of the area to enhance the story's emotional depth.


The Notebook (2004)
Description: While not set in a nature reserve, the film's use of natural settings, like a lake and a house in the countryside, provides a similar romantic atmosphere.
Fact: The film was shot in South Carolina, where the natural beauty of the area was used to enhance the romantic narrative.


The Lake House (2006)
Description: This film intertwines romance with the serene backdrop of a lakeside reserve, where two people communicate through letters across time, finding love in the most unexpected way.
Fact: The film was adapted from a South Korean movie, and the lake house was built specifically for the film in a nature reserve in Illinois.


A Walk in the Woods (2015)
Description: This film follows two friends hiking the Appalachian Trail, showcasing the beauty of nature reserves while exploring themes of friendship and personal growth, with a touch of romance.
Fact: The film was based on Bill Bryson's memoir, and much of the hiking was done in actual nature reserves along the trail.


The Light Between Oceans (2016)
Description: Set on a remote island, this film explores the love story of a lighthouse keeper and his wife, with the surrounding nature reserve playing a pivotal role in their lives and decisions.
Fact: The film was shot on location in New Zealand, which doubled for the Australian setting, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.


A Room with a View (1985)
Description: This film, set in Florence and the English countryside, captures the essence of nature reserves through its portrayal of serene landscapes where romance flourishes.
Fact: The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, and its settings were meticulously chosen for their natural beauty.
