Just in time for Valentine’s Day a list of some of the most romantic films along with a proposal of how likely the average guy is to get through the whole film. It was hard to narrow down to a list of 10 so I made this a 20 best romantic films. So if you have any of these films or want to run to Blockbuster you can have a romantic Valentines Day you might enjoy.
There are a few things that stand out in this list. First, romantic does not necessarily imply either comedy or a happy ending, just because people are swooningly in love they can still be unhappy and really mess things up. Second, romance doesn’t have to be the only focus of the film; in fact straight romances like The Way We Were and Love Story are often too shallow and boring for most people to watch. On this list there is even a monster movie and a few action films. Third, the 80s were a surprisingly good time for romance both comedic and otherwise. These films stretch the gamut from suspense to comedy and represent films from 1934 to 2005. Here are the 20 most romantic films to pop in for a Valentine’s Day curled up in front of the big screen TV.
Gone With the Wind (1939)
Was there ever a more romantic film than that of the love and loss of Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. Set against the destruction of the Civil War Gone With the Wind is the greatest epic film ever made and one of the greatest romances. Though we all know that it ends with Rhett saying ‘Frankly my dear I don’t give a damn.’ But the path they take to reach that point captivated audiences in the 1930s who read the book and saw the film and it is still a hallmark of great cinema. Keep in mind that this film is long and slow to modern audiences but it is also a great investment of time.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
Proof that a film doesn’t have to be a romantic comedy to be romantic as Francis Ford Coppola amply proves in this brooding and dark tale. The film is lush and sinister and completely romantic in a gothic way. Gary Oldman is hypnotic and seductive and you root for him to get the girl even if he is a monster. Guys should enjoy this horror film with a great story, great acting, and beautiful scenery.
Casablanca (1942)
The film sounds cliche now because it is so well written and has such great lines ‘Here’s looking at you kid.’ ‘We’ll always have Paris’. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman light up the hot Moroccan nights as former lovers caught up in events far larger than themselves. One of the greatest love stories set during the chaos of the Second World War. A film that proves that an ending doesn’t have to be artificially saccharine to be satisfying.
The Long, Hot Summer (1958)
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward have unmistakable chemistry in this sizzling film. Based on writings by William Faulkner it tells of the Varner family, the richest family in town, and their family politics when a stranger comes to town. Newman is Ben Quick the new shot of blood that the stagnant town needs as he upstages the first son and woos the daughter of Orson Welles’ Will Varner.
Ladyhawke (1985)
One of the few action films that really delivers a complete and compelling love story. Though the bleak and dark cinematography can be a bit daunting the film about a pair of cursed lovers, Rutger Hauer and Michelle Pfeiffer, is compelling. Matthew Broderick adds significant comic relief to lighten up the dark tale. If you can’t get enough of Pfeiffer check out other smoldering roles in The Fabulous Baker Boys and Dangerous Liaisons.
Witness (1985)
Another film with plenty of action that has a compelling love story. Set as a murder investigation in the Amish countryside the film has chases, shootings, and one of the most explosive kisses ever put to film. Harrison Ford in perhaps his best role as a Philadelphia cop thrust into the everyday life of the Amish to protect a key witness in a murder case.
Say Anything (1989)
The film that reminds everyone of high school. Weirdo Lloyd Dobbler, John Cussack, loves valedictorian Diane Court, Ione Skye, what more need to be said. The course of true love certainly never runs smooth especially if you are in high school. Both seemingly believable and iconic, remember the radio outside of her house, the film delivers exactly the kind of hopeful romance everyone needs a bit of.
Pride & Prejudice (1995, 2005)
One of the most famous romance stories of all times tells the tale of Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy’s rocky road to love. Though the BBC miniseries is the best if you don’t have 5 hours to devote to watching the 2005 Kiera Knightly version is a passable alternative. Beware that this is an old fashioned costume drama with wooing and posturing and lots and lots of conversation.
Romancing the Stone (1984)
It’s a comedy, and an action film, and a love story all rolled into one. Kathleen Turner is tight laced romance writer Joan Wilder who goes to Columbia to help her sister and meets the action hero of her dreams, sort of, in Michael Douglas’ free-wheeling Jack Colton. The pairing was sizzling and the blend of action and comedy make this a repeatedly watchable film.
Notorious (1946)
Due to some interesting editing this film features one of the longest onscreen kisses in history. One doesn’t automatically think romance when one thinks of Alfred Hitchcock but Notorious is one of his most sumptuous and dangerously romantic films. Alicia Huberman and agent TR Devlin, Ingrid Bergman and a suave but brooding Cary Grant, meet under less than stellar circumstances and fall in love only to go on an assignment that tears their relationship apart. The balcony scene was so effective it was stolen nearly word for word for Mission Impossible II.
It Happened One Night (1934)
One of only four comedies to ever win the Best Picture Oscar this film swept the awards for best director and best actor and actress. Director Frank Capra and star Clark Gable make this film about an heiress on the lam a memorable gem in any genre and one of the finest films ever made.
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Are there any more romantic images than Richard Gere walking into the factory in his dress whites to sweep Debra Winger off her feet and carry her away? Well maybe Bogey and Bergman in front of that plane, but there are only a few. An Officer and a Gentleman is a romantic film that even a guy can appreciate as Gere learns to be a man both within the military and outside of it.
The Princess Bride (1987)
One of the most successful transitions from book to film this fractured fairy tale has everything, giants, villains, masks, daring swordfights, and a beautiful damsel in distress. The humor and the action are what anchor this story but it wouldn’t have any legs if it weren’t for the true love at its heart.
While You Were Sleeping (1995)
One of the most successful romantic comedies of recent history this cute story of a toll collector and the family of a man in a coma is everything a traditional romantic comedy should be. That generally means that the leads fall in love with barely a kiss between them so be forewarned. In this case Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman make falling in love so cute and amiable it is hard not to cheer for them.
Roman Holiday (1953)
In her film debut Audrey Hepburn sparkles on the screen as the princess who manages to escape for a few days and falls in love with a reporter while on a magical jaunt through Rome. Gregory Peck is the perfect mix of gruff protector and soft hearted sap in the Clark Gable It Happened One Night model.
Wuthering Heights (1939)
Possibly one of the most romantic stories ever Wuthering Heights is also one of the saddest. Here brought to life by Laurence Olivier as the violent and moody Heathcliff and Merle Oberon as his love Cathy, these English characters sparkle as they love and war among themselves. Keep in mind that not only is it in black and white but it is also a period drama and might be a little hard for some audiences to get through.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Not necessarily the quintessential chick flick that it is made out to be When Harry Met Sally is witty and entertaining. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal make an odd couple but he provides sufficient comic relief to offset her cutesiness. Plus the romance 20 years in the making has such fun and truthfulness to it that it is a guaranteed pleaser.
Dangerous Liaisons (1988)
Another costume drama this one features an all star cast including John Malkovich, Glenn Close, Michelle Pfeiffer, Keanu Reeves, and Uma Thurman. The pace moves well, the dialogue doesn’t bog down in the provincial and there is certainly enough sex and violence throughout the story to satisfy any adult. If you want a slightly younger slant on the same story Cruel Intentions is a high school retelling of Dangerous Liaisons.
Moonstruck (1987)
It’s a comedy, it’s a drama, and it won Cher a best actress Oscar and got her onstage in one of her outlandish outfits. At its core Moonstruck is about a middle aged duckling becoming a swan when she rediscovers love in her life. Her Italian extended family makes this film the warm comedy that it is but the romance between Cher and Nicholas Cage add the fire to the mix.
Gilda (1946)
What can you say about a love so strong that a couple would be willing to ruin themselves just to ruin each other if they can’t be together. The film received new life after being featured in The Shawshank Redemption and it is mentioned in the wonderful romantic comedy Notting Hill. Rita Hayworth oozes sex appeal as a jilted lover who marries a bad man and seems to sink herself and everyone around her with her lashing out at her former beau. Glenn Ford’s Johnny is the other half of the relationship hired by Gilda’s husband to keep her out of trouble but only making matters worse. Hayworth’s strip tease, a real tease since all she takes off in Hayes Code Hollywood is a glove, is an unforgettable scene.
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