Yeah, I know, I've pretty much made it clear in the past that I'm not a big fan of V-Day.
As far as February holidays go, I much prefer those that involve prognosticating rodents, as opposed to a made-up (I know, technically, they are all made-up, but you know what I mean.), commercialized, over-sentimentalized holiday designed to squish the most complicated of all emotions into a 24-hour window of "displays of affection".
Still ... I'm not entirely unsentimental.
In fact, this year, I'm offering a glimpse of my soft white underbelly by admitting that I am kind of a sucker for romantic movies, well, some of them, anyway. I know! It's so ... so ... girly! But, I can't help it. I just have a soft spot for them. Many of them live happily in my DVD cabinet next to my action flicks, sci-fi collections and kung-fu movies. There are even a few classic musicals dancing around in there. It's an eclectic neighborhood of a cupboard, to be sure, but they all get along.
So, in honor of Valentine's Day, here are 21 of my favorite romantic movies, in no particular order:
1. The Princess Bride One of my all-time favorite movies of any sort and smashing good tale of "Wuv. Twue Wuv."
2. An Affair to Remember
This is a remake of the classic Love Affair from 1939, and it's a story that's been re-told on the big screen several times, but this Carey Grant and Deborah Kerr version will always be my favorite. I still tear up at the end. Every. Time.
3. Bull Durham
"Well, I believe in the soul, the cock, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the hanging curve ball, high fiber, good scotch, that the novels of Susan Sontag are self-indulgent, overrated crap. I believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. I believe there ought to be a constitutional amendment outlawing Astroturf and the designated hitter. I believe in the sweet spot, soft-core pornography, opening your presents Christmas morning rather than Christmas Eve and I believe in long, slow, deep, soft, wet kisses that last three days." ... Nuff said.
4. Casablanca
Really? If I even need to explain this one, you should just stop reading now.
I don't care if he is a trash-bot - don't even try to tell me that the montage of him trying to wake and woo the dormant EVE is not some of the most sweetest footage ever, animated or otherwise. Speaking of ...
6. Up
If you know anyone who doesn't get at least a little choked up by the end of the first 10 minutes of this film, check their pulse.
7. Notorious
More Carey Grant - gawd, I love that man - this time paired with Ingrid Bergman in a war-time spy thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Okay, I know Nazi Germany doesn't sound romantic, but, if you haven't seen it, you're gonna hafta just trust me on this one. There's this one kiss - omg, I melt.
Bittersweet and charming, this one is Audrey Hepburn in one of her best roles.
9. Sabrina (1954)
Audrey Hepburn again, in a lighter role this time and paired with Bogart in a classic romance with some very cute moments.
10. Charade
We've already established my love for Audrey Hepburn and Carey Grant, so how can I NOT love them together? Especially when they're hip-deep in espionage
11. Brigadoon
Gene Kelly sings and dances his way around the Highlands of Scotland with Cyd Charisse while sarcastic Van Johnson cracks wise - that would be enough to make me love it right there. But, there's a sweet and sappy romance at the heart of this fanciful musical that just appeals to the fairy-tale loving little girl in me.
12. Dirty Dancing "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." I was about 13 when it first came out , so it will always be a formative romance for me and it still makes me *sigh* a little, and remember what it feels like to fall in love for the first time.
13. Pretty in Pink
Again - a formative one for me, as were almost all of John Hughes' films. His movies felt very "real" to a lot of teenagers at a time in life when it's hard to find anything to connect to at all. For the nostalgia factor alone, this would continue to be a favorite.
14. When Harry Met Sally
The anti love-at-first-sight romance. Sweet, funny, quirky - everything love (and a love story) should be.
Another quirky love-in-strange places theme with the adorable, everybody-loves-her Meg Ryan. But it's Kevin Kline who really makes this movie for me.
16. Armageddon
The innocent joy of sweet, romantic love and the heart-wrenching sacrifice of omg-it-still-makes-me-cry parental love, both reflected in the unbelievably sweet face of Liv Tyler. Bonus: Steve Buscemi trying to ride a nuke.
17. While You Were Sleeping
I love Sandra Bullock, and she and Bill Pullman are so quirky and cute in this. I can watch this one over and over.
18. The Proposal
One of the few more recent romances to make more than a blip on my radar. Probably more for the fact that I adore both Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock than because of anything genius in the movie itself. But it has some really sweet and funny moments that give it re-watch-ability for me.
19. Shakespeare in Love
I like to think the Bard himself would have liked this tale casting himself as a star-crossed lover.
How can you not love that moment? Gawd, I haven't seen this one in ages. I might have to go watch it now.
21. Terminator
Shut up. It is TOO a romance.
I'm sure I've left out other great movies, trying to keep the list manageable. And, as you can see, my tastes tend to run to mostly older movies. What romantic movies would YOU add the list? Do you have favorite "classics"? Are there other modern romances you think I should give a try?
Gentlemen: These questions are not just for the ladies of the club; don't be afraid to chime in on this, too! My movies tastes generally run to "guy flicks" anyway. Share!
Love,
Zen
You covered most of my favorites, but I'd have to add Chocolat. The whole movie has that magical feel to it.
ReplyDeleteAnd maybe Gross Pointe Blank. What's more romantic than not killing your girl's dad even though you've been contracted to do it?
Oh, I've never seen Chocolat. I'll have to fix that. And I LOVE Grosse Pointe Blank! Hilarious movie!
ReplyDeleteI like your argument for Terminator. Very convincing.
ReplyDeleteI won't mess with your list or comment. Well, a little: You are one of few for whom "French Kiss" blipped on their radar. I'll see you that and raise you "I.Q" with Tom Robbins. Also, sappy though they may be, any Drew Barrymore/Adam Sandler coupling ("50 First Dates"? That's dedication.) also give "13 Going on 30" a look.
ReplyDeleteNo love for "Never Been Kissed," or "Ever After?" :-(
"Gross Pointe Blank?" I can see that, Christy. But if you're gonna play the Cusack chord, perhaps "High Fidelity" should be added to your play-list (with the bonus of some very early Jack Black).
And yes, as a die-hard Sci-Fi fan, I can definitely recognize and appreciate the romantic sub-plot in "Terminator." It's more of a through-line, but that's going too technical. Reese wouldn't have volunteered had he not fallen in love with the woman in that photo.
Six and a half cents. Do I get change?
~M
French Kiss is one of the best romance movies!
ReplyDeleteMy all-time favorite movie is Moulin Rouge. It's a "love it or hate it" kind of movie, so it's not for everyone. I adore it though.
DGB: I can be very persuasive when I want to be. ;P
ReplyDeleteM: I know, but how can anyone not love French Kiss. Meg Ryan is neurotic and adorable and Kevin Kline is obnoxiously French and adorable. I did consider Never Been Kissed, cuz it's awfully cute and I do love me some Drew Barrymore. And Ever After juuuuust missed the cut-off. If the list went to 25, it would have made it.
Jen: RIGHT?! French Kiss is hilarious AND romantic. Love that. Yes, it's predictable in terms of it's love-in-unexpected-places motif, but, gosh, what romantic movie isn't predictable? If you like French Kiss, have you seen/did you like The Proposal? I thought it was so cute. And I've never seen Moulin Rouge, but I've wanted to. I suspect I'd like it. I shall add it to my to-watch list.
First I crooked an eyebrow at The Terminator, but then thought about it... yeah, I can see that: love on the run, in the midst of dangerous times.
ReplyDeleteNice list.
TwoBusy: Yeah, there's that. But, based on that criteria, Speed would be romantic. ;) in the case of terminator: He fell in love with her photo and crossed time and space to meet her. C'mon, that's pretty damned romantic! :)
ReplyDeleteYour post have the information that is help full and very informative.
ReplyDeleteA little late to the posting party but having just stumbled upon your blog, and having enjoyed it thus far, I thought I'd say hi and add in a few cents.
ReplyDeleteI really like your list. It's given me some new movies to watch as well. I'm not afraid to say, that even as a man, I've enjoyed quite a few of the movies on this list. Heck, I'd watch Terminator over and over again. ;)
Casablanca is a huge favorite, as well as French Kiss (a movie my wife recommended a long time ago), and The Princess Bride (a movie that my wife and I fell in love with while falling in love with each other).
We watched The Proposal not too long ago and enjoyed it as well. It was one of those surprise movies that we find occasionally; you watch it not expecting too much but finish satisfied that it exceeded your expectations.
Two other movies that we go back to often are: Jane Austin's book turned movie, Emma, and the Jane Austin fan movie, Lost in Austin. The latter was another surprise movie and is based on Pride and Prejudice.
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