When you think of romance we often think of the grand gestures of love that require detailed planning and have some directive or purpose. There are times in life, however, when a little romance can be found without ever having to leave the comfort of your home. Every now and again, curling up on the sofa with a glass of wine and a romantic movie, can have greater meaning or more of an impact than any gift or evening out ever could. Here is a list of the top romantic movies of all time that are guaranteed to get the romance and loving vibes flowing.
- The Notebook: If there ever was a romantic story to top all others, this is it. The 2004 romantic drama, starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, tells the tale of an elderly couple and the story of their troubled courtship. (Warning: Have a box of tissues on hand, because this one is a tearjerker).
- Casablanca: This timeless classic takes you back circa WWII when society was in chaos and romance was far from the forefront of priorities. In a heart-wrenching plot, Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman prove that love is selfless as he helps her, along with her husband, escape Nazi soldiers.
- Titanic: The tragic story of a rich girl (Kate Winslet) and a poor pauper (Leonardo DiCaprio) who find love in an unlikely and untimely setting.
- Ghost: A list of romantic movies wouldn’t be complete without this 1990 love story of a deceased man, played by Patrick Swayze, who stays on in spirit to ensure the safety and happiness of his beloved girlfriend, Demi Moore, whom he just can’t seem to leave behind.
- Pretty Woman: The story of a love between two unlikely characters – wealthy businessman Richard Gere and escort Julia Roberts – who despite obvious differences in education, social class and economic background, find that a desire to make money isn’t the only thing they have in common.
- Dirty Dancing: Who can forget the epic romance of swanky dance instructor Patrick Swayze and teenage heartthrob Jennifer Grey. If “Nobody puts Baby in a corner” isn’t the most romantic line ever, I don’t know what is.
- Gone With the Wind: An epic tale, based on the 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell, of a romantic triangle where the damsel in distress must confront the love she has for someone other than herself or her husband.
- Brokeback Mountain: The sad story of two men who fall in love, but due to societal stigmatism of the 1960’s, they are forced to lead separate lives knowing that, for them, true love is unattainable.
- The Princess Bride: The epitome of romantic comedy, the plot unfolds as a hero rushes to save a captured princess, his childhood love who is set to marry another man. Having given up her true love for dead, Princess Buttercup is stunned at his heroism and grand gesture.
- 10. Pride and Prejudice: The classic tale of sisters who fall in love despite the hindrance of a socially and economically structured society. Their affections for the esteemed Mr. Bingley and odious Mr. Darcy make for a complex love story that has passed the test of time.
