Top 10 Favourite Romance Movies

Rom-coms, chick flicks, whatever you choose to call them, have been a guilty pleasure of mine probably since watching the Anne of Green Gables series when I was 11 years old. Who doesn’t love a good romance story? The anticipation and frustration of “will they or won’t they?”, and then the celebration when they, of course, inevitably do. There is a certain kind of comfort in the predictability that most romantic movies have. There are a few that do surprise us, though, and often we don’t know how to react when the credits roll and the girl doesn’t get the guy, or the hero or heroine dies. There is a relatable heartbreak that you can’t help but feel.

We all want our happy ending, don’t we? After all, that is why we watch movies or read books—in order to see all of the conflict and drama come to a peaceful and beautiful end. It is often an escape from our own sometimes contentious reality. I’m a hopeless romantic at heart, or as my friend would say, “a hopeful romantic”. I think I prefer that term. I believe that those of us who enjoy watching or reading romance have a hopefulness about finding love or rediscovering love with your partner. You can let me know what you think in the comments.

I have compiled a list (which is far too short, IMO) of some of my favourite romantic movies. As I was creating this list, I realized that at some point, I would have to create lists by subgenre (a task for another day).

10. Say Anything

The scene with John Cusack holding a boombox over his head, standing outside an open window, has been recreated over and over as the ultimate romantic gesture — enough said.

9. You’ve Got Mail

This movie is my favourite of the Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks collection. Technology has come a long way since the dawn of the email age, but I think this movie still holds up.

8. Pretty In Pink

This classic John Hughes film featuring Molly Ringwald and John Cryer is one of my all-time favourites (obviously, it’s on the list!) The “falling-in-love-with-someone-on-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks” trope is fantastically portrayed. It also includes a unique cast of characters to keep you entertained.

7. The Notebook

Based on Nicholas Sparks’ book by the same name, The Notebook delivers on all the feels. It’s like listening to the story of how your grandparents fell in love—Beautifully done.

6. To All The Boys I Loved Before

Ok, so this is a guilty pleasure and the most recent film on this list. This is just a really cute, feel-good movie. There are actually 3 movies in the series, but the first one is my favourite.

5. Dirty Dancing

Another classic, this 80s flick is set in the 60s and gives a unique take on coming-of-age and summer love. (Also, am I the only one who has attempted “the lift” after watching this movie?)

4. Hope Floats

I love Sandra Bullock. And Harry Connick, Jr. delivers in this small-town second-chance romance.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You

We are down to the final three on the list. This particular movie, a twist on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, played repeatedly on my VCR (yes, that’s right!) in my first apartment back in 2001. I still LOVE this movie! Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger are brilliant, and the supporting cast is just as great. I actually cry at the end… every. single. time.

2. P.S. I Love You

Speaking of tears, grab a box (or two!) of tissues while watching this one. The premise— Gerard Butler’s character has secretly written his wife letters that she’ll receive after he dies to help her to get over him. Yep…I told you! You will need the tissues!

1. Pride & Prejudice

I know this is controversial, but the Kiera Knightley version is my favourite of this classic novel-turned-film. Matthew Macfayden was the BEST Mr. Darcy… fight me! I contend that every romantic interest written or filmed was trying to live up to the character of Mr. Darcy. He is the ultimate, ideal love interest. Do you agree?

And that concludes my list of romance movies for now. But I promise, there will be some more lists by subgenre in the future. What are some of your favourites? Comment below!

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