My Top Ten Favorite Romantic Movies

My favorite Friday nights while I was in school were, when I would go to the library and check out a bunch of old back and white movies, order a pizza, put on cozy jammies and watch movies all night. Because of my local library, I got to see so many great romance films. Since then I have seen so many more. Believe it or not, I am not usually a huge fan of romantic movies or romantic comedies, but there are a few, that I really do love. I have put together my top ten list of my most favorite romantic films. They are not in any particular order.

Moulin Rouge (2001)

I went and saw this movie with my mom at a second run movie theater. I remember being blown away by it. I had not seen a modern musical before and was swept away by the choreography and music. Ewan McGregor and Nicole Kidman have chemistry in this film. The love story between the two characters is almost palpable. It is easy to get swept away with the dramatic romance.

 

Pride & Predjudice (2005)

The first time I saw this film, I told my husband I hated it. He looked at me like I was crazy. I know, I know, not only should I have my anglophile membership card revoked for this statement but my romance writer card as well. Since then, I have really grown to love this film. I love that the story between Lizzie and Mr. Darcy is not easy, it is a bumpy mess, like life. This film is also a love letter to England, really giving the viewers the visual feeling of England.

Casablanca (1942)

This one has it all and unrequited romance, sacrifice, chemistry, and heartbreak. I discovered this gem one night in middle school during one of my Friday night movie binges. What amazes me about this film, is each time I see it, I see something different, interpret it differently. I think it is because my own romance is maturing and growing. If you watch no other film off of this list, this is the one to watch!

Brief Encounter(1944)

I only saw this film a few years ago. Some British friends of my husband and I asked if we had ever seen it, and we had not. We found a copy and it became an instant favorite for the both of us. This is the story of an emotional affair. It is so beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It is a true lesson in romance.

Brooklyn (2015)

I love everything about this movie. I like to imagine this is what my own grandparent’s romance was like. My grandmother was Irish and my grandfather was Italian. Growing up we were told how taboo their relationship was, an Italian dating an Irish woman. I know their relationship was nowhere near as glamorous. I love this sweet movie. There is something very innocent about this story.

Working Girl (1988)

I love this movie because it shows two types of love, one that is easy and not good for you, and the one where you have to stretch yourself and grow. Harrison Ford is irresistible in this movie. Spoiler Alert: The way he sticks up for his love at the end of the film…swoon!

Moonstruck (1987)

Again, this movie is a cultural touchpoint. This was one of my mother’s most favorite movies. The scene where she gets ready for the opera is one of the best examples of self-care I have ever seen. I love everything about this film. If you watch it for nothing else, watch it for the ending! Family, culture and true love…. User note: a bottle of red wine is a must to enjoy while watching this one!

Pretty In Pink (1986)

This is another one that was one of my mom’s favorites. I grew up watching this one. When I got older I had a “Ducky” of my own. So sweet and innocent, this love story mimicked one of own. It is also a study of a time that is long gone. I love this coming of age love story, where emotions are raw and lessons are learned.

City of Angels (1998)

Would you give up everything for the woman you love? What if it meant giving up being an actual angel? I will admit, this movie has not aged well. I was obsessed with it when it first came out. The story of sacrifice for the love of your life is on full display in this one.

Earnest and Ethel (2017)

This is the full-length animated feature of Raymond Briggs’ parent’s love story. It tells the story starting in the pre-WWII years through to the end of their love story. It is sweet and honest. Ethel, the wife, is so sweet in her desire to have things be proper and her husband Ernest, is so eager to please her. This is really the sweetest story. We watch it every Christmas night together cuddled up on the couch, my husband and I.

 

These are just a few of my favorite romance movies. I know I have left some big ones off of the list but these are my top ten. What are your favorites? Let me know int he comments.