Culture & Entertainment
15 classic romantic movies to watch this Valentine’s Day
Culture & Entertainment
15 classic romantic movies to watch this Valentine’s Day
Today we're turning things over to our interns Linda Cotrina and Radina Vencheva: Spending this
Valentine's Day indoors? Why not cuddle up with your sweetheart and watch a movie or two? We've rounded up a list of 15 classic romantic movies, and share reasons why you should watch them this Valentine's Day. And while you're at it, make sure you check out our lists of
15 hottest leading men and
15 beautiful leading ladies.
1. The Notebook
Year: 2004
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams
Why it's romantic: This movie earns a top spot as one of the most romantic movies of all time. A big statement considering its predecessors, but who can resist this
epic love story? After being apart for seven years, Noah and Allie realize their relationship is far from over. Gosling and McAdams -- true Canadian sweethearts -- took their onscreen romance off-screen in 2005 until they broke up in 2007... and broke our hearts!
2. Pretty Woman
Year: 1990
Starring: Julia Roberts, Richard Gere
Why it’s romantic: A modern take on the
Cinderella fairytale,
Pretty Woman delivers with Roberts and Gere’s undeniable chemistry. Edward Lewis, a rich businessman, encounters Vivian Ward, an independent and kind-hearted prostitute on Hollywood Boulevard, and hires her to stay with him for a week as an escort. In true fairytale fashion, they fall for each other and ride off into the sunset (in a limo).
3. Ghost
Year: 1990
Starring: Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore
Why it’s romantic: A perfect balance of laughter, romance and tears,
Ghost offers the hope that love never dies. And who would have thought
making pottery could be so sexy?
4. Notting Hill
Year: 1999
Starring: Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant
Why it’s romantic: Famous American actress falls for British bookstore owner? Only in the movies, but that's OK.
Notting Hill delivers in the charm and humour departments. And who can resist Grant's accent and hair?
5. Casablanca
Year: 1942
Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman
Why it’s romantic: A classic,
Casablanca stars Rick (Bogart) an ex-freedom fighter who
runs a nightclub in Casablanca in the early days of World War II, and Ilsa (Bergman), as Rick's one true love who left him after an affair in Paris. Known for the iconic lines: "Here's looking at you, kid," and "We'll always have Paris," this film remains one of film's greatest romantic dramas.
6. Before Sunrise
Year: 1995
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy
Why it’s romantic:
Before Sunrise follows Jesse (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) as they meet on a train and spend one unforgettable evening together in Vienna, talking about life and love, and enjoying what they suspect will be their only night together.
7. Pride and Prejudice
Year: 1995
Starring: Colin Firth, Jennifer Ehle
Why it’s romantic: A beautiful adaptation of Jane Austen's timeless classic,
Pride and Prejudice follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mark Darcy, as they work to get past their family issues and their status in society to find true love with each other. And do we need to talk about Firth's lake scene? *Swoon!*
8. When Harry Met Sally
Year: 1989
Starring: Meg Ryan, Billy Crystal
Why it's romantic: Can a man and a woman just be friends without sex complicating things? Despite their differences -- Harry (Crystal) is a pessimist and Sally (Ryan) is a perfectionist -- their relationship develops over the course of a decade from friends to something more.
9. Titanic
Year: 1997
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet
Why it’s romantic: The
beautiful, yet tragic love story between Jack Dawson and Rose DeWitt-Bukater is one for the ages. Add Céline Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On”, and it’s almost impossible not to shed a few tears at the end.
10. Sleepless in Seattle
Year: 1993
Starring: Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan
Why it’s romantic: Sam (Hanks) is a widowed dad in Seattle trying to move on, Annie (Ryan) is in a boring relationship in Baltimore. When she hears Sam's young son on a radio-call in show talking about how his dad needs wife, Annie is moved. When they finally meet on Valentine's Day at the top of the Empire State building, it's like magic.
11. Bridget Jones's Diary
Year: 2001
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant and Colin Firth
Why it’s romantic: Bridget (Zellweger) has a choice to make. Will it be her boss, the sexy womanizer Daniel (Hugh Grant)? Or the successful, thoughtful lawyer Mark (Colin Firth)? We all know who we are rooting for.
12. Romeo + Juliet
Year: 1996
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes
Why it’s romantic: In this modern interpretation of
Shakespeare’s tragic play, Romeo and Juliet meet at a party in the modern-day city of Verona Beach, fall in love, but soon realize that their feuding families will never let them be together.
13. Gone With the Wind
Year: 1939
Starring: Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh
Why it’s romantic: “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” Rhett (Gable) proclaims at the end of this film. But we hope he doesn't mean it because we know he still has feelings for thrice-married Southern belle Scarlett (Leigh), whose only true love has ever been the security of money and land.
14. Breakfast at Tiffany's
Year: 1961
Starring: Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard
Why it’s romantic: Holly Golightly (Hepburn)
is a country girl turned party girl looking for a wealthy husband in New York City. When she meets the handsome new neighbour (who has secrets of his own) she realizes happiness is just not about money.
15. The Bridges of Madison County
Year: 1995
Starring: Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood
Why it’s romantic: There’s
nothing more mysterious than a woman’s heart! The movie stars Meryl Streep as Francesca Johnson and Clint Eastwood as Robert Kincaid -- two lovers who just couldn't get their timing right. This beautiful and sad story will make you believe in soul mates.
If you're planning on watching one of our classic romantic movies, why not pair it up with a classic and romantic treat? Here are some of our delicious recipes, that will surely make for a wonderful and memorable night. -
Cheesesteak Sandwiches for Two -
Lemon Herb Scallops -
Red Velvet Lovebird Blondies -
7 super-fudgey, super-delicious, ooey-gooey brownie recipes -
The Ultimate Chocolate Layer Cake
Image courtesy of: Bill Gold, via Wikimedia Commons
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