For those of you, like us, who eschew the notion that Valentine’s Day must be a stereotypical display of overpriced flowers, mediocre chocolates, and jam-packed restaurants serving so-so food, we have just what you are looking for! We put together a His and Hers list of our favorite Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter)! Some of these are fairly typical and can be found on many of the “Most Romantic Movie” lists out there, but we have a few less than obvious picks to liven things up.  (Caution, there are some spoilers in the individual movie write-ups and particularly in the movie clips, so be forewarned.)  Watch it while enjoying some Strawberries with Bourbon Whipped Cream and Brown Sugar to make it an even better night.

What are some of your favorite romantic movies?

Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day– Hers

 

  1. Funny Face

Audrey Hepburn may be the most charming actress in the history of film. Throw in Fred Astaire and Paris as a backdrop and you can’t go wrong. Plus the costumes are to die for.

Funny face

 

  1. Young Victoria

This film depicts the story of how Queen Victoria ascended to the throne as a teenager and eventually wed Prince Albert, the love of her life. Less mushy than some of the other films on my list, Young Victoria focuses heavily on the political currents at the time and the obstacles facing the new Queen during the first few years of her reign, but you are totally drawn in to their relationship as they fall in love.

 

  1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Yes, this is one of Audrey Hepburn’s most iconic roles and yes, Mickey Rooney playing the Japanese neighbor Mr. Yunioshi is supremely racist and actually detracts from the film in modern times. That being said, if you can look past the racism, the story of how the beautifully flawed Holly Golightly and aspiring writer Paul Varjack meet, find friendship, and then eventually love is unforgettable.

 

  1. City Lights

This black and white silent picture features Charlie Chaplin at his best. Charming, funny, and heartbreaking, Charlie portrays his familiar character of the Tramp to perfection as he tries to help the blind flower shop girl he so desperately loves. You will cheer on the Tramp as he navigates a variety of misadventures and folly and subsequently feel your heart swell as this beautiful tale of selfless love unfolds.

City lights

 

  1. Casablanca

Bogart and Bergman. Some of the best quotes in all of movie history. Unrequited love and sacrifice. If you haven’t seen Casablanca, please watch it immediately. If you have seen it, do yourself a favor and watch it again. (Sigh)

 

  1. Crazy Stupid Love

Equally hilarious, charming, and maddening, Crazy Stupid Love has something for everyone. Using a variety of characters to depict all the stages of love throughout the movie, you simultaneously cheer and cringe as they make some rather questionable choices. Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Emma Stone, and Ryan Gosling are superb. And there will always be this unforgettable scene…

 

  1. The Princess Bride

“As you wish.” This movie is the ultimate campy, romantic, cult classic filled with amazing cameos. You watch the love story of Wesley and Buttercup unfold through sword fighting, wrestling, political maneuvering, and ROUSes. This movie really goes to show that love truly does conquer all.

 

  1. Singin’ in the Rain

Featuring some of the best dance sequences on film, Singin’ in the Rain is undoubtedly a classic for all ages. Gene Kelly is brilliant as a silent movie actor navigating the transition into the world of “talkies.” Donald O’Conner and Debbie Reynolds are also spectacular and equally shine in some of the most recognizable songs from the film, Make ‘Em Laugh, Good Mornin’, and Moses Supposes.

 

  1. Amélie

OK – I know that a lot of people don’t care for foreign films and can’t stand reading subtitles while watching a movie. I beg of you, please give this movie a shot. Audrey Tautou portrays the shy lead character Amélie as she secretly tries to enrich the lives of the people around her in this whimsical, quirky love story. The way the story is told reminds me a bit of Ally McBeal in the fact that the two leading ladies both share very vivid imaginations. I dare you to not be charmed by Amélie and her sweet world of good deeds as she tries to break out of her introverted loneliness. Also, you need to watch this movie if you have ever wondered how the garden gnome became a spokesperson for Travelocity.

 

  1. The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

While Jim Carrey is the lead actor in this film, it is absolutely NOT a typical “Jim Carrey” movie. You will not find any Ace Ventura here, thank you very much. A story of tumultuous love, you see this tale unfold in reverse as Joel, played by Carrey, has all his memories of ex-girlfriend Clementine (played by Kate Winslet) erased from his mind in a new medical procedure. He undergoes this procedure in retaliation to finding out that she did the very same thing a few days ago after they had a huge fight. As the procedure is underway, Joel realizes that he doesn’t want to lose Clementine after all and desperately tries to hold on to his memories of her as they are slowly removed. This movie is a witty depiction of how we can be both loving and cruel to those we love most and that sometimes a couple is just meant to be together.

Romantic Movies for Valentine’s Day – His

When Dana asked me to name some of my favorite romantic movies I paused. And then I paused some more. And then I realized I had no idea what to say. I drew a complete blank. I realized I didn’t have a “romantic list” in the movie database in my head.

If you ask me about my favorite movies of all-time, then I spout off a few movies. Favorite bands, albums, TV show… no problem! But when it comes to romantic movies, I simply don’t have a list. So I took a long walk on the beach and did some thinking. After some serious deliberation, I was able to put together a list of movies that bring a little romance to the table without going all “Notebook” on ya.

 

  1. Good Will Hunting

On the surface GWH doesn’t sound like a very romantic film. Matt Damon plays Will Hunting, a genius from Southie (Boston) with some rage issues. It’s a coming of age story and you are rooting for Will to get his ______ together.

Will meets Skyler (Minni Driver) at a Harvard bar and they fall in love. Enter the romantic stuff.

It’s a great film and features a fantastic performance from the late Robin Williams.  The speech he gives when he and Will are sitting in the park gets me every time.

“I gotta go see about a girl.”

 

  1. The Empire Strikes Back

If you know me, and some of you do, then you saw this one coming. The hand towels in our bathroom tell the story.

 

  1. Jerry McGuire

This severely quotable film stars Tom Cruise (Jerry) and Renée Zellweger (Dorothy). Jerry is a sports agent and he writes a “mission statement” that ruins his career and Dorothy volunteers to jump on Jerry’s sinking ship. It’s a great movie. And holy crap, Cuba Gooding Jr. was beyond phenomenal in this film.

I’ll let Jerry tell you himself. (Spoiler Alert: if, somehow, you haven’t seen JM yet, don’t watch the clip below)

 

  1. Once

This is probably the most obscure film on my list, even though it won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2007. It’s the story of how two musicians from different backgrounds are drawn together. It’s charming, honest and pure. The two main actors (Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova) are actually musicians, not actors. Sometimes that comes through, but I think that adds to the charm.

John Carney wrote and directed Once and he also did another film I enjoyed called Begin Again. I highly recommend both.

 

  1. How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days

This one is a straight up RomCom starting Matthew McConaughey (aaaaalllllll right, all right, all right) and Kate Hudson (I have a not so secret jones for her… don’t tell my wife). I won’t go into the plot of the film because it’s kind of silly, but it’s cute and funny. It’s one of the few “chick flicks” that I actually enjoy.

 

  1. City Lights

Charlie Chaplin was a genius. This movie is the only one to make both of our lists, so check out Dana’s comments if you want a nice write-up on the story. I’ll simply tell you that it’s one of the most charming films I’ve ever seen. It’s a silent film, but after about 15 minutes you’ll be so drawn in that you won’t even notice no one is talking.

This clip gives you an idea.

 

  1. Lady and the Tramp

No list of romantic films is complete without the best Disney movie of all time. It’s a classic. I’ll bet it’s been a good 10 years since you’ve watched this one. Watch it tonight. I dare you not to smile through the whole thing.

 

  1. Love Actually

I consider this more of a Christmas movie, but it HAS to be on this list! Every time I watch it, I try to figure out which storyline I like the best. Is it the story of Liam Neeson and the kid who grows up to be JoJen on Game of Thrones? Or Colin Firth and Aurelia (who is kinda hot)? Maybe Bilbo (Martin Freeman) and the girl he meets while being stand-in’s for what I can only assume is a porn movie? The point is there are so many great actors and great storylines.

 

  1. Titanic

OK, it’s a major cliché. But clichés become clichés for a reason. It’s even referenced in Love Actually. “We need Kate and we need Leo and we need them now!” And, of course, Joey was a big fan too.

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  1. Say Anything

OK, I’ll admit that I hadn’t seen Say Anything until recently.  It’s an 80’s movie that actually ages pretty well.

Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) is an underachiever and he’s in love with Diane Court (Ione Skye) who happens to be the valedictorian. So you can see there would be some issues. It’s a fun movie that is very quotable. “She gave me a pen. I gave her my heart and she gave me… a pen.”

And my personal favorite – “You just described every great success story.”