Romance and love stories have been the foundation of many films since time immemorial. Ranging from historical sagas to science fiction films, somewhere there is some element of romance in all of them. Here are some of our all time favourite romantic films.
1. Gone With The Wind – 1939
This classic 1939 movie is a story of young man and a woman who come together during the Civil War. It is based on the book of the same name by Margaret Mitchell, and starred Clark Gable, Vivienne Leigh, and Leslie Howard. It was the first movie to film in colour, and was the longest movie for that time, 3 hours and counting plus intermission. The film received ten Oscars, 8 competitive and 2 honorary. This was a record that stood in its place for a period of twenty years.
2. Roman Holiday – 1953
This is a 1953 romantic comedy about a young, sheltered princess, who runs away from her home castle, only to fall in love with a newsman. The film stars Audrey Hepburn, who won an academy award for her performance in the film, and Gregory Peck. The script was written by John Dighton and Dalton Trumbo, though Trumbo never got any credit until 2011. Hepburn and Peck were approached to star in a sequel of the film in the 1970s, though it was never made. In 1987, the film was remade for TV.
3. An Affair to Remember – 1957
“An Affair to Remember” is a 1957 movie starring the late great Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. The story revolves around two people who meet on a cruise on the way to New York from Europe. They fall in love despite being engaged to other people, and agree to meet six months after their initial meeting. Whether it does or does not happen is for you to wait and see. In honour of this amazingly romantic movie, a song was composed by Harry Warren, with lyrics by Leary McCarry. The song was called, “A Love Affair to Remember (Our Love Affair). There have been several remakes of the film, including “Grey’s Garden”, the 2009 movie starring Jessica Lange and Drew Barrymore.
4. The Notebook – 2004
This is a 2004 movie based on the Nicolas Sparks novel of the same name. It stars Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, who developed a three year romance in real life, despite not getting along while filming. The film centers around a teen couple, Noah and Allie, who have a summer romance until the two are separated by Allie’s parents because Noah comes from a poor family. The two are reunited after seven years apart, and try to rebuild their relationship. The story is set in the 1940’s, and is narrated by the present day Noah, who reads the story to Allie at a nursing home. The film also stars James Garner and Gena Rowlands, who play the older Noah and Allie.
5. Dirty Dancing – 1988
This 1988 classic is a tale based on the 1960s. It is the story of a young woman named Frances, nicknamed “Baby”. During the summer, her family relocates to a resort in New York. Frances’ family expects her to go to college, save the world and marry a doctor, just like her father. While at the resort, Frances meets a dance instructor, Johnny. Frances starts taking lessons from Johnny, and as they spend more time together at the studio, they fall in love. The movie stars Patrick Swyaze and Jennifer Grey. In 2004, a remake was developed called “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights” starring Diego Luna and Romola Garai.
6. Titanic – 1997
This 1997 film is about a 100 year old woman tells the story of how she met and fell in love with a man from a completely background than her in an ill fated titanic. Her name was Rose and his name was Jack. They met on April 10, 1912, and the ship had sung on April 15, 2912. Those five days changed her life drastically as she had her first love come into her life and showing what life is all about. This movie stars heartthrob, Leonardo DiCaprio and Oscar winning actress, Kate Winslet. It was the most expensive movie ever, estimated budget of $200 million and gross revenue of $1.8 billion. It received fourteen Oscar nominations with eleven wins. The two leading actors also starred together in the 2008 “Revolutionary Road”.
7. Ghost – 1990
“Ghost” is a 1990 movie about a couple, Sam and Molly, whose future is torn apart when Sam is killed after being shot by thieves. Sam comes back to life as a ghost to warn Molly of the danger she is in, with the help of Oda Mae Brown, who did not know of her own powers. “Ghost” stars Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, and Whoopi Goldberg, who is now the co-host of “The View”. Goldberg won an Oscar for her role and to this day credits Swayze for her win because he was the one who insisted she was perfect for the role.
8. Pretty Woman – 1990
“Pretty Woman is a 1990 film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. It tells the story of a businessman who needs an escort for some events and therefore, hires a prostitute to be his date for each event. Julia Roberts won a Golden Globe award for her role and an Academy Award nomination. She and Richard Gere reunited in the 1999 movie “Runaway Bride”.
9. Love Story – 1970
“Love Story” is 1970 film about a young Harvard Law student, Oliver and a music student, Jenny, who can’t deny their feelings for each other. When they marry, the young man’s father disowns him. Jenny tries to have the two reconnect, but the plan goes unsuccessfully. Oliver and Jennifer continue to build their relationship together as a married couple, but will this happiness last? The movie stars Ryan O’Neil and Alie McGraw, and introduces Tommy Lee Jones in a minor role.
10. Sleepless in Seattle – 1993
This 1993 film is one of the four that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan starred in together. A young boy calls in a radio station to find a life partner for his father eighteen months after the boy’s mother passes away. After his father, Sam, opens up about his perfect marriage on a radio station, a woman named Annie falls in love with him despite being engaged to someone else.
Author notes:
Article written by Sagit Stacie
Sagit Stacie is a vibrant member of the top-10-list.org team. She chose to write for top-10-list.org to fulfill her passion for writing and to share her life experiences and love for art, music and history.
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