I had this discussion with someone else. Every person in that movie was dogshit EXCEPT for Ben Affleck. I'm not concerned with whether or not something is a straight up romance. As long as it's one of the themes and is poignant enough to take up a chunk of the plot. Like Casino Royale. Craig and Green are electric. It'd be a completely different movie without that subplot, or their chemistry. That's enough for me to recognize how fantastically done it was. Like Bacall and Bogart kind of old school coupling.
When Harry Met Sally: Probably the only true RomCom that I can stand, and I like it a lot. Focused squarely on relationships it doesn't sink the the lows of most romcom story lines. Inventing The Abbots: Gorgeousness and gorgeousity made flesh (aka you get to see Jennifer Connelly's perfect tits). But this is a really good romance drama set in the 50s about the relationship of two families in different social strata. From this and Almost Famous I thought Billy Crudup would have been a bigger leading man, he's a damn fine actor. A film I appreciated even when I saw it in middle school. Almost Famous: Not a straight forward romantic movie, but the major plot line and themes are about the main character's boyish pining and eventually winning the attention of Miss Penny Lane. American Beauty: More of a drama about a man in mid-life crisis, but the ending when he realizes how much he loves his family always struck a chord with me.
Breakfast at Tiffany's Amelie (one of my favorite movies ever. Period). West Side Story High Fidelity Before Sunset Love Actually The Fountain Lars and the Real Girl Sense and Sensibility Pride and Prejudice The Holiday (namely, Kate Winslet's story line) Four Weddings and a Funeral Notting Hill
It would put most of the movies mentioned here to shame. Beautiful love story - not just romance. The way that Lars' family and the community struggles to accept his new lady love Bianca is real and touching. Highly highly recommend.
Natural Born Killers, anyone? I can't imagine anything more awesome than a Bonnie and Clyde situation. I'll add Fight Club to the list too. As soon as Marla Singer shows up, it's a romance movie.
My top 5, in no particular order 1) Cinema Paradiso 2) Titanic 3) Legends of the Fall 4) Breakfast at Tiffany's 5) Ghost
In no particular order, some already mentioned: Annie Hall When Harry Met Sally America's Sweethearts Moulin Rouge The Wedding Singer My Big Fat Greek Wedding As Good As It Gets Say Anything
No love for Groundhog Day? Even with Chris Elliot, it's a cut above the typical Hollywood romantic comedy.
While it's listed as a "romantic comedy", I didn't feel like romance was the main, driving element of the picture, so I didn't include it. But otherwise, it absolutely would have made my top 10; it's a truly fantastic and hilarious movie. The pacing and writing are superb, as is Bill Murray. It's one of those films that make you wonder why Hollywood can't make more excellent pictures like that.
The Princess Bride is the only correct answer. You people suck. Love Actually and Cruel Intentions would be the only other possible contenders for Chick Flick compatible romances that I've ever voluntarily watched a second time. So many movies revolve around a central romance while not being what I'd categorize as 'Romance' movies (Rocky, Died Hard 1 and 2, etc). I'm not even sure that Cruel Intentions is a good fit for a 'Romance Film'. But the Princess Bride and Love Actually? Legitimately great movies and no question that they were all about the romance.
While I do love a poignant portrayal of love in films, I hadn`t really given much thought as to what are my favorite romance movies. Now that I do think about it, there are many films depicting psychologically deep relationships ranging from the highly loving to the highly dysfunctional that I have enjoyed. However, having recently re-watched Casino, and with this thread in mind, I was actually kind of moved by Robert De Niro`s character`s definition of love; it is about trust and putting your life completely into somone else`s hands, about a foundation of mutual respect. He gave nigh on everything of himself (at least what he perceived as himself, because much of it was material), and not to sound like a pussy, but that was pretty fucking romantic. He betted everything on this woman. Shame it all imploded though. Also, they really nailed Sharon Stone`s transformation into a withered husk of a woman in the movie: she looks progressively more unhealthy, both physically and mentally, as the years go by. As the hustler in her completely overpowers any chance of trust or respect, so goes any chance of love for Rothstein. Even though it was not the main theme of the movie, I really liked this depiction of a failed romance.
I would say romance is more secondary or even tertiary in that film; the main theme is Tyler Durden's mental and psychological growth. I agree; for me, it's the single strongest aspect of the film.
I notice American Dreamer isn't on here. That's because y'all have NO IDEA. Best romance ever. Hands down.
Ok, am I the only guy that thinks the 'Best Romance Films Ever" are all porn? Buehler? Buehler? Uh, hmmm. I'll go away now.
Any porno ever made is more romantic than Forrest Gump, anyone who says that shit is romantic needs a good beating. If anything Forrest Gump is a case study in sadism.
What's Up Doc? This is a close call as it could be classified as a screwball comedy. However, the driving point of the film is the "romance" between Streisand and O'Neal. This is a very funny, and charming movie featuring two very good actors at the top of their game. Four Weddings and a Funeral I'm a big fan of Love Actually, but this, I think, is a better overall film. I also agree with prior posters regarding Annie Hall and Cinema Paradiso. I have no doubt that Annie Hall falls right in the middle of this catagory and may be my favorite of the genre all time. I think one could argue, however, that the romance in Paradiso is as much for the movie theater as anything else. This movie makes me cry every time (and it is rare for me to cry at a movie.)