Top 10 Romantic Films

Spanning many eras, depicting many of the differences between men and women (plus more importantly, what brings them together) here follows a list of some of the most romantic films you will ever have the pleasure to see – or show to an as yet uninitiated loved one.

In the Mood for Love

A Wong Kar-Wai masterpiece evoking the frustrations of non-consummated love. Set in 1960s Hong Kong, a man and woman fight hard to deny their feelings for each other. An achingly gorgeous consideration of what could have been.

Love in the Time of Cholera

Adapted from the novel by celebrated author Gabriel García Márquez, this slow-paced yet touching film depicts the course of a love triangle straddling decades. This will have you smiling gently and leaving with a happy heart.

Four Weddings and a Funeral

The quintessential British romantic comedy film, starring an Englishman, an American and the institution of marriage.

Gone with the Wind

No list of romantic films would be complete without featuring this sprawling epic tale with Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh playing the central passionate pair, Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler. Rhett may not have given a damn; but most people who have seen this film will declare differently.

Sleepless in Seattle

A classic modern rom com starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan and one even males have been known to enjoy (dating couples take note). Those who adore vintage films are advised to see An Affair to Remember, a film which Sleepless in Seattle makes nods to throughout.

When Harry Met Sally

Alongside Sleepless in Seattle this ranks as one of the all time rom com heavyweights best remembered for Meg Ryan’s (yes, her again) public display of affection and the questioning of whether men and women can ever really be ‘just friends’.

The Notebook

Love at first sight, kept alive by Noah’s (Ryan Gosling) promise of reading to dementia-stricken Allie (Rachel McAdams) from the notebook she faithfully kept of their story.

Casablanca

“Play it again, Sam” is a quote often attributed to this black and white film classic – but was never actually said. Countless romantics have, however, played this film time and time again though.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet (of another romantic film, Titanic, fame) this surreal film asks the question, “What if you could pay to have your mind wiped of memories of a failed relationship?” And without giving away any spoilers, is far more romantic than that makes it sound.

Amélie

A multiple award winning enchanting tale of a sweet, day-dreaming matchmaker who needs a little encouragement finding love for herself. Perfectly underpinned with the ultimate romantic backdrop of Paris.

As the above films outline, love stories can take many shapes and forms and are frequently being updated to take account of sociological and technological changes. For example, in London online dating is very popular so I wouldn’t be surprised if a director soon takes note and weaves a blockbuster out of the many success stories that have evolved.