Everybody loves a good love story movie, even if they won’t admit it. Love stories are fundamentally appealing to people, and love story movies are great entertainment, whether you’re watching them alone or with a date. Here’s a look at a few of the best love story movies of all time.
Casablanca – The incredible chemistry between Ingrid Bergman and Humphrey Bogart is legendary in this 1942 war epic. Often referred to the greatest love story movies of all time, Casablanca is also one of the greatest movies ever released. Its dialogue spawned numerous famous quotes, including “I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” and Bogart’s haunting last line to his lost lover before she boards a plane to leave him. Bogart reminds Bergman that if she stays and pursues her love of him, she’ll regret it: “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but soon and for the rest of your life.”
Dirty Dancing – This is the movie that launched Patrick Swayze’s career. Over 20 years after it was produced, it’s still easy to see why. Swayze plays a rebellious dance instructor opposite Jennifer Grey in the legendary love story, creating a masculine yet sensitive character. Dirty Dancing has one of the most famous end scenes in film history, wonderful dialog, and has become one of the most rented movies of all time. Not bad for a love story movie that originally was intended to go straight to video.
Pretty Woman – It’s hard to think that this movie about a businessman (Richard Gere) falling in love with a prostitute (Julia Roberts) would be both commercially and critically successful. Nevertheless, this love story became one of the top films of the early ’90s, and with its unusual setting it creates a warm and unique romantic movie that’s still appealing today. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere have fantastic chemistry, and the comedy is offbeat yet fairly safe.
High Fidelity – This John Cusack love story is something more of a breakup movie, but its dry, sometimes dark humor makes it the perfect romantic film for guys. Cusack plays a record store owner counting down his worst breakups, leading to a romantic climax as his store sets up a concert. Not a great love story for younger viewers, but older viewers will certainly appreciate the comedy and heartfelt tone of this love story movie. The romantic element is realistic, and far easier to relate to than the plots of many Hollywood flicks.
Gone With The Wind – The Civil War romance is one of the most beloved films ever made. The lovelorn Scarlett O’Hara, played brilliantly by Vivian Leigh, is a very tragic yet ultimately relatable romantic character, and Gable’s performance is unequaled. At a running time of 224 minutes, this is anything but a casual view, but if you haven’t seen Gone With the Wind, budget some time for one of the best love story movies ever made.
What are your favorite love story movies? Share your picks and other thoughts with us in the comments section below this article.
