12 Romantic Films That Give Us Life

It's a rainy weekend and you and your friends are sitting around in your pj's eating copious amounts of junk food while pondering one of life's most important questions, “Is there truly a Mr. Right?”

In reality, maybe not. But, on the silver screen? Oh, heck yes! In fact, there are classic examples of men and women on film that embark on a quest to find the perfect mate with varying degrees of success. You laugh when they laugh, your heart breaks when theirs do. You dream for what they have. These movies show us that there is someone out there for everyone. We have to keep up the search. It was a tough job to pair down this list of the most Romantic films around but we did it. So, sit back, relax, grab some popcorn, and let's binge watch some of the Most Romantic Films That Give Us Life!

12 Love Actually (2003)

Featuring an All-Star cast that includes Liam Nesson, the late Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Keira Knightley, this film follows eight couples dealing with the various stages of love the month before Christmas. Whether you watch this film during the holidays or year round. Its message is universal. Bill Nighy steals the film as a hysterical aging rocker whose career rebounds thanks to a Christmas song that provides an excellent backdrop for the film. By the way, look for a young Andrew Lincoln (The Walking Dead) in this film as well as Chiwetel Ejiofer (12 Years a Slave).

11  The Wedding Singer (1998)

In one of the sweetest films of the late 90's, Adam Sandler plays a wedding singer who falls for Drew Barrymore in this 1980's period romance. This film marked the first time Barrymore and Sandler would work together, but it wouldn't be the last. The two went on to star in 50 First Dates (2004) and Blended (2014). The Wedding Singer was such a success that it even sparked a brief run as a Broadway show in 2006. The film also stars Christine Taylor and Kevin Nealon. The film has a memorable cameo from rocker Billy Idol.

10  Sixteen Candles (1984)

This classic romantic comedy stars Molly Ringwald whose Sixteenth Birthday is literally forgotten about by family and friends due to her older sister's wedding in the most hysterical way possible! This film would be the first time Ringwald worked with the late John Hughes. The two later collaborated on The Breakfast Club (1985) and the romance Pretty in Pink (1986). Sixteen Candles also starred Anthony Michael Hall as the Geek who highjacked Ringwald's underwear yet pined for her and Michael Schoeffling as the guy Molly's character, Samantha wanted more than anything in the world for her birthday.

9  My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

When food critic Julia Roberts longtime friend played by Dermot Mulroney gets engaged, she realizes that she loves him and stops at nothing to get him away from new fiancée' Cameron Diaz at any cost. This is one of the funniest romantic comedies around. Notice how big cell phones were back then? Wow! Co-starring a scene stealing Rupert Everett, this movie makes you laugh, cry, and everything else in between. By the end of the film, you'll be singing and dancing to “I Say a Little Prayer” with the rest of the cast.

8  Brokeback Mountain (2005)

This forbidden love story between two cowboys is a must on my list. Bittersweet, it's about two cowboys played by Jake Gyllenhall and the late Heath Ledger that develop a romance after working as sheep herders on Brokeback Mountain. Unable to be together, the two men part ways, marry, and have families with other women. Realizing that they need one another, the two meet regularly for “fishing trips” until tragedy strikes. Co-starring Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams, this film shows the love between two men being stifled because of the times they lived in.

7 Pretty Woman (1990)

In another Julia Roberts classic, this time she plays a call girl with a heart of gold who gets hired by wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere, to be his companion 24/7 for a week to attend social events. To say that sparks don't fly would be an understatement. This film is the Cinderella film of the 90's. It's fun, glamorous and Roberts's laughter is infectious. Directed by Garry Marshall, Roberts would go on to work with Marshall four more times in Runaway Bride in 1999 with Gere, Valentine's Day in 2010, and the upcoming Mother's Day.

6 Love Story (1970)

“Love never means having to say you're sorry.” Erich Segal wrote the screenplay of this story prior to his best selling book. This story about a wealthy Harvard student played by Ryan O'Neal and a music student played by Ali McGraw, who fall in love with each other despite their different backgrounds, is one of the most romantic films of all time. Once the two marry, the two fight to stay together despite O'Neal's father threatening to disown him and McGraw trying to put father and son back together again. Their love holds until tragedy strikes.

5  An Officer And A Gentleman (1982)

This romance about a Navy Flight Officer played by Richard Gere and his no nonsense new girlfriend played by Debra Winger is excellent. This film not only accurately shows how difficult basic training is, but the ups and down of falling in love. If you love overcoming obstacles to get what you want in life films, then this film is for you! It's so well acted that you will be watching this not once… but several times! The film also has an Academy winning performance by Louis Gossett, Jr. as Gere's drill Sergeant. Simply outstanding.

4  Dirty Dancing (1987)

“No one puts Baby in the corner.” Everyone will have the time of their life watching a young Baby Houseman (Jennifer Grey) fall in love with Johnny Castle, a dancer who was born on the wrong side of the tracks with a heart of gold (Patrick Swayze). You can't help but dance to the amazing soundtrack and root for the young couple under the backdrop of the Catskill mountains. Look for Gilmore Girls Kelly Bishop as Baby's mother, and the late Jerry Orbach as Baby's father. A musical based on the show is currently touring nationwide.

3 Ghost (1990)

Love stays with you regardless if you're dead. Patrick Swayze plays a murdered banker who through a reluctant psychic played by Whoopi Goldberg attempts to protect the woman he loves (Demi Moore) from a dangerous Tony Goldwyn. If you have to see this film for one thing, watch the pottery scene! It's one of the hottest scenes on the silver screen. Goldberg won an Oscar for her performance which was touching and hilarious. Best line: “Molly: I love you. Sam: Ditto.” A tip for watching Ghost? Bring a box of tissues. I guarantee you will need the whole box.

2 Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Ever think you are in love with someone based on an interview or a story? If you said yes, then Sleepless in Seattle is your film. Tom Hanks plays a recent widower who tells his story about losing his wife on a National Radio show thanks to the urging of his 8-year-old son. Among those listening is a Maryland newspaper reporter played by Meg Ryan who is engaged to straight laced Bill Pullman. Enamored by him and his story, Ryan is sent to Seattle on assignment and the results are everything.

1 The Notebook (2004)

This story is an all time favorite due to the simple fact that this couple's love has transcended through decades. Narrated by the late, great James Garner, we learn about the romance between local worker, Noah played by Ryan Gosling and a young, wealthy Allie played by Rachel McAdams. Due to their social differences, the two were destined to be apart, but love has a way of putting people together in the most romantic way possible. A twist in the film will make you cry. But The Notebook proves that love doesn't care about money or social status. It's simply beautiful.