15 Of The Most Spine Chillingly Romantic Quotes In Film
In a world that can be extremely depressing, it is sometimes nice to focus on the romantic side of things, especially in the form of escapism and Hollywood romance. Everybody loves a love story, and what better than the ones that cement themselves into the hearts and minds of many, putting a little passion into our lives. With a number of Hollywood romances easily able to say those things that us regular folk find so seemingly difficult, romantic movies are the holy grail when it comes to quoting our favorite lines. Plus helping those who have an unfortunate way with words, Hollywood romances can well and truly seal the deal…
Full of lovely little gems and lingering lines, Hollywood has a long history of producing such passionate love affairs. So, for all you romantic souls out there, here are 15 of the most spine-chillingly romantic quotes in film, don't forget your tissues.
15 We'll always have Paris' -Rick (Casablanca, 1942)
Yes, they will, and now it seems they'll also have Casablanca. Putting in a heart-wrenching performance as the strong and sultry, Rick Blaine, the movie sees the poor guy lose the love of his life not once but TWICE, even after spending the majority of the film trying to get over her. However, what else do you expect if the object of your affection is Ingrid Bergman, putting in a dazzling performance as the one that most definitely got away. Often topping polls worldwide as the most romantic movie in cinema history, the star-crossed lovers don't actually even end up together, I KNOW! Winning best picture at the Academy Awards, the quote itself has often caused a number of debates in what exactly went down that night in Paris all those years ago. But, whatever happened, it's safe to say it was extremely memorable, with the quote often the most repeated of the film, well, that and 'of all the gin joints, here's looking at you kid, kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time, Louie, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship, and near enough every other single line of the movie.
14 'I've fallen in love. I didn't think such violent things could happen to such ordinary people' -Laura (Brief Encounter, 1945)
If only everyone spoke like the stiff upper lip British middle class, whose scandalous extra marital affairs shocked 1940's Britain with its daring subject matter and tantalizing subjectivity. That's right, when married housewife Laura meets the also married dashing doctor Alec, the pair embark on a passionate love affair, causing Laura to mentally and psychically break down. Don't worry though, all they do is kiss and cuddle a few times, never once consummating the affair, because that would just be too daring and outrageous. However, even a peck on the lips is enough for poor Laura, who at one point even contemplates death rather than risk anyone finding out. Shocking for its time, Brief Encounter is by far one of the most romantic movies of all time, depicting a 1940's forbidden love in all its unspeakable glory. With a raging soundtrack from Russian Composer, Sergei Rachmaninoff, the movie will most definitely send shivers soaring up your spine, inspiring a number of romantic movies over the next few decades.
13 'I like you very much. Just as you are' -Mark Darcy (Bridget Jones's Diary, 2001)
Another British blockbuster displaying the trials and tribulations of high society dating, Bridget Jones Diary swiftly introduced 'modern dating' for the 'modern woman', whatever that means. Based on the book of the same name, fans were already skeptical when the ultra skinny Texan American Renée Zellweger was cast as the not so slender bumbling Brit Bridget Jones. However, after winning over fans with her stellar performance and excellent, spot-on accent, Zellweger came to be adored just as much as her alter ego. Set in London, the movie sees socially awkward Mark Darcy, played by the equally awkward Colin Firth, spend the majority of the film looking down on poor Bridget. However, by the end of the movie it is ultimately revealed that he had liked her this whole time, nobody saw that coming! Claiming that 'he likes her very much, just as she is', Darcy and Jones swiftly become an item, until the next stumbling block in the road that is.
12 'To me you are perfect' -Mark (Love Actually, 2003)
King of the cheesy rom-coms, Richard Curtis, most definitely has a way with words, piercing the hearts of hundreds of men and women across the globe. From Four Weddings and a Funeral, Is it still raining? I hadn't noticed, to Bridget Jones and Notting Hill, Curtis certainly knows how to make the toughest of us shed a tear or two. And what better than to do it at Christmas, with Love Actually asserting itself as one of the best holiday movies of all time. Depicting the lives of a number of characters throughout the Christmas period, Love Actually explores a number of romantic related themes. From extra marital affairs to falling in love for the first time, it is unrequited love that seemingly gets to the most of us. As best man to his best friends wedding, Mark, played by zombie killer Andrew Lincoln, inconveniently falls in love with the bride, causing a number of awkward and unpleasant scenes, that see Mark as a little creepy rather than that of the romantic type. Anyhow, after a few cue cards declaring his love for his BEST FRIENDS WIFE, Mark moves on, most likely to stalk someone else. It's sweet really, kind of.
11 'The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return' -Christian (Moulin Rouge, 2001)
Life lessons from Ewan McGregor, what more could you want? Set in 18th century Paris, Christian (McGregor) meets lady of the night and eventual soulmate Satine (Nicole Kidman) at the infamous French establishment, the Moulin Rouge. Sparking a roller coaster of song, dance, and color, Christian and Satine embark on a wonderfully written ride of romance, with the help of a few friends along the way. Well received and winning a number of awards, the movie was extremely popular, with Kidman even bagging a nomination for best actress at the Academy Awards. Directed by the King of romance himself, Baz Luhrmann, the Luhrmann of love proved once again that music is the sound of love, as he did a few years earlier with Romeo and Juliet and most recently with The Great Gatsby. And, just like Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge also ends in tragedy, making everything that little bit more gut-wrenching.
10 'You should be kissed and often, and by someone who knows how' -Rhett Butler (Gone With the Wind, 1939)
Set during the civil war in the glorious sunshine of southern America, The USA that is, Gone With The Wind wowed audiences with its shining technicolor and epic landscapes. Taking quite a fancy to Vivien Leigh's ballsy Scarlett O'Hara, all round manly man Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) doesn't quite know what to do with himself when he realizes she doesn't actually like him back, shock! With an eye for another guy, Scarlett stops at nothing in getting her man, leaving poor old Rhett Butler to keep on chasing her for the majority of the movie. However, would you believe, as soon as Butler realizes that she 'ain't even worth the trouble, Scarlett suddenly decides that she does indeed love him, and has done all this time, typical! At an epic 221 minutes long, Gone With The Wind is frankly one of the best damn romantic movies you will ever see, filling you up with so much romance, you'll never go hungry again…
9 'Make of our hands one hand. Make of our hearts one heart. Make of our vows one last vow. Only death will part us now' -Tony (West Side Story, 1961)
A modern day Romeo and Juliet, West Side Story tells the tale of star crossed lovers Tony and Maria, who are forced to choose between the burning love of each others hearts, or the pride of their feuding families. Heart-breaking, devastating and exceptionally musical, the movie takes its audience on a journey of forbidden love and catchy tunes. With famous numbers such as 'tonight' and 'Maria', Tony lands one of the best romantic quotes of all time, with his rendition of 'One Hand and One Heart'. Thrusting him into the good books, Tony and Maria become inseparable, which can only mean one thing, tragedy. Based on the successful Broadway hit of the same name, the adaptation was extremely well received, garnering a huge number of awards and accolades. With 10 Oscars under its belt, West Side Story became the most successful musical in the history of the Academy Awards. Winning best picture, best director and best cinematography to name but a few, West Side Story has often been the subject of a rumored remake, with Steve Spielberg himself expressing interest.
8 'I like you Maude / I like you Harold -Harold and Maude' (Harold and Maude, 1971)
Sold as the ultimate black comedy, Harold and Maude doesn't disappoint when it comes to freaking out its audience. However, what it does offer, is an insight into the different kinds of relationships that this beautiful world has to offer, treading away from the conventional romances that are so often thrown upon us. Obsessed with the idea of death and his own eventual demise, Harold begins to stage a number of elaborate and fake suicide attempts. With another obsession being that of attending strangers funerals, Harold meets like-minded 79-year-old Maude, who shares his hobby of frequent funeral hopping. Starting up a friendship the pair form a strong bond, with Maude introducing Harold to the pleasures of the world instead. Becoming closer, the pair start an eventual romance, leading to an unconventional love affair that shocks the majority of Harold's family. Voted as one of the funniest movies ever by the American film institute, Harold and Maude is as sweet as it is unorthodox.
7 'I will return. I will find you. Love you. Marry you. And live without shame' -Robbie (Atonement, 2007)
Like most adaptations, Atonement is far better as a book than as a movie, however, that's not to say that it sucks. Far from it in fact, with Atonement often ranked as one of the most romantic movies of all time. Earning itself a number of awards and nominations, Atonement was also positively received by a variety of critics. Starring the absolute queen of passionate period pieces, Keira Knightley (Cecilia), and the equally wonderful James McAvoy (Robbie), the two leads sizzle in what can sometimes be quite the sauciest of scenes. That's right, known for its erotically charged script, the movie not once shy's away from any embarrassment, but actively encourages it, well, by British standards anyway. With Knightley and McAvoy proving that above all, love is worth the wait, no matter what tragic and catastrophic obstacles stand in the way, Atonement will have you reaching for the tissues from the onset.
6 'I wish I knew how to quit you' -Jack (Brokeback Mountain, 2005)
So much more than just a 'gay cowboy movie', Brokeback Mountain also truthfully depicts a tender and raw relationship between two people, regardless of who they choose to love. Based on a short story by author E. Anne Proulx, Brokeback Mountain was one of the first movies to successfully bring homosexuality to the mainstream. With most movies previously conforming to the old age demographic of a gay man living with AIDS, Brokeback Mountain broke free of the shackles and chains of oppressed stereotypes, thrusting something different into the wonderful world of Hollywood. Following the lives of Jack and Ennis, the movie focuses solely on the masculine feelings of desire, yet the cruel aspects of forbidden love. Ending tragically, the movie follows in the footsteps of most movies in the LGBT canon, however, with most romantic tragedies also having a bitter ending, it seemed both Jack and Ennis were destined for disaster whatever happened.
5 'You make me want to be a better man' -Melvin (As Good As It Gets, 1997)
Starring the impeccably charming Jack Nicholson, as the not so likable misanthropist Melvin Udall, As Good As It Gets, much like Harold and Maude, focuses on the unconventional relationships that the world also has to offer us. A Christmas Carol for the modern era, Melvin is seen as the contemporary Scrooge, intent on ruining everyone's day and lives. Racist, homophobic and an all round nasty piece of work, Melvin is disliked by everybody he just so happens to come across. Suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, Melvin eats at the same place at the same time every day, bringing his own utensils to eat with. Served by the only waitress who will serve him (Helen Hunt), Melvin goes from a grumpy old man to a kinda nice guy by the end of the movie. A romantic comedy for those who are just bored of the same old stories, the movie perfectly dispels those old age beliefs in fairy tales, with 'real life' seemingly the happy ending instead.
4 'Choose me. Marry me. Let me make you happy' -Julianne (My Best Friend's Wedding, 1997)
Not only did My Best Friend's Wedding overthrow the whole romantic comedy genre, but it also had us also rooting for the bad guy, who incidentally turned out to be Julia Roberts?! Confused? Us too. That's right, with America's sweetheart, Julia Roberts, depicted as the villain, the movie was one of the first of its kind to portray the main character as a real person with real life flaws. On the basis that they are both single by the time they are 28, Julianne (Julia Roberts) and college BFF Michael (Dermot Mulroney) make a pact to marry each other. Calling Julianne three weeks before her 28th birthday, Michael explains he is getting married, and worse, it's to a 20-year-old young woman. Realizing she is actually in love with Michael herself, Julianne heads to the ceremony, intent on sabotage and stealing the man of her dreams. Adored by critics, Roberts was especially praised for her seditious spin on her usual 'girl next door image', venturing into unknown territory yet completely acing it.
3 'After all… I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her' -Anna (Notting Hill, 1999)
Speaking of Julia Roberts. With it no coincidence that Roberts should end up in a list that explores the most romantic quotes in film history, it has been a long-standing testament that Roberts is indeed the Queen of the rom-com. And what better than to have her here again, this time basically playing herself, as the American starlet who falls in love with a regular Joe schmo. Probably one of the most realistic love stories on the list, NOT, Notting Hill is about as believable as say marrying Julia Roberts herself, however as Hollywood so often likes to teach us, anything is indeed possible. Meeting independent book store owner, Hugh Grant, after pouring orange juice all over him, Roberts and Grant embark on a Hollywood romance, worthy of a thousand laughs. With quirky friends, British accents and a real life Hollywood princess, Notting Hill has become one of the most famous of Robert's movies, with Grant also cementing himself as a successful leading man.
2 'You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together and blow' -Slim (To Have And Have Not, 1944)
Not only is To Have And Have Not incredibly romantic, but when watching it you are actually watching a real life love story unfold right before your very own eyes. That's right, with leading man Humphrey Bogart and co-star Lauren Bacall first meeting on set, then embarking on a romance that would later see them marry and have two children, the film has become something of a real life love story. The Brad and Angelina of the 1940's, Bogart and Bacall became hot property, going on to star in a number of other movies together. With a marriage that lasted until Bogart's unfortunate death at only 50 years old, Bacall and Bogart were a true love affair, something rarely seen in Hollywood today. Based on the novel of the same name by legendary American/drunk author Ernest Hemingway, To Have And Have Not was also directed by another notorious drunk, Howard Hawk. Smart, sultry and jam-packed with a number of naughty innuendos, To Have And Have Not is a Hollywood classic from start to finish.
1 '[… ] I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible' -Harry (When Harry Met Sally, 1989)
By far the longest line on the list, but obviously the most romantic, When Harry Met Sally explores life's biggest question, 'can men and women just be friends?' With Harry most definitely believing they can't, and a young Meg Ryan most certainly disagreeing, the movie explores a different kind of relationship to the one we are so regular used to seeing. Cleverly written, When Harry Met Sally is also one of the most quotable movies on the list, especially with the most famous scene showing a confident Sally 'faking it' in a New York Diner. Inspiring the famous line, 'I'll have what she's having', the real diner itself is visited by a number of fans every year. With the idea for the script coming from director Rob Reiner's real-life divorce, the movie earned a number of awards and nominations, cementing itself as one of the funniest yet most romantic movies of all time.