Top 10 Guy-Friendly Romantic Movies For Valentine’s Day
Romantic movies are a great way to keep the theme of love and romance while you two enjoy a night in cuddled up on the couch. But what if the thought of watching romance films induces fantasies of doing pretty much anything else — scrubbing the floors anyone? Not all romance films have to be sappy, painful, and nauseating. We’ve narrow down the best top 10 guy-friendly romantic films worth watching. So grab some popcorn and a blanket, and get cozy!
As Good As It Gets (1997)
A brilliant story about a single mother/waitress, a misanthropic romance author, and a gay artist who form an unlikely friendship. This is funny, realistic, and charming portrayal of worlds colliding combines smart dialogue with excellent acting.
Why he’ll like it: Thanks to Jack Nicholson, a film that could easily become sappy never does. Instead, this brilliant story of three very different people becomes a journey (metaphorically and literally) of self-realization.
Why she’ll like it: The discovery of true happiness is the primary theme of this charming film, mixed with the perfect dose of comedy and genuine romance, making this an ideal romantic comedy to watch this Valentine’s Day.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A couple erase each other from their memories, and in the process re-discover what they had to begin with. This surreal and beautiful film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet who are superb in this realistic depiction of a couple’s tumultuous love for each other. An original film with inventive film-making and an excellent supporting cast.
Why he’ll like it: It’s an unlikely romantic film that has a twisty, trippy, thought-provoking take on love. This off-the-wall film will leave you intrigued till the end.
Why she’ll like it: With a interesting blend of romance, drama, and fantasy, this honest and realistic portrayal of a relationship is as much about love as it is about inevitable imperfections.
Pretty Woman (1990)
In a classic story of opposites attracting, a wealthy business man played by Richard Gere hires an escort, played by Julia Roberts, to attend some social events, only to fall in love with her.
Why he’ll like it: Although this film is slightly more schmaltzy than most of the others listed, this charming story has a surprisingly funny plot that’s both entertaining and heart-warming.
Why she’ll like it: A modern-day Cinderella story, this lighthearted film is as every bit romantic as it is entertaining.
Sideways (2004)
An emotional and heart-felt comedy about two men reaching middle age with not much to show for it. Embarking on a road trip through California’s wine country a week before one of them is about to get married, the two men encounter two fascinating women and are forced to examine their morality.
Why he’ll like it: With a rare 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this film is so well-done you’ll forget you’re watching a romantic comedy.
Why she’ll like it: This film strikes the rare balance of portraying the characters’ emotional pain, imperfection, and angst with true comedic gold. Edgy, funny, and truly romantic.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
A young man who grew up in the slums of Mumbai becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” but is arrested under suspicion of cheating. While being interrogated, events from his past unfold, explaining why he knows the answers.
Why he’ll like it: A captivating story in an exotic setting, with dynamic directing and superb acting. This is much more than a love story.
Why she’ll like it: Jamal and Latika’s romance is undeniable in this entertaining and powerful film. A true love story that’s both visually dazzling and emotionally resonant.
There’s Something About Mary (1998)
This heart-felt and hilarious movie has become a romantic comedy classic. Ben Stiller and Cameron Diaz star in this Farrelly Brothers comedy about a guy hopelessly in love with a girl.
Why he’ll like it: The “hair-gel” scene alone is epic comedy gold, and Cameron Diaz isn’t bad to watch either.
Why she’ll like it: This quirky romantic comedy is irresistibly funny, with just the right touch of romance to make it appropriate for a Valentine’s Day movie.
The Titanic (1997)
This classic and spectacular epic re-creates the ill-fated maiden voyage of the R.M.S. Titanic. A wonderful blend of spectacular visuals and old-fashioned romance and drama.
Why he’ll like it: Not just a love story; this film is a winning combination of sophisticated special effects, classic storytelling, and James Cameron doing what he does best.
Why she’ll like it: One of the quintessential romance films of all time; Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet’s exhilarating, devastating, and poetic love story is time-less and unforgettable.
Wall-E (2008)
Pixar’s brilliant computer-animated tale about a waste-collecting robot in a post-apocalyptic world. Wall-E embarks on a space journey that ultimately decides the fate of man-kind. This charming, hilarious and heart-warming story is an unlikely, yet surprisingly romantic little film.
Why he’ll like it: A movie about robots. Enough said.
Why she’ll like it: The adorable dynamic of Wall-E and Eve is almost as charming (if not, more so) than a human romance.
Wedding Crashers (2005)
A pair of long-time friends and notorious womanizers who habitually sneak into weddings to meet women find themselves at odds with each another when one of them unexpectedly falls in love. Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson star in this hilarious romantic comedy.
Why he’ll like it: Gratuitous nudity, blatant sex jokes, and Vince Vaughan and Owen Wilson in a hilarious duo. What’s not to like?
Why she’ll like it: Multiple romances blossom and evolve during the film, making it a romantic and appropriate choice for a Valentine’s Day film.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
One of the quintessential romantic comedies of all-time. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as two strangers who share a car trip to New York, along the way discussing aspects of their lives. Eventually becoming good friends, and exploring the dynamic of their relationship.
Why he’ll like it: It’s a funny and entertaining film, good for some laughs and goes beyond the characters in the film to explore how men and women really think.
Why she’ll like it: The iconic chemistry between Harry and Sally makes for a sweet, embraceable comedy, with the prefect amount of romance to make this a great Valentine’s Day film.
Honorable Mentions:
Along with the top 10, these 5 notable romance-themed films are also worth watching:
Annie Hall (1977)
Chocolat (2000)
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Groundhog Day (1993)