Valentine’s Special Movie Reviews: My Top 5 Favorite Romantic Movies of All-time!

Valentine's Day Special Post 

There were so many movies in my list of favorites that it was hard to decide which one should I leave and which should I pick and on which position. After some hard decisions, I chose these five movies, based on their romance quotient, and the ability to keep me glued to the seat providing me thorough entertainment. I have seen these movies hundreds of times as they leave me feeling energized and high-spirited. So, here are my top 5 picks!

Dirty Dancing (1987)

I am an 80’s child and this iconic movie gripped my senses since I saw it the first time, more importantly that was my first lesson in adult relationships empowered by lust and love.  Such a nostalgic feeling attached to it!
The role of Jeniffer Grey (Baby) as a freshman who learns to do some “dirty boogie” with a handsome much-older guy, is utterly addictive and holds limitless charm. Though stereotypical, this movie possesses this cult status for making dirty boogie a winner at every dance party! Who can forget the evergreen song, "Time of my life"?

This movie gets its classic appeal due to the sensual dance moves which became the signature style of 80’s. The female audience could not resist the hunk Patrick Swayze (well, that includes me too!). It just serves all the romance and passion to get a stamp for being a “guilty pleasure”. For all these reasons and for churning out the best soundtracks ever, this movie sits on No.1 position in my all-time favourite collection of movies, a must-watch on Valentine’s Day!

An Officer and A Gentleman (1982)

Unlike Patrick’s role of a sensitive dude in “Dirty Dancing”, this film showcases a hero who is tough and a little cold around the heart (well, not exactly stone-hearted!). Our dashing hero Richard Gere (Zack Mayo), falls in love with a spunky and seductive girl but finds himself torn between his duties as a cadet and a lover. He finally learns to come out of his shell and becomes an absolute “gentleman” as well as an excellent cadet. If you are a die-hard Richard Gere fan (like I am!), this movie should sit on your shelf forever, for this reason alone.

Besides delicious Richard, the concept of army life so well-portrayed, with the tussle between professional and love life, is a treat to watch. The acting by all the cast is brilliant and I just never get tired of seeing it again and again. It has got so many memorable scenes but the best is when Richard picks the girl in his arms, it is just so irresistibly sweet and sexy at the same time.  The sexual scenes are choreographed artistically and do not gross me out.

For me, this movie rates high because of its compelling and involving tale, delicately handled by the director, complemented beautifully by superb performances from its actors. Gaining No.2 spot on my list, this classic film is a must-watch for romantics who like to see some authentic action and adventure too.

When Harry met Sally (1989)

This movie presents the ultimate dilemma, can men and women be just “good friends”? What starts as a platonic relationship between friends of opposite genders, does it “always” lead to “more”? Why I love this movie? Because when I watched it the first time, I was facing this problem too (I guess, we all do, at some point in our life!). Well, this is not the only reason I selected this film as No.3 for my Top 5 chart. I love the way the story unfolds, in bits and pieces and the natural flow of dialogues. I love the girl-next-door charm and spontaneous acting of Meg Ryan. Just can’t stop laughing on that scene when she executes “fake orgasm” sitting in a restaurant. Hilarious!

Billy Crystal’s acting as Harry is flawless! I love how average looking, just another guy on the block, the hero is. Something that I can relate to! I love the igniting chemistry between the hero and heroine, it does not start with animal sex but has something more deep and meaningful to it! This lends the movie its authenticity, its originality and makes it stand-out among other romantic movies of that time. Watch this movie, if you love someone whole-heartedly with all his/her flaws and annoying habits!

Jerry Maguire (1996)

One of the best roles played by Tom Cruise (Oh! His infectious smile!), this movie shows how Jerry, a successful agent has a major falling down. In that time of struggle, there is no one with him, except his secret admirer, Dorothy (played by Renee Zellweger). Why don’t we get to see such original and real characters in movies, anymore? The strength of this movie lies in ordinary people placed in ordinary situations and making the best out of the worst.

This movie made me laugh out loud when there were scenes between Cuba (arrogant football player) and Tom (as an agent trying to make him see his potential). Though the movie focuses mainly on Jerry’s career, it does not ignore the feelings of a woman who is longing for a partner that could love her unconditionally and pamper her. I think besides Tom, Renee shines in her role delivering outstanding performance. I cried like a baby when Tom and Renee meet at the end. Simply adorable! Here is my most loved scene from the movie, makes me cry every time!

Oh! And how can I forget the cute bond of father and son between Renee’s little son and Tom. Just watch this movie if you have missed it somehow! It rates high on cuteness quotient and is filled with memorable scenes. You won’t regret it!

P.S. I Love You (2007)

This movie made me believe in the eternal nature of “true love”. It made me see how “death” is not the end of everything, it could lead to a new beginning too. A young widow receives surprise letters from her dead husband telling her to move on with her life without him. With a strong plot, this movie utilizes its actors’ potential to the fullest and tests them. Surprisingly, Hilary Swank as Holly (widower) does not overplays or underplays the role, just the perfect amount of grace and sadness, occasional smile here and there. I did not notice Gerard Butler before this movie (now I do! A yummy feast for the eyes!). He definitely makes an effort to keep up with the mature acting of Hilary and does not disappoint.

Among contemporary romantic films, this movie remains my favourite and deserves to be on the No.5 position, because of its fresh approach to the subject of undying love. Caution: get ready for a lot of tears!
But for now, enjoy this ultimate sweet love song from the movie!

So, these are my all-time favorite romantic movies. I see them every Valentine’s Day with my hubby. Well, it may sound crazy but it has developed into a kind of ritual to watch these one by one (romantic movies marathon!) curled up in a sofa with a bag of tissues handy. Do tell me are any of these movies, your favorites too? What are you watching this Valentine’s Day?