Romantic Movies Guys Will Like
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Romance and Action: The Perfect Combination
Do you love to cuddle up with your significant other for a good movie, but are tired of fighting over what to watch? Every woman wants to watch a good love story now and then and just about every man will resist a chick flick in favor of an action, comedy or football movie.
Compromise is the key to a long lasting relationship, right? You need movies that please you both. I won't be suggesting Casablanca, The Notebook or Chocolat. My top picks are far from sappy. In fact, a guy may not even notice that there is a love story at all. So get you back where you belong, snuggled up on the couch enjoying yourselves.
True Romance
True Romance
Starring Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, True Romance is an intense love story littered with enough violence and action to satisfy any man. Written by Quentin Tarrantino, it has his trade mark triangular gun fight scene and important things will always happen when the main character is in the bathroom.
If you don't appreciate bloody fights, be sure to close your eyes when James Gandolfini makes his entrance. The cast is crammed with great actors like Dennis Hopper, Brad Pitt, Val Kilmer (as Elvis) and Gary Oldman.
50 First Dates
The Princess Bride
Shallow Hal
50 First Dates
You can't go wrong with Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. 50 First Dates will have you laughing and wondering how it might feel to start each day with a clean slate.
Henry Roth (Sandler) is avoiding commitment when he meets Lucy (Barrymore). Henry thinks he has found the girl of his dreams at last, but discovers she forgets him each morning due to her short term memory loss. Starting fresh each day, he gets to know her and continues to try to get things right on each first date.
The Princess Bride
This fairy tale adventure of true love has it all, from the Cliffs of Insanity to the Pit of Despair. There is a beautiful Princess and her farm boy turned hero, sword fights, giants and an evil prince. This movie has become a classic and is worth watching again and again.
Starring Carey Elwes and Robin Wright, with Peter Falk, Fred Savage, Billy Crystal and Mandy Patinkin.
Shallow Hal
Hal (Jack Black) meets motivational giant Tony Robbins in an elevator and is hypnotized into see the inner beauty in women, becoming blind to their physical attributes. He falls in love with a 300lb woman( Gwyneth Paltrow). This hilarious love story drives home the sweet message of learning to love people for who they are and not what they appear to be.
Directed by the Farrelly brothers. Also starring Jason Alexander.
The Replacements
Keanu Reeves stars as a replacement quarterback in this comedy based on the football players strike of 1987. Gene Hackman costars as the coach of a team of misfits hired to finish the season.
There is plenty of football and laughs in this flick, and I assure you, where there is a quarterback and a cheerleader there is always a romance.
I have included one of my favorite scenes (see clip below) showing the replacement team after a bar fight. I can't help but smile watching this one!
Not So Romantic Dance Scene From The Replacements
300
300
This is the story of King Leonidas and his 300 men who take on the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C.
Let me explain, before you assume that I have a sick idea of romance. This movie is mostly about war. It is brutal and violent and a little freaky. There is a unique love story here, if you look closely, between King Leonidas and his Queen. According to the movie Spartan men are raised to be warriors strong of heart, mind and body. The Queen of Sparta has a strength of her own and is deeply loved and respected by her husband. She handles what she must for him and his thoughts are of her when he goes into battle. He turns to her for support and approval just before kicking the Persian messenger who just insulted her into a pit. That screams love!
Okay, maybe this is a stretch. This movie is rated R for many reasons. I don't usually watch movies with men in capes and Speedo's, but these are not your ordinary Speedo wearing men at the beach.
These are Spartans.
Just A Few More Suggestions
- Sweet Home Alabama
- There's Something About Mary
- The Brothers McMullen
- She's The One
- Proof of Life
- Braveheart
- Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet starring Clare Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio
Movies To Watch Without Him
Beware! Any of these selections would be going against my very good advice to compromise!
The following movies are likely to irritate a man, and are enjoyed most without him. They annoy me as well, but are considered the most romantic movies ever. You could, of course, use them as a punishment, if he for instance, forgot your birthday.
- Titanic
- Jerry McGuire (that you complete me line drives me nuts)
- The English Patient
- Casablanca
- Gone With The Wind
Traditional Romantic Movies
Relationship Help
- Helpful Relationship Tips
Struggling to connect in your relationship? These ideas and suggestions can help you reignite the fire that brought you together.
CommentsLoading...
Interesting list, the compromise is quite evident...I assume. Great hub.
Hi Doghouse, thanks! I should add those to the list!
Thanks Peter, is it really that obvious?
tbarle, all is well. I deleted all comments. Lets start over, okay?
Amy ,
Great Hub.I saw 300 and even though it was brutal and freaky ,it was romantic and touching.
Hi Tania, thanks! I am glad I am not the only one who saw the romance in 300 :)
As a guy, I just have to say this is the most awesome list of movies ever. I think I have seen just about all these movies (some more than once) Bravo!
Hi amy jane...great list! I love most of the movies you picked, and I haven't seen a few...so maybe we'll have to add some to our netflix queue! Anyway, I remember 50 First Dates was funny, but also pretty sad, definitely cried at the end. Thanks for sharing these. =)
Money Newsletter and BloggerMom, I am so glad you like my list! I have seen some of these movies multiple times and they never get boring. The Replacements dance scene never fails to make me smile.
We used the theme song from True Romance (Hans Zimmer -not Aerosmith) at our wedding ceremony. I walked down the isle to it :)
l loved the movies amy
Thanks lillybabe!
This is a really clever list - excellent insights!
Thanks livelonger!
The best line in Jerry McQuire? "You had me at hello"
I know it's weird for a guy but I really liked the movies based on the Jane Austen Novels. (eg Pride and Prejudice)
Amy Jane - this is a super, and fun hub! I love so many of the movies you have profiled here. I'm with you on the first four. I haven't seen 300, so that's one that I want see now. I'm a total sucker for romantic comedy. Shakespere in Love. Awesome.
There is a love story in the movie Titantic? lol
But the real question is will girls like me more if I go to a movies that are like the movies on the suggestions list for movies to watch without your guy?
One other question how do you know the difference between a movie to take your guy with you and not take your guy with you or is it just a feeling?
I guess I could be convinced into going to a movie like the English Patient but only if she promises to really like me more and not just fake it and even then it will take a whole lot of convincing.
One other comment about the movie Titantic. The love story is a very important part of this movie but to a guy like me it was not to over the top like some movies especially the ending where they are just trying to survive. Well almost everyone should know whats happens at the end of the movie.
Hi Archturn, thanks for commenting! Jerry McGuire really bugs, me, as you can tell. Maybe it's just Tom Cruise. I am a huge Jane Austin fan because her love stories are so intelligent and well developed, so I don't think its weird :)
Hey Steph, I'm glad you agree! 300 is gruesome, but if you liked True Romance you shouldn't mind it too much!
Pcool, thanks for commenting :) I am not sure that I know the answers to your questions, but my advice is this: watch True Romance. Clarence is by himself at the movies on his birthday, seeing what he wants to see.
See what you like. Compromise on occasion. But don't pretend to like a movie just to please someone else.
50 first dates was funny
Hi ulises, I agree - really funny and sweet too.
Great Hub! Wow brought back many memories with the Shallow Hal trailer... loved that one!!! For the record, I watched and loved most of the movies on your list including Titanic which my wife and I watched in the theatre when it first came out :-)
Back to Shallow Hal.. loved Tony Robbins in this film.. he did a terrific job and loved it when Hal (Jack Black) said he had a big "Melon" LOL
Great Hub! ~ Peter :-)
So a guy should just come right out and say what he thought of a movie no matter what?
I would probably be a big wuss and say I like the movie even if I did not.
PCaholic, i agree, Tony Robbins was great in Shallow Hal. i think he really is like that in real life, which is so funny. Thanks for reading and commenting!
I know, Titanic was an Oscar winner :)
Pcool,
Just be yourself, feel free to disagree as long as you do it nicely!
Great! Thanks for a couple new flicks - she will appreciate me getting them.
Have you considered Groundhog Day. Most of my friends like it because Bill is the main star, but it really is just a love story with a twist - Am I being trite here?
Might I suggest "The Wind and The Lion"? Great action flick with a little romance involving Sean Connery and Candace Bergen. This flick has something for everyone. Stuff blows up, political intrigue and unrequited love, it's all there. Look for an outstanding performance by Brian Keith as Teddy Roosevelt.
3 chick flicks that I like and heartily recommend:
Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion. Crazy stupid yet fun to watch.
Next Stop Wonderland. Witty and just a little offbeat.
Sliding Doors. Gwyneth Paltrow shines.
And finally, the granddaddy of the action/romance genre, From Here to Eternity. Frank Sinatra won an Oscar and resurrected his career with his performance. Donna Reed, the girl next door, is a bad girl in this one. (at least in the context of the 50's. Today she'd be pretty tame.) This is a must see for any film buff as this film truly qualifies as a classic.
Casablanca? That's no punishment! That's what movies should be! But Titanic? ACK!!! Hit the damn iceberg already!
Now I remember there was actually a love triangle in the movie Titantic.
Rose liked Leo's character but she also was on the boat with another character that did not really like Leo's character.
Yes Titantic actually won 11 Oscars and only Ben Hur won more than that in one year. But none of the actors in Titantic won an Oscar for their role in the movie. Most of the awards that Titantic won were for technical things and also Best Picture.
Titantic was one of the most visually stunning movies I have ever seen at a theater.
These are great!
Hey Jason, Groundhog Day is a great one too - i just didn't think of it! I will add it to the list when I get a chance :) Thanks for the idea!
Hi Leah, i agree with your picks - Romy and Michelle is hilarious and Sliding Doors is another favorite. i think i may need to do another list entirely to include all of the comedies. Clueless is another...glad you agree with me on Titanic :)
Pcool, that is all true of Titanic. Still, for visually stunning, 300 is amazing. or I could go with Lord of the Rings, but that is just my personal favorite.
Thanks MasonsMom, glad you liked it :)
I am so ashamed. I have done a major disservice to this hub. Yes, by now I'm sure it's all over the Internet how I failed to recommend one of the all time great "Chick flicks that guys will like."
The African Queen
Sigh.
Humphrey Bogart and Kate Hepburn. Bogart, the crusty captain of the "African Queen" and Katherine Hepburn, the prim, proper psalm singing skinny old maid, are thrown together by fate and embark on a dangerous, impossible trip down an African river in an attempt to blow up a German gunboat in the early days of WWI.
Sigh
Humor... adventure... romance... first class dialogue... first class acting... sigh
And yes, stuff blows up.
This movie belongs on everyone's list.
Hi Leah,
I'm ashamed to admit... I have never seen The African Queen! I will put it on my Netflix list because it sounds like I would like it. And if stuff blows up, my husband will watch it with me. Thanks for the recommendation!
You and your husband will love it! If you don't mind, drop me a line to let me know what you think after you've watched it. Thanks!
I sure will Leah, thanks!
Hi Amy:
I just read your hub so sorry for the late comment... I love your picks, though I agree with Latexleah: Casablanca is defintely no punishment! :))
If you don't mind, I'd like to add a few (maybe you haven't seen them, or maybe you just didn't like them :)):
The Last of the Mohicans
An Officer and a Gentleman
Ghost
Romancing the Stone
Breakfast at Tiffany's
And even the recent Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Keep hubbing... Good job! :))
Hi Rusty, thanks for the suggestions! Romancing the Stone is a fun one that I completely forgot about. I still haven't seen the Last of the Mohicans - i have to put that on my list. :)
that's a nice list, Amy i will also recommend:
- A walk to remember
- Wall.E !
- Sweet november
and oh 50 first dates is an excellent choice :)
Thanks for the suggestions, Mezo! I like your chosices also. I haven't seen Wall E yet...have to add it to the list. :)
Great list! True Romance is one of my all time favorite movies. I think you could also check out John Woo's The Killer - romantic but very bloody (see my hub if you've never heard about it).
Thanks for the suggestion - I will check out your hub. True Romance is still a great movie! I just watched it (again) a couple of weeks ago!
Braveheart a romance? That makes Star Wars a romance too. ;)
Braveheart is so romantic! He basically takes it upon himself to win freedom for his country because of the wrong that was done to him.
Ok, we can let Star Wars be a romantic film. Just not a very good one! (oh- please don't get mad!)
Good hub, but I'd have to add Knocked-Up and Shaun Of The Dead.
Thanks brodie! Knocked up was hilarious! I don't think I had seen it yet when I wrote this hub. Glad you liked it!
High Fidelity and Serendipity...guys will like definitely
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm a John Cusack fan, so those movies are favorites of mine.
You mean you can agree that Star Wars can be a romantic film? Wow, I like your taste. I'd watch romantic movies with you anytime. :)
Thanks wandererh! :)
'300' is one of the option, but it's not what I expected to see in this list, haha, but cool points ^^
No, 300 is not your typical romance film! I admit that, but I do think there is a pure and tragic love story there. Or maybe I was just confused by all the Spartan men in speedos and capes, lol...
I agree with "Serendipity", that's one of my favorites. But also try the Rock Hudson/Doris Day film, "Lover Come Back", "Penny Serenade" with Cary Grant and "For Keeps" with Molly Ringwald. Great stuff.
Haha..Such a fun hub! I guess I would really love them all. Gonna watch them.
Pretty in Pink :3
nice movies. i watched casablanca and it was excellent.
In The Doghouse 4 years ago
Great Hub. Punnish them with Music and Lyrics, and Notting Hill also. lol