Romance Films

500 Days Of Film Reviews The Dressmaker, Staring Kate Winslet And Wonders, Has Revenge Ever Looked So Good?

After years working as a dressmaker in London, Milan and Paris, Murtle 'Tilly' Dunnage (Kate Winslet) returns to her tiny hometown in rural Australia.

She is desperate to remember the tragic events that led to her being banished from the town and wants to reconcile with her ailing mother, Molly (the brilliant Judy Davies). 

Armed with her sewing machine and an incredible sense of style, Tilly transforms the women of the town. In doing so, she hopes to get closer to the truth - is she really a child murderer?

However, Tilly’s plans for revenge and redemption become complicated when she falls in love with the good hearted Teddy (Liam Hemsworth). 

500 Days Of Film Reviews The Age Of Adaline And Finds A Film Full Of Sweet And Timeless Romance

A car accident has left Adaline Bowman (Blake Lively) stuck at the age of 29 years old. She has now been 29 years old for almost eight decades. 

This mysterious condition has forced Adaline to live a solitary existence, never allowing herself to get close to anyone who might reveal her secret. 

A chance meeting with charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman) tempts her to take a risk and engage with the world once again. 

However, a weekend with his parents (Harrison Ford and Kathy Baker) threatens to uncover the truth about the age of Adaline.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Carol And Finds An Atmospheric Film And A Heartbreaking Story

Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, The Price Of Salt, Carol tells the story of two women who, despite coming from very different backgrounds, meet by chance and then fall in love.

Therese (Roony Mara) is a lonely young woman in her 20s working as a shop assistant in a Manhattan department store.

One Christmas, she meets Carol (Cate Blanchett), an older woman trapped in a loveless marriage.

The two feel an immediate connection - an attraction that neither can ignore. 

However, this is the 1950s. This is a time when the love between Carol and Therese, no matter how deep, is rejected by society.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Coming Of Age Romance, The Spectacular Now Starring Miles Teller And Shailene Woodley

High school senior, Sutter Keely (Miles Teller), is always the life and soul of any party. He lives for the moment and gets by on his seemingly effortless charm.

However, Sutter’s life changes when he meets “nice girl” Aimee Fineky (Shailene Woodley).

He is drawn to her - and she to him.

Aimee plans for the future, Sutter only wants to focus on the now. Their relationship shouldn’t work and yet, despite the messiness in their lives, Sutter and Aimee fall in love.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Brooklyn And Finds A Beautiful Story And A Gorgeous Film

Eilis (Saoirse Ronan) leaves her home, a small village in rural Ireland, in the hope of a better life in Brooklyn. 

At first terribly homesick, Eilis soon begins to find her feet.

Living in Mrs Keogh’s (Julie Walters) boarding house, she makes new friends, embarks on a new career and starts a romance with a local man called Tony (Emory Cohen).

However, when a tragedy occurs at home, Eilis must return to Ireland. Once there, she soon realises that she must choose between the two countries and between her two lives.

Well I've counted down my favourite romantic movies from 50-25... now it is time to look at those films that made the top 25.

But, first, what did you think of this list so far?

I'd love to know. Why not leave me a comment in the box at the end of this post?

Just to emphasise, these films were chosen from those that I have watched during my 500 Days Of Film Challenge (click here to see my movie lists).

Over the past few weeks, I have watched and re-watched some of my favourite cinematic love stories.

Before long, I realised that I had watched quite a number of these 'romantic' films.

As I love a good list, I decided to rank these films in order of my preference.

I would love to share these movies with you.

However, before we start, I should mention two things.

Firstly, I realise that I have not watched every single romantic film in this genre. I may not have watched your favourite. I have also only selected those films that I have watched since my movie challenge began back in May 2015.

Secondly, you may disagree with my ranking. I have to emphasise that this is just how I feel about these movies. You are completely free to agree or disagree. Let me know how you feel either way. I have a comments section at the end of my post especially there for you to enlighten me. I just love talking movies with you all!

Okay, let's make a start... here is part one of my top 50 favourite romantic movies! I'm counting back from 50-25. (Click here to see my top 25). 

500 Days Of Film Reviews Testament Of Youth And Finds A True Story Of Love, War And Remembrance

Vera Brittain (Alicia Vikander) is a feisty, independent young woman who has to overcome her family’s prejudices in order to secure a scholarship to Oxford. 

She is thrilled by the new literary life that awaits her at university - an experience she hopes to share with new love Roland (Kit Harington).

However, all her dreams are shattered following the start of World War One. First Roland and then her brother, Edward, sign up.

Vera soon realises that she cannot continue her education while her friends and loved ones fight for their country. As a result, she volunteers as a nurse. Nothing could prepare her for the tragedies to follow.

After the end of the war, Vera decided to publish her memoir. This was her way of both honouring those she lost and also showing the horrific futility of war.

Vera's testimony would become a bestseller - one of the few books to detail a woman’s experience of World War One.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Trainwreck And Finds A Film With Proper Rom And Buckets Of Com

Amy is happy with her life - so don’t you dare judge her choices.

She has a great apartment in New York, a sought after job as a journalist and she is perfectly happy with her romantic status. 

She is in a very open relationship - but that’s how she likes it.

For Amy calls the shots in her own life and avoids intimacy like the plague. She’s learnt well from her philandering father (Colin Quinn). Even her own sister Kim (Brie Larson) finds her impossible at times. 

However, all this begins to change when she is handed an assignment to write about pioneering sports surgeon, Aaron (Bill Hader). At first she thinks he is just another one night stand. But then he wants her to stay and, scarier still, he wants to spoon. 

Can Amy handle her growing feelings for Aaron or will she do everything in her power to push him, and a chance for real happiness, away?

500 Days Of Film Reviews Once And Finds A Magical Musical Movie

She sees him playing guitar, busking on the streets of Dublin and strikes up a conversation.

I that instant, they both know that there is something special between them.

She takes him to a nearby music shop. He plays her his songs. She accompanies him on the piano. They share a beautiful moment that neither wants to end. 

500 Days Of Film Reviews Joss Whedon’s Much Ado About Nothing And Finds A Stunning And Contemporary Retelling Of Shakespeare’s Classic Romantic Comedy.

After pretty much owning the superhero genre with Marvel movies such as Avengers: Age Of Ultron, Joss Whedon returns to his roots, reconnects with his friends and makes a fantastic film of a classic Shakespeare comedy along the way.

As you ado.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Before Sunrise, Before Sunset and Before Midnight And Finds Perhaps The Best Movie Trilogy Ever Made

Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delphy) meet by chance on a train bound for Vienna.

They feel an instant connection and start talking about their lives (his in America, hers in France), hopes and dreams for the future.

When the train reaches his stop, Jesse asks Celine to get off and spend the day with him.

He argues that she owes it to her future self to take this chance, seize this day. Otherwise, she will forever wonder - what if?

So begins a beautiful romance and a superb film trilogy. 

500 Days Of Film Reviews Only Lovers Left Alive And Finds An Uber Cool, Atmospheric Vampire Movie

Life is what you make it. 

You can either embrace every opportunity like Eve (Tilda Swinton) and soak up all that culture has to offer. 

Or you can sink into a stultifying depression like Adam (Tom Hiddleston) as you watch humanity destroy the planet and themselves.

Either way, it’s not easy being a vampire - for this is what Adam and Eve are.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Crimson Peak And Finds A Sumptuous And Spooky, Brutal Yet Beautiful Gothic Romance 

In late 19th century New York, innovation is in the air. 

Edith Cushing (Mia Wasikowska) has just finished writing her novel (a ghost story) and, in celebration, her industrialist father gives her a beautiful fountain pen. 

Edith admires the pen but announces that she will, instead, use a typewriter in the future.

While being independent of mind and spirit, Edith still finds herself bewitched by a handsome but old fashioned man from England. Sir Thomas Sharpe (Tom Hiddleston) has come to New York in the hope of securing Mr Cushing's investment for his own invention - a steam powered evacuator. 

Mr Cushing dismisses his proposal and becomes deeply suspicious of Sharpe - particularly with regards his intentions towards Edith. 

However, a tragic death sees Edith and Sharpe married and Edith being carried over the threshold of the sumptuous yet monstrous Allendale Hall in England. 

This decaying building is to be her new home - a home with terrible secrets and where nothing is as it first seems. A home that she must also share with her sinister sister-in-law, Lucille (Jessica Chastain).

500 Days Of Film Reviews Liberal Arts And Finds An Extremely Enjoyable, Life Affirming Drama  

Jesse (Josh Radnor) is struggling with life.

His girlfriend has just left him, his job is repetitive and the attraction of living in New York has well and truly faded.

So, when a former professor invites him to his retirement dinner, Jesse jumps at the chance to return to his old college.

Whilst there, he meets 19 year old student, Zibbi (Elizabeth Olsen). They embark upon a romance based on a mutual love of literature and music.    

When Zibbi wants to take their relationship further, Jesse is suddenly struck by their age difference.

Is Zibbi mature beyond her years or is his attraction to her actually a sign that he is emotionally stunted?

500 Days Of Film Reviews A Royal Affair And Finds A Fascinating True Story With Passion And Depth

A Royal Affair tells the true story of Princess Caroline (Alicia Vikander) who is unhappily married to the mentally troubled King Christian VII of Denmark (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard). 

Increasingly isolated, she finds herself attracted to Johann Struensee (superbly portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen), the King’s physician and confident.

The two embark on a passionate affair and endeavour to use their influence with the King to bring enlightenment and freedom to their people. 

500 Days Of Film Reviews Cinderella And Now Wants A Crystal Coach

You know the story… Cinderella (Lily James) a beautiful, mistreated girl is about to miss the ball due to her evil stepmother and nasty stepsisters. 

All looks lost until her fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) pitches up and - bibbidi bobbidi boom - off Cinderella goes to spend a magical night dancing with a handsome, eligible prince.

But the magic only lasts until midnight and Cinderella scarpers before the Prince knows who she is or where she is from. The only clue he has is one of her crystal slippers. 

Undeterred, he decides to search the land until he finds the girl whose foot fits the slipper. He will then ask for her hand in marriage.

500 Days Of Film Reviews Far From The Madding Crowd and Finds An Enjoyable Drama

Bathsheba Everdeene (Carey Mulligan) is a rare thing - an independently wealthy woman living in rural Victorian England.

Her financial position frees her of the need to marry for security and "position". She only wants to marry for love.

This makes her a mystery to her three suitors - the steady farmer, Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), the wealthy William Boldwood (Michael Sheen) and the flashy soldier Sergeant Francis Troy (Tom Sturridge).

Will Bathsheba make the right choice?

500 Days Of Film Reviews Like Crazy And Finds A Sweet, Romantic Film About The Promise Of Love

Anna meets Jacob at college in Los Angeles. The two start a relationship and are soon inseparable.

However, Anna’s visa is due to expire and she will have to return to England.

The two cannot stand the idea of being apart and so Anna decides to overstay.

This decision will have a major impact on both of their lives.

500 Days Of Film Reviews The Artist And Finds A Silent And Poignant Homage To The Development Of Cinema

It is the 1920s and George Valentin is a silent movie star. He is at the top of his game and loving every minute of his fame and success.

One day he (quite literally) bumps into young aspiring actress, Peppy Miller.

The two are instantly attracted and intrigued by one another.

Events conspire to bring them together and, with the advent of cinema’s ‘talkies’, they also tear them apart.

500 Days Of Film Reviews The Deep Blue Sea And Finds An Emotional Drama About Love And Loss

After the end of the second World War, Britain is struggling to readjust and rebuild.

What does the future hold for those who have seen so much horror?

Where do they find purpose in peacetime? 

Hester (Rachel Weisz) is trapped in a privileged yet loveless marriage with British High Court judge, Sir William Collyer (Simon Russell Beale).

She feels repressed and suffocated by her life and looks outside of it to find love and passion.

She begins an affair with a young ex-RAF pilot, Freddie Page (Tom Hiddleston) who at first seems to offer her the life that she desires. 

However, in the same way that she cannot return the love of her husband, Freddie cannot live up to her hopes and demands - leaving Hester trapped by her life once more.  

500 Days Of Film Reviews Chico & Rita And Finds Gorgeous Animation And A Beautiful Love Story

Chico is a talented young piano player in late 1940’s Cuba. He meets Rita, a beautiful singer, and believes that, together, they can make it big. 

Of course, his attraction to Rita is not purely professional and soon the two fall in love.

However, their relationship is then tested by a the demands of their success and a series of heartbreaking events that threaten to ruin both of their lives.

Will they find a way to be together? Will their love endure? 

500 Days Of Film Reviews Charlie St Cloud And Finds An Easy, Yet Engaging Drama Starring The Ever Watchable Zak Efron.

Sometimes you need a film to challenge you, to scare you, make you laugh or make you cry.

However, sometimes you just want to snuggle up on the sofa and watch something easy and comfortable. Charlie St Cloud falls into the latter category.

Now, don’t get me wrong - I don’t mean this in any negative way. I was engaged throughout this film and, even though I was snuggled up on my sofa watching it, I didn’t once check my phone or get up to get a snack. And that is high praise indeed!

Charlie St Cloud (Zak Efron) develops the ability to see dead people following a tragic accident that takes the life of his younger brother. Feeling an almost unbearable guilt, Charlie promises to meet his brother in the woods every day to fulfill his earlier promise of teaching him to play baseball.

The supernatural aspect of this film is downplayed as it focuses more on the difficulties of moving on in the face of tragedy. Should Charlie keep living a life dedicated to his brother or should he move on?

500 Days Of Film Reviews Paul Thomas Anderson's Unsettling, Yet Brilliant Punch Drunk Love.

Barry Egan (Sandler) is a lonely and deeply troubled man. He aspires to be a successful entrepreneur but can’t seem to catch a break.

He feels emasculated by his seven sisters who harangue and ridicule him at every turn. 

Seething with frustration and repressed anger, Barry succumbs to fits of violent rage and floods of desperate tears.

Looking for a non-judgmental connection, he calls a phone sex line and endeavours to open up to ‘Georgia’. 

However, having given his details to the operator (including his address) he finds himself being threatened and blackmailed by Georgia and her company of extortionists (including a brilliant turn by Philip Seymour Hoffman). 

Meanwhile, Barry meets Lea (Emily Watson), a friend of one of his sisters. She doesn’t seem to mind his strange and unsettling ways and appears to accept him. 

The two start one of the strangest relationships I think I have ever seen on screen. (Really, the film is worth watching for their terms of endearment alone.) 

The burgeoning relationship sees Barry follow Lea to Hawaii - a trip he tries to pay for by the vast collection of air miles coupons he has collected from the purchase of hundreds of puddings (this sub plot is based on the true story of David Phillips who spotted a promotion that enabled him, by buying 12,000 Healthy Choice puddings, to get 1,253,000 frequent flyer miles).

Oh and, in among all the blackmail and dark romance, there is a random harmonium.