10 of the Best Romantic Movies That Guys Will Like Too

Hugh Grant and Heike Makatsch

It’s no secret that romantic movies aren’t exactly the first choice that us guys prefer when sitting down for an evening with either our friends, girlfriend, wife or by ourselves. And although we often prefer action, thriller or sports films to the gushy stuff that many of the girls we love do, that doesn’t mean we’re always completely turned off by the idea of spending an evening in to watch one. In fact, just this past weekend I openly made the call the watch the movie Love Actually with a girl on a Friday night, even eating Chinese food during the entire thing to really make it worthwhile—and she gave me control of the remote to make the decision. Since Love Actually is one of my favorite movies out there, it made me think of some other romantic movies that us guys shouldn’t be ashamed to admit we like, too. Which ones top my list? Keep reading to find out.

It’s no secret that romantic movies aren’t exactly the first choice that us guys prefer when sitting down for an evening with either our friends, girlfriend, wife or by ourselves. And although we often prefer action, thriller or sports films to the gushy stuff that many of the girls we love do, that doesn’t mean we’re always completely turned off by the idea of spending an evening in to watch one. In fact, just this past weekend I openly made the call the watch the aforementioned Love Actually with a girl on a Friday night, even eating Chinese food during the entire thing to really make it worthwhile—and she gave me control of the remote to make the decision. Since Love Actually is one of my favorite movies out there, it made me think of some other romantic movies that us guys shouldn’t be ashamed to admit we like, too. Which ones top my list? Keep reading to find out.

10. The Wedding Singer

OK, so this one might star Adam Sandler in it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not what I would consider a romantic comedy. One of the funniest, comedic actors of the past 20 years, Sandler lets down the knee-slapping humor for something that more people can relate with in this movie, falling for Drew Barrymore’s character and doing anything he can to try and win her back. The on-screen chemistry between the two actors make this film that much better, too. I can also admit that it gave me plenty of ideas on how to win a girl’s heart when I was in middle school, so thanks for that.

9. No Strings Attached

It’s a movie about a guy and a girl trying to work out a friendship in which they both get what they ultimately want—a physical relationship over an emotional one. While that might seem difficult—and probably a little shallow, too—it’s pretty darn realistic, as plenty of people in their mid-20s and up just aren’t ready for a full-on relationship with someone. Without giving away the details of the movie, sometimes it turns out that what you think you don’t want is actually what you prefer; which is far too realistic for people.

8. Forrest Gump

This one might not be technically considered a love story, falling under the category of a drama, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t pass the test of a true love story. From the minute Tom Hanks character, Forrest Gump, lays eyes on Jenny on the bus ride to his first day of school, he is hooked and will do anything for her—which he does throughout the various tales displayed during the movie. From their youth to adulthood, Gump never stops loving Jenny and proves that she has his heart even after they’re not together.

7. Hitch

Just because a movie stars Will Smith and Kevin James doesn’t mean it’s all just slapstick humor. In fact, Hitch is absolutely the opposite. With Smith being a serial womanizer, he lends his hand at helping James land a girl who is, on the surface, way out of his league. Showing that physical attributes and “being smooth” isn’t what it’s all about, both characters find themselves having better luck just being themselves with the two ladies that they’re chasing throughout the film. It’s a reminder for us guys to drop the cool card every once in awhile.

6. Love Actually

I already mentioned it above as one of my all-time favorite movies, so it would be silly for me to leave it off this list. In all honesty, I know way too many male friends who enjoy this movie probably more than we would all like to admit. It’s a heartwarming story that talks about a variety of different peoples’ true love for one another, throwing in a few twists that tests what the true definition really means. Whether it’s watching it to get ready for Christmas or during a fall evening, Love Actually is a good one to put a smile on your face—and maybe a tear down your it, too.

5. Jerry Maguire

WIth Tom Cruise’s character being a prominent sports agent, it’s only natural that guys love the movie Jerry Maguire—even if it is secretly a romance film. As a guy, I’d like to think that each time I watch this, I’m watching a story about the relationship between an agent and a star athlete, yet can’t help but getting choked up each time I hear Cruise mutter the lines, “You complete me,” to Renee Zellweger’s character. There’s no denying it, guys, Jerry Maguire ropes you in and is a full-fledged romantic flick.

4. When Harry Met Sally

In the classic form of a romantic-comedy, When Harry Met Sally also happens to be a pretty darn good movie. One of the first movies that tackles the issues that men and women face with one another, it is a well-written and acted movie that pins two people together to see just how far flirting can go. We all know that there’s a fine line between being friends and taking the next step, and When Harry Met Sally puts that in the forefront.

3. Life is Beautiful

I specifically remember being dragged into the theaters to see this movie with my seventh-grade girlfriend, refusing to believe that I would ever like it. Turns out, it ended up being one of my favorite movies—and the inspiration for the tattoo I have on me. The film Life is Beautiful is a wonderful story about a Jewish man who uses humor and romance to protect his son and wife from a Nazi camp during the World War. It may sound deep on the surface, but, as long as you can deal with reading subtitles—which you should—it’s one that proves what it takes to be happy and share love even in the worst of times.

2. 500 Days of Summer

He may have made a name for himself in Angels in the Outfield as the kid who prayed for a higher being to help his favorite baseball team win games, but actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt won over ladies with his performance in 500 Days of Summer. Chasing a character played by Zooey Deschanel, the story jumps around to various points in the relationship, eerily relating it to the real-life timeline of two people who are dating, with the best parts coming in the beginning and the tougher ones happening as things become even more prolonged.

1. The Notebook

OK, so I must say that I’ve never made it all the way through this movie, but I’d be foolish not to list The Notebook as the top romantic movie that guys can actually stand watching. The story is one that, unless you don’t have a heart, is powerful, and the chemistry between actors Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is apparent in helping this film completely tell the meaning of true love. I’ll make a promise to sit down and watch it all the way through soon.

Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images

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