This list is based on my personal preferences, and I only added movies from the 21st century (well, one is from 1999 but that’s ok).  Now, you must realize that I haven’t necessarily seen every single romantic comedy out there, and there are plenty more that I do love, but these are some of my favorites… These are romantic movies to watch over, and over, and over again, without ever getting tired of them.

Pride & Prejudice – 2005

I must have seen this movie, oh, 50 times at least. Jane Austen’s book is amazing, and this adaptation with Keira Knightley (Elizabeth Bennet) and Matthew Mcfadyen (Mr. Darcy) is extremely well done. It touches on most of the book’s main ideas, which is always a good thing, but diverts in certain aspects (Elizabeth visits Mr. and Mrs. Collins by herself, for example) which allows the movie to flow nicely. Period (i.e. 1800′s) romances are interesting, as they don’t follow the same “social rules” as courting in today’s day and age. This romantic movie should be viewed by everyone.

10 things I hate about you – 1999

A fun teenage movie which I still love, loosely based on Shakespeare’s “The taming of the Shrew”. The late Heath Ledger plays Patrick Verona, the ultimate bad boy who is paid to date (i.e. tame) Julia Stiles (Kat Stratford, i.e. the shrew), so her younger sister can date. Cute boy, great acting, Shakespeare story… what’s not to like about this romantic movie!

The Notebook – 2004

This movie is soooo good. Both men and women have enjoyed the story. This is another romantic movie adapted from a novel (by the same name)… this one written by Nicholas Sparks. The story is about falling in love with someone who isn’t from the same socioeconomic class, and being separated because of their social differences. Starring Canadian actors Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, this is a MUST SEE. It will make you laugh, and make you cry. Truly love at its purest.

Chasing Liberty – 2004

This is a cute romantic movie staring Mandy Moore and Matthew Goode. Moore plays Anna Foster, daughter of the U.S. President, who would like nothing more than to have a “normal” dating life – or just some freedom to live without having bodyguards 24/7.

Letters to Juliet – 2010

I LOVE, love, LOVE this romantic movie. With another reference to the great Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this tale is about an American girl, who wants to be a writer, who finds a 50 year old letter written to Juliet while on vacation in Verona, Italy.  Unbeknownst to her, answering this letter propels her into an adventure she wouldn’t have thought possible if she hadn’t been there to see and live it for herself.  Again, the acting from Amanda Seyfried, Gael Garcia Bernal, Christopher Egan (what a cutie!), and Vanessa Redgrave is superb.

The Prince & Me – 2004

Which little girl doesn’t want to be a princess?  Well, most of us will grow out of it… or at least realize that our chances of actually marrying a Prince are slim to none – Except for Catherine Middleton (Prince William’s future wife).  Well, growing up in rural Wisconsin, Paige Morgan (played by Julia Stiles) had big plans.  She was to become a doctor.  And then, out of nowhere, Prince Edvard (Luke Mably) shows up and sweeps her off her feet!  Well, it doesn’t exactly happen that way. You need to see it, as there are really funny parts to it also… such as the Prince racing in a lawn mower competition, and so much more.

Love Actually – 2003

Love Actually is a very entertaining romantic movie that depicts the lives of  seemingly unconnected people in London, England, during Christmas time.  With an amazing cast – Hugh Grant, Kiera Knightly, Bill Nighy, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, and Liam Neeson (just to name a few) – this movie touches on love, infidelity, loss, confusion, and so much more.  The characters eventually come together in a series of funny, romantic and bittersweet events culminating to Christmas Eve.

Chocolat – 2000

Romance and chocolate… what’s not to love.  Starring Juliette Binoche, Judi Dench, and the ever so gorgeous Johnny Depp, this romantic story takes place in a small French village when opening a Chocolaterie during the Holy season of Lent is very much frowned upon.  In addition to this “sacrilege”, Gypsies show up and temporarily live down by the river, which causes many townspeople to ban them from their stores.  So, a great story + chocolate + Johnny Depp = a MUST see movie.

50 first dates – 2004

This is not just a romantic movie, but a perfect blend of comedy and romance.  When he least expects it, Henry (Adam Sandler) meets Lucy (Drew Barrymore), the girl of his dreams.  The only problem is, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss, which means that she forgets him the very next day after they meet.  This movie is hilarious!  In addition to the two amazing lead actors, Rob Schneider (Henry’s best friend), Sean Astin (Lucy’s brother), and a host of other funny actors add to this story which, should be mentioned, takes place in beautiful Hawaii.

A Walk to Remember – 2002

Starring Mandy Moore (yet again) and Shane West, this romantic movie is an adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel.  Jamie (Moore) is a shy preacher’s daughter who befriends Landon (West), a very popular high school classmate.  The story follows the path of the good girl and the bad boy as they grow closer, feeling emotions that go beyond simple friendship.  This is an uplifting and heartbreaking movie which will possibly make you both laugh and cry (definitely cry)!