Hollywood's romantic films are notoriously all about the gender stereotyping. For better or worse, lovey-dovey movies based on Nicholas Sparks' books or starring Adam Sandler opposite Drew Barrymore are targeted directly to female audiences. But that doesn't mean that guys aren't sneaking a peek at romantic flicks — and even picking a few favorites!
Many guys will act like they're doing us a HUGE favor when they sit down with us to watch that new rom-com we've been dying to see. They'll roll their eyes, act all put out, and tell us we definitely owe them one. It's as if we're asking them to endure some sort of horrifying torture for us. Of course, we've always wondered if this was not some sort of big act they were putting on in the name of "the guy code" or something … That's why we decided to poll some men — dads, non-dads, gay, straight, attached, and single — to find out if we could trouble them to name a favorite in the romance movie genre.
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Turns out we found more than a dozen men who were more than happy to name what they believe to be the Most Romantic Movie of All Time! And their picks are sure to raise a few eyebrows. Check them out.
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Forrest Gump
The 1994 epic dramedy, for which Tom Hanks won a much-deserved Oscar, is one of everyone's faves, but the romantic storyline is beloved by more than a couple of guys we talked to. Why? "Because Jenny was Forrest's most special friend, and they went together like peas and carrots," explains Matt D., a dad of one, from Charlotte, North Carolina. Aww.
Love, Actually
Even guys love Love, Actually! "It has something for everyone," says Steve P. from Jupiter, Florida.
Titanic
James Cameron's classic definitely isn't just for the ladies. A couple of men polled "had to say" Titanic, but didn't opt to elaborate on why. Assuming it's because they could never let go of Leo and Kate either.
Up
The 2009 Disney/Pixar flick got a vote for most romantic of all time, because "it's really sad that the old guy loses his wife, but he goes on this whole adventure to honor her memory," according to Jordan F. from Fair Lawn, New Jersey.
Before Sunrise
The whole Ethan Hawke-Julie Delpy trilogy — Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, and Before Midnight — is a hit with a couple of guys, one of whom, AK, explains, "It's purely about a connection between two people. There are no other distractions in the plot."
Fools Rush In
The 1997 rom-com is a popular pick with plenty of guys, and not just because it stars Chandler Bing opposite the always gorgeous and entertaining Salma Hayek. "It shows how messed up the whole process is, ultimately leading to literally the best possible location for a wedding on Earth," explains Jason S. from Los Angeles, California. "But even during the messed up process, there are moments of joy that illustrate why we go through the trouble in the first place."
The Notebook
Thought the 1940s Sparks swoonfest over Ryan Gosling-Rachel McAdams was only for us ladies? Think again! Several men cited the 2004 drama as their pick. "The progress of time gives it a long-lasting quality," explains Lavie M., dad of one from New York, New York. "As opposed to a courtship that progresses over a few months, you learn about a couple over their lifetimes."
A Walk to Remember
The 2002 drama based on yet another Nicholas Sparks book, starring Mandy Moore, is another one you might not guess men would fall for, but yes, they love it, too! In fact, one fan of Titanic also cited A Walk to Remember, admitting he must be a glutton for tragedy.
Wall-E
The dystopian tale from Disney/Pixar is easy to adore, but it's also uber-romantic, according to Dave H., from Boston, Massachusetts, who says it shows that "love is universal."
Sleepless in Seattle
Let's be honest here: No one human can resist the sparks between Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, can they?! And the second time they were paired on-screen, in 1993's Sleepless in Seattle, may arguably be the best time. Nathan H., from Washington, DC, confesses the film is his pick "WITHOUT ANY HESITATION OR EMBARRASSMENT! The kid, the radio show, the houseboat, the Empire State Building meet up, Rosie O'Donnell as the BFF. Come on, how could anybody not love it?"
50 First Dates
While you may be surprised that The Wedding Singer isn't on the list, the second memorable big screen meet-up between Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler from 2004 did get a mention. "It's cheesy, but I love 50 First Dates," says Keith W., from East Boston, Massachusetts. "Not a huge fan of Adam Sandler, but the idea behind it is so good: A man is willing to be forgotten every day simply to be with the person he loves. Also, the power of love to imprint someone so deeply in your heart and brain."
The Princess Bride
Rob Reiner's 1987 cult classic starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright is the most romantic, says Mike B., from Silver Spring, Maryland, because "he survives the dreaded pirate Roberts, Inigo Montoya, the giant, and others as well as storming the castle, allll for Princess Buttercup!"
Say Anything
Men LOVE John Cusack. So it's no surprise they love John Cusack as Lloyd Dobler, who falls hard for good girl valedictorian Diane Court played by Ione Skye in Cameron Crowe's Say Anything. Ed W., a dad of two from Sacramento, California, loves the 1989 film, because it's quirky, raw, and real.
Return of the Jedi
"Han and Leia finally admit their love of each other!" exclaims Chris B., Toms River, New Jersey. Okay, then!
