The Perfect Movies for a Romantic Valentine's at Home

Well gentlemen, in case you forgot, Valentine's Day is just around the corner. We here at Paused! know it can be difficult to make the right choice, when your significant other turns to you and says,

"No baby, you pick the movie, I trust you!"

So, I thought I'd lend a helping hand, and give you my top 5 romance movies of all time. I'll also throw in a small "talking point" for you. Nothing too fancy, so your special someone doesn't catch on right away, that there is no way you could possibly know that. Just enough to let them know you pay attention during these movies, and maybe, help your Valentine's be just as memorable!

So without further adieu, here's the list, counting down to the #1 must watch romance film!

#5 Love Actually (2003)

Directed and written by Richard Curtis, and starring literally every British actor alive, this is one movie you just can't go wrong with. It ranks low on this list, simply because to me it feels more like a Christmas movie, than a Valentine's one. However, the fact that it made it on this list despite this fact, should speak volumes for the film. 

Very well casted, well written, heart-warming and funny, this is one that even you can enjoy.

Talking Point: This one was tough, cause it's a bit all over the place, but here is a fun fact you can toss out there. All four leads from another great romance film, Sense and Sensibility are at least present in this movie as well. Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, and Alan Rickman star in both films. The other lead for S&S is Kate Winslet. While she doesn't star in this film, she is shown in a clip of Titanic in the scene where Liam Neeson is watching the movie with his step-son.

#4 Notting Hill (1999)

Directed by Roger Mitchell, written by Richard Curtis (writer/director of Love Actually), and starring Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, and Rhys Ifans. I know, I know, back to back Hugh Grant movies. I dare you to find 5 romance movies where at least two don't star Hugh Grant...I dare you!

I just recently re-watched this one with the Mrs. and was surprised at how much I actually enjoyed it. A true romantic movie, with great laughs. However, unlike most "rom-coms", the laughs don't over power the brilliant story line. 

I truly believe both Roberts and Grant are at their best in this one, and again, I bet you'll be surprised at how much you enjoy watching it as well.

Talking Point: If your valentine is like mine, and loves Downton Abbey (at least until the end of season 3...I won't say more), keep an eye out for Hugh Bonneville making a surprise appearance. Lord Grantham plays Bernie, one of Grant's close friends in the film (the one that doesn't recognize Roberts as an actress, at the birthday dinner). You can comment on how hilarious it is to see the lord himself, in such an "un-lordy" role. 

#3 Sabrina (1954)

Directed and written by Billy Wilder. Starring Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden. This one is just an absolute classic. Personally I think its one of Hepburn's best. Everyone talks about Breakfast at Tiffany's but I thought that one was super overrated. 

Sabrina gives you an amazing story with that classic movie wit. Not to mention, it's in black and white, which just makes it, and you, look a lot classier. Another great thing about this movie, is that it is available on Netflix Instant! Talk about maximum bang for your buck, the #3 movie, totally impress your love, and won't even cost you a dime (well, besides the $8 you already pay for Netflix Instant only).

Talking Point: This one's pretty simple. Say that you think Julia Ormond played the role of Sabrina really well in the 1995 remake with Harrison Ford and Greg Kinnear. However, there is just something perfect and classic about Audrey in the role that just makes this version better. (They love Audrey).

**Bonus Tidbit**

William Holden (who played David) and Audrey Hepburn actually fell in love while filming this movie. Sure, she left him shortly after when she discovered that he couldn't procreate...but this movie makes people fall in love, no need to mention the sterile bit.

#2 When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Directed by Rob Reiner, written by Nora Ephron, and starring Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher, and Bruno Kirby. Ok, all B.S. aside, this movie missed the #1 mark by mere millimeters. Incredible story, one of the greatest actors of our, and our parents generations (Billy Crystal), and one of, if not the best written film in cinema history!

If you hate this movie, there is something crazy wrong with you. This is a one-of-a-kind movie, where the entire thing is driven by character development and perfect dialogue. It's so much fun to watch, even if it's just to appreciate the brilliant writing. 

Talking Point: Here is a super cool bit of information. The stories the old folks tell of how they met, are real! The original idea was to have the real people actually tell the stories in the film, however, they kept getting off topic. So Reiner recorded the stories, and had actors re-tell them. 

**Bonus Tidbit**

Score some extra points with this valentine's idea. Seeing as how the stories are real. After the movie, tell your loved one that fact, then hand them a handwritten letter with the story of how you both met, how you felt, and how you knew they were the one, all from your point-of-view. Yea...you're welcome!

#1 Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Directed by Joe Wright, screenplay by Deborah Moggach, and starring Keira Knightley, Matthew McFayden, Rosamund Pike and Donald Sutherland.

Not going to lie, this movie is perfect. It is honestly on my top 5 list of greatest movies of all time (and not just on the list, it's #2). The film is beautifully shot in some of the most incredible locations in the U.K., and the screenplay is perfectly adapted from Austen's book.

Lastly, and I know this will catch many of you P&P fans off guard and perhaps even fill you with rage. Matthew McFayden is the greatest Fitzwilliam Darcy that ever lived! Yes, even better than Collin Firth. Just watch the movie, and you'll see. I mean, the scene where he's walking through the mist, honestly, I would've let him take me right then and there...and yes, my wife knows this.

Talking Point: Honestly, you don't need one. The movie will do all the talking for you. When this is over, if she's not all over you, then there is something wrong with you, and you should end it before she does. 

However, just in case, here is one fun fact. At the beginning of the movie, Elizabeth is shown reading a novel. The title on the cover is, "First Impressions", which was the original title of Austen's novel before she changed it to "Pride and Prejudice".

So, there you have it, my top 5 romantic movies for Valentine's Day. Send us a message and let us know which one you went with, and how impressed your valentine was. I'll leave you now with one more great Netflix Instant pick, and our list of honorable mentions, just in case none of these work (though that won't be a problem).

Netflix Pick:

Outsourced: (2006) Directed by John Jeffcoat and starring Josh Hamilton and Ayesha Dharker.

Honorable Mentions:

Sleepless in Seattle

Phantom of the Opera (starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum)

Casablanca

Under the Tuscan Sun 

Thanks for reading, and keep an eye out for our first mini-cast coming at you soon! (shorter than our monthly 1hr show and focuses on just one topic).

- Franc