Listing 40 favorite romantic movies might be doable; narrowing it down to just four — next to impossible.
Counting the classics, the comedies, the tragedies, and all the new heart-stirring streaming offerings, you should never run out of options. But where to begin?
Here are four you can't go wrong with, whether you've seen them once or countless times. And if any of these are new to you, you're in for a real Valentine's treat. Happy watching, but keep the Kleenex handy.
"CASABLANCA": No arguments, it's iconic. The 1942 black-and-white film stars Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid. Filmed and set during World War II, the action unfolds in Rick Blaine's nightclub in Casablanca. When Rick's former lover, Ilsa, and her husband Lazlo show up, Rick is torn about whether or not to help the couple escape the Nazis in French Morocco, and lose Ilsa again in the process.
"THE NOTEBOOK": When Nicholas Sparks' touching story spanning the decades was brought to the big screen in 2004, it was movie magic, thanks to stellar performances from actors young and old. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams were balanced by Hollywood stalwarts James Garner and Gena Rowlands. Most romantic moment: the rain scene.
"AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER": If you've seen 1993's "Sleepless in Seattle" (another of our favorites), you already know what this 1957 classic with the dashing Cary Grant is all about. A couple fall for each other even though they're already involved with other people. They agree to meet in six months at the top of the Empire State Building, giving them time to end the other relationships standing in their way. But will the reunion really happen? We're not telling.
"P.S. I LOVE YOU": Sometimes, after love warms your heart, it breaks it. When young wife Holly becomes young widow Holly, she's truly lost the love of her life, Gerry. After weeks of grieving, the impetus for pulling Holly out of her dark place comes from Gerry himself. He's left her 10 messages that encourage her new beginning. Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler, as Holly and Gerry, bring this love story to another level.