The Most Romantic Movies of All Time

There's always one that's special above all others. One that makes your heart pound, your palms sweat and tears well up in your eyes. We're talking about movies, of course, romantic movies. Maybe it was the blueprint for your real-life romance, or a fantasy that gives you hope when your own love life lets you down -- but it never fails to touch you. We asked ThirdAge.com readers what that one special romantic movie is for them and here's what they said:

Casablanca: "He loved her so much that he was willing to give her up for a greater good. He believed he'd had that one moment of true love and that it would last him a lifetime." - Diane, 56

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The Bridges of Madison County: "No hot, sexy overly gorgeous young unreal people, but beyond middle aged, working stiffs, with all sorts of obligations, commitments, life disappointments behind them AND STILL....in a short several days while her husband (whom she does truly love) and her kids are away, they meet, live, love, and laugh and tap into dreams, feelings, and longings that were always there, but had been long since buried with the nature of reality. I could go on and on, but that is romance for me, a time, a place, a person that can reunite us with our own lost passions that we've had to, or chose to put aside for the cause!" - Michelle, 48

Cold Mountain: "Nicole Kidman's character had only just met her love, but she's willing to wait the whole war for him. She stays where she is, enduring hardships, all so he can find her and they can be together when he returns." - Faith, 51

Gone With the Wind: "I was in love with Clark Gable. And even though they're not together at the end, I was left with the sense that they would eventually reunite one day." - Miriam, 77

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Out Of Africa: "Firstly, it is a true story so that is touching. Secondly, it blends the unconditional love and devotion of an animal and human. The lions resting on the slab get me every time and shows the sensitivity of an animal to feelings -- they are drawn to that spot, yes, I understand by the warmth of the sun but I believe to something even warmer!" -- Diane, 63

Sleepless in Seattle: "A boy looking for a new mother and wife for his dad actually ends up finding the perfect person to make them all happy. It's a beautiful story about love, both family and romantic love. To top it all off, they meet at the top of the Empire State Building! You can't get any sappier than that. I love it!" - Cindy, 52

Love Story: "Oh my gosh, this is the ultimate. A man loves a woman so much, he's wiling to stand up to his family, shunning stability and money for the woman of his dreams. It's so sad how it ends, but it is a complete and true love that they were so blessed to have had. The love is so powerful that it ultimately reunites a father and son. 'Love means never having to say you're sorry.' I'm tearing up just thinking about it." -- Robin, 54

When Harry Met Sally: "I loved that this was a more realistic -- if you can call it -- movie about love. It's not all bells and whistles when people see each other for the first time and then live happily ever after. Love is something that can grow over time and through experience. You never know who your soul mate might be or if they're already in your life." -- Roberta, 59

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Ghost: "I believe in the hereafter. I believe that love lasts beyond physical life and that people you've lost are watching and loving you forever. That first time that Demi Moore's character recognizes that Patrick Swayze has been there for her that whole time . . . I cry every time." -- Denise, 62

Pretty Woman: "When Richard Gere drives up to Julia Roberts' apartment in a limo with flowers to proclaim his love, and they meet on the fire escape . . . well you can't get much more romantic than that. At least considering she's a hooker." - Sandra, 57

What's your favorite romantic movie?

Barbara Sharnak is an entertainment/lifestyle producer and writer. She's worked for Clear Channel's Kiss 108 FM, Sky TV, WebVet.com and currently works as an Associate Director at United Stations Radio Networks.

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