Well, the festive season is upon us once again! Time for parties and celebrations… *stops before she starts singing Merry Christmas Everyone really badly*. However, winter isn’t just about Christmas. I also happen to think it’s the most loved-up season of the year. There’s something very romantic about curling up by the fire with the one you love and watching a great movie with some hot chocolate. So, for all you hopeless romantics out there – and maybe a few of you Grinches – here are my Top 10 Romantic Films of 2014!
1. The Fault in Our Stars:
Even the most hardened cynics against romance can’t fail to love this beautiful adaptation of John Green’s young adult novel. It follows the story of Hazel Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. An epic love story blossoms until a tragic twist of fate threatens to tear them apart forever. Whether you’re a fan of the book or not, this movie is guaranteed to take your breath away. Take a look at this sweet scene!
2. Love, Rosie –
Adapted from Cecelia Ahern’s 2004 novel, this sharp and funny film has comedy and romance in all the right places. Rosie Dunne (Lily Collins) and Alex Stewart (Sam Claflin) are best friends and soul mates until life intervenes and sends them on paths they could never have imagined. What follows is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love and how it’s never too late for a second chance. If you like your romance films with superb actors, an engaging plot line and beautiful scenery, you’ll love Love, Rosie. By the end, you will also have a major girl crush on Lily Collins (if you don’t already).
3. Begin Again –
If you loved Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going On 30, you’ll love him even more in Begin Again. This charming comedy pairs him with the gorgeous Keira Knightley, who plays struggling singer-songwriter Gretta James to Ruffalo’s record exec Dan Mulligan. James Corden also does a hilarious and sweet job as her friend Steve and there’s even an appearance from Adam Levine! What more could you want? As if that wasn’t amazing enough, Knightley also does her own singing in the film. Watch this if you like a movie with romance, comedy and a whole lotta soul.
4. That Awkward Moment –
When you’ve dried your eyes from watching The Fault in Our Stars, That Awkward Moment is the perfect romantic comedy to get you laughing again. Starring Miles Teller, Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan, the film follows the romantic exploits of two guys who make a no-dating pact after their friend is cruelly dumped. However, each of them meets a girl who could just be perfect for them. It co-stars the wonderful Imogen Poots and is a laugh-out-loud comedy about finding love when you least expect it. Here’s an adorable clip from the movie. What’s not to love about Zac Efron crying?!
5. What If –
This year’s quirkiest romance stars Zoe Kazan and Daniel Radcliffe. They are the impossibly cute leads Wallace and Chantry, two people who are perfect for each other…if only they could see it. Chantry’s boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall), along with a host of other obstacles, blocks their path to true love with some pretty hilarious consequences. If you’re looking for a more off-beat romantic comedy, What If could be exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, look out for an amazing soundtrack by AC Newman and a song from Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Check out the moment where Wallace meets Chantry.
6. The Best of Me –
No romantic movie countdown would be complete without throwing a Nicholas Sparks adaptation into the mix. The Best of Me is adapted from his 2011 novel of the same name and is every bit as epic as The Last Song and The Notebook. Dawson Cole (James Marsden) and Amanda Collier (Michelle Monaghan) are teenage sweethearts who are reunited 21 years later. It’s clear their old feelings for each other are still very much alive, but will Fate give them a second chance? This might border on schmaltzy for those of you who prefer your romantic movies a little slicker and cooler, but I challenge anyone not to cry at the ending! It even has this epic kissing-in-the-rain scene.
7. Magic in the Moonlight –
When a film is directed by Woody Allen and stars Colin Firth and Emma Stone, you know you’re in for a treat. Magic in the Moonlight has all of the classic Allan hallmarks: likeable and quirky protagonists, a good story and some top-class directing from Allan himself. Set in 1920s French Riviera, it follows Stanley Crawford (Firth) who makes money by pretending to be Chinese illusionist Wei Ling Soo. Friend and fellow illusionist Howard (Simon McBurney) enlists Stanley to travel to France with him, where a rich American family have been taken in by clairvoyant and mystic Sophie (Stone). It’s Stanley’s job to unmask her as a fraud but when he meets her, things aren’t that simple. Check out this scene. Doesn’t Emma rock the beret look?
8. Two Night Stand –
In 2014, it seems like Miles Teller can do no wrong. As well as roles in That Awkward Moment and Divergent, he also starred in this sweet romance about two people and one amazing one-night stand. Teller stars as Alec, who decides to get revenge on his ex-girlfriend by joining a dating website. On it he meets Megan (Analeigh Tipton), a newly single girl who just wants to be loved. After a less-than-perfect evening together, they decide to part ways…until Fate brings them back together.
9. Walking on Sunshine –
As with Nicholas Sparks adaptations, you can’t really have a romantic movie list without having at least one musical in it. Walking on Sunshine is 2014’s answer to Mamma Mia, complete with great 80s songs, an exotic setting and of course a hot male lead. Maddie (Annabel Scholey) is marrying her Italian fiancé Raf (Giulio Berruti). He also happens to be the love of her sister Taylor’s (Hannah Arterton, sister of Gemma) life. Chaos ensues and soon the wedding is put in jeopardy. Look out for a cameo from Leona Lewis too!
10. And So It Goes –
Romantic movies have proved time and time again that an older cast can work just as well as a young one. The best example from 2014 is And So It Goes. Diane Keaton, the queen of romantic comedies, plays Leah and Michael Douglas is Oren Little, a man who finds himself reluctantly playing grandfather to his estranged son’s daughter. He asks Leah for help when he finds himself out of his depth and their initial frostiness towards each other begins to thaw. Check out the trailer.
So there you have it. Our list of the best smoochy, romantic films that hit the screens this year. Do you have any other suggestions you would add to the list? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
