Every week at SiftPop.com, we challenge our writers to choose what they think is the best movie under a certain topic related to a recent release. So this week, with the release of the new Redeeming Love, we’re counting down our favorite romantic movies based on books! Let us know @SiftPop what your ranking is!
As soon as I saw the category this week, I knew it was my time to shine. Never before has a category been more in my wheelhouse; a fastball right down the middle of the plate just begging to be crushed. I have an unapologetic love for films built around romance, and perhaps none got me more excited from the past few years than the highest grossing romantic comedy of the 2010s, Crazy Rich Asians. Not only am I a sucker for a good romantic story; I am an even larger one for a movie that uses the genre in a refreshing way. Ultimately, all the beats of the rom-com elements are still there, but it utilizes them in an exceptionally pleasing way. The movie looks absolutely gorgeous, filled with color and lavish texture, while featuring some truly stunning landscapes and costume designs. The writing was crisp, poignant, and hilarious when it needed to be. And on top of it, it features a majority cast of people of Chinese descent, marking a huge win for representation and inclusion in major Hollywood films. Constance Wu, Henry Golding, and Michelle Yeoh specifically provide some truly fabulous performances, with the rest of the cast rounding out what is truly one of the premier films within the genre from the past 20 years. The mahjong scene in the third act alone makes the movie a worthwhile watch. (Nashua Doll)
Romantic coming-of-age is a genre that, I must confess, is not exactly in my wheelhouse, so I don’t typically seek them out. That being said, of the movies on this week’s list, I was not expecting for Love, Simon to be my second favorite (unfortunately for it, The Princess Bride exists). Love, Simon is a story about a young man in high school, played charmingly by Nick Robinson, who becomes pen pals with another student in school who has anonymously come out as gay online. Simon is also gay, but has yet to tell anyone in his life, and the relationship he forms with his mysterious pen pal Blue inspires him to become more confident and open himself up amidst the turbulence of high school life. What makes Love, Simon such an engaging movie is its humor and the earnestness of the love story as Simon gradually falls in love with Blue. The relationships he has with his friends and family showcase how relatable Simon is, even when he makes mistakes — and he makes some big ones. The movie also does an excellent job of giving a voice and respect to a community that until recently was mostly portrayed very stereotypically in film. So, if you’re looking for a romantic coming-of-age story that’s funny and full of heart, I implore you to not waste another second and check out Love, Simon because if you’re like me you might find something to love that you weren’t expecting. (Nick Ferro)
Based on a 1992 novel of the same name, The English Patient was a massive success in 1996. It took in almost $80 million at the box office while receiving 12 Oscars nominations and winning nine of them, including Best Picture and Best Director. It’s a sweeping romantic tragedy that takes place in Northern Africa during the decade leading up to World War II, and the tumultuous fallout during the war. This is a moving epic that explores the depths of love, while dealing with roadblocks like politics. A large helping of terrific performances from the likes of Ralph Fiennes, Juliette Binoche, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Willem Dafoe really kicks this into high gear. Though, with a runtime of three hours, the movie has been known to be boring to some. If you have the patience to dive into the adventure, I think it might be worth your while. (Heath Lynch)
Step one: Put together an all star cast with none other than Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, and an up and coming Jennifer Lawrence. Step 2: Base it around a fantastic story examining mental health and trauma recovery. Step 3: Throw in a few scenes of Chris Tucker delightfully riffing. Congratulations, you just made the smash hit that is Silver Linings Playbook! 2012 saw Lawrence and Cooper bring to the screen one of the most charming, can’t-look-away-from-them couple as Tiffany and Pat, two people doing their best to work through their own traumas, drawn together through inexplicably fascinating circumstances. Cooper and Lawrence play off each other so perfectly and it’s no wonder this film received so many academy award nominations! (Matt Lawson)
“Watch Carol,” they said. “It’s a Christmas romance movie,” they said. Carol is definitely that, don’t get me wrong, but there’s so much more to it than just your everyday Christmas romance. Carol gets to the heart of what it means to love someone you’re not allowed to love, for more than one reason in the case of the titular character played exquisitely by Cate Blanchett. She finds her love in the form of Rooney Mara’s Therese in 1950s New York, and I’m sure that’s all you need to know to know that the film isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows. Carol, then, ends up being a romantic movie for those who prefer their romances to be raw portrayals of internal conflict and external consequences. It most definitely isn’t a movie to curl up for because you need something sappy, but it is a powerful look at two women who love each other in a culture that doesn’t want them to. (Chris Bakker)
We all know the scene. You KNOW the one I’m talking about. The most sexual, un-sexual scene ever to grace our screens. I’m talking about the one where following a brief, yet tension-filled conversation between the ‘Prideful’ Mr. Darcy, and ‘Prejudiced’ Elizabeth Bennet, the camera stays on Mr. Darcy’s hand as he leaves, whereby we see him stretch, and flex it as a result of coming into contact with our Miss Bennet. That scene ALONE is why this movie deserves to be on this list, nay, demands to be so. Written by the prolific Jane Austen, and adapted in 2005 by Joe Wright, Pride & Prejudice is one of the most infamous romance novels of all time. This story has been told and re-told, adapted, borrowed, and reimagined in many forms, not the least the new smash hit series on Netflix, Bridgerton (also based on a series of books). This is a story that has already lasted the ages, and will continue to, and if for some unknown reason you’ve been holding back because you ‘think it’s too sappy,’ or ‘worry for your reputation,’ well I say, “Piffle” to that. This is a masterpiece, not the least because of the expert directing, brilliant performances, and again, that scene. So flex that hand, grab your remote, and watch it. I’ll wait. (Alice-Ginevra Micheli)
What is one of the most under-the-radar Best Picture nominees of the last decade? Brooklyn. That is an issue. Why? This is one of the purest and most endearing movies put to film in the last 20 years. Saoirse Ronan leads this period romance as Eilis, a young woman who leaves her family and life in Ireland behind to find success and love in the new world. This immigrant tale is full of romance as well. In fact, there is quite the love triangle that challenges not only Eilis, but also the audience as well. Besides finding a job, place to live, and friends along the way, Eilis meets Tony (Emory Cohen), a young Italian man who is not the most verbose, but he is caring and attentive. But Ireland calls when tragedy strikes, and so does Jim Farrell (Domhnall Gleeson), a well-spoken and successful Irish man. What plays out is a mature and complex tale of emotion that is one of the most satisfying cinematic romances in recent memory. Do yourself a favor and enjoy some Brooklyn. (Shane Conto)
This week for the BEC, I’m approaching a film I’ve been long curious about, but reluctant to see in Gone With the Wind. This is one of the most famous movies ever made, notable for being the highest grossing film ever when adjusting for inflation, and the film that made history as the first ever Academy Award won by an African American. This movie is one I would love to open a can of worms about, but for the sake of time I’m going to leave that on my desk for now, because there is a lot of good going in this movie. On a technical level, this movie is phenomenal. What they’re doing with the lighting, the camera, and the set pieces is nothing short of amazing for an 80-plus-year-old film, and feels like it should have been made at least 10 years later based just on how it feels. On that alone, it’s worth a look. They also did a fantastic job at casting in these roles, and each and every person in this movie does feel real and they often do have a depth to them. Clark Gable himself is a near tour de force as Rhett Butler. I have my own personal reservations on parts of this movie, but I also believe that shouldn’t prevent you from looking at the art of the past and how we’ve grown in the future. (Joseph Davis)
Brokeback Mountain is the film that was famously snubbed of a Best Picture win by Crash. But thankfully, winning Best Picture isn’t always what makes a movie last in public consciousness, because Brokeback Mountain is an incredible film in and of itself. The film follows Ennis (Heath Ledger) and Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal), two cowboys in the 1960s, who develop a forbidden romantic relationship that they must keep quiet due to the prejudices of the times. The film is deep and dark at time, and will keep you invested in this relationship, even as you think you probably know how it will end. And speaking of the ending, it’s a heartbreaking, cutting, and moving one that will keep the movie on your mind long after you watch it. (Robert Bouffard)
The list of movies better than their books is not very long. That list, for me, The Princess Bride won’t ever be on. I won’t read it because no matter how good the source material is, I already know it won’t capture the feeling quite as perfectly as this. The romance of Buttercup (Robin Wright) and Westley (Cary Elwes) is indelible. The rest of the cast of characters are just as unforgettable. Everyone from director Rob Reiner to supporting star Billy Crystal are on top of their game. It puts the swashbuckling romances it’s sending up to shame. Be sure to rectify it if you haven’t seen it. Oh, before I forget, anybody want a peanut? (Jake Bourgeois)
Call Me By Your Name
Discovering oneself can be both a liberating and painful journey, especially when it concerns first love. In Luca Guadagnino’s 2017 film adaptation of Call Me by Your Name, young Elio (Timothée Chalamet) feels immediately drawn to his father’s research assistant Oliver (Armie Hammer). Chalamet and Hammer are great on screen and their blossoming romantic relationship is magnetic. Taking place in 1980s Italy, Guadagnino beautifully paints the scene and captures this moment in time. The cinematography is excellent and has a vibrancy to it, which adds to romance taking place. The source material coupled with inspired direction helps heighten the emotions felt by the viewer. Call Me by Your Name is an excellent adventure exploring first love and discovery of sexuality. (Joe Vargas)
The Spectacular Now
The Spectacular Now is perhaps the most underrated teen romance of the last decade. It’s a far more nuanced look at the “cool guy falls in love with awkward girl” trope you often see in movies like The Kissing Booth or To All The Boys I Loved Before. The dynamic between Sutter (Miles Teller) and Aimee (Shailene Woodley) is like watching a romance doomed to fail before it starts, but their undeniable chemistry keeps them (and the audience) hooked. The best part about the script is how fully realized the characters are outside of the romance compared to other movies where the characters’ lives outside of the love stories are pretty flat. Throughout the movie, Sutter struggles with growing up, his failed past relationship, and his family trouble. His personal journey is just as engaging and dramatic as the romance. But it’s the film’s realistic portrayal of romance that sets it apart. While there are obvious sparks between the leads, their relationship borders the line between cute and unhealthy, and the film never shies away from the uglier parts of young love. The jealousy, awkward moments, and unhealthy obsession that often comes with high school relationships are all there, but so are the unforgettable nights and exciting first times. In the end, it’s up to the audience to decide whether Sutter and Aimee meant for each other or if, in the long run, they would only drag each other down. (Jeffery Rahming)
Emma.
With apologies to the 1996 version and Clueless, it’s Autumn de Wilde’s 2020 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma that’s my preference, even over the original novel, which my enjoyment of the movie led me to seek out. It’s the story of a young woman (Anya Taylor-Joy) in the 1800s, who meddles as a matchmaker in the love lives of her friends is updated skillfully, while retaining the original setting. Taylor-Joy certainly carries the brunt of the load on her shoulder, but the rest of the cast is filled with a fantastic collection of familiar faces. What helps bring things up that extra notch is the visual flair. Every frame is gorgeous and the costuming is brightly-colored to utter perfection. I’m definitely not still salty about it losing out in Best Achievement in Costume Design at the most recent Academy Awards. What? I’m not… I’m not…*immediately runs to rewatch the dance scene for the 20th time*. (Jake Bourgeois)
Stardust
If I’m looking for a movie to watch, I’ll scroll through all movies on iTunes; I always end up passing by Stardust as a movie that ends up in my top three choices. Why, you may ask? Good question! Stardust has everything I love about movies. First, it has a compelling story that is unique in a land that is a character itself. A man goes on an adventure to retrieve a fallen star that happens to be a beautiful young woman. The world of Stormhold is rich with beautiful lands filled with witches, pirates, and a kingdom of princes that need a leader. Second, it has a great cast. You have pre-Daredevil Charlie Cox flexing his charm as our hero Tristan, Claire Daines shines (literally) as the star fallen to Earth Yvaine, Michelle Pfeiffer in a where-have-you-been role as a witch Lamia hunting the star, and Robert De Niro is a pirate named Captain Shakespeare. Finally, Stardust has great action and a love story to root for. Based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same name, this is an underrated and underseen movie! It’s also a great date movie for people who are looking for a little bit of everything! (Mike Hilty)
The Notebook
In The Notebook, you have Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams playing 1940s Ross and Rachel in this will-they-won’t-they love story, while modern day James Garner reads this notebook to Gena Rowland as a love story. This movie came out when I was in college, and I easily saw it 20 times. Is it great? Well, that depends on the optics you look at it with. As a guy in college, I couldn’t get enough of it. I’d call up a friend and be like, “Hey I just got The Notebook on DVD. I haven’t seen it yet. Would you want to watch it with me?” Bam. Two hours and some fake tears later, the movie was over. I’m not afraid to SAY the movie made me cry. Now excuse me while I call up my friend Christina and ask her if she wants to see this movie that’s been on my watch list forever. Yeah I can’t believe I have seen it either….. (Frank Kemp)
Me Before You
Me Before You is a film based on the book of the same name by Jojo Moyes which tells the story of Will (Sam Claflin) and Lou Clark (Emilia Clarke). Two years after an accident leaves Will paralyzed, his parents hire Lou to be his caregiver and friend. I don’t want to spoil this film, but trigger warning, it deals with some heavy material. Clarke is absolutely fantastic in this role and shows a great contrast to other characters she has played. The chemistry Claflin and Clarke have is what really sells the film — you can feel their relationship growing as with their characters. I forgot how stacked this cast is for a rom com with Charles Dance, Jenna Coleman, Matthew Lewis, and Vanessa Kirby. I did have myself cracking up when Lou is being asked why she’s a good fit for this job. I said out loud, “Because she’s the mother of dragons.” This is a great love story and I have been wanting the sequel books to get made into movies for almost six years, but maybe I just need to read them. I definitely recommend seeing this one, especially if you know these actors, because everyone has some excellent dialogue and work well together. (Austen Terry)
Water for Elephants
Water for Elephants is a favorite of mine — book, and film. The story follows Jacob Jankowski (Robert Pattinson), a Cornell student who lost everything in the Great Depression, only to find a new life after hopping onto a passing circus train. He goes on this amazing journey as the circus veterinarian and also finds love with ringmaster August Rosenbluth’s (Christoph Waltz) wife, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon). The chemistry between Jacob and Marlena is palpable. Whenever they’re around one another, they get closer and closer, which isn’t easy with August standing in between them. It’s not an easy feat for them to be together, but they have their happy ending, albeit at a bit of a cost. The performances by the three leads are amazing. Pattinson shows he could be a leading man and exhibits his acting chops. He fit Jacob perfectly, a young man down on his luck who finds love in what he does on top of falling in love with someone. Waltz, who is charming but brutal as August, is nothing short of perfection. And of course, Witherspoon shines as Marlena, a woman who wants the world, but is trying to find a way out. Water for Elephants is an impressive adaptation and definitely still holds after 10 years. If you haven’t seen this film, give it a chance. (Chantal Ashford)
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is one of the greatest literary love stories of all time (bar that one minor little Shakespearean tale). F. Scott Fitzgerald’s lively 1920s novel has been brought to life multiple times on screen, but I’ll be going with my preferred adaptation: Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 Gatsby, the closest this story will come to being a blockbuster. It perfectly captures the flashy opulence of the decade it’s portraying, and there’s just enough stylization to make for a unique visual experience, while not going fully overboard with its extravagant concepts. Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, and Leonardo DiCaprio all deliver severely underrated performances, and I for one am a fan of Luhrmann’s decision to utilize anachronistic pop music to set the tone for the beautiful chaos of pre-Depression America. Luhrmann’s Gatsby gets a bad rap, and it definitely deserves a rewatch, especially for fans of the source material (which, as you might be able to guess, is one of my favorite literary works of all time). The central love story, while inherently flawed and doomed from the start, is as beautiful as the film it finds its home in. (Rowan Wood)
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