10 of the most romantic non-romance movies to watch this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching in case the Fifty Shades of Grey campaign has numbed you to all dates other than “at least it will be March soon.”
But it’s that inundation of heavy cinematic breathing and bold declarations of “love” that inspired this list. We can pretend that conventional romance in movies is still interesting (because sometimes it is: lest we forget what the Taken movies are about), but for the most part, it’s time to re-explore the definitions of love in pop culture.
So here are 10 movies that re-define love. Why? Because to every Fifty Shades of Grey there’s Jeremy Renner with a Boston accent, going to prison for Ben Affleck.
Warning: this post is literally riddled in spoilers because if you haven’t seen any and all of these, something might be wrong with you.
1. The Fugitive (1993)
As we recall, Harrison Ford (a.k.a. Dr. Richard Kimble) did not kill his wife, and the only person as obsessed with finding the man who did was Tommy Lee Jones (Deputy Gerrard). But, after spending the movie tracking down Kimble, Gerard learns the truth and is saved by The Fugitive, whose handcuffs he removes in the back of a police car.
2. The Town (2010)
Jeremy Renner (who plays James Coughlin) loved Ben Affleck (Doug MacRay) so much that he spends nine years in prison instead of ratting out Ben and their crew. This is before Jem beats the crap out of a few strangers because Doug asks him to do it, and also before Jem dies in a bloody shootout with police. (RIP)
3. Ghostbusters (1989)
A tale of friendship, sure. But also the story of an intense love for a start-up business and the supernatural. The power of Zuul is null and void in comparison.
4. American Hustle (2013)
Yes, it ended with Christian Bale paired up with Amy Adams (and Jennifer Lawrence forming a dream-team with Danny Huston), but the real “American Hustle” love story revolved around two things: 1) Christian Bale’s character’s love of conning people, and 2) the costume department’s love of wigs. Never let go.
5. Almost Famous (2000)
We go into this movie knowing William Miller is in love with music, then we realize he’s in love with Penny Lane. But the best part of Almost Famous‘s romantic narrative? The wee, baby 15-year-old falls in love with himself, evolving from a fan to a friend, and finally, to a smart, well-rounded music journalist. (Aw.)
6. Thelma and Louise (1991)
The definition of LYLAS is the entire running time of “Thelma and Louise.” Why? Because sticking together is what good waffles do.
7. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Lest we forget that the strongest and most heartbreaking love can be that of a mother (Meryl Streep) who knows her kid would fare better with his dad (Dustin Hoffman) than with her. (Alternately: love is whatever we feel when Dustin tells Meryl she looks terrific.)
8. The Addams Family (1991)
The only love that can eclipse Gomez and Morticia’s is the Family’s love and respect for each other. Alternately: the romance between Margaret (played by Dana Ivey, thank you) and Cousin Itt, which is about as unconventional as a love story gets. (Because, for the record, the man is a walking wig, with great taste in accessories.)
9. Now and Then (1995)
True love is sneaking out of your house to have a seance, biking to a neighbouring town to uncover the mystery behind Dear Johnny’s death, jumping in an overflowing sewer to retrieve your BFF bracelet-necklace, freaking out about your Mom’s death in a pal’s grandmother’s attic, breaking into said grandmother’s attic, and punching a guy in the face who says girls can’t play baseball. And nothing less.
10. A League of Their Own (1992)
And speaking of baseball (segway!), A League of Their Own celebrates a love of the game, a love of embracing your own talents, and a love of your team. Also (sigh), Dottie’s love of her sister Kit, which leads to her throwing the World Series by dropping the ball just so Kit could win the game. (Or not: that’s actually up for debate, which I welcome you to participate in the comments below.)
, but for the most part, it’s time to re-explore the definitions of love in pop culture.
So here are 10 movies that re-define love. Why? Because to every Fifty Shades of Grey there’s Jeremy Renner with a Boston accent, going to prison for Ben Affleck.
Warning: this post is literally riddled in spoilers because if you haven't seen any and all of these, something might be wrong with you.
1. The Fugitive (1993)
As we recall, Harrison Ford (a.k.a. Dr. Richard Kimble) did not kill his wife, and the only person as obsessed with finding the man who did was Tommy Lee Jones (Deputy Gerrard). But, after spending the movie tracking down Kimble, Gerard learns the truth and is saved by The Fugitive, whose handcuffs he removes in the back of a police car.
2. The Town (2010)
Jeremy Renner (who plays James Coughlin) loved Ben Affleck (Doug MacRay) so much that he spends nine years in prison instead of ratting out Ben and their crew. This is before Jem beats the crap out of a few strangers because Doug asks him to do it, and also before Jem dies in a bloody shootout with police. (RIP)
3. Ghostbusters (1989)
A tale of friendship, sure. But also the story of an intense love for a start-up business and the supernatural. The power of Zuul is null and void in comparison.
4. American Hustle (2013)
Yes, it ended with Christian Bale paired up with Amy Adams (and Jennifer Lawrence forming a dream-team with Danny Huston), but the real “American Hustle” love story revolved around two things: 1) Christian Bale’s character’s love of conning people, and 2) the costume department’s love of wigs. Never let go.
5. Almost Famous (2000)
We go into this movie knowing William Miller is in love with music, then we realize he’s in love with Penny Lane. But the best part of Almost Famous's romantic narrative? The wee, baby 15-year-old falls in love with himself, evolving from a fan to a friend, and finally, to a smart, well-rounded music journalist. (Aw.)
6. Thelma and Louise (1991)
The definition of LYLAS is the entire running time of “Thelma and Louise.” Why? Because sticking together is what good waffles do.
7. Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
Lest we forget that the strongest and most heartbreaking love can be that of a mother (Meryl Streep) who knows her kid would fare better with his dad (Dustin Hoffman) than with her. (Alternately: love is whatever we feel when Dustin tells Meryl she looks terrific.)
8. The Addams Family (1991)
The only love that can eclipse Gomez and Morticia’s is the Family’s love and respect for each other. Alternately: the romance between Margaret (played by Dana Ivey, thank you) and Cousin Itt, which is about as unconventional as a love story gets. (Because, for the record, the man is a walking wig, with great taste in accessories.)
9. Now and Then (1995)
True love is sneaking out of your house to have a seance, biking to a neighbouring town to uncover the mystery behind Dear Johnny’s death, jumping in an overflowing sewer to retrieve your BFF bracelet-necklace, freaking out about your Mom’s death in a pal’s grandmother’s attic, breaking into said grandmother’s attic, and punching a guy in the face who says girls can’t play baseball. And nothing less.
10. A League of Their Own (1992)
And speaking of baseball (segway!), A League of Their Own celebrates a love of the game, a love of embracing your own talents, and a love of your team. Also (sigh), Dottie’s love of her sister Kit, which leads to her throwing the World Series by dropping the ball just so Kit could win the game. (Or not: that’s actually up for debate, which I welcome you to participate in the comments below.)){kind=link}