Romance Films ♥ N.Y. - Top Big Apple Romance Movies

With other popular cities such as Spain, Italy and some spots in the Caribbean which are known for their uber-romantic effect on unsuspecting visitors only seeking a cool vacation spot, New York is sometimes forgotten. It’s probably just as special to get down on one knee in Times Square or Central Park as it is to do the same underneath the Eiffel Tower. Yes, the Big Apple goes by many names and yields countless reputations for several different things, both positive and negative, but it is quite the romantic environment. Not actually having done this myself because I am hip to the enchantment that can take over one’s mind, especially a love-sick female. I dare any guy to take their girl or one that they may be trying to impress into the city that never sleeps and leave without her staring at you with those googly eyes. Especially if you take them shopping along Fifth Ave. Better be toting a pretty big wallet if you want to do that.

Since the wonderfulness that are movies have been invented, NYC has served as the setting for many films regardless of genre. But stories of the romance variety have seemed to set up shop and found a home that they can return to again and again in order to entertain us and give us guys an activity that helps us to please our better halves on date night. Also, possibly earning us some extra “good boyfriend or husband” points. Classics like An Affair to Remember, When Harry Met Sally, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and West Side Story are just a few. But I’m going to focus on movies that are slightly more modern and recent to date. I have comprised a decent list of romance films, not in any particular order, that have used the home of the Yankees (and yeah, I guess the Mets too) to tell their story.

Simply Irresistible (1999): Sarah Michelle Gellar, Sean Patrick Flannery

“2 many instances of literal magic happening out of 5”

You’ve Got Mail (1998): Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan

“3.5 internet blind dates out of 5”

New York, I Love You (2009): Too many A-list actors to name just a couple.

“3.5 creative ways of using a famous line backwards for the film’s title out of 5”

I Hate Valentine’s Day (2009): Nia Vardalos, John Corbett

“3 recycled cast members from My Big Fat Greek Wedding out of 5” (actually only 2 members, but I give it 3 stars)

What Happens in Vegas (2008): Ashton Kutcher, Cameron Diaz

“3 reasons not to get drunk and then get married out of 5” (yes, the title has Vegas in it, but the majority of it takes place within the 5 boroughs)

Remember Me (2010): Robert Pattison, Emilie De Ravin

I’ll stick with my original rating: “4 reasons to never take anyone in your life for granted out of 5”.

Falling Up (2010): Joseph Cross, Sarah Roemer

“3 differences between Park Avenue & Flatbush out of 5”

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson

“3.5 bets that shouldn’t be made when it comes to love out of 5”

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008): Michael Cera, Kat Jennings

Again, going with my original rating: “4 used pieces of chewing gum out of 5”

The Back-Up Plan (2010): Jennifer Lopez, Alex O’ Loughlin

“3 uncharacteristically planned pregnancies out of 5”

Serendipity (2001): John Cusack, Kate Beckinsale

“3 chances fate might or might not work out in your favor in the area of love out of 5”

Hitch (2005): Will Smith, Eva Mendes

“3.5 truths that no one knows everything about women and love, even the women themselves out of 5”

Sex and the City (2008): Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall

“4 Louis Vitton handbags and Manolo Blahniks out of 5”

One Fine Day (1996): George Clooney, Michelle Pfieffer

“4 reasons that one single day can be enough to fall in love out of 5”

Save the Last Dance (2001): Julia Stiles, Sean Patrick Thomas

“3.5 ways that the communication of music and the art of dance can translate into the language of love out of 5”

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009): Isla Fisher, Hugh Dancy

“3 combinations of The Devil Wears Prada and being in severe debt out of 5”

Going the Distance (2010): Justin Long, Drew Barrymore
“3 movie love stories with a real-life couple out of 5″

I’m aware that I probably haven’t even begun to tap the vastness that are romantic movies that take place in and around the confines of the city that borders Jersey and Connecticut but that is why this post has a labeling of “discussion”. Feel free, more than free to provide your own recommendations or opinions about the films that I have touched on. So although falling in love can be enjoyable and extremely painful at the same time, having it happen under the bright lights of New York City simply makes it that more memorable. I Love You, New York.

Some others:

Kate and Leopold (2001), Autumn in New York (2000), Enchanted (2007), Maid in Manhattan (2002), When Harry Met Sally (1989), An Affair to Remember (1957), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961), West Side Story (1961), Annie Hall (1979), Manhattan (1979), Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Jungle Fever (1991), Love Story (1970), It Could Happen to You (1994).

I know there are plenty more so please share your favorites and your, uh, less-than-favorites.

About Sean Guard

In high school, Sean wanted to punch the subject of English right in its face. By far his best class, he hated doing research and writing papers. Ten + years later, he is an aspiring writer. It would seem that career goal of leading the New York Knicks to an NBA championship didn’t quite pan out. He started writing film reviews just over a year ago and became a movie buff even further back than that. He’s dabbled in fiction, poetry and random articles filled with nothingness on his way to hopefully one day becoming a published author. Hopes high, right now he’s over there sitting in the corner with his fingers crossed. Visit his blog - http://emergeblogger.blogspot.com

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