I love Valentine's Day. I love pink and red. I love hearts. SO MANY HEARTS. (It's a documented fact that girls born in the 80s love hearts and the color pink.) I love chocolates. I love surprising my loved ones with something unexpected - like that time I crammed a dozen shiny, red heart-shaped balloons into my husband's tiny car while on my lunch break.
So, to celebrate this day dedicated to love, I've rounded up my all-time favorite romantic movie & TV scenes, in no particular order. Read on, then tell me any of your favorites that I've missed!
P.S. There are some spoilers ahead.
1. Romeo & Juliet, "Kissing You" (1996)
Before Leonardo DiCaprio was a serial model dater with a proud dad bod, he was Luke from Growing Pains. An adorable homeless teen (He was homeless, right? Or did I make that up?) who was taken in by the Seaver family. So when he hit the big screen in 1996 alongside the ultimate 90s beauty, Claire Danes (who you'll see makes an appearance later in my list), it was pure magic.
Though perhaps not regarded as one of the best takes on Shakespeare's tragic story about star-crossed lovers, this version had a couple of things going for it. In addition to starring two of the biggest teen heartthrobs of the time, it was directed by Baz Luhrmann, who is known for his beautiful & vivid big screen depictions.
This particular scene, when Romeo & Juliet first meet during a costume party, is set to singer Des'ree's sultry yet simple "Kissing You." There is no dialogue exchanged. No kissing. In fact, no touching at all, as they're separated by an enormous, gorgeous glass fish tank. But you can feel their energy through their eye contact (and Leo's piercing blue eyes...swoon). First, surprise, then infatuation. Juliet is suddenly pulled away to dance with Paul Rudd who is wearing an astronaut costume (1. wut? 2. seriously, does this guy ever age?) and Romeo trails her through the crowded dance floor.
One of my favorite things about watching YouTube videos is reading the comments. On this particular video, there is a solid belief. Young Leo is clearly a separate person from current Leo, and if we close our eyes and believe it strongly enough, young Leo still exists somewhere out there.
2. An Officer and a Gentlemen, ending scene (1982)
I'll admit I didn't watch this movie until I was older. It always seemed like a cheesy 80s romance to me. But when I finally watched it, I was struck by the complexity of Zack Mayo (Richard Gere). P.S. Richard Gere also makes another appearance in this list. I guess I like consistency? Also, let me preface this by saying the fact that his last name is Mayo is the only thing that bugs me about this movie. Moving on.
Sure it's a boy-meets-girl story, but this one happens to take place while said boy is going through a grueling, 13-week U.S. Navy bootcamp under the intense instruction of Lou Gossett Jr.'s Gunnery Sergeant Foley. The men are warned to be careful of the local women, who have been known to try and trap naval candidates by getting pregnant, so they have a ticket out of this dead-end town (fists raised angrily in the air).
And, sure enough, Mayo meets local factory worker, Paula (Debra Winger), and the two hit it off immediately. But we're not sure if it'll be a long-term love. Can Mayo settle down? Is Paula trying to trick him like her friend tricked Mayo's friend? (Don't even get me started on poor Sid.)
At times Mayo isn't likable. He isn't the typical, ideal leading man. But he's human. And from time to time, when he lets his guard down, we see glimpses inside that tough exterior. Now a LOT Of stuff happens in those 13 weeks of training. And when Mayo finally graduates, we're not really sure where the couple stands. He doesn't trust her. She professes her love. But he says "I don't want you to love me." And we see him run away (he literally runs away, which is kinda funny).
But then it happens. In the most glorious 80s romantic way ever, we see him walk into the factory where Paula (and the whole town, apparently) works. Queue the opening chords of "Up Where We Belong," and we see the blur of a handsome, trim figure in his white naval uniform, walking through the factory. Oh, and that walk! Quick steps but with such purpose. Such determination. He doesn't stop to talk to anyone or even look at anyone. He's just focused on finding Paula. All the workers stop and stare. Oh and even Paula's mom, who also works at the factory (and there's a history there, so watch the movie if you haven't).
He sneaks up behind Paula, kisses her neck (OMG), and he carries her out of that damn factory for good, to the cheers of the poor workers who will work in that factory for the rest of their lives. But they are so happy one of their own got out. "Way to go, Paula," her friend shouts. "Way to go!"
Also, shout out to older movies that just ended with a freeze-frame. Way to not over complicate things!
3. The Office, Michael's proposal (2011)
Sure, everyone loves a good Jim & Pam love story (I do, too, so keep reading). but Michael Scott's proposal to Holly is one that doesn't get nearly enough credit. Michael Scott... to some he's a horrible person. To others, misunderstood. But one thing's for sure, he has found his match in the equally awkward Holly.
What I love about The Office (I'm talking the American version but I know the British version reigns superior so don't come for me), is that the people are just everyday regular people. They're not that exciting. In fact, some of them aren't even great humans. We see a bit our own lives in The Office. We relate. But then there are these moments of utter brilliance that makes us wonder, hmmm...did we misjudge some of these people?
This scene is that for me. Michael takes Holly on a tour of The Office, where they met, then past a line of employees who each ask Holly, "will you marry me?" Michael's quips ensure this is not a sugary sweet departure from the usual script. Ultimately they end up in a room lit with candles. The smoke sets off the sprinklers and the two double over in laughter. Then, sitting on the floor, soaking wet and giggling, Michael takes out the ring and proposes to Holly in the most goofy, authentic Michael way. It is funny. It is romantic. It is silly. It is beautiful. And it's this balance that makes this a magical TV moment.
4. The Office, Pam & Jim's wedding (2009)
The Jim & Pam love story was built up over years. We followed along first when they became great friends. Though they seemed perfect for each other, Pam was engaged. As their friendship progressed, it was clear they were in love. Pam's engagement ultimately ended, but by then Jim had moved on and was seeing someone else. Then there was the time he moved to an out-of-state branch and we were afraid it was over. Oh and what about that time Jim professed his love and, dayum, that unexpected kiss! Ok, ok I'll add it to the bonus section at the bottom of this blog.
So, Jim & Pam FINALLY get engaged and start planning their Niagra Falls wedding. Lucky for us, their coworkers are all invited. As the ceremony draws near, we see Pam frustrated and overwhelmed because things aren't going according to plan. So Jim steps in and they disappear for a bit, leaving their guests wondering what is going on.
Eventually they return to the church ceremony begins. The organ starts playing when suddenly Michael gives the signal. The organ stops and we hear the synthetic beat of Chris Brown's "Forever" start pumping.
In a homage to a popular wedding video making the rounds at the time on YouTube, boss Michael Scott secretly organized a choreographed dance down the aisle with wedding participants and guests as a surprise for Jim & Pam. Jim & Pam, who we expect to be angry, are oddly okay about the whole thing.
As the guests dance hilariously down the aisle, the scene cuts back and forth to where Jim & Pam went when they disappeared a little while earlier. We see them boarding a boat tour of the falls. We see them taking off their rain ponchos to reveal Pam in her wedding dress and Jim in his tuxedo. And we see them taking their vows. Just the two of them, the spray of the falls splashing up at them.
"I bought those boat tickets," Jim explains after, "the day I saw that YouTube video. I knew we needed a backup plan." Funny stuff! But then he continues, "The boat was actually Plan C. The church was Plan B. And Plan A was marrying her a long, long time ago." Oh Jim Halpert, why are you so perfect?!
Whenever I watch this scene, I'm left smiling with tears rolling down my face.
5. Pretty Woman, "He Sleeps" (1990)
Ok, this video clip has a big fat age restriction on it. If you want to watch, you have to watch it on YouTube. But it's not really racy. In fact, it's very sweet and sincere. Our friend Richard Gere is back for his second and final appearance on this list.
I'm sure pretty much everyone has seen this movie. I'll admit the premise is pretty dopey. But there's just something about it that is captivating. It's definitely one of those movies that I'll stop and watch whenever I'm channel surfing and I come across it.
The background: Vivian (Julia Roberts) is a prostitute and Edward (Gere) is the john (Do people still say "john?" Should I capitalize John? IDK. Anyway). He is her client, so to speak, for a week in the fancy penthouse of a hotel while he tends to business in Los Angeles. At first it's purely a business deal but then, you guessed it, they start falling for each other. Her one rule, though, is to never kiss on the lips because "it's too personal."
So, as the week goes on, they are quickly getting more attached. In this scene, workaholic Edward falls asleep sitting up in bed while Vivian gets ready to join him. When she finds him asleep, she sits next to him on the bed and sweetly kisses his cheek...then moves to his lips. And Edward wakes up mid kiss. But she doesn't stop. And neither does he. A passionate scene follows, set to a subtly beautiful piano composition created for the movie, called "He Sleeps."
This is a classic movie filled with so many memorable moments that this scene gets kinda forgotten. But it is as important a scene as it is romantic because it's a pivotal moment for Vivian who finally lets her guard down.
6. The Family Man, "How can you do that? (2000)
Ok another weird, unbelievable plot for this next one. Long story short, Nicolas Cage plays Jack, a really snobby, wealthy NYC businessman who, one Christmas Eve, wakes up to find himself living a life out in New Jersey (heck yeah!) with his college sweetheart, Kate, played by the breathtaking Tea Leoni.
This new reality is nothing he ever wanted (or so he thinks). A small house. A terrible job. A couple of kids. He reluctantly finds himself in the rat race and doesn't know how to get back to his normal life. In fact, he's quite an a-hole to poor Kate and the kids if you ask me. But, I guess I would be too if I woke up to kids I didn't know? Seriously, what a weird movie.
Anyhow, in this scene, Kate is trying to take advantage of some rare kid-free time with Jack. It starts out very playful. She throws on some lipstick and puts on Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game." But then things turn serious as we see Jack really see her for the first time.
He stops kissing her and looks intently at her. "Oh, God, you're beautiful," he says almost in a whisper. "This is good stuff," Kate cheekily replies. "I want you to keep going." It's obvious this moment, for her, doesn't mean the same as it does for Jack. But after he continues, she pauses.
"How can you do that?" she asks. "What?" Jack replies. "Look at me as if you haven't seen me every day for the last 13 years?" she says.
I always found this scene very romantic. But now that I'm married with kids of my own, to my husband who I met when I was in college, it means even more. The monotony of every day life. The stress of parenting. And then a pause to remember what made us fall so deeply in love.
7. It's a Wonderful Life, honeymoon scene (1946)
This is my favorite movie of all time. Not my favorite Christmas movie. But my absolute favorite movie. I resisted this movie for years. Growing up, it was over-played on TV at Christmastime (look up the story on the copyright lapse...it's fascinating!) and it just seemed so boring. So ancient. But one year, when I was probably 14 or so, I decided to watch it in its entirety. And if you haven't given it a chance, you really should.
If you've seen it, you know that the most quoted romantic scene is when young George & Mary (played by James Stewart & Donna Reid) leave a high school dance and George tells her he'll lasso the moon for her. C'mon. How romantic is that?! During that walk they happen upon "the old Granville house." George tells her they should break a window in the abandoned house for good luck. Mary tries to stop him saying she loves that house and would like to live in it one day.
Ultimately, he convinces her and she takes a shot (and according to movie lore, Donna Reid actually broke the window herself on the first take). George wants to know what she wished for but she won't tell him because then it might not come true.
The movie then races years ahead and we see the growth of their relationship, as well as George's hopes and dreams dashed. He never gets to travel the world or go to college. Through a series of events, he finds himself reluctantly in charge of the family's Building & Loan business. At one point, right when George & Mary are about to leave for their honeymoon, there's a bank run. As George tries to calm things down, his customers are demanding their money back from the Building & Loan. Mary offers their honeymoon money and after a stressful day, George is able to close for the evening with two whole dollars to spare.
Exhausted, he realizes he hasn't seen Mary in hours. She sends for a cab to take him to 320 Sycamore but he has no idea why. When he gets there, he realizes it's the old Granville house.
Mary is inside of the dilapidated house which is leaking heavily from the rain. A chicken is roasting on the fire. Music is playing in the background. And Mary is standing there waiting for him. George notices posters on the walls of beautiful destinations he always wanted to visit. Friends are serenading them outside. Mary had created an at-home honeymoon for them.
George is speechless. But Mary pulls him close, kisses him and says, "Remember the night we broke the windows in this old house? This is what I wished for."
8. Pride & Prejudice, Second proposal (2005)
Ok, I'm going to get a lot of crap for this one. I LOVE the 2005 version of Pride & Prejudice. There, I said it. Nothing against the 1995 TV series version with Colin Firth. But I LOVE me some 2005 P&P. Don't judge.
If you know this classic story, you know Mr. Darcy (swoon) proposes twice. This scene is his second proposal. By this point he is a broken man. So torn up by his love of Miss Elizabeth Bennett and her refusal of his first proposal. But, gosh darnit, he can't stop his feelings for her and he is willing to try one last time.
Matthew Macfayden's Darcy is just perfect to me. Handsome, aloof, but with a tenderness that makes you weak. I wanted to shake Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) and say, girl, are you crazy? Sure, he damaged your sister's relationship but look at all the amazing things he did for your crazy family!
Anyhow, Elizabeth is starting to realize the error of her ways. And like any good British romance, it all comes together in a foggy field at dawn. We see Elizabeth no doubt reflecting on all that has happened. And then, in the distance, something catches her eye. It's Mr. Darcy, far far away, walking through the fog towards her, in his long coat and boots, slightly disheveled. Seriously though why are British people always walking through foggy fields? Mr. Darcy was super wealthy. Pretty sure he had transportation? Anyway, what follows is the most tortured proposal I've ever heard. I mean this man is truly messed up. He loves her so damn much.
She's obviously eating all of this up, btw, and we even see a slight smile on her face as he awkwardly proposes for the second time. "You have bewitched me, body and soul. And I love...I love...I love you," he stammers. "I never wish to be parted from you from this day on."
And Elizabeth is all yeah I'm cool with this now. And they lived happily ever after.
9. The Notebook, "It's not over" (2004)
The film adaptation of the Nicolas Spark's novel is achingly beautiful. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable. In fact, Ryan Gosling & Rachel McAdams were a couple for a while after filming wrapped. (Keep scrolling for their honorable mention.)
The basic gist is Noah (Gosling) & Allie (McAdams) meet as teenagers one summer when her family visits the vacation town where Noah lives. Despite their different backgrounds, they quickly fall madly for each other. It's a passionate love and one that Allie's parents disprove of. But at the end of the summer, Allie goes back home and her mom intercepts all the letters Noah sends her, which puts an end to the relationship as each assumes the other is no longer interested.
They meet up again years later when Allie is engaged. She visits Noah and he takes her out on a boat ride but when it suddenly starts to downpour, they return back to the house. Rainy scenes = romance alert. Anyhow, feisty Ally confronts Noah and asks why he didn't write to her. He tells her he did. He wrote her 365 letters. One for every day that first year after she left. She is shocked. Then he tells her, "It wasn't over. And it still isn't over." Oh, the angry passion in this scene. That fiance didn't stand a chance.
10. My So Called Life, Angela & Jordan hallway scene (1994)
Two seasons. Nineteen episodes. And, yet, this short-lived teenage television drama is still very much loved and relevant today. The show follows teenager Angela (Claire Danes) as she navigates typical high school challenges. Unrequited love, parent relationships, sexuality, friendships.
One focus of Angela's is Jordan Catalano (Jared Leto) - a handsome, yet rebellious, boy at her high school. We see their on again, off again relationship-one that Jordan doesn't publicly acknowledge. And we see Angela's friends who care for her and want to see her treated well.
The end of this episode takes place in the hallway of their high school after class. Students are bustling around, getting books out of their lockers and catching up with friends. We see Angela with her group of friends. And Jordan with his. No one wants to make the first move. And then, almost in slow motion, Jordan walks down the hall to Angela. Everyone is watching them. "Can we go somewhere?" He asks her. "Sure," she nods.
Now, it may seem like a regular scene from a teen TV show, but let me tell, those of us who watched this for the first time were on the edge of our seats. We had been waiting for this moment and could hardly believe it was happening. The anticipation was crazy intense.
As Jordan and Angela walk away, the camera drops down a bit and we see Jordan grab Angela's hand. This was Jordan's first public display of affection. And this was a huge, huge moment. Let me tell you, all us 90s girls collectively died at that exact moment. When I watch this scene, I'm taken back to that exact moment. It brings back all those feelings.
Honorable mentions:
1. The Office, Jim confesses his love to Pam (2006)
Ok, I mentioned Jim & Pam's first kiss earlier. The background on this was they were at a work event. Pam was engaged to Roy. Pam is having, what she thinks, is her typical playful banter with Jim. But you could see the seriousness on his face. Something was happening. "I'm in love with you," he confesses, taking her off guard. She rebuffs him and tells him how much his friendship means to her (OUCH), and they end their awkward conversation. Later in the evening, she runs back into darkened office to call a friend and tell them what just happened. But Jim finds her and she quickly ends her call. We expected more awkward conversation, but instead, Jim, not deterred, says nothing at all. Instead he kisses her. It is so unexpected. So beautiful. So sincere.
2. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the proposal (2002)
Alright, this is a terrible quality clip but I could not find a better one. My Big Fat Greek Wedding was definitely a comedy and not a romance. But this scene is so romantic that it really stood out to me the moment I saw it. We follow Toula, an extremely sheltered woman who is part of a very big Greek family.
She meets Ian and, despite their differences, they end up getting married. Now we know they get married because that's the premise of this whole movie. And we also know that with a wedding, there must be a proposal at some point in the movie. But I was not expecting it to play out like it did.
Instead of an over-the-top production, the whole down-on-one-knee bit, and a dramatic declaration of affection, Ian basically tells Toula he loves her. They're laying in bed. And he says he loves her. And asks her to marry him. It reminds me of those real-life proposal stories from family and friends. Just the two of them. It's the simplicity that makes it so beautiful.
3. Rachel McAdams & Ryan Gosling, MTV Movie Awards "Best Kiss" acceptance (2005)
So this one isn't a scene from a tv show or a movie. But lawd is it adorable. This is Rachel McAdams & Ryan Gosling accepting the MTV movie award for "Best Kiss" for The Notebook. Anyhow, they win, everyone is excited, blah blah blah. Then when they get on the stage, they walk to opposite ends. SOMETHING IS HAPPENING and we are here for it (especially 2005 Lindsay Lohan). At the time the two were a couple. And if I close my eyes and wish hard enough, they still exist as a couple somewhere, in another dimension alongside young Leo.
So there you have it. Now tell me your favorites!
