There’s something about a good love story that speaks to the human soul. Whether it’s something intrinsic in all of us, or we just like to feel nice, love stories make us ponder life’s connections with our fellow humans. Heck, even Paul said that the three best things that God gave us are faith, hope, and love, but the greatest is love.
With that in mind, not all romances are created equally. If you talk to Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club, he calls that sordid tale a love story. Uh huh. Sure thing, Chuck. Love stories come in all sorts of styles and forms, but there are definitely ones that everyone can agree are the best. Here are the indisputable greatest love stories of all time:
Romeo and Juliet
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes, a pair of star-crossed lovers take their life--there is no more iconic love story than Romeo and Juliet. Everyone knows the story of two kids, born to battling families, fall in love. Not all romances have happy endings, as these two lovers taught us.
Lady and the Tramp
Lady and the Tramp is a classic Disney movie with some of the most iconic scenes in all of cinema. The spaghetti scene will make anyone’s heart melt. There’s a reason that Italian restaurants are high on the list of first date destinations, and this cartoon is it
Sleepless in Seattle
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan pulled all sorts of heart strings in this early 90s classic. There’s something in this movie for everyone to love--sports, journalism, pretty people, and a touching film that crosses genres. I’m not crying, you’re crying!
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is the story of a witty, intelligent lady who goes against her family’s wishes in the name of love. Enchanting for many different reasons, this book was quite risque at its release. The famous plot has been used in many movies and miniseries over the past one hundred years or so.
The Notebook
As a dude, there’s not much of anything that I like about this film. That doesn’t mean it isn’t a classic love story. From the old folks’ home to the small southern town, this story has sweetness written into every line. The ladies can’t get enough of that Ryan Gosling either.
Dude, Where’s My Car?
Bear with me for a second. This absurd movie’s premise is based on the love of two hapless idiots who just wanted to make their girlfriends happy on their anniversary. Not only that, but the bromance is one of the greatest in all of cinema. Some romances can be Platonic!
Bonnie and Clyde
Another story that proves romantic inclinations aren’t always good, these two lawbreakers wreaked havoc across the USA. Despite their less-than-sparkly image, their love is still admired by misguided youth of all epochs. It seems like there should be better role models than these two criminals.
Beauty and the Beast
Tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast taught us to look within for the true beauty in people. I do have to say, I was always confused by the story, because the prince was a total jerk, even after he was turned into a hideous beast. He turned out OK in the end though, so all’s well that ends well, I guess.
Marge and Homer Simpson
Stick with me here. The Simpsons have been on TV for over three decades, and Homer and Marge have stuck together the entire time. Even though Marge has her quirks and Homer’s an idiot, their love persists all of these years later. Despite their flaws, these two lovers are still going strong.
Johnny Cash and June Carter
Johnny Cash and June Carter took the music world by storm in the 1960s and never looked back. Their duets echoed through the music charts, and won the hearts of millions. Their real-life-love was so epic, they even made a movie about it.
