Top 10 Movie Declarations of Love

Don’t let the title fool you; this adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” is as romantic as it gets. After a comedy of errors only the Bard could cook up, Julia Stiles’ rebellious Kat falls for Heath Ledger’s Patrick, an alluring bad boy with perfect hair and a terrific smile. While the two break up following a series of misunderstandings, Kat reveals her true feelings for Patrick in a poem she reads in front of her entire class. Moved by her impassioned public speaking, Patrick meets Kat in the parking lot, and admits he feels the same way. Earnest, heartwarming, and funny, this declaration’s impossible to hate.

His hands may be cold and sharp, but his heart is warm and loving. Tim Burton’s cult classic film about a boy with scissors for hands has plenty of great moments, ranging from funny, to weird, to downright frightening. But the sweetest and most memorable moments come from Edward’s blossoming relationship with Kim. As Edward overcomes his shyness and Kim overcomes her fear, the two grow closer. But when Edward accidentally kills Kim’s thuggish ex-boyfriend, he’s forced to remain in the isolated castle where he was born. Realizing they’ll never see each other again, the two exchange tearful goodbyes. With just the right amount of romance and tragedy, this declaration will make you wanna give Edward a great big hug.

When words fail, let the music do the talking. That’s just what Lloyd Dobler does in this classic romantic comedy. When Lloyd falls for Diane, his graduating class’ valedictorian, the wannabe kickboxer wastes no time pursuing her. Despite their wildly different backgrounds and personalities, the two start dating, and end up spending the night together in Lloyd’s car, while Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” plays in the background. Unfortunately, Diane’s father disapproves, and forces the couple to break up. Undeterred, Lloyd busts out his boombox and… well, listen for yourself. The iconic scene has inspired several imitators, but none comes close to matching the raw sincerity of the original. When Peter Gabriel’s your wingman, you don’t have to say anything.

Best. Prom. Ever. From writer John Hughes, the master of teenage romance, comes another ‘80s classic. Andie, a sweet girl from a working class family, starts seeing Blane, a wealthy boy who’s one of the most popular kids in school. Things start off well, but eventually, Blane’s rich friends pressure him into distancing himself from Andie. At the prom, however, Blane realizes how Andie’s always been there for him, while his so-called “friends” have not. He approaches Andie and finally shows her his more vulnerable side. From his honesty to the delicate peck on Andie’s cheek, Blane acts like a true gentleman, and Andie reciprocates with a kiss that, in true ‘80s fashion, is literally steamy.

While usually the one making romantic declarations, Hugh Grant is on the receiving end of one in this witty comedy. Grant plays Will Thacker, a bookstore owner and divorcee who’s reluctant to start another relationship. But one day, American film star Anna Scott, played by Julia Roberts, walks into his store. It’s clear that the two have chemistry, and eventually they strike up an on-again, off-again relationship. Several months pass, and due to Anna’s fame and Will’s insecurities, they drift apart. Anna visits Will’s bookstore once again, and admits she still has feelings for him. Will initially turns her down, but then Anna gives us this gem. And who wouldn’t love her, after a speech like that?

All right, we might be cheating a little bit here. But when a romantic comedy has a cast as likeable as this one, it’s impossible to pick just one of the many heartwarming scenes. First, we have Mark’s silent cue card confession to his best friend’s wife. Then there’s Sam’s last-minute dash through the airport to confess his puppy love for Joanna. But if we had to pick a favorite, it’d be Jamie’s awkward but endearing proposal to his housekeeper, Aurélia. While his Portuguese is messy, his intentions are clear, and when Aurélia accepts in similarly broken English, we guarantee you’ll be cheering along with her whole family.

No one does romance quite like Jane Austen. This adaptation of the literary classic has great performances by both Keira Knightley as the lively Elizabeth Bennet, and Matthew Macfadyen as Darcy, her proud and solemn suitor. Despite a bad first impression that causes Elizabeth to swear to “loathe him for all eternity,” Darcy eventually wins her over with his wit and sensitivity. While class differences keep them apart, love wins out in the end when Darcy proposes on a misty morning in the countryside. The sun rises on the couple as they rest their heads on each other, leaving no doubt that they both love each other most ardently.

Uh, we’ll have what she’s having. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as Harry and Sally, respectively, in this hilarious romantic comedy for grown-ups. Harry and Sally meet at college, and take an immediate disliking to each other: he’s cynical and gross; she’s idealistic and uptight. But years later, another chance encounter brings them together again. Older and wiser, the two begin a close friendship that very slowly develops into romantic feelings for each other. Unable to stay silent any longer, Harry confronts Sally at a New Year’s Eve party, and gives one of the most honest, funny, and romantic speeches of all time. Now that’s a New Year’s resolution.

Forget the money; Show me the romance! Tom Cruise plays the titular protagonist, a hotshot sports agent, and Renée Zellweger plays Dorothy, the hard-working single mother he falls in love with. While their romance isn’t the main focus of the movie, Jerry’s moments of bonding with both Dorothy and her son are genuine and sweet, and give the film some of its most moving moments. The most iconic scene, however, is when a distraught and heartbroken Jerry returns to Dorothy after a long and bitter separation. Desperate to win her back, Jerry pulls out all the stops, delivering a gut wrenching and inspiring speech. And of course, Dorothy comes up with this perfect response [“You had me at hello”]. And you had us squealing with joy.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
- It Isn’t Over
“The Notebook” (2004)

- Is It Raining?
“Four Weddings and a Funeral” (1994)

- Carbonite Freezing
“Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)

Here’s looking at you, kid! A film classic that’s stood the test of time, “Casablanca” is filled with quotable lines and memorable scenes. At the heart of this wartime epic is the melancholy romance between Humphrey Bogart’s Rick and Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa. When Ilsa tries to get Rick to help her and her husband escape the war-torn city by pointing a gun at him, she finds she’s unable to shoot him, and reveals she still has feelings for him. The heartbreak in both of their eyes as they realize they can never be together is palpable, and their passionate kiss manages to be both sad and hopeful. The fact that they don’t end up together makes the moment bittersweet, but at least they’ll always have Paris.

Do you agree with our list? Which love declarations had you reaching for a tissue? For more cathartic Top 10s published every day, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo.