Ten great romance movies, because The Notebook is overrated

As the days shorten and temperatures continue to drop, something more than just the cold settles in. Yup, we’re talking about desperation. Cuffing season has arrived which, if you haven’t heard about previously, is defined by Urban Dictionary as occurring “during the Fall and Winter months, when people who would normally rather be single find themselves along with the rest of the world desiring to be “cuffed” or tied down by a serious relationship.” So, it should come as no surprise that a 2012 study by the Journal of Consumer Research found that people choose to stream more romance films more often when the weather is cold than when the weather is warm. 

In honor of this lovely weather and the great genre that is also known as chick flicks, I present to you — in no particular order — ten great romance movies because The Notebook is overrated. Hot take, I know, but the world of romance films goes far beyond movies based on Nicholas Sparks’ books.

10. Pretty Woman

Watch when you want a funny movie about a businessman and a hooker falling for each other. This movie actually went on to win a Kid’s Choice Award in 1991, no joke.

Songs you might recognize: “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, “Maneater” by Daryl Hall & John Oates, “It Must Have Been Love” by Roxette

9. Dil Dhadakne Do

Watch when you want a movie about one crazy family, one big anniversary, and one giant cruise ship. Note, this movie is in Hindi so you’ll have to make use of subtitles. In the words of Bong Joon Ho, director of “Parasite,” “Once you overcome the 1-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films.” This is one of them.

Songs you might recognize: “Dil Dhadakne Do” by Joi Barua and Suraj Jagan

8. Crash Landing on You

Watch when you need a single-season show to binge (yes, I know technically this list is for movies but Crash Landing on You is so good I made an exception). When the CEO of a fashion company in South Korea decides to test her extreme sportswear line by paragliding, the last thing she expects is a storm that sends her crashing down into the DMZ zone between North and South Korea. Note: This show is in Korean but again, subtitles are really a great tool.

Songs you might recognize: “Let Us Go” by Crush, “The Song for My Brother – Orchestra Version” by Nam Hye Seung and Park Sang Hee

7. Pride & Prejudice (the version with Keira Knightly)

Watch when you realize that people who say Pride & Prejudice is an amazing movie are completely serious, and you’re doing yourself a disservice by not watching this masterpiece.

Songs you might recognize: “Dawn” by Jean-Yves Thibaudet, “Leaving Netherfield” by Jean-Yves Thibaudet

6. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Watch when you want to watch a guy ceaselessly try to make a girl fall in love with him in order to win a bet, all while that same girl tries to do everything in her power to get him to fall out of love with her for an article she’s writing!

Songs you might recognize: “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban, “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon, “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer

5. Crazy Rich Asians

Watch when you want a sweet and hilarious rom com filled with great food and even better outfits. Note: the book that this movie is based upon is also a great read.

Songs you might recognize: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (cover) by Kina Grannis, “Waiting For Your Return” by Jasmine Chen

4. 10 Things I Hate About You

Watch when you want to see Heath Ledger (Patrick Verona) serenading Julia Stiles (Kat Stratford) by stealing the PA system and singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” in the stadium stands, all while running away from high school security. 

Songs you might recognize: “Cruel To Be Kind” by Letters to Cleo, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Frankie Valli

3. The Half of It

Watch when you’re looking for a movie with a classic love triangle, although this time the shy student and the jock team up to get the attention of the girl they both want.

Songs you might recognize: “If You Leave Me Now” by Chicago, “If You Could Read My Mind” by Gordon Lightfoot

2. Crazy, Stupid, Love

Watch when you want to see Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, and Julianne Moore navigate the world of too good to be true, divorce, glow ups, and true romantic comedy.

Songs you might recognize: “Ooh La La” by Goldfrapp, “Animal” by Miike Snow

1. Me Before You

Watch when you want an unforgettable movie and a good cry.

Songs you might recognize: “Numb” by Max Jury, “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran, “Don’t Forget About Me” by Cloves