15 romantic films that won’t drive you insane

There's not a Katherine Heigl or a Kate Hudson in sight.

With a plethora of awful films being shown over the Valentine's Day weekend, we're fairly certain that a fair few of our readers will be craving something else. There's nothing worse than having to endure a bad romantic film, I'm still haunted by the memory of being dragged to the cinema whilst kicking and screaming to see Fame and The Vow. This being said, they're not all bad so here's our list of 15 romantic films that everyone might enjoy.

The Wedding Singer

Why does it work? : Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore have arguably the best chemistry of any couple on screen and there's some brilliant gags in here also. Jon Lovitz' creepy singer, strange old men, Billy Idol's cameo and all the cringy '80s fashion, music and pop-culture are on offer. Plus its got a granny singing Rappers Delight by The Sugarhill Gang. What's not to love? Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKNKVzVAqUk

Shaun of The Dead

Why does it work? : It's a romantic comedy from the creators of Spaced...but with zombies. Yes, it still counts. Edgar Wright's film is very clever because it knowingly parodies some of the obvious clichés that over-sentimental American romantic films fall into while also maintaining a very British sensibility on the zombie apocalypse. We would like to think that most Irish people would react to seeing a zombie in their back garden in the exact same way, by having a cup of tea. The real bromance though is between Shaun and Ed. Liz must be heartbroken. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zXvR_jBD8o

Silver Linings Playbook

Why does it work? : Bradley Cooper's character Pat is completely at a loss in the film as he tries to readjust to normal life after a spell in a mental institution while also hoping to reconcile with unfaithful wife. Jennifer Lawrence's Tiffany has even bigger problems to contend with as she struggles with the recent death of her husband and  mental health issues. It all sounds like the worst craic ever but the Oscar winning film is a must-watch because romance is never an easy subject to write, pigeon hole or simplify which is why Silver Linings Playbook is so good. It revels in the fecked up nature of falling in love. David O. Russell's film is what happens when two people, regardless of their flaws and problems, meet at the right/wrong time. Oh yeah, the lovely Jennifer Lawrence is amazing in it. And she is lovely. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F6nNlIbgWTU High Fidelity Why does it work? : The book is superb, absolutely superb. Did we say it's superb? Nick Hornby was able to dissect the male psyche and men's attitude towards romance in a way that's honest, intelligent and painfully accurate by juxtaposing all the neurosis that us guys have about romance alongside the nerdy tendencies of music lovers to categorize and over think things. The film took all of the books best qualities and managed to make a movie that's too cool for school. It also has a a kick-ass soundtrack and a career best performance from John Cusack. It started our obsession with lists and let's be honest, every man still wants this job. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOwjVVSNOtY Garden State Why does it work? : We always thought that Turk / Donald Faison was going to be J.D's one and only true love but up stepped Natalie Portman in the wonderful Garden State. Braff's directorial debut proved that he had a keen ear for writing dialogue as well as a talent behind the camera also. The film is unashamed in its influences, it still feels like it's trying to be The Graduate for the hipster generation, but Braff's on-screen relationship with Portman hits the right balance between annoyingly sweet and genuinely believable. Oh yeah, the music featuring Zero 7, Nick Drake, The Shins and this absolute classic song among many others is fantastic. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-0prbWRAUk Groundhog Day Why does it work? : There has been college classes, PHD's and countless essays devoted to studying the spiritual, religious and theological lessons behind Harold Ramis' film but the simple fact remains, Phil Connors only snaps out of his loop after falling in love. Simply put, this is Bill Murray's best performance but the biggest credit that we can pay to Groundhog Day is that every time we watch it, we never get bored of it. It's absolutely wonderful and with every new viewing there's little subtleties and nuances that you pick up. Any film where a man punches an annoying stranger in the face, drives on the train-tracks and lets a rodent drive his car is a winner in our opinion. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mjDS8jw2fI (500) Days of Summer Why does it work? : If you can get past the head-melting levels of annoying that Zooey Deschanel's character then this is a very clever take on the boy-meets-girl story. The gender reversal, levels of honesty and self-referential dialogue proved to be a huge draw for audiences around the world. Any film that features music by The Smiths, Pixies and Doves is cool with us but my Jesus, that Summer girl is annoying. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8RzT8hEUKs

Chasing Amy

Why does it work? : Kevin Smith's most mature and serious movie proved that the Clerks and Mallrats director was capable of mixing comedy, romance and drama in this taboo-breaking film. While Jay and Silent Bob do feature here they take a back-seat as Smith turns his unconventional New Jersey tinted view of the world  towards gay relationships, crossed wires and dating in the '90s. It's not all serious though because in classic Smith style there's lots of Star Wars, sex and comic book references thrown in for good measure. Oh yeah, it also features one of his best ever scenes. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHLJfxfXHBg Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind Why does it work? : We all have memories of our ex's that we need to forget... and fast. A romantic film written by Charlie Kaufman that's directed by Michel Gondry was never going to be straightforward but its Jim Carrey who steals the show in what could be his best performance to date. It's bonkers and bittersweet but rarely has a film been so wonderfully original, artistic and ironic while maintaining a certain level of sweetness. It is bonkers though. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZdl2FFp0eA The 40 Year Old Virgin Why does it work? : Before the 'bromance' films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Superbad and I Love You, Man became the industry norm, Freaks and Geeks creator Judd Apatow made his mark with this filthy-sweet film about a man that has the worst streak in history. 40 years, yikes. While Steve Carrell and Catherine Keener's romance is the main focus, we can't help but love the clearly improvised scenes between the SmartTech crew especially Paul 'Man-O-Lantern' Rudd and Seth 'You know how I know you're gay?' Rogen. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1R12n3-fRE In Search of A Midnight Kiss Why does it work? : One of the films that not many people may know about but it's definitely worth checking out because the idea is so simple but effective. Two complete strangers meet over the internet on New Years Eve because they're equally afraid/desperate of being alone. In typical romantic fashion they slowly begin to fall for each other. Imagine a spontaneous Tinder date but one that goes really well and without the need to have an 'exit strategy' in place throughout the evening. We've all done that right? The film feels like a mix of Beyond Sunrise with Manhattan but it's authentic, clever and charming enough to stand on its own two feet. Here's the trailer. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50r7VKl1pN8 Out of Sight Why does it work? : Steven Sodebergh's slick crime drama might be a surprise inclusion on the list but all the bullets, boxing and prison breakouts are secondary when measured against the chemistry between George Clooney's bankrobber Jack Foley and Jennifer Lopez' FBI agent Karen Sisco. Northern Irish DJ David Holmes provides the sultry soundtrack but it's Clooney and Lopez that make the film pop, ironic considering the duo couldn't see eye-to-eye when the cameras weren't rolling. We wonder who's the more difficult one to get along with between the two. Mmm, tough one. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Te4G4EGjidM As Good as It Gets Why does it work? : Apart from One Flew Over the Cooko's Nest, this is the role that JOE most closely associates Jack Nicholson's with because it's so hard to separate him from the cranky, narcissistic and OCD suffering Melvin Udall. Some of the hilarious dialogue is razor sharp yet there's something very poignant and true about a man who's clearly well meaning but still can't help himself from putting his foot in his mouth on countless occasions. Just like anyone in a relationship then. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyPiwKV87OE Annie Hall Why does it work? : No other film has best captured the inability of men and women to understand each other quite like Woddy Allen's 1977 masterpiece. Heartbreak as art has seldom been this funny but we can't help but remember a line from The Simpsons whilst watching it. "I like Woody Allen's films except for that nervous fella who's always in them". Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXJ8tKRlW3E

When Harry Met Sally

Why does it work? : It invented the rulebook that every film in this list has followed. Our favourite scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8kpYm-6nuE Having finished this article we're instantly kicking ourselves for leaving There's Something About Mary off the list. What do you guys think? Any glaring oversights?