There are a few things no movie feels complete without: a few laughs, a few tears, a bit of conflict – and, of course, a bit of romance. Most films will feature a ‘love interest,’ even in a minor capacity, but sometimes the romance is the true driving force: the key emphasis of the story, much as how, for many, it becomes a key point of emphasis in life.
Love stories are as old as storytelling itself, with such classics as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the novels of Jane Austen having particularly stood the test of time. As the cinema age took off, romantic comedies were immediately among the most beloved film formats, and the cornerstone of many famed actors and filmmakers.
After the darker days of the 70s, the 80s embraced optimism: and there’s no more optimistic and uplifting a message for a movie to convey than true loving conquering all, regardless of the odds. So it was that a fair share of the decade’s biggest and most beloved hits were of the lovey-dovey variety. Critics might have blasted them as saccharine and sentimental, but we shouldn’t overlook that many of the best 80s love stories were also among the smartest, most well-written films of the time.
Which of these 80s romantic classics tugs at your heartstrings the hardest? Scroll down to vote up your favourites, and if you think of any we’ve missed which you consider worthy of inclusion, feel free to add them.