Ah, love. It’s the inspiration behind some of the greatest stories of our time, inspiring some of the most captivating and enduring tales of all time. From classic romances that have stood the test of time to modern love stories that have captured our hearts, we’re sailing through some of the best romantic movies of all time to celebrate Carnival Cruise Line romantic getaway options to New Zealand. All aboard!
From specialty restaurants for romantic dinners, wine tastings and ice cream, to couples massages and relaxing on the sundeck, Carnival’s romantic getaways give you the chance to experience special destinations with your loved one and create memories that will last a lifetime.
To get you in the mood to have your own romantic movie experience, here’s a list of some of our favourite films and some of the greatest love stories of all time.
“The Notebook”
Could you honestly start a list of the best romantic movies anywhere else? This soapy Nicholas Sparks adaptation starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling as Noah and Allie completely changed the landscape when it landed on our screens in 2004. It has everything; it’s unrequited, it’s forbidden, it’s passionate. There are love letters, rowboats, and *that* kiss in the rain. It might be cheesy, but “The Notebook” could melt even the hardest heart. “If you’re a bird, I’m a bird.”
“Casablanca”
Did romance exist before Humphrey Bogart’s Rick and Ingrid Bergman’s Ilsa? It’s unclear, but this wartime romance has certainly stood the test of time. Set against the backdrop of resistance in World War 2, “Casablanca” forces its characters to make excruciating decisions, pushing love to its very end. Plus it gave us one of the best movie quotes of all time: “Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.”
“Pretty Woman”
“Big mistake. Big! Huge!” Julia Roberts and Richard Gere give us an unlikely love story in “Pretty Woman”, pairing an uptight businessman with a sex worker and creating some of the most memorable movie scenes of the 1990s. Not to mention the fashion; that hair, those boots, that dress!
On paper, “Pretty Woman” sounds like a problematic nightmare, but on our screens it’s heartwarming, hilarious and Julia Roberts at her very best. Utterly rewatchable.
“Pride & Prejudice”
Is it cheating to include a Jane Austen adaptation? Possibly, but there is no romance without Austen. You know the drill – Mr. Darcy falls in love with Elizabeth Bennet, but tradition, class and their own stubbornness keeps them apart. Can they each overcome their problems for love? As for which adaptation to watch, we strongly recommend 2005’s with Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, but won’t be mad if you choose the 1995 BBC series with Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth’s torso.
“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”
The film which popularised the ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’ trope, “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” sees Kate Winslet erase Jim Carrey from her mind after a messy breakup. It’s a stacked cast: Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo and Elijah Wood all support, and the screenplay won an Oscar in 2005. Romance and prestige? Sign us up.
“Romeo + Juliet”
Ok, we know this one has its critics, but Claire Danes and Leonardo DiCaprio staring at each other through a fish tank wall will never not be iconic. It’s a classic story, told against an incredible soundtrack, with the Baz Luhrmann drama. And don’t worry if you slept through Shakespeare in school, you don’t need a literature degree to get through this one. The stunning visuals alone are worth the ticket price.
“Bridesmaids”
Yes, “Bridesmaids” is one of the funniest films of all time, but it’s also a beautiful romance between Kristen Wiig and Chris O’Dowd. The perfect choice for when you want some laughs with your romance, “Bridesmaids” is the perfect movie to snuggle down with your loved one, or catch up with your friends. Plus there aren’t many films that would turn us again Jon Hamm, but somehow this one manages it!
“Call Me by Your Name”
A lush Italian masterpiece, “Call Me by Your Name” is a tortured romantic tale full of long lingering looks and stolen touches. Starring Timothée Chalamet, in his breakout role, and Armie Hammer, it’s a 1980s love story blossoming between a seventeen-year-old student and his father’s research assistant. It’s an honest, raw film and reminds us that love knows no boundaries and doesn’t play by the rules.
“Notting Hill”
In the 90s, Julia Roberts was the queen of the romantic comedy and Hugh Grant was her king. They’re both here at their very best in “Notting Hill”, the unlikely tale of a famous actress who falls for the owner of a bookstore in Notting Hill. The question remains, can their romance survive her fame? A massive hit when it was released in 1999, “Notting Hill” stands up now, almost 30 years later, as an incredible example of romantic comedy.
“Titanic”
At 3 hours and 30 minutes long, it’s lucky “Titanic” is a ripper of a romance. Kate Winslet’s Rose, betrothed to another, falls for Leonardo DiCaprio’s Jack, a talented artist. External factors threatening love don’t get much better than the biggest ship of its time sinking though, and unfortunately for Rose and Jack this one doesn’t have a happy ending. Although there probably was room on that door for both of them….
If you’re looking for a much happier romantic getaway, look no further than Carnival Cruise line romantic offering to New Zealand. With more than 45 activities available onboard, you’ll have the time of your life with your special one, no matter what your love language is. Find out more here.
