Romance movies, though often dismissed by guys and by jaded, Gen-X women as "chick flicks," have nevertheless provided us with some of the greatest cinema moments of all time. (As well as, we must admit, a lot of crap.) We offer here just a sample of some of the great ones - watch for your own pleasure, or just to get in touch with your sensitive side. You won't regret it. Do, however, keep tissues nearby (especially for Love Story). And guys, remember, the only thing sexier than a man who likes romance movies is, well, a man who likes movies about gladiators and guns and big trucks.

1. CASABLANCA (1942)

There's a good reason why so many people know the lines, "Play it again, Sam," and, "Here's looking at you, kid." They've had the good fortune of watching Casablanca - one of the greatest love stories ever committed to celluloid. This is as classic as it gets: black & white, set in Morocco at the time of the Nazis, with a studly leading man and a gorgeous dame. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, for God's sake!

Here's the story: Bogart owns the coolest bar in Casablanca (which is nominally run by the Nazis, but operates more like the black market). Who should arrive but a famous leader of the Resistance, looking to bail out of Europe before the Krauts have their way with him. Of course Bogey is the only guy who can help. The clincher is that Resistance Guy is now heavy with Bogart's former love interest, Ingrid. So, does our grizzled hero do the right thing and help Resistance Guy, or does he get himself out of Casablanca with Ingrid on his arm? Find out on an airport tarmac as the Nazis close in!

Like Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca is still cool after all these years - the black and white cinematography is far more elegant than Technicolor, and the dialogue here is restrained and cynical, unlike the stilted monologues typical of so many films from the forties. But hey, if we think we're cynical now, just remember that this flick was shot in 1942 - times just don't get much worse than that.

Notes:

  • The famous line, "Play it again, Sam," is never actually said. The line is, "Play it, Sam. Play it."

  • Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Supporting Actor

  • Won 3 Academy Awards: Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay

  • Placed #2 on the American Film Institute's "100 Greatest Movies" List