Romantic-drama classic Casablanca will be appearing on select movie screens across the country today. The Hollywood treasure about a man, a woman, and a sacrifice for love is being treated to a newly restored print in celebration of the movie’s 70th anniversary. “The event will begin with Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne taking audiences behind the scenes of this epic love story in a special original production showcasing stories from those who were on set and those who simply admire this timeless classic.” The film also gets a Blu-ray release on March 27.
One of the ways Casablanca has taken up residence in our collective cinematic memory is through its snappy, unforgettable dialogue thanks to screenwriters Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein, and Howard Koch (adapted from an unstaged play). The quotable lines delivered by Humphrey Bogart’s steely cynic-romantic Rick Blaine are effortlessly recited by many — even those who have never actually seen the movie. We wanted to look at other timeless quotes from romantic films. Some are pretty corny and have entered the pop culture mainstream, others are weep-worthy, and a few have an odd, but honest, way at tugging at our heartstrings. Visit our picks past the break, and quote your favorite lines in the comments below.
“I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.” — Dirty Dancing
They survived spaghetti arms and made the leap to the same side of the tracks, but Johnny Castle’s (Patrick Swayze) heart totally melted for Baby (Jennifer Grey) when the well-to-do daddy’s girl let this confession loose in the 1960’s coming of age story.
“You had me at hello.” — Jerry Maguire
For some, “You complete me,” sums up the 1996 film — which had dozens of highly quotable lines that people annoyingly recited for far too long. Still, there’s something cornily sweet about Renée Zellweger’s line that makes it a winner — and a pop culture meme!
“I would rather share one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone.” — The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Half-elven Arwen (Liv Tyler) gives up immortality to be with a human man — Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) — despite his plea to not forsake her people. She tells him it’s her choice and seals the decision with a kiss. Nerds everywhere got weak in the knees.
“The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” — Moulin Rouge!
There are people who believe the best romances have tragic circumstances — and Baz Luhrmann’s 2001 movie has both in spades. The early 20th century fable reminds us (in song, even!) that love can conquer everything — despite all that icky prostitution and tuberculosis.
“We’ll always have Paris.” — Casablanca
He’s all hard edges and bitterness, but in the end Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart) sacrifices his own needs and desires for the greater good by letting the girl (Ingrid Bergman) get away. He knows they really belong together, but instead reminds her — with a softened voice — of the memories they shared, which will last a lifetime.
“Longing. Longing for a wave of love that would stir in me. That’s what makes me clumsy. The absence of pleasure. Desire for love. Desire to love.” — Wings of Desire
Do yourself a huge favor by skipping 1998’s City of Angels starring Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan, and see the film it was based on — Wim Wenders’ stunningly beautiful romantic-fantasy tale, Wings of Desire. Angel Damiel falls in love with lonely, drifting trapeze artist Marion. Listening to her thoughts, he becomes drawn to her honest and eloquent internal expressions of her hopes and fears (our quote). She can’t see or hear him — until the angel grows tired of his wings and becomes human. He meets Marion again, and it’s as though they’ve known each other their entire lives.
“You make me want to be a better man” — As Good As It Gets
Misanthropic author Melvin (Jack Nicholson) falls for waitress Carol (Helen Hunt) — the only person he knows that can really tolerate him. They haven’t had trouble-free lives, and it isn’t easy for Melvin to admit his true feelings for Carol — but when he eventually opens up to her the connection between them is undeniable.
“What I really want to do with my life — what I want to do for a living — is I want to be with your daughter. I’m good at it.” — Say Anything…
Slacker Lloyd would do anything to win the heart of beautiful high school valedictorian Diane. She’s readying for a trip to Europe after graduation, but that doesn’t stop the couple from embarking on a romantic relationship. Diane’s overprotective dad, however, almost does. When Diane’s father initially asks about Lloyd’s future plans he doesn’t have a good answer to the overwhelming question. Later, though, he makes it known just what’s on his mind for tomorrow and forever.
“Love is too weak a word for what I feel — I luuurve you, you know, I loave you, I luff you, two F’s, yes I have to invent, of course I do, don’t you think I do?” — Annie Hall
A quirky, romantic admission from everyone’s favorite neurotic intellectual, Alvy Singer (Woody Allen).
“Truth is, sometimes I miss you so much I can hardly stand it.” — Brokeback Mountain
Love between married men on a mountain in the 1960s isn’t easy to navigate, but Jack (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis (Heath Ledger) manage to make it work. Eventually their wives and lives back home prevent their intimacy from growing beyond a few fishing trips and secret kisses. Jack continues to pursue Ennis, but emotions on both sides are whirling and messy. Through it all, though, their love remains. Jack has an easier time of letting Ennis know that despite the hardships, nothing has changed in his heart.