10 movies for Valentine's Day

Better Homes and Gardens Magazine's top 10 romantic movies:

1. "When Harry Met Sally," 1989

Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan; run time: 96 minutes

Why we love it: The dialogue is fantastic and Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have amazing chemistry. We tear up when Harry tells Sally all the quirky things he loves about her. We love how time and circumstance play such an important role in their relationship.

2. "Pride & Prejudice," 2005

Starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen; run time: 127 minutes

"Pride & Prejudice," 1995 (TV miniseries)

Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle; run time: 300 minutes

Why we love it: There's something magical about seeing Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy slowly realize they are in love. And we get a kick out of author Jane Austen's wry, spot-on observations about human nature. Every time we watch, we have to resist just fast-forwarding to the scene at Pemberley where Darcy gives Elizabeth "the look" — the one where his uppity formality has melted away and his love for her shines on his face. Aaaahhh.

3. "Pretty Woman," 1990

Starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts; run time: 119 minutes

Why we love it: What could be better than being swept off your feet by a rich, handsome man who is intent upon showering you with fabulous gifts? And looking at Richard Gere for two hours would make anyone's Valentine's Day just a little bit sweeter. The clothes are fun (who could forget the polka dot dress or the to-die-for red gown?) and the romance quotient is high. This is a rags-to-riches love story that will make every girl long for her Prince Charming or appreciate the one she has!

4. "While You Were Sleeping," 1995

Starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman; run time: 103 minutes

Why we love it: We watch "While You Were Sleeping" every year for the same reason we have a passion for whipped topping: It's a sweet, fluffy, feel-good treat. This chick flick is about a lonely young woman who finds a whole family to love when she rescues an unconscious man from an oncoming train. Watch this movie alone, because tears flow during the last 15 minutes.

5. "Sleepless in Seattle," 1993

Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan; run time: 105 minutes

Why we love it: This film is an all-time favorite romance that captures how love can bring two strangers together. It's a classic that never gets old and somehow manages to bring tears every time (happy tears, of course). Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan truly shine, even in their younger years. "You've Got Mail" (also starring Tom and Meg) was good, but "Sleepless" was great — that's why it makes our list for top flicks for Valentine's Day.

6. "An Officer and a Gentleman," 1982

Starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger; run time: 124 minutes

Why we love it: A truly great chick flick needs not only a strong woman, but a strong man. In this film, the main characters learn their own lessons, accept their own worth, and only then understand how love really "lifts them up where they belong." An "Officer and a Gentleman's" many layers stand the test of time. And how many women secretly wish they were being carried away by Richard Gere? Admit it!

7. "The Notebook," 2004

Starring Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, Gena Rowlands, and James Garner; run time: 123 minutes

Why we love it: Based on the story by chick-lit guru Nicholas Sparks, "The Notebook" is everything a romantic movie should be. The drama of Noah and Allie's roller-coaster courtship transcends decades as it seamlessly alternates from the infatuation of summer love to the passion of lifelong commitment. The glamour of the early 1940s and classic love songs such as Billie Holiday's "I'll Be Seeing You" provide a breathtaking backdrop for this unforgettable romance.

8. "Bridget Jones's Diary," 2001

Starring Renée Zellweger, Colin Firth, and Hugh Grant; run time: 97 minutes

Why we love it: The "All by Myself" scene in Bridget Jones's Diary (where Bridget is bemoaning the fact that she is 32 and single) rings true for all women at some point in their lives. The sassy, candid nature of this film is sure to make any chick flick lover laugh.

9. "Bull Durham," 1988

Starring Kevin Costner, Susan Sarandon, and Tim Robbins; run time: 108 minutes

Why we love it: It was a very sensual movie that used baseball as a background for romance. We liked everything about it. Kevin Costner was just so wonderful ... he's always been favorite. And if the pedicure scene doesn't intrigue you (where Costner's Crash Davis paints the toenails of Sarandon's Annie Savoy), consider the scene where he talks about long, slow, deep, wet kisses that last three days!

10. "Casablanca," 1942

Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman; run time: 102 minutes

Why we love it: Humphrey Bogart is Rick Blaine, a cynical American expatriate who runs a nightclub in the Moroccan city of Casablanca during the early days of World War II. Ex-love Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) unexpectedly comes back into his life, but she's now married to a renowned Czech Resistance leader. Eventually Rick discovers he's not so cynical after all, giving up all hope of reuniting with Ilsa by making it possible for her and Laszlo to safely leave the country. The fact that this movie is filmed in black-and-white makes it even more melancholy.

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