John Cusack in Say Anything.

The Notebook, Love and Basketball, Bull Durham and more couple-friendly chick flicks

– by Liz Stanton

Every night of the week, keen observers can spot battles being waged in the aisles of video stores nationwide. I don’t want to be accused of sexism, but ignore your inner PC detector and wade with me into the muddy waters of broad stereotype.

Maybe you’re the kind of lady who just wants to curl up with the Sex and the City movie and a couple of Cosmos – trust me, your boyfriend would  find performing his own adult circumcision more appealing. Hell, maybe you’re the kind of dude who somehow believes that Tom Cruise is still a viable movie star, and you want to see the latest tired installment of Mission: Exactly The Same As All The Other Missions (good luck, buddy). Are conflicts like these ruining your previously perfect relationship? Put aside your weapons, ladies and gents, for I come bearing the gift of compromise.

The Notebook – I can hear you now, and you are incredulous. “How can she start the list with that, the sappiest chick flick in recent memory??” You guys, I just did it. Your minds are officially blown, but try to focus, please. Thing is, I have found that not only have most guys seen this movie already, but they harbour a secret love for it. Man, even I don’t really like this movie – I’m just throwing a bone to all those dudes who are afraid to admit how they really feel about Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. Dad, this one’s for you.

Love & Basketball (2000) – Now we’re talking, right? Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan are best friends trying to figure out their feelings for each other while engaging in just enough sporting trials and tribulations to keep even the biggest lughead interested. This film is a fine example of the delicate balance that must be struck between sports and love story; for a bad example, see Fever Pitch.

Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan in Love and Basketball (2000).

Blue Crush (2002) – Let’s just say that I know someone who considers this Kate Bosworth surfin’ flick to be a fine guilty pleasure, and leave it at that. Dudes, you will appreciate the many, MANY shots of bikini-clad women, and for the ladies, of course there’s a love story. Half the fun of watching movies starring Bosworth, though, is trying to figure out if her famously mismatched eyes have been corrected via contacts.

Kate Bosworth in Blue Crush.

Bull Durham (1988) – Honestly, finding Kevin Costner attractive isn’t something that comes easily to me, but this is another sports&love movie that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. If your man is insecure about aging, he can take comfort in Susan Sarandon‘s eventual discovery that the older dude really is better for her, and women everywhere can enjoy Sarandon’s turn as one hell of a liberated woman.

Susan Sarandon and Kevin Costner in Bull Durham.

Groundhog Day (1993) – Bill Murray! It’s Bill Murray! Also starring Andie “Giant Forehead” McDowell, but I’ve never really understood her appeal. Murray’s angry weatherman is hilarious, of course – surely I’m not the only person who gets a little bummed every time he tries to make himself into a nice guy – and any movie that features a rodent kidnapping is okay in my books. If your manfriend doesn’t find this movie amusing, it might be time for an upgrade.

Andie MacDowell and Bill Murray in Groundhog Day (1993).

The Wedding Singer (1998) – Even people who hate Drew Barrymore (and there are a surprising number of them) will concede that she is equal parts sweetness and light in this glorious homage to the ’80s. Adam Sandler used to make funny movies, and though this one came towards the end of his peak, he’s still in fine form – especially when he’s in the middle of his breakdown. “Hey Linda, you’re a bitch” = bahahas for you and your lady.

Adam Sandler in The Wedding Singer (1998).

Chocolat (2000)  – Guys everywhere love this movie – seriously, ask Paul Rudd.

Juliet Binoche and Johnny Depp in Chocolat (2000).

Meet Joe Black (1998) – I find this movie incredibly boring. If, however, you’re okay with tuning out for hours and staring at Brad Pitt’s perfect form (or Claire Forlani’s), this is the film for you. Anthony Hopkins fans can ogle him too… I guess. Do us all a favour, though, and keep that to yourself.

Claire Forlani and Brad Pitt in Meet Joe Black (1998).

Bend it Like Beckham (2002) – Once again, a sports-centered love story helps to bridge the gap. Jonathan Rhys-Meyers used to be pretty adorable, and Parminder Nagra, as a girl who must battle cultural expectations to pursue who and what she loves, is both relatable and super cute. Keira Knightley is in there too, if you’re into her brand of hot. This movie also features several songs from former Spice Girl Melanie C. They are dope.

Parminder Nagra and Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Bend It Like Beckham (2002).

Say Anything (1989) – John Cusack has been ruining other guys’ game for years, and this movie is the reason why. Dudes, if your lady starts complaining that you’ve never tried to seduce her via boombox, feel free to remind her that that verges on stalker-ish and is actually quite creepy. Otherwise, settle in for a flick that is guaranteed to make both of you feel all warm and gooey inside.

John Cusack and Ione Skye in Say Anything (1989).