Top Ten Picks: Favorite Love Stories Of All Time

Top Ten Picks is a meme here in Random Ramblings where I would be posting just about that -- my top 10 picks! Every week, there will be a different and specific topic given. I will then choose 10 of my picks from that given category, create the list, and post them up here!

For this week, the topic is on our all-time favorite love stories. For this topic, we can include love stories from multiple -- and unlimited -- sources; books, TV, films, plays, etc. So in no particular order, here are my picks!

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Top Ten Favorite Love Stories Of All Time

1. Cupid and Psyche

I love the classic story of Cupid and Psyche because of its simplicity. It is an old-fashioned story of two lovers fighting against all odds, so that they can ultimately be together in peace.
This original sculpture of the two of them can be found in the Louvre museum in Paris, France -- which is one of the many reasons why I want to visit it someday.

From Books:

2. Jamie Sullivan and Landon Carter

Please forget its movie adaptation; have you read this book before??
I have mentioned Jamie and Landon in my previous top10 lists, and I've said the reasons why I love them so much. In my opinion, their story to me was one of the most believable -- not to mention one of the sweetest, cutest, adorable-est, swoon-worthy.. err.. umm.. sorry. I get carried away when I talk about them. The truth is, it has always amazed me how these two characters, who are only seventeen and still fairly young -- are able to have what I think is one of the most genuine love stories. Ever.

3. Henry de Tamble and Clare Abshire

I don't know if I like Henry so much, but I do love Clare. And I do love Henry and Clare together, if that makes sense.
To be honest, though this is about the two of them, I feel as if Clare is the main character here. This is mainly because I feel that she is the epitome of how a woman and a wife should be. Strong-willed, patient, loving, and independent. She is her own self. She is never afraid to fall, get hurt, or make sacrifices.
For me, Henry and Clare's love story is the epitome of a couple who can transcend and survive even through distance and time.

4. Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester

To me, Jane and Mr. Rochester's relationship is also one of the most believable ones out there. Together, they learn more about themselves personally as well as each other at the same time. They learn who they are as individuals, and how to communicate with each other despite their differences. For me, this is a key thing in any relationship; to be perfect together, but be separate individuals still.
I have always loved them also, because their relationship proves that first impressions aren't always as accurate as we may think. Overtime, feelings change. We see other people differently when we get to know them better. I think Jane Eyre and Mr. Rochester proves this really well.

5. Elizabeth Benett and Mr. Darcy

This is another one that I love because of their relationship's "evolution." They showed how relationships -- both friendships and romance -- are able to grow if cared for. They showed the importance of accepting the other for who they really are, despite their negative sides. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy also proved how important it is not to jump into assumptions about somebody; for that someone might end up meaning more to you than you would have thought.
Their story is about being true to yourself, accepting others for who they are, and loving them no matter what.

From Films:

6. Allie and Noah
The Notebook (2004)

I have actually read this one before I watched the movie adaptation. After watching the film though, I knew hands down, it was not only a lot better than the book, but it has also become one of the most unforgettable love stories of all time for me. It is old-fashioned, emotional, realistic, and believable.
A couple that has gone through it all. A story of young and first love, which continues to grow more despite everything they go through together -- and apart. A touching and inspiring story of two different people so powerful that they are able to prove that time and distance is again, nothing.

7. Nickie Ferrante and Terry Mckay
-- There are 3 different versions. From left to right: Love Affair (1939), An Affair to Remember (1957), and Love Affair (1994)

There are three different versions, but my favorite has to be the 1957 one. Despite this though, I have to say, this is another love story that does not matter when it was created, who made it, and who are playing the characters. The story is simple: Two different people leading two completely different lives meet each other. They fall in love eventually, but then they separate. With this separation, they decide that if over time, they still want to be together and if their love for each other remain, then six months later, they will meet somewhere. The question ultimately is.. will both show up?
Another reason why I love this film?? The piano theme by Ennio Morricone. You can listen to its beauty right here.

8. Joe Fox aka "NY152" and Kathleen Kelly aka "Shopgirl"
You've Got Mail (1998)

This might be one of my favorite romantic comedies. This is the story between two completely different characters -- almost somewhat like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy, and in fact, in one scene, they compared each other to these classic characters.
Joe Fox and Kathleen Kelly found each other anonymously through the internet, and there, they become 'chat friends,' talking about random things that happen to them. Eventually, both start talking about more personal things; problems, their love lives, their careers, etc. Outside cyber space, in the real world, Joe and Kathleen are business rivals. They hate each other to bits, but sooner or later.. they both eventually have to find out who NY152 and Shopgirl's real identities truly are.
This is a great movie that showcases a story about unexpected circumstances; we never know who we're meant to be if we keep looking for an "ideal" someone. It is also about accepting someone -- and all the different sides they have -- for who and what they are.

9. Captain Von Trapp and Maria
The Sound of Music (1965)

This one I loved simply because you would never expect it to happen. I also have always liked the whole rich, arrogant, and elitist of a man falling for a humble and kind woman. Not only do they fall in love with each other, but through one another, they helped each other grow. Another thing I loved so much about their relationship was the fact that it was not at all cliche, naive, or juvenile. Over time, they have simple seen the good in one another, despite their negative first impressions. Another thing? Maria has helped Captain Von Trapp see again how important his children are and how crucial it is to pay attention to them, after years of ignoring them.

From Broadway:

10. Raoul and Christine
The Phantom of the Opera (1986 - ?)

The first time I have seen The Phantom of the Opera was in a 2004 film starring Gerard Butler as the Phantom, Emmy Rossum as Christine, and Patrick Wilson as Raoul. Since then, I have fallen in love with this magical tale filled with music, greed, vengeance, and love.
Just two years ago, I finally saw this live on broadway in San Francisco, and again, I fell in love with it. In fact, I loved it even more.
Christine and Raoul's story is the epitome of love that is gentle, unselfish, and kind. Their story mainly surrounds fighting against the Phantom -- who has nothing but bad intentions out of greed and selfishness for Christine. Raoul promises Christine protection, solace, refuge, devotion, and true love. He expressed all this through a song called "All I Ask Of You." I believe that the lyrics in this classic song written by Andrew Lloyd Webber sums up their love story. If you would like to listen to the song and read the lyrics, click here.

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Oh and just because we're on the topic of love stories.. if I had to pick one of the cutest couples ever, well, I think it's only fair that these two join in the list as well anyway.

Seth Cohen and Summer Roberts
THE O.C.

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Again, if you would like to join in, all you have to do is:

1. Do a post, listing all your answers. Like I already mentioned, you do not have to include pictures, descriptions, or explanations, but if you would like to do so, feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.

Can't wait to hear what you all have to say once again!