10 Romance Movies for the Over 50 Crowd

I went to the best source for this one, my mother. She is a harsh critic and thinks a lot of movies nowadays are crap. That's why many movies on her list were watched when she was growing up. These 10 are a generous mix of classic, timeless, and modern. What I learned from asking my over 50 mother is that her generation appreciates humor, genuine romance and on-screen legends. I won't go into too much detail because everyone is pretty much familiar with these titles anyway. It's a reminder list for your Netflix queue.

Something's Gotta Give is a clever comedy with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson. He is an older gentleman who only dates younger women. Hilariousness ensues when he suffers a heart attack and must stay overnight at his girlfriend's mother's house (Diane Keaton). Their on-screen chemistry as an unlikely couple brings about uproarious situations.

To Catch a Thief starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant is a classic Hitchcock film where Grant is a reformed jewel thief who is accused of copycat robberies and sets out to prove his innocence while playing hard to get with Grace Kelly's character. It is filmed on the gorgeous location of Monaco. Fantastic movie, dialogue, cast.

Casablanca starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman is probably the most known romance film of all time. No explanation needed on why this is a favorite.

Jane Austen's Book Club is a quirky film about the lives of women in a book club that come together to read Jane Austen. Those over 50 can relate to the pain and loneliness that can extend beyond a divorce or handling the issues of a teenage daughter. They bond over discussing Austen, whose perspective on life and men draws similarities to their own lives.

When Harry Met Sally is the definition of a chick flick. I've never met any guy who enjoyed this movie, over 50 or not. My mother thinks that the Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan banter is utterly hilarious. (i.e." Men and women can't be friends" conversation) And the coffee shop orgasm scene is one for the books. Needs to be viewed at least once during lifetime.

Sleepless in Seattle and City of Angels are next on the list respectively. Meg Ryan is a romance movie queen and a majority of women over 50 adore her. That is why 3 of her movies appear on this list. She is relatable, attractive, and funny. I couldn't bring myself to put You've Got Mail on here, but there I did it. #4.

As Good as it Gets starring Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson. I'm beginning to see another pattern emerging here. The older ladies love Jack. He has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor they cannot resist. I didn't particularly care for it, but the over 50 crowd (women) love it!

It's a Wonderful Life starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. It's nearing the Christmas holiday so it seemed fitting. It's the ultimate down and out Christmas movie with a happy ending. Just say George Bailey to the elders. They'll know what you mean.