The Top Ten "Chick Flicks"

Let's face it. There are a lot of so-called chick flicks in the world. How can there be so much of something that lends itself to such demeaning terminology? It's a secret that I'll share. Chick Flicks allow women to kick back, clear their minds (which are usually working overtime) and indulge in a little fantasy. Guys might understand if they pick up a Girls Gone Wild video, a Clint Eastwood movie or The Godfather. In their own way, Chick Flicks are works of art. The following is a list of my favorites, including the scenarios in which I think they'd be best to watch.

10) Hope Floats (1998) - Starring the consumate chick flicker, Sandra Bullock, this one centers on a woman who returns to her small hometown after being shocked by an unexpected divorce. She realizes that she has become only a shell of her former self, the head cheerleader and Prom Queen that so many envied. This is a feel good by overcoming hardship movie, with some good old-fashioned romance mixed in. Anyone who likes to reminisce about their younger and wilder days, who has been a mother, who has been through a divorce, or who has a good relationship with their own mother should like this one.

9) Father of the Bride (1991) - This one shouldn't be too painful to watch with your guy. While it's all about a wedding, it's from the perspective of a father who cringes watching his only daughter as she starts a life with the "new man in her life." Starring Steve Martin at his best, this one is good for some sweet family moments and several laughs. Not high on the romance factor; it's much more matter-of-fact.

8) Notting Hill (1999) - Ever love someone that you couldn't have? This movie is the ultimate "love will conquer all" chick flick. It's ever that much more adorable in that it stars Hugh Grant and all his achingly comedic expressions as a man trying to figure out exactly how he won the affection of a famous movie star and whether or not he's worthy of keeping it. And because the overly-listed Pretty Woman doesn't grace my list, this one will please the Julia Roberts' fans, as she plays Grant's love interest.

7) Terms of Endearment (1983) - If you have or have ever listened to stories about an overbearing mother, this is the movie to watch. Just how far can a mother encroach upon your life in the name of love? You'll find out as Shirley MacLaine plays mom to Debra Winger. Jack Nicholson is a special treat in this movie as MacLaine's love interest.

6) How to Make An American Quilt (1995) - I never would have included this on my list had I not stumbled upon it again a few weeks back. Are you engaged or entering a new relationship? This movie is all about the contemplation of making that jump. Winona Ryder plays a young bride-to-be who is having second thoughts. She visits her grandmother, where she finds the older woman and her lady friends working on a wedding quilt for her. During its making, the women tell of the significance of each of their squares by regaling Ryder's character with their own long ago love stories, good and bad. Definitely has that "getting wiser with age" feel, but it's a sincere and touching movie.

5) Singles (1992) - This is the movie that turned me on to Bridget Fonda as an actress. If you're riding the dating scene, this is the chick flick for you. It centers on a group of 20-something singles who live in an apartment complex in Seattle. It's a whole bunch of small dating/love stories in one, with a lot of comedy. Although it was the early 90s, the old "should I call him or wait for him to call me" from this movie still applies.

4) Steel Magnolias (1989) - Okay, I lied. It's another Julia Roberts movie. But Steel Magnolias is so much more than that. It's about a group of women of various ages living in a small town. This one has it all: marriage, dating, pregnancy, divorce, friendship, parenthood, and so on. But be forewarned: only watch this if you're prepared to cry.

3) Dirty Dancing (1987) - I couldn't put Baby in a corner on my list, either. I can't help it if this movie is extremely cheesy; it's so much fun. Baby is a 16 year old who is spending the summer at a resort with her family. She begins to fall for one of the lowely dance staff at the resort and after a shocking turn of events, is asked to fill in for his partner at a big show. 16 years old! This one is only for the true romantics...and the diehard Patrick Swayze fans.

2) The Notebook (2004) - This one will appeal to women of all ages, whether you've been married for 50 years or are just starting out in a relationship. It's about old love, new love, and overcoming obstacles. Ryan Gosling is breathtaking as the poor young man who wins Rachel McAdams' character's heart, only to be separated by war and familial status. This one is also a tear jerker, but a must see.

1) Can't Buy Me Love (1987) - Any movie that can appeal to me first at less than 10 years of age and still hold my interest 2 decades later definitely deserves top billing. Just be prepared for poor 80s outfits, lines and a lot of cheese. But also prepare yourself for the Patrick Dempsey of old, the one who first one my heart as the nerdy high schooler who pays the head cheerleader to go out with him for a month in order to get in with the popular crowd. This movie will appeal to those who lived through the cliques in high school, have dated someone from the other side of the tracks, or who watch Grey's Anatomy.

What are you still doing here? Go rent one (or put them on your Netflix list) and veg out with your gal pals!