Men who yearn earn, and all boys should watch and learn from these characters before they EVER date a girl!
Valentine’s Day is all about flowers, chocolate and romance. To celebrate, we turn to the movies, specifically the ones packed with men who yearn. Not casually, but full on, life-altering, quote-worthy yearning.
These are the movie guys who wait, sacrifice, learn new languages, build houses and occasionally make very bad decisions in the name of love. They are not only funny, heartbreaking and sometimes ridiculous, but they also give us stories worth watching over and over, especially when love is in the air.
Number 10: Anakin Skywalker, “Star Wars”
Before the dark side, Anakin was a boy who loved Padmé Amidala at first sight and never stopped trying to save her. He did everything in his power to keep her alive, and when he failed, he hated himself for it. “Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you,” he says, which is romantic, tragic and a reminder that therapy is important. Their relationship is instant and overwhelming, and while it does not exactly end well for the universe, it is clear that his devotion is real.
Number 9: Matt Flamhaff, “13 Going on 30”
Matt loved Jenna Rink before she was popular, successful or even aware of his feelings. He waited years, stayed kind and never tried to be someone else just for acknowledgement. Quiet loyalty is not flashy, but it lasts. Sometimes the most romantic gesture is simply being there.
Number 8: Jack Dawson, “The Titanic”
A more dramatic example of someone displaying love is Jack. He meets Rose Bukater, teaches her how to live freely and then freezes to death so she can survive. Yes, there was room on the door. No, we are still not over it. Jack’s love may have been brief, but it was unforgettable.
Number 7: Peeta Mellark, “The Hunger Games”
Peeta loved Katniss Everdeen for years, trusted her with everything and consistently chose her life over his own. “Because she came here with me,” he says, somehow making sacrificing himself sound casual. If devotion were a survival skill, Peeta would win every time.
Number 6: Edward Cullen, “Twilight” Saga
From a series of vampire romance movies based on the fictional books by Stephenie Meyer, Edward broods, sparkles and dramatically removes himself from Bella Swan’s life “for her own good.” He spends the entire saga protecting her, loving her and acting as if one wrong move will destroy the universe. Over-the-top? Yes. Iconic? Also yes.
Number 5: Noah Calhoun, “The Notebook”
Noah is the blueprint for commitment. He wrote 365 letters, waited years and built Allie’s dream house when pining after her. Noah is the embodiment of the saying, “If he wanted to, he would.” If effort were measurable, Noah would be exhausted, yet proud.
Number 4: Westley, “The Princess Bride”
With just three little words, “As you wish,” Westley pushes to set the standard for romance. He survives pirates, sword fights and death itself, all for Buttercup. The effort is at its max.
Number 3: Laurie, “Little Women”
Laurie loved Jo March with his whole heart and gave her everything he could. That was until he realized love sometimes means letting go. “I have loved you ever since I’ve known you,” he admits in one of the most heart-wrenching monologues. It is painfully mature and heartbreakingly real.
Number 2: Cameron James, “10 Things I Hate About You”
Cameron learned French, restructured his entire existence and centered the whole movie around winning Bianca Stratford’s heart. Awkward, earnest and determined, Cameron proves effort counts.
Number 1: Mr. Darcy, “Pride and Prejudice”
The undisputed king of yearning is Mr. Darcy. Cold and emotionally constipated at first, Darcy comes completely undone by love. He later delivered one of the most iconic love confessions ever put on screen. “You have bewitched me, body and soul,” Darcy says to Elizabeth Bennet, and suddenly, everyone watching believes in true love again. It is no surprise he remains the gold standard of yearning gentlemen.
These characters do not have perfect love stories, but they have unforgettable ones. They show that love is about patience and sacrifice, and sometimes being embarrassingly honest. They emphasize that putting in the effort matters, even if it is the littlest of things. This Valentine’s Day, grab a blanket, press play and watch the characters who have yearned their way into movie history.
