This summer I had some time to re-watch some of my favorite movies of all time. I noticed that all of them came out in either 2005 or before 2005. Although they all have different story lines, they do share a common theme: love. Some of these movies are light on the heart and just all around entertaining while incorporating action and drama, but some may send you into a frenzy of emotions. Either way, when you want to just relax and indulge in some ice cream and great acting, check out any or all of these movies.

Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty woman is a classic! This movie features two great actors, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, as they take on the romance between a wealthy man and a prostitute. I personally love this movie because of the way it was written. The development of

this romance between these two characters wasn’t overdone. It’s not the typical take on Cinderella or the boy meets girl kind of plot. It;s more sophisticated in the sense that these are two adults in two different places in their life and somehow a nonchalant encounter turns into a kind of love that lasts forever.

The Notebook (2005)

WARNING: This movie will make you cry!!! You definitely will need a box of tissues for this one. The Notebook is a classic story about love and how love can always bring two people back to each other. A young woman finds herself in a tough position because she has fallen for a man that isn’t well off like her parents would like and she’s going away to school. Although he loves her, it isn’t that simple. There are so many outside forces that get in the way of them being together. I found myself yelling at the screen as if the characters could hear me, because although it’s this picture perfect view of love, it also tackles real challenges like being afraid of falling in love and being vulnerable. This movie is a must see, but make sure you’re ready for the waterworks.

Love & basketball (2000)

I watch this movie every other month. My brother introduced me to this classic when I was younger because it was really popular when he was in high school. The title pretty much explains what this movie is about. The story follows two people. As the grow up, they both have a passion for one thing: basketball. Things start to change when Quincy, the leading male, realizes that he has feeling for the girl next door, Monica. As they both reach for their dreams they try to hold on to each other, but that’s harder than it sounds when you throw in school, practice, and a crazy social life. This is probably my favorite movie of all time.

Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)

Not only does this movie have Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt in it, it also mixing drama, romance, and action into one story line. The chemistry between Jolie and Pitt is what really sells this story line. Although they are married, Mr. & Mrs. Smith live two different lives that the other doesn’t know about. When their hidden worlds collide it turns into an action packed thriller filled with big guns and exploding objects. If you’re looking for an action movie, but also what that drama between lovers, this is the movie!

Two Can Play That Game (2001)

Last but not least, Two Can Play That Game is a movie about the chase, manipulation, and love. What’s different about this movie is that the main character, played by Vivica Fox, actually speaks to the audience! You feel like she's guiding you through a rule book of how to get your significant other back after things get rough. This movie is fun, flirty, and perfect for a movie night with the girls