Books
“My heart is, and always will be, yours” these are the nation's most romantic lines from fiction and film
By Harriet Hall
10 years ago
The nation has voted and the results are in.
A new poll of 2000 British women has revealed our favourite romantic quotes from literature and films, with Sense and Sensibility topping the list for most romantic literary line of all time, closely followed by sultry snippets from Dirty Dancing and Titanic.
The study was commissioned by TV channel Drama, who are airing a range of romantic classics from Tess of the D’Urbevilles to Pride and Prejudice this weekend.
See below for our all-time favourite, most loved-up quotes or click here to see Stylist's pick of the most romantic lines from literature.
1. Sense and Sensibility
16% of people voted for Jane Austen's classic as having one of the most romantic lines in literature.
“My heart is, and always will be, yours.”
2. Dirty Dancing
14% of people voted for Baby's (Jennifer Grey) declaration of love to Johnny (Patrick Swayzee) in 1987's Dirty Dancing.
“I’m scared of what I saw, I’m scared of what I did, of who I am, and most of all I’m scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life the way I feel when I’m with you.”
3. Titanic
Jack's (Leonardo DiCaptio) emotional speech to Rose (Kate Winslet) as he was dying in 1999's Titanic, was voted for by 11%.
“Winning that ticket, Rose, was the best thing that ever happened to me… it brought me to you. And I’m thankful for that, Rose. I’m thankful. You must do me this honour, Rose. Promise me you’ll survive”
4. When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally, 1989, tied with Titanic - voted for by 11% as the most romantic line from film or literature.
“When you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
5. Wuthering Heights
Kathy's description of her love for Heathcliffe in Emily Brontë's classic novel, was voted for by 10% of women.
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
6. Notting Hill
When Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) asks William Thacker (Hugh Grant) to love her, regardless of her fame in his bookshop, 10% of women thought it was the most romantic thing of all time.
“I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”
7. Ghost
Ditto isn't the most affectionate way to tell someone you love them - well, that was before Ghost. Now it's one of the most romantic lines of all time (according to 9% of voters).
“I love you. I really love you.” “Ditto.”
8. Far From the Madding Crowd
Gabriel Oak's romantic declaration to Bathsheba Everdeen in the Thomas Hardy classic won 8% of the vote.
“And at home by the fire, whenever you look up there I shall be. And whenever I look up, there will be you.”
9. Love Actually
Although scientists think this was a creepy moment of sexist stalking, 8% of women thought it was deeply moving.
“But for now, let me say without hope or agenda to me, you are perfect, and my wasted heart will love you...”
10. Pride and Prejudice
Whatever he does, Colin Firth will always be remembered as the dashing Mr. Darcy (not only in Pride and Prejudice, but in Bridget Jones, as well.) When Jane Austen's hero finally tells Elizabeth Bennet his true feelings, 7% of women thought it was the most romantic moment ever.
“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”
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