21 Best Films Of The 21st Century By Genre

2. Romance- The Notebook

The good old fashioned Romance movie has been largely avoided this century, with a more deeper exploration of relationships at the core. Films such as Moonlight, Carol, Blue is the Warmest Colour and Brokeback Mountain all excellently portray same sex relationships, while Before Sunset and Punch Drunk Love's grounded portrayal of a relationship are also great in their low key style. However, these are all a little too solemn to top this list.

It may have its flaws, but The Notebook hits every note perfectly for a Romance film. Yes the story may be cliched, but it's the heartbreaking climax that makes up for any sins of over the top soppiness in its earlier stages. The fact that the story is a tale being told by a husband to his amnesiac wife rather than a literal recount of events actually gives the story much gravitas.

The 'will they, won't they, yes of course they will' set up between Rachel McAdam's Allie and Ryan Gosling's Noah plays out as we all expect, with the usual trials and tribulations to be overcome and the right guy to be chosen. But it's the heartbreaking moments when an elderly Allie forgets all she knows that makes these memories all the more powerful.

The delicacy and care with which dementia is dealt with is strong, exploring the heartbreak that the disease causes. The moment when James Garner and Gena Rowlands lay down together as Noah and Allie and pass away in each other's arms is a true tear jerker moment.