Nicholas Sparks books/movies are the pinnacle of the tragic love story. Many people argue that the stories are similar from movie to movie, but there is certainly enough variation to choose the best. From love between the unlikeliest of couples to the tragedy that always cause conflict and lots of tears, here is the definitive ranking of the Nicholas Sparks movies that have made (ruined?) our lives.
11. Nights in Rodanthe
This film does not have as much appeal to us college girls as it’s about the love between middle-aged folks who have children and established lives. It’s kind of like watching our parents in love. This movie does, however, get points for having a young James Franco as Paul’s estranged son.
10. Message in Bottle
In the same strain as Nights in Rodanthe, this story is about a middle-aged couple trying to renew the love they once seemed to have. The characters do not even remain together because Garrett gets mad at Theresa for having his letters and leaves. The story ends tragically (as all Nicholas Sparks stories do) but without much sympathy.
9. The Choice
The story of The Choice does not have much conflict or depth of character, which makes it easy to forget. The whole story is an extensive backstory to the end, which involves “the choice.” The chemistry between the two main characters is lacking (and I’m sorry but Benjamin Walker is just not cute). At least there are cute puppies?
8. The Best of Me
Similar to “The Notebook,” “The Best of Me” recounts a love story in the teenage years and how it has changed or been returned to in adulthood. While the frame is similar, it’s not nearly “The Notebook.” The shift across time was not believable because both main characters seemed so different from teenagers to adults. Dawson’s life was made to be hopelessly sad while Amanda’s turned out generally well by the standards of the American dream, even though she is unhappy. The love story as teens was much more powerful and might have stood on it’s own. Some of the final drama seemed heavy-handed, but it ended perfectly conveniently and romanticly as any Nicholas Sparks movie would.
7. Safe Haven
Safe Haven takes on the topic of domestic abuse while also adding a small semblance of magic that Nicholas Sparks stories sometimes have. The combo may seem odd at some points, but the domestic abuse is handled well for the most part. It could be seen as not feminist because it’s about another man saving Katie from her abuser, but she helps save him and cares for his children. He’s able to open up and love again. The closure with Katie’s husband, while it is the most clear-cut opening to safety, seems too easily done and doesn’t give Katei true liberation.
6. Dear John
The two-week romance between a former-bad-boy turned soldier-on-leave and a do-gooder may seem pretty fast, but the chemistry between Amanda Seyfried and Channing Tatum makes it believable. Savannah’s reason for cutting ties with John doesn’t seem terribly justified, but the scene in which they reunite and argue is always powerful to watch. The ending is too open-ended to give much closure. Watching the alternative ending (how the book actually ends) is almost more satisfying.
5. The Lucky One
This movie has a cute dog, a cute kid and a shirtless, tattooed, in-tight-black-underwear Zac Efron. The storyline could seem a bit creepy, but knowing Logan’s background, we know he’s not some stalker. He’s great with Beth’s son and proves how great a man he is when caught in the storm. Even the evil Keith finds redemption in the end. The real issue lies in Taylor Schilling: does she not seem ten years older than Zac?
4. A Walk to Remember
What girl doesn’t dream of a guy wanting to be a better person because of her? This is one of the sweetest, though tragic, love stories of our childhood. It’s a total tearjerker but worth every minute to see a dying eighteen-year-old experience everything she wants to before she dies. Plus, Mandy Moore and her vocal performances are absolutely flawless (we can forgive her for the bangs).
3. The Longest Ride
Both of the love stories in this film are absolutely endearing. Ruth and Ira face a lot of odds in their story and seem to balance each other out perfectly. Luke and Sophia are such a sweet portrayal of how romance can still exist today. When the stories intertwine, make sure you have tissues handy. The only criticism I might have of this movie is Britt Robertson’s acting, but Scott Eastwood’s abs totally make up for it.
2. The Notebook
I know, I KNOW. Not number one? That was just too cliché. This movie is obviously number one in popularity. There is something about the lasting love between people who met when they were teenagers and were torn apart by one reason or another that keeps people going back to the story. So many iconic scenes/lines/kisses have come from this beautiful film. Between Noah hanging off a Ferris wheel to get a girl to go out with him to Allie’s unreserved sense of self and incredible fashion, this film needs to be in everyone’s home DVD collection.
1. The Last Song
This story is most relatable to us as young women in college or starting college. It’s a beautiful portrayal of estrangement from a father and the pain that results, then ending in a relationship that shows it’s never too late to forgive. The quick-paced but completely sweet and romantic relationship that blossoms between the seemingly unlikely pair of Ronnie and Will always gives me major feels (I would love to have a boyfriend sing Maroon 5 horrendously but confidently and have a spontaneous mud fight). Plus this is the first stage of Miley and Liam’s relationship, which we can now be excited for again — we’re rooting for you Miam!