LSA picks: Get ready to swoon with 8 best and most romantic movie proposals ever
Get ready to swoon! 💍✨ Here are the 8 best and most romantic movie proposals ever that will melt your heart. 💕
Love is a feeling that drives us to do the most extraordinary things. And some of the most unforgettable romantic movie moments are proposals for some of the most. From grand gestures to simple, heartfelt moments, the best proposals in the movies leave the audience teary-eyed and dreaming of their own romantic moments. From Bollywood to Hollywood, romantic proposals in movies capture all the vulnerability of the human condition to unwavering commitment. These moments are etched in our hearts forever.
Like every year, studios line up many romantic movies for release on Valentine’s Day and this year is no different. Many Indian movies and web series are going to hit your screens this year. But thankfully, you do not have to rely solely on new releases to experience the magic of romantic proposals. The best proposals in past movies — whether from Bollywood or Hollywood — have already stood the test of time.
Also, this Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to step out for a dinner or party with your loved one. You can just stay home and watch well-made romantic films for a perfect date night. Anyhow, here at LSA, we have come up with what we feel are the best romantic movie proposals.
Disclaimer: Of course, romance is subjective, and what counts as the “best” proposal naturally varies from person to person. This list is based on the author’s personal opinion. These are the moments in some of our finest romantic movies that have left a lasting impact on audiences over the years.
The ultimate proposal playlist: Best proposals in movies ever.
1. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) — Bunny’s love confession to Naina
Bunny (Ranbir Kapoor) is not exactly the kind of guy who can settle down. Throughout Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, he is running behind the adventure, with the thrill of the unknown overtaking the safety of love. But in the last scene, he realises all his travels would be for nought without Naina (Deepika Padukone). It is not going to be an old-fashioned proposal, but showing up at her doorstep on New Year’s Eve, and choosing her over yet another trip is a dreamy proposal in itself.
2. When Harry Met Sally (1989) — Harry’s New Year’s Eve proposal
It’s New Year’s Eve, and Harry (Billy Crystal) suddenly realises that he has been in love with Sally (Meg Ryan) all along. His proposal isn’t elaborate — it’s raw and spontaneous. At the stroke of midnight, as everyone around them is celebrating, Harry rushes to Sally and declares his love, telling her, “I came here tonight because 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.” It is one of the purest and most honest proposals ever in cinematic history.
3. The Notebook (2004) — Noah’s dream house proposal
Noah (Ryan Gosling) proposes to Allie (Rachel McAdams) in one of the most memorable moments in any romantic movie — by building her the dream house she had always wanted. After years of separation, the love of Noah for Allie is so deep that he painstakingly restores the house they had once dreamed of together. The scene shows that he takes her to the house and asks her whether she still loves him.
4. Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na — Jai’s airport proposal
In Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, the airport proposal stands out as one of the most emotionally raw and memorable moments in Bollywood. As Jai (Imran Khan) realises his love for his best friend Aditi (Genelia D’Souza), he rushes to the airport to stop her from leaving for the US. The proposal is significant because it’s not a grand spectacle. It is a heartfelt, vulnerable moment. Jai’s realisation of his feelings for Aditi comes after a journey of buried emotions.
5. My Name Is Khan — Mandira’s heartfelt proposal
In My Name Is Khan, the proposal is turned upside down: Mandira (Kajol) proposes to Rizwan (Shah Rukh Khan). That’s probably because Rizwan is too shy to say it himself. It is a still, deeply poignant moment when she simply says, “Marry me,” as Rizwan is unable to show his face due to embarrassment. It’s so sweet.
6. Pride and Prejudice (2005) — Mr. Darcy’s proposal to Elizabeth
There is something about stories set in the English countryside that makes proposals feel even more grand and dramatic. In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen, otherwise known for playing Tom in HBO’s iconic Succession show) confesses his love to Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) in the pouring rain. It is not only touching and emotional but also cathartic for we have seen for a couple of hours two people who clearly love each other unable to express it. But it eventually happens, and it’s beautiful.
7. Love Actually (2003) — The Portuguese proposal
In Love Actually, Jamie (Colin Firth) proposes to Aurelia (Lúcia Moniz) at the restaurant where she works. His proposal, delivered in broken Portuguese, is both touching and humorous: “I know I seems an insane person because I hardly knows you… but sometimes things are so transparent, they don’t need evidential proof.” Proof that love transcends language.
8. Dil Chahta Hai (2001) — Aakash’s confession to Shalini
In this iconic coming-of-age movie, Aakash (Aamir Khan) gets down on his knees, and this moment of proposing to Shalini (Preity Zinta) remains one of the most memorable and emotional moments of the movie. It echoes an earlier scene and those who have seen the movie will understand. After an eventful journey of finding himself, Aakash comes face to face with the deep feelings he has for Shalini. There is finally a sense of sincerity, maturity, and an awareness of love when Aakash confesses he cannot think of his life without her. It’s an intimate, beautiful moment in the film.
