By The Cougar Chronicle Staff

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004)
After Joel (played by Jim Carrey) finds out Clementine (played by Kate Winslet), his new, interesting significant other has had a procedure to delete him from her memory; he attempts to do the same. However, through reliving his experiences, he isn’t ready to have this chapter of his life erased. The film chronicles his memories from childhood, through adulthood hiding Clementine from destruction and attempting to restore their memories together. – Melissa Martinez

“Once” (2006)
It’s hard to get more obscure than a movie that premiered at the Galway Film Festival in Ireland, but it’s also harder to find a film this sweet and charming. There’s not a huge plot beyond two unnamed musicians who fall in love in Dublin while writing songs together, but the way they communicate their feelings through music is more beautiful than most American romance films. –Ryan Downs

“In A Day” (2011)
This is a welcomed alternative to the romantic comedy genre that otherwise can be pretty predictable. Lorraine Pilkington and Finlay Robertson star in this quirky British indie that gives love a new definition. Rather than providing a tired script with characters that have been seen countless times before, this film transports the viewer onto the streets with characters as they explore their blooming relationship. -Katlin Sweeny

“Lars and the Real Girl” (2007)

Lars (played by Ryan Gosling) isolates himself from his family, co-workers and community yet is still loved and accepted. Insert his new girlfriend, Bianca who is a sex doll. As Lars develops this delusional relationship, he learns to accept the love of others and himself, who is reflected through Bianca. It’s a great film that shows how to love the ones you care about and delivers a quirky yet heartwarming meaning to “guess who is coming to dinner.” -Juliana Stumpp

“Moonrise Kingdom” (2012)
This romantic comedy is set in New England during the ‘60s. Two young lovers decide to run away after their parents find out about their relationship and forbid them to see each other. They decide to live out in the woods using scout skills, meanwhile the town has gone crazy looking for them. The film is certainly outside the realm of a normal love story. -Karla Reyes