A while back our own Brian Sieck blogged about Chick Flicks and—despite its negative connotation—how dudes should at least try to embrace them. All the films Brian mentioned (Dirty Dancing, Love Actually, An Affair to Remember, The Notebook) are well worth checking out no matter your particular gender. Generally, though, they are geared more towards gals than fellas.
But did you know that there are Chick Flicks for guys? They’re called Male-odramas. Essentially they are movies that men enjoy (take note, ladies) yet bring out their softer side. Accompanied with each Male-odrama below is a graphic depicting how teary-eyed guys might get while watching.
Field of Dreams
Topping the Male-odrama list has to be this mystical drama which combines father/son relationships with the baseball-as-life metaphor. If there was ever a movie that brought grown men to tears, this would be the one. Sob factor: a perfect 10!
Swingers
Where Field of Dreams delves into parental issues, Swingers examines how guys bond, especially when dealing with women. In the movie Trent (Vince Vaughn) nurses pal Mike (Jon Favreau) through his just-ended six year relationship. Trent may be a bit of a dick (“OK, I’m the asshole!”), and Mike may be more than a little pathetic (“Hi, Nikki, this is Mike again…”), but they stick together through the toughest of times. They’re both “money.” Only occasional eye dabbing needed here: 3
When Harry Met Sally
While some may consider this a Chick Flick I beg to differ. Asking the all-important question “Can men and women ever just be friends?” it is an even-handed look at the battle of the sexes. The movie addresses male/female relationships, friendships, and companionships…and the hardships that they all entail. Weepometer: 7
Say Anything…
Score one for the average Joe. With no special talents and no prospects to speak of, underachiever Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack) pursues high school beauty & brain Diane Court (Ione Skye), not for lust but for love. After he endures her painful rejection (“I gave her my heart. She gave me a pen.”) gal pal Corey (Lili Taylor) gives the sulking would-be suitor some of the best advice any friend can: “The world is full of guys. Be a man. Don’t be a guy.” Sniffle rating: 9
The Princess Bride
Is this a kissing movie? Well…yes. But it also has fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles. And true love. The indicator on the Misty-Eyed Man Meter registers an 8.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Self-involved (yet still incredibly cool) rock stars, hilarious phony TV shows, and a Dracula musical performed completely with puppets, Forgetting Sarah Marshall has it all. Writer and star Jason Segal’s comedic masterpiece is the perfect romantic comedy for guys who hate romantic comedies—vulgar, outrageous and with non-stop laughs and plenty of eye candy (Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis). Also features a supporting cast that includes funnymen Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, and Bill Hader. Glassy eyes here, but no real tears: 2
Casablanca
Bogart echoes the familiar refrain of many a man’s man when he loudly barks “I stick my neck out for nobody.” Such a display of bravado! Thing is, despite the gruff façade, inside Bogie’s grappling with the same emotional issues we all do: character, loyalty, honor, pride, love. This is classic Male-odrama cleverly disguised as a taut WWII thriller with snappy dialogue. Tear index: 6
Stand By Me
“I never had any friends later on like the ones I did when I was twelve. Jesus, does anyone?” Here’s the film that’ll get men of all ages waxing nostalgic over the fond memories of their own youth. *Sniff* Hey, bro, can I get a man hug? Kleenex quotient: 10
Lost In Translation
For those of us a little more jaded and world-weary than the rest this gem from director Sofia Coppola cuts pretty close to the bone. Bob (Bill Murray) and Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) are the two lost souls who find an indelible yet indefinable connection with one another after crossing paths in a Tokyo hotel. The final scene is a heartbreaker. Discreet eye wipage: 5
Some Kind Of Wonderful
Class struggles. A tomboy. Gorgeous girl with douchebag boyfriend. Unrequited love. Catchy soundtrack. It’s gotta be an ‘80s teen movie by John Hughes, right? And it is! This is the craptastic remake of Pretty in Pink that’ll have guys wishing they had a drum-playing, kiss teaching, self-sacrificing chauffeur in their (love-) lives. Get those hankies out! 9
Amelie
What is it about quirky shy girls that has us guys bewitched? Amelie is the French pixie who anonymously does good deeds for total strangers yet remains reticent in her own life. But the withdrawn Parisian girl also has a flesh-and-blood guardian angel, and with his help will eventually allow herself the capacity to not only love, but to be loved. Tear duct flow: 4
Once
This low-budget naturalistic musical was a Best Song Academy Award winner thanks to the soaring ballad “Falling Slowly.” Heartbroken after his ex-girlfriend cheats on him and moves to London, an Irishman (Glen Hansard) repairs vacuum cleaners in his dad’s shop. After meeting a lovely Czech immigrant (Marketa Irglova) who shares his artistic vision, he decides to record a demo of his songs with her. But can the pair continue to make beautiful music together when he decides to travel to England to reclaim his former love? Blubber guage: 9