"Love Story" (1970)

Not to fault "The Fault in Our Stars" but THIS is the weepy cancer romance to beat them all. After the tumultuous '60s--three political assassinations, Vietnam, race riots, Manson, Altamont--the country needed a big collective cry. And this soapy bathos served the bill, thank you very much. Two impossibly attractive Harvard students (she's working class, he's super wealthy), meet and fall in love until, DA DUM, the Big C harshes everyone's mellow. That's about it but it really works because the leads had beaucoup chemistry in some memorable romantic moments--touch football in the snow!--a syrupy love theme, and oh, and don't forget one of the most famous lines in film history. Added points for some great wardrobe styling...McGraw's knit caps and preppy skirts hold up and i'd kill for O'Neals shearling coat.