'Ghost' tops romantic DVD poll

If romance fails to blossom after candlelit dinner for two or a romantic stroll this St Valentine’s Day, then there’s always …

If romance fails to blossom after candlelit dinner for two or a romantic stroll this St Valentine’s Day, then there’s always a DVD.

An online poll of the top 50 romantic films of all time, released to coincide with the annual lovers' day, revealed a few surprises with old favourites like Romeo And Julietand Casablancaknocked from the top spots.

The 1990 film Ghostfloated in at number one, while another Patrick Swayze blockbuster, Dirty Dancing,waltzed in at number two.

It is thought the actor’s recent battle against ill-health may be a factor in the trend towards Swayzemania in the annual poll this year.

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A shock for movie buffs was that the iconic 1942 hit Casablanca,ranked number two last year, was relegated to just 18.

Another surprise was The Notebook, which came in at number 3 compared with 34th last year, underlying its growing popularity as a "rom-com" among younger audiences.

Over four weeks more than 25,000 people cast their votes on the HMV online survey, which also saw traditional classics like Pretty Womanand Titanicrank high with the old romantics.

Other films which made it into the top 50 include:

3. The Notebook(2004)

4. Titanic(1997)

5. Pretty Woman(1990)

6. Love Actually(2003)

7. Romeo And Juliet(1996)

8. An Officer And A Gentleman(1982)

9. Moulin Rouge(2001)

10. Amelie(2001)

PA