Finding Nemo Joins Literary Greats in Romantic Quotes Survey
A surprising line from the beloved Disney film Finding Nemo has been named among the most romantic quotes ever written, potentially teaching Generation Z the language of love according to a new survey. The heartfelt declaration 'When I look at you, I'm home' from the animated classic joined esteemed company from literary giants and modern icons in a comprehensive ranking of romantic expressions.
Classic Literature Triumphs Over Modern Cinema
The survey revealed that Jane Austen's timeless work Sense and Sensibility claimed the top spot with the powerful line 'My heart is, and always will be, yours'. This declaration, popularised by Hugh Grant's portrayal of Edward Ferrars in the 1995 film adaptation, represents his character's enduring love for Elinor Dashwood and demonstrates the lasting appeal of classic romantic literature.
Securing third place was J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings with the poignant words spoken by elf-maiden Arwen to Aragorn: 'I would rather spend one lifetime with you than face all the ages of this world alone'. This sentiment captures the ultimate romantic sacrifice as Arwen chooses mortal life with her beloved over immortality.
Musical Romance Makes the Top Ten
The survey also highlighted how powerful lyrics from popular music have embedded themselves in our collective romantic consciousness. Aerosmith's 1998 hit I Don't Want to Miss a Thing earned a place in the top ten with the memorable lines: 'I don't want to close my eyes, I don't want to fall asleep, 'cause I'd miss you, baby'.
Country superstar Shania Twain secured fifth position with her enduring lyric from You're Still the One: 'You are still the one I run to'. These musical inclusions demonstrate how romance transcends traditional literary boundaries to find expression across multiple art forms.
The Love Letter Dilemma for Younger Generations
Despite these iconic romantic expressions, the survey uncovered concerning trends among younger Britons regarding personal romantic communication. A significant 35 percent of Generation Z and 27 percent of millennials have never written a love letter, with more than half admitting they would feel silly or awkward attempting to compose one.
Instead, the under-40s surveyed revealed they prefer modern methods of expressing affection:
- Sending each other funny social media posts (37 percent)
- Publicising their relationship on Instagram (32 percent)
- Creating 'couple TikTok' videos together (28 percent)
Valentine's Traditions and Technological Assistance
The research indicates that traditional romantic gestures haven't disappeared entirely. Approximately 58 percent of Britons plan to purchase Valentine's gifts or cards for their partners next month, though a revealing 28 percent admitted they would use artificial intelligence to help compose their romantic messages.
Encouragingly, a resounding 60 percent of Britons across all age groups expressed they would be thrilled to receive a handwritten love letter, suggesting the appetite for traditional romance remains strong despite changing communication habits.
Additional Romantic Inspirations
For those attempting to compose love letters this Valentine's season, the survey provided further inspirational quotes. Mark Darcy's iconic declaration to Bridget Jones ranked seventh: 'In fact, I like you very much. Just as you are'.
Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights secured tenth place with the profound line: 'Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same'. These literary gems continue to resonate across generations as expressions of deep emotional connection.
Workshop Addresses Love Letter Decline
LEGO Botanicals, which conducted the survey, is responding to the decline in love letter writing by hosting a special masterclass at The Notting Hill Bookshop. This location holds particular significance as its interior inspired Hugh Grant's bookshop in the film Notting Hill, from which another romantic quote made the list.
Julia Roberts' memorable declaration from that film ranked twelfth: 'I'm just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her'. Actress Caroline Quentin, who will host the workshop, posed thoughtful questions about modern communication: 'Can an emoji really convey as much heartfelt meaning as a thoughtful love letter? Will a quick text be remembered as long as a deeply felt sentiment penned in a card?'
The survey ultimately reveals a fascinating tension between Britain's enduring appreciation for classic romantic expressions and the evolving communication habits of younger generations, with Finding Nemo unexpectedly bridging these worlds through its heartfelt dialogue.
