Channing Tatum is the king of versatility – the A-lister’s career has spanned multiple genres, but it’s his many successful romance flicks that have cemented his accomplishments as a movie star. Throughout the years, the 43-year-old actor has experimented with action and comedy flicks like “21 Jump Street” and “White House Down,” but his biggest impact over the past two decades has been in the romantic genre.
1. Dear John
This 2010 movie, directed by Lasse Hallström, is based on the book of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. In the film, Tatum plays soldier John Tyree, who begins a relationship with Savannah, played by Amanda Seyfried. The two maintain contact through a series of letters when Tatum’s character is deployed overseas. Although the book has been criticized for its clichés, derivative storytelling, and cheap attempts to get people to cry, Seyfried and Tatum were both nominated for awards.
2. Step Up
Released in 2006, “Step Up” showcases Channing Tatum’s impressive skills as a dancer. Blending high school puppy love with dancing, the film melds genres like “Dirty Dancing.” Although it was accused of lacking substance, the chemistry between these two partners (who were eventually married in real life) allowed the “Step Up” franchise to earn commercial success. Plus, some of those dance sequences were seriously inspiring!
3. The Vow
“The Vow” featured a spectacular supporting cast (is there anything Rachel McAdams doesn’t deliver?) and insane box office results, but even so, this rom-com classic didn’t feature the most original storytelling. Although it was vaguely based on a true story, “The Vow” was an addition to an already oversaturated genre. Still, audiences loved it, and despite having a $30 million budget, it earned a whopping $196 million.
4. Magic Mike’s Last Dance
Many fell in love with Channing Tatum when he showed off his muscles in “Magic Mike.” His dancing talent was inevitable since he was actually a stripper in his past. But it was the final “Magic Mike” movie that had people really obsessed. Featuring the talented Salma Hayek as Tatum’s newest beau, this final installment was entertaining, despite some critics calling the film’s love story a turn-off. Maybe they just couldn’t handle the heat between a younger man and an older woman!
5. She’s The Man
Inspired by movies like “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Twelfth Night,” this soccer-centric story is considered a cult hit by many, even though it doesn’t measure up to the Heath Ledger original. Amanda Bynes played a fantastic Viola Hastings with charisma and believability, while the rest of the slapstick comedy in “She’s The Man” earned a different kind of laugh.
6. 10 Years
Released in 2011, “10 Years” stands out because although it wasn’t a box office hit that made millions, the critics did enjoy it and found it to be successful. This shows that just because a movie makes money, it’s not necessarily good. Set over the duration of a single night, “10 Years” stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan (who were married at the time), along with comedians like Chris Pratt, Aubrey Plaza, and Justin Long, who would all proceed to blow up over the following decade.
7. The Lost City
This hilarious movie is one of Tatum’s more recent works, and some understandably call it his best romance movie. It incorporates other genres, his chemistry with Sandra Bullock is incredible, and there are multiple laugh-out-loud moments that will leave you in stitches. “The Lost City” stars romance novelist Loretta, who joins forces in the jungle with her slightly foolish hero Alan, who also happens to be the cover model for her books.