Whether you’re alone, planning a romantic night in with your partner or having a night in with friends, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to get comfy with heartwarming, horror or a tear-jerking love story. This is a list of some of my personal favourites for anyone to enjoy.
- Me Before You (2016)
This is an emotional love story that follows Louisa Clark, a young, quirky woman who becomes a carer for Will Traynor, a wealthy man who was left paralyzed after an accident. With beautiful performances by Emila Clarke and Sam Claflin, the audience is taken on a touching journey as we experience their character learn essential lessons about love, life and letting go.
- Love, Rosie (2014)
‘Love, Rosie’ dives into the complicated friendship and unspoken love between Rosie and Alex, who you can’t help but root together. However, life takes them through twists and turns that make the audience wonder if they are really meant to be. Although they go through so much together and apart, the film beautifully explores that no matter what, people will always find their way back to each other.
- One Day (2011)
This bittersweet film follows Emma and Dexter, who first meet on the day of their graduation and reconnect with each other every year on July 15th. This unforgettable story spans two decades of their complex relationship and how important timing can be. Grab some tissues and prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster that will stay with you for a long time.
- The Notebook (2004)
You can’t forget about the ultimate Valentine’s Day classic based on Nicholas Sparks’s best-selling novel. The audience is taken on a ride through the epic love story that follows Noah and Allie, two people who had their summer love but were separated by class and circumstance but were reunited by fate.
- The Princess and The Frog (2009)
This modern twist on a classic fairy tale is a comfort movie of mine as we follow the tale of Tiana, a hardworking woman in 1920s New Orleans, who dreams of opening her own restaurant.
However, when she kisses Prince Naveen, who had been turned into a frog after being cursed, she is also turned into a frog. This leads them on a magical adventure through the bayou with music and discovering who they wanna be and love.
- Warm Bodies (2013)
If you want something that has a blend of romance and zombie apocalypse, look no further, as this is the film for you. After R saves Julie from an attack, they are stuck with each other but find that their bond sets off a chain of events that just might save humanity. It won’t be easy as Julie is human, and R is a zombie.
- 50 First Dates (2004)
This is a meet-cute romantic comedy that focuses on Henry, who finds himself falling for Lucy. The only problem is that Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss and forgets him every day. This doesn’t stop him from attempting to make her fall in love with him every morning. Love really is powerful enough to overcome any obstacle.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
This film dives into Singapore’s high society as Rachel Chu is thrust into her boyfriend, Nick Young’s wealthy family. If you’re looking for something that explores cultural clash, family drama and a love story, this refreshing rom-com is the one for you.
- Tangled (2010)
Disney’s ‘Tangled’ is a popular retelling of the tale of Rapunzel, who had been locked away in a tower for eighteen years due to her overprotective mother. However, her world comes crashing down when charming thief Flynn Rider discovers her tower, and they help each other through a wild adventure that I recommend everyone watch.
- Legally Blonde (2001)
Sometimes, you can’t go wrong with a light-hearted film that leaves you feeling empowered and wanting to wear pink. Elle Woods is on a mission to win back her ex-boyfriend as she follows him to Harvard Law School but finds herself discovering her own worth and ambition. Love can also be about finding yourself as much as finding someone else.
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
The perfect teen rom-com that proves that opposites attract. It follows the story of two sisters, Bianca and Kat Stratford, whose strict dad makes a new rule: Bianca can only when Kat does, which is impossible as she is a fiercely independent young woman who doesn’t want to waste her time with guys.
With witty dialogue, a killer soundtrack and memorable scenes like Patrick serenading Kat on the bleachers with “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, is not only romantic but charming, showcasing Heath Ledger’s undeniable charisma. I highly recommend the film if you haven’t seen it yet!
- The Book Of Life (2014)
‘The Book Of Life’ is a visually beautiful celebration of Mexican culture and folklore. We begin the story with Manolo, a boy who loves to play music but is torn between his family’s expectations and his love for Maria, who his best friend also has an eye on.
After a horrible accident, Manolo goes on a journey through the Land of the Remembered to prove his love and bravery and make his way back to Maria.
- He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
This romantic comedy explores the complications of relationships, misunderstandings and unspoken rules of dating. It gives the audience a truthful, insightful take on dating dynamics through different characters and their love stories.
- Howl’s Moving Castle (2004)
‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ is a stunning fantasy romance that follows Sophie, a young woman who has been cursed by a witch to live as an old woman. She ends up seeking refuge in a magical moving castle of the mighty wizard Howl. This film explores how love can heal wounds and transform hearts.
It dives into themes such as courage, love and acceptance. The perfect masterpiece for everyone to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.
- The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
Get tissue ready for this one, as it is a deeply emotional love story about Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group and find themselves falling for each other. Sometimes, you can’t help who you fall for, but this film beautifully captures the pain as well as the beauty of love and loss.
16. 500 Days Of Summer
Last but not least, one of my favourite bittersweet films that I recommend everyone should watch at least once in their lives. “This is a story of boy meets girl… You should know up front this is not a love story.”.
The audience meets Tom, who is a greeting card writer and a hopeless romantic, but his world comes crashing down when his girlfriend, Summer, suddenly dumps him while they eat pancakes together. He finds himself reflecting on their 500 days together to try to figure out what went wrong.
This is how he starts to see what their relationship was truly like and rediscovers his true passions in life.
Whether you’re in the mood for a horror, comedy, or a unique twist on romance, these films offer a variety of love stories to suit any Valentine’s Day mood. So grab some popcorn, get comfy, and enjoy the magic of love on screen.
Happy Valentine’s Day!