Valentine’s Day movies seem like the pinker version of Christmas and Halloween flicks, don’t they? With every holiday comes its own slew of films that fit the vibes of that holiday. But which romance movies should you watch this Valentine’s Day? Which romcoms and heartbreaking films come as a Valentine’s staple?
I know I certainly have my favorites, so let’s talk about them for a bit, shall we?
1. The Princess Bride
Listen. I know this film involves swords and blood and fighting and death. but it also possesses one of the most swoon-worthy romances ever. Now, I know the male protagonist from Psych as Devereaux, a clever French thief. I never knew that he actually came from such a romantic, heart wrenching, hilarious film. The Princess Bride, despite the title, qualifies as perfect for both the girlfriend and boyfriend to enjoy. In fact, they make a whole point about boys enjoying the story in the beginning! I won’t spoil it, but trust me. If you plan to watch anything this February, watch The Princess Bride.
2. A Cinderella Story
A classic tale, a beautiful gown and Lizzie McGuire! It doesn’t get better than that. I think we all know this one, and if you don’t, fix that. Right now. Believe me, you don’t want to come as the only one who doesn’t know how to quote Hilary Duff in this film. Everyone does. You know that meme about “Water” going around? Yeah, it came from that. A true cheesy, fun, classic romance film, A Cinderella Story certainly qualifies as one you can’t miss.
3. The Proposal
Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock? A duo I didn’t know I needed. Set in gorgeous Alaska, this film uses all the comedic potential of two of our favorite actors and exceeds them. Whoever doesn’t find their goofy lines hilarious needs their comedy checked. With sweet family moments, and gorgeous scenery, The Proposal works perfectly in not only giving us a good amount of humor and romance, but of making us connect to all of the characters. Truly a great watch.
4. Notting Hill
This film… can I call it fanfiction? But I mean in the absolute best ways. Tell me if this sounds familiar: normal guy meets famous, beautiful actress. Actress starts to fall for normal guy. She carries the burden of fame, and he carries the burden of normalcy. And yet. They fall deeply in love, learning how to navigate the way each other of their own worlds work in order to combine them into one life together. That sounds like every well-written Justin Bieber fanfic I ever read in high school. (Leave me alone, it was high school.) In other words, please watch this amazing, romantic movie, I’m begging you.
5. Beauty and the Beast
Ah. Belle. So many people’s favorite Disney princess. Why? Because she loved books, came off as a huge introvert and, despite it all, ended up in an ultimately romantic relationship with a handsome prince. It gives the little nerdy heart hope. And so here I sit, imploring you to give the movie a rewatch, because I know you’ve already seen it. Maybe you want to watch the animated film, maybe the live-action one, maybe the French version (wild adaptation, by the way). Just pick your favorite and enjoy.
6. Ever After
My Cinderella-loving heart might burst. My absolute favorite adaptation: Ever After. Sorry original and 2015 versions, I love you both, too. But this movie features none other than Leonardo da Vinci, and I could swear that he seems the exact version of the da Vinci I’ve read in biographies. All the characters slay me; so charming, all of them. So funny. So genuine. So kind. So wonderful. So complex and interesting. I just can’t say enough about this movie. A true gem.
7. Enchanted
Ohhhh boy. This one. Listen. I don’t like cynical retellings of fairytales. I think fairytales constitute their own magic, and we need them in this life of troubles, okay? However, I think Enchanted does a great job of bringing that fairytale magic to the real world. It presents a romance that falls somewhere between fairytale and reality, and I just love it. I love it so much- the music, the characters, the cool dresses. Just. Well done, Enchanted.
8. America’s Sweethearts
This film cracks me up every time. I love it. When I first saw Catherine Zeta-Jones in this, I thought, “OH MY GOSH! ZORRO?!” But she comes across as such a different character here, and still manages to win my heart. We get the voice of Dimitri from Anastasia and America’s actual sweetheart, Julia Roberts. All the greatest talents come together for a truly amazing, super funny, romantic movie. It also makes me very hungry every time I see it. Watch the movie to understand why.
9. A Walk to Remember
Okay. Brace yourselves, people, we begin to venture now into sad romances. Listen. I know Mandy Moore, as we all do, from The Princess Diaries and Tangled. I know Shane West from Nikita. And I only now know that this movie came off a book by Nicholas Sparks. You know- The Notebook Nicholas Sparks?! Why does he love to kill off our favorite romantic characters?! Anyway. Yes. Sad film, but still romantic. Highly recommend.
10. Titanic
“Noor, you won’t really mention this one, will you?” Yes. Yes, I will. Because I possess an obsession/fascination with the Titanic, and none comes truer to what happened than this adaptation. Except, of course, the romance. We assume. Maybe there really existed a romantic couple on the ship that got separated. Based on what I learned about so many passengers, it could certainly happen. Just saying. But yes, I don’t think I need to explain what happens in Titanic, but I just wanted to come by and remind you to watch the film. We can all suffer together.
Boy, that took a turn near the end, didn’t it? Still, I do think all of these films offer so much for any romance lover. Maybe just don’t expect to laugh a ton at the last two. Anyway, there are, of course, plenty more romcoms and romantic movies that I could mention, but these 10 really take the top tier. I can’t wait to rewatch them all, and I hope you found something to enjoy in this list. For now, enjoy your month of pink hearts and red candy, and Happy Valentine’s Day!
