Valentine’s Day: the day capable of two extremes.
The first extreme involves romantic plans with a significant other, often characterized by flowers, chocolates, and other gifts intended to showcase one’s feelings. On the other side of the spectrum, there are groups of friends or single individuals eating and drinking their feelings away.
Nonetheless, putting on a movie is a common activity of choice regardless of which side of the spectrum you find yourself this year. Valentine’s Day is notorious for cheesy romance. After all, it is a holiday created by card companies, right? So, if you’re sitting around with whomever or by yourself, I have a few recommendations depending on the vibe you’re looking for this holiday.
- Someone Great (Netflix)
The perfect movie to get over that person wish you could easily forget. Gina Rodriguez does an incredible job of showcasing the true emotions of heartbreak and learning to live on your own. Full of tears and dancing, this movie can teach you how to find yourself again. - 10 Things I Hate About You (Hulu, Disney+)
When you’re lonely, Heath Ledger is here to put a modern spin on the Shakespeare classic The Taming of the Shrew. Kat Strafford, played by Julia Stiles, has absolutely no interest in high school boys until the school bad boy, Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), takes her out. The catch in this movie? Kat’s younger sister, the popular Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), can’t date until Kat does. So, a boy in love with Bianca pays Patrick to date Kat, and you can just imagine the rest of the plot. It’s the perfect blend of romance, comedy, and a few tear jerkers that encapsulates the Valentine’s Day spirit. - Crazy, Stupid, Love (HBO Max, Amazon Prime)
This romantic comedy is sure to put people in high spirits as Ryan Gosling tries to teach the hilarious Steve Carell how to be a bachelor after his wife asks for a divorce. Things get messy, but that’s the point—relationships are messy. - How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (Amazon Prime, Paramount+)
When journalist Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is tasked with writing a new piece about, you guessed it, how to lose a guy in ten days, she seeks out Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey) who just happened to make a bet that he can make any girl fall in love with him in the same amount of time. Unsurprisingly, both of their plans backfire. This film features falling in love when you try your hardest not to, making for a classic V-Day watch. - Valentine’s Day (Amazon Prime, HBO Max, YouTube)
Of course, I had to include this movie— I mean, have you read the name? This movie features a star-studded cast whose interconnected stories make for an interesting Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s puppy love, marriage, or a first date, this movie experiences it all. What better way to experience the title holiday than by watching a group of good-looking, funny actors go through some disasters or, in some cases, romances? - The Notebook (HBO Max, Amazon Prime)
I know— cheesy, overused, but guess what? Whether you want to admit it or not, this is peak romance. And hey, sometimes a good cry is necessary. I definitely recommend to readers who are looking to for a good, or to couples who just want to feel the love Ally and Noah desperately felt toward each other. - Magic Mike’s Last Dance
The perfect opportunity to get out of the house and make some easy plans with a group of friends! This new film is the last of the series, and what better way to spend a romantic holiday than watching men dance? Mike’s last “hurrah” will be in theaters this Valentine’s Day at the AMC in the Monmouth Mall. - Say Anything (Amazon Prime)
Because nothing says ultimate romance like John Cusack holding up a boombox while declaring his love through “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel. This is a tale of first loves as Lloyd swoons the beautiful Diane, whose father doesn’t approve. As the movie goes on, the couple tries to get through finishing high school and starting college together, an all-to-familiar topic for many college students. - P.S. I Love You (Amazon Prime)
Please, and I am begging, don’t watch this unless you’re fully willing to sob. When Holly’s (Hilary Swank) husband and the love of her life Gerry (Gerard Butler) dies, she begins receiving letters and gifts from him to help her grieve and ease her into a new life. It’s terrible but in a super romantic way. Warning: have tissues ready. - He’s Just Not That Into You (HBO Max, Amazon Prime)
This ultra-relatable film features friends trying to navigate the difficult world of love. Whether it’s begging for true commitment, waiting by the phone for that one person to call, or just being tired of lousy dates, this movie is sure to capture every viewer’s attention. It’s the perfect mix of comedy with a smidge of romance to help the lonely or broken-hearted.
So, whatever your situation this holiday season or the next, hopefully one of these movies can help curate the perfect day!
