Valentine’s Day can be trying, expensive, and confusing for those who may not necessarily be Fabio. If you want to give your partner a romantic day with a good movie without drowning in the sappiness of films like “The Notebook,” or you are on your own but still want to feel the love, here are 14 movies that are the perfect go-to for you and whoever you love.
1. “The Princess Bride” (1987)
Pirates, princesses, the cliffs of insanity, and the constant misuse of the word “inconceivable; “The Princess Bride” is not only one of the best on-screen romances ever filmed but one of the best movies ever made. The romance is an integral part, but there are so many lovable moments, characters, lines, and scenes that you won’t remember that it’s a “girly” romance film. The adventure and action will keep you on your toes and quickly fight its way into your heart.
2. “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” (1967)
This movie is an original romance film with great actors, a simple plot that is easy to follow, and a story about how love is all that matters regardless of any differences or what your family may think. Showcasing the acting of Sydney Portier, a gentleman and scholar both in this film and in real life, forget having a date; this is a movie you can watch all on your own and still have a Valentine’s Day worth remembering.
3. “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980)
The iconic romance between Leia and Han is too good to skip over. So what if it’s not full of roses and chocolate? You fall in love with them while they fall in love with each other and the empire works on falling apart. You can’t deny it. There is also the heartwarming friendship love between C3PO and R2D2 that you can’t ignore. Bonus: there are lightsabers. Make sure to spend the 14th delving into arguably the best Star Wars movie. And if you’re dating a significant other who doesn’t like Star Wars, you should reconsider that.
4. “Ghostbusters” (1984)
The iconic film where the balding wackjob from “Caddyshack” fights a green slime ghost and a marshmallow, in addition to beating Rick Moranis at seducing a very pretty and super awesome violinist whose fridge is full of ghosts from another dimension. It is untraditional and comical, but it still definitely has a good bit of romance. This movie will woo your movie-watching partner, no matter who you call.
5. “Better Off Dead” (1985)
John Cusack’s film of a high school loser losing his girlfriend, winning her back accidentally, then getting a way cooler girl in the process, while also being a great skier and going up against the bully in a ski competition, will definitely make you feel the love—but maybe the love one has for the girl they are creepily obsessed with. As long as you have the two dollars that you know you owe your local paper boy, I can guarantee a good time with this one, no matter which partner you end up with.
6. “Groundhog Day” (1993)
This movie is the best kind; the kind that is really easy to follow because it keeps starting over. No matter how much you and your partner miss when you are, shall we say, distracted with each other, you will still be able to pick up right where you left off: in February, in the middle of nowhere. That is okay, though, because in the end, it will all work out; once you learn your lesson and fall in love for the right reasons, of course.
7. “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)
Between an alien plant that eats people, a singing dentist who has a sadistic touch, and the dad from “Honey I Shrunk The Kids” (Rick Moranas), this sci-fi romance will have you singing along when the most out-of-this-world things happen. All the while, watch as a little nerd named Seymore from Skid Row falls more in love with his much prettier co-worker Audrey. This movie, which is based on a musical that is based on a movie, will have you hungry for more and have you so in love, you won’t mind the ghastliness of the whole thing.
8. “Big” (1988)
He’s a boy so young that he hasn’t even learned how to spell puberty, much less actually go through it. When he wishes to be an adult, however, he somehow learns how to have a job, do grown-up things, and also falls in love…? I know it’s one of those movies where you look at the plot and just sit there kind of freaked out, but it actually somehow manages to be heartwarming despite the odd nature of the film. If your inner child is ready to have adult feelings for someone, this is the movie to watch with them.
9. “When Harry Met Sally” (1989)
From strangers to blind dates to friends to lovers to strangers back to lovers, these two are one of the most memorable and noteworthy couples on the big screen. The film follows them from just two people trying to get to college to strangers on a plane to an accidental string of feelings that we’ve all had for someone we’ve accidentally spent way too much time with. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal were the perfect casting choices, and it is a somewhat touching film that even the least emotional person you know could get into.
10. “Pretty Woman” (1990)
A modern (or what was modern) Cinderella story about a hooker and a businessman who cannot keep any other girl. They are cute, funny, and totally made for each other. With comical ups and downs and real emotions that aren’t annoying or over-emphasized, this movie is perfect for pretty much anyone who needs a love story.
11. “You’ve Got Mail” (1998)
A movie about a big bookstore guy and a small-town girl fighting each other and falling in love over what used to be the internet and, I guess, email? Also, who knew how awful computers actually were before laptops existed? As it turns out, they sucked. But that’s okay because this movie doesn’t.
12. “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
Heath Ledger (AKA the Joker from “The Dark Knight”) and Julia Stiles (AKA Nicky Parsons from the Jason Bourne series) make the best 17-year-old couple you will ever see. Along with the supporting (secondary) couple being made up of Larissa Oleynik and Joseph Gorden-Levitt, as well as other awesome supporting cast. This movie also consists of Fun Rrriot girl and indie rock bands singing both their original and cover songs, mischief, and one small concussion. It is very obviously a romance movie but it is fun and doesn’t have any of that gooey sappy stuff that so many people despise.
13. “Shrek” (2001)
Everyone in Gen Z knows how awesome this movie is (although the studio that made it didn’t consider it good at the time they were animating it). It’s an opposites-attract story—an ogre, his princess, and the weird talking donkey that ended up being the most lovable character. If whoever you’re with isn’t down to take a trip down the memory (or more accurately, Drewery) lane with you on the day of love, then what’s even the point of dating them? Trust me, if they don’t like the movie, or find Shrek and Fiona’s story lovable, then neither are they.
14. “Airplane” (1980)
Is this the best (and possibly the funniest) movie on the list? Probably. So why is it at 14? Mostly because of the 14 listed, this is the least traditional and the least likely to get whoever you’re chilling with in the Valentine’s Day mood. Regardless, it really is a great movie, with lots of visual comedy and twists and turns. There are in fact two lovers in it, who (SPOILER ALERT!!!) come together, and even if you’re spending the day alone, it is a must-watch both for the romance and the sheer golden comedy.
So whether you’re enjoying Valentine’s Day with someone you love, friends, or just by yourself, give one (or be crazy and go for all) of them a watch this holiday season.
