Press play on love: our Valentine’s Day film guide

Making Valentine’s Day plans? Go with the classic: dinner and movie! Lucky for you, we’ve curated the perfect films for you to watch this Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re feeling romantic, nostalgic or just looking for a laugh, we’ve got you covered. So grab your date, friends or situationship, order some food and press play. 

Francine loves…

“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”

Movie Poster for "to all the boys I've loved before"

Lara Jean’s secret love letters to her past crushes are accidentally sent out, throwing her quiet high school life into chaos. To maintain her reputation, she enters a fake relationship with the popular Peter Kavinsky, but as their connection deepens, she’s forced to face the risks of love. 

This movie was my entire personality in high school and remains a comfort film when I want to feel lovey-dovey. It’s perfect for hopeless romantics who daydream about their crush or love a sweet, drama-free romance. Bonus: it’s a trilogy if you want a mini-movie marathon!

“Moonstruck”

Movie Poster for Moonstruck

Loretta, a pragmatic woman engaged to a safe but dull man, unexpectedly falls for his hot-tempered brother, Ronny. As family drama, superstitions and a full moon stir up emotions, she must decide whether to follow her head or her heart. 

This underrated romance has everything–80’s Cher and Nicolas Cage, Italian music to set the mood and a dreamy backdrop of a full moon. A reminder that love is messy but worth the risk. “The moon brings the woman to the man. Capisci?”

“She’s the Man”

Movie poster for Shes the man

After her soccer team is cut, Viola disguises herself as her twin brother to play at an elite boarding school–only to fall for her charming roommate, Duke. As fake identities and love triangles unravel, Viola scrambles to reveal the truth without losing the game or her heart.

Emphasizing the comedy in “rom-com,” this movie has heart, but can also make you laugh every scene. Amanda Bynes’ comedic timing is unmatched and Channing Tatum plays the ultimate sweetheart. If you’re trying to convince your not-so-romance boyfriend to watch a rom-com with you this Valentine’s, this is the one to watch. 

Hayley loves…

“Warm Bodies”

Movie Poster for Warm Bodies

Nicholas Hoult stars as R and Teresa Palmer as Julie, in a not-so-subtle new-aged Romeo and Juliet. An apocalyptic tale of star-crossed lovers, one alive and the other… not so sure.

Perfect for a playful Valentine’s Day with friends or for those who love romance with a bit of a horror flare. If you enjoyed “Zombieland,” this one’s a must-watch!

“50 First Dates”

Movie Poster for 50 First Dates

On an entirely different end of the romance spectrum, this film is sure to have you holding your partner a little tighter, maybe even bringing out the tissue box. Adam Sandler is known for his long list of Happy Madison films all revolving around messy relationships but this one is sure to take the cake on heartfelt romance. 

A movie I have found myself watching anytime I’m in need of a good cry and wholesome belly laughs, especially around Valentine’s Day. Sandler and Drew Barrymore give a very authentic take on what love can look like, making this for me one of the least cheesy romance movies you could pop on this Valentine’s while still ticking off all those romantic wants. 

“Scott Pilgrim vs the World”

Movie Poster for Scott Pilgrim vs the world

Scott (Micheal Cera) falls for Ramona (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), but to date her, he must defeat her seven evil exes. A comic book-style, action-packed love story with just the right amount of romance. 

This may not be your typical romance film, but that’s exactly why I love it. It is always a hit with friends on Valentine’s Day–hilarious, quirky and surprisingly sweet.

No matter who you’re spending Valentine’s Day with, we hope one of these films makes it into your watchlist! 

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