Valentine’s Day is upon us once again! An occasion that some people love and others despise, but either way, you are most likely reading this because you love cinema. Over recent years, there has been an abundance of films that have now reached icon status in the romance genre, but love is not defined by romance. There is self-love and platonic love among many others and this year, we want to emphasize that there is a Valentine’s Day film for everyone. Without further a do, here is our list of films to get you through this holiday weekend!
Here is what Valentine’s Day film we recommend if you…
Are Single and Not Ready to Mingle: How to Be Single (2016)
This is for all you people out there who don’t even want to entertain watching a romance. This film has a stellar cast, is super funny, and proves how friendship can be just as important as romantic love.
Feel Nostalgic: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Based on William Shakespeare’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’, 10 Things I hate About You is easily one of the most iconic 90s Rom-Coms. Starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, this film has romance, drama, and comedy balanced out perfectly.
Need a Good Cry: A Star is Born (2018)
This film is gut wrenchingly heartbreaking and yet beautiful. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s chemistry is unmatched and electric. Sometimes we all just need to sit down and let it all out, but if you go for this one, make sure you bring the tissues.
Are a Hopeless Romantic: Love, Rosie (2014)
This film never gets old, it is so much fun and truly such a charming story. Alex and Rosie’s friendship and love for each other is so moving to watch as they go through different stages of their lives.
Want a True Story: The Big Sick (2017)
Written by popular comedian Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick tells their own unique love story of how Emily fell into a coma not long after the pair began dating and deals with the reality of in-laws and discrimination.
Are a Realist: La La Land (2016)
Everyone knows of La La Land for its romantic and musical elements, but what makes this film special is its ending, as heartbreaking as it is. In a world of unrealistic love stories, La La Land‘s ending makes the story exceptionally real and relatable, you would be lying if you say you don’t shed even a single tear every time.
Fancy a Coming of Age Romance: Love, Simon (2018)
Romance is a classic trope of coming of age films, but Love, Simon delves deeper into the complexities of modern love in such a heartfelt way while also dealing with various societal issues that are relatable to many. Groundbreaking in so many ways.
Fancy a Binge Marathon: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Perhaps Britain’s most iconic series of comedies. Consisting of three films: Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001), Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004), and Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016), this is the perfect series of films to binge over Valentine’s weekend for some light-hearted fun.
A Fan of Musicals: Sing Street (2016)
Sing Street is beyond underrated. Set in Dublin during the 80s, Cosmo moves to a new school where he forms a band and meets aspiring model Raphina. Their love story is a driving force in a film that is also about the importance of friendship, family, and music.
Love a Forbidden Romance: A Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
In 18th century France, Marianne gets commissioned to paint a portrait of a bride to be. The two women fall into a whirlwind romance that is simply forbidden. A Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a striking piece of cinema that features wonderful performances from Adèle Haenel and Noémie Merlant along with a poetic story.
And Finally… If You Need Some Ewan McGregor in Your Life: Moulin Rouge (2001)
A classic, but one that many people haven’t seen. Baz Luhrman goes all out on this film, it is beyond wacky but also manages to pack the emotion. The soundtrack is incredible, before seeing this I had no clue McGregor could sing but man does he have the voice of an angel.
We hope somewhere in this list you find a film that has what you are looking for and wish you a wonderful day whether you are celebrating or not!
