By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 30, 2024
Love is in the air, and romantic movies are the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Checking out the best Valentine’s Day movies is a must for any couple. A romantic comedy is a perfect thing to watch, and love stories — even a tragic love story — can be what the doctor ordered. If you do choose a classic rom-com, there are plenty of options. If you want something a little bit more dramatic, perhaps with star-crossed lovers, there are also a ton of options.
Whether you want to see the best friend become the love interest or two people in love with the same girl, you’re likely to find that in some of the best Valentine’s Day movies. If you think a romantic comedy is a good Valentine’s Day movie, you’re probably right. Find one with two lovers and one that you’ll enjoy watching with your special someone, and you’re doing Valentine’s Day well. But which of the best Valentine’s Day movies is right for you? Answer some questions to find out.
Valentine's Day movies
Valentine's Day movies are ones that are meant to be enjoyed on Valentine's Day. They typically feature a love story. Whether it is a rom-com or a rom-drama, a Valentine's Day movie is meant to put love in the air. Typical tropes and plot devices include love letters, a best friend's wedding, hopeless romantics, an all-star cast, someone running their own business or playing by their own rules, and of course a sweet romance. Some actors that have frequently been cast in these types of movies are Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Ryan Gosling, Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant, Adam Sandler, and Rachel McAdams.
The on-screen chemistry of the leads must be believable. Typically, it is between a young man and a young woman and follows their love life. Valentine's Day movies can even feature an anti-love story. For example, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind starring Kate Winslet and Jim Carrey fits into this mold.
Regardless, Valentine's Day is about love, and that's usually what people want to watch. Some examples of Valentine's Day movies include My Big Fat Greek Wedding, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Wedding Singer, La La Land, Pretty Woman, and To All The Boys I Loved Before.
Which of the Valentine’s Day Movies Should I Watch?
Deciding which movie to watch on Valentine’s Day is as tricky as choosing the perfect box of chocolates — there's an abundance of riches and you never want to end up with the one that’s just filled with, well, nuts. It's the day when everything is splashed in red, love is in the air, and it's totally acceptable to get mushy without anyone batting an eye. So, whether you’re flying solo, hanging with pals, or cuddled up with your sweetheart, we've got the lowdown on the romantic flicks that’ll set your hearts aflutter.
We've all been there: scrolling endlessly, while debating whether to watch something tear-jerkingly romantic or a film that just gives off the sweet scent of love — minus the sob-fest. Our options are usually drenched in romance, splattered with heartfelt confessions, and a whole lotta love. They range from the classics that have stood the test of time to the latest streaming sensations that make you believe in the power of Cupid's arrow all over again.
But don't fret, fellow lovebirds! We at BrainFall are experts at playing Cupid with movie choices. We won’t have you guessing which romantic movie will send your Valentine's Day into the stratosphere of love. Stick with us, and we’ll guide you through the maze of swoon-worthy cinema that’ll make your hearts skip a beat—or at least make you reach for that second helping of popcorn.
Rom-Coms That Will Make Your Heart Flutter
If your romantic soul is hungry for a good chuckle and a warm hug of endearing characters, you've hit the jackpot with these recommended rom-coms. Whether it's timeless classics or refreshing new tales, prepare for butterflies!
Classics to Rekindle the Romance
Let's wind back the clock to when dialogue was king and chemistry set the screen on fire. For a start, "When Harry Met Sally" is a legendary pick that asks the age-old question: Can men and women simply be friends? It's witty, it's got Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal at their best, and, yes, it's got that scene — you know the one.
Our hearts swoon at mere mention of "An Affair to Remember", where Cary Grant's charm could melt the polar ice caps. And if we haven't already convinced you, "Casablanca" is the quintessential classic, as Humphrey Bogart teaches us all that sometimes love means saying goodbye. Honestly, who needs a time machine when you've got these gems?
Modern Sparks That Light Up The Screen
Now, don't think we're stuck in the past! The new kids on the block have some tricks, too. Ever seen Rachel McAdams fall in love on-screen? We have, multiple times, and it never gets old. Add a little Nicholas Sparks magic, and you've got "The Notebook" — go on, find us a soul that hasn't felt a tug at their heartstrings watching that one.
Weddings are prime rom-com territory, and if you're a sucker for big white dresses and declarations of love at the altar, "Love Actually" has got it all. Plus, Netflix isn't just for chillin', as they've been churning out some sweet, red candy wrapper-worthy flicks that are perfect for when you want to feel warm and fuzzy.
Adventures in Love: From Laughs to Tears
Valentine's Day is not just a celebration of love; it's an emotional roller coaster. Together, we'll dive into a world where humor and heartache blend seamlessly, creating experiences as rich and varied as love itself.
Comedies That Will Have You in Stitches
If you're anything like us, you think that laughter is a love language. Jennifer Lawrence and Albert Brooks have had us clutching our sides in films that turned rom-coms on their heads. Imagine "No Hard Feelings" but add a sprinkle of Lawrence's impeccable comedic timing – we're talking belly laughs that could challenge Cupid himself. Or think back to when Brooks, with his knack for wit, makes us snort with laughter. Those looking for an uplifting and adventurous journey through love won't want to miss shenanigans mixed with slapstick – it's what watching Disney+ comedies has trained us for!
Heart-Wrenching Tales That Will Tug at Your Strings
Sometimes our hearts yearn for a story that mirrors the full, messy spectrum of love. "The Notebook," with all its nostalgic charm, is our go-to when we want to ride that wave of emotions – from the exhilarating highs of young love to the soul-stirring depths of eternal commitment. It will tug at your strings big time. And let's not forget about films like "My Bloody Valentine," which may sound like it's for horror fans, but trust us, it has enough emotional turmoil to have you reaching for the tissues. When critics acclaim a film for its poignant storytelling, you know it's going to be a tearjerker – looking at you, Celine Song.
