14 Movie Recs for Valentine’s Day

These films are sure to spice up your life this Valentine’s Day

One of the most beloved and most hated holidays is almost upon us: Valentine’s Day. Whether you have plans with your friends, significant other, or are just enjoying a relaxing night by yourself, here are 14 movies to make your holiday even better.

Fever Pitch (2005)

A film for all you sports fans out there, Fever Pitch tells the story of Boston Red Sox obsessed Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon) and businesswoman Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymore). This film features all of the best parts of romantic comedies: a hilarious group of friends surrounding the main characters, many mishaps in the relationship, and even a scene where a character runs barefoot across the field during a game at Fenway Park. Filled with humorous moments all baseball fans will relate to and touching romantic scenes, this rom com has something for everyone.

Handsome Devil (2017)

Most movies people watch around Valentine’s Day are overly loving, gushy romantic movies such as Nicholas Sparks films. There’s nothing wrong with those choices when you’re in the mood for that, but what about when you’re not? Well you’re in luck because Handsome Devil is a film that focuses on platonic love and friendships instead of romantic love. The film follows Ned and his new roommate Conor at a prestigious rugby obsessed boarding school in Ireland as they navigate the ups and downs of high school. What sets this film apart from other coming of age movies though is its use of music and exploration of the often difficult balance between personal desires and desires placed upon you by outside factors such as your parents, teachers, teammates, etc. Overall, this indie flick is a hidden gem on Netflix, and I’d highly recommend it.

Valentine’s Day (2010)

It is impossible to write a list about Valentine’s Day movies without mentioning the film with the same name. This movie explores the lives of several Los Angeles residents on the holiday and how all of their stories are interconnected. Although this stellar cast could not make this film a fantastic one, it is still a fun lighthearted movie perfect for the occasion and features at least one scenario that everyone can relate to. If you’re a fan of this movie you might also want to check out New Year’s Eve (2011) and Crazy Stupid Love (2011) to keep your intertwining story movie marathon going.

La La Land (2016)

For all my musical fans out there, La La Land is a perfect film to rewatch or watch for the first time this Valentine’s Day. Choosing just one musical for this list was a big challenge when other romantic musical movies such as Moulin Rouge (2001), The Phantom of the Opera (2004), Rent (2005), Mamma Mia (2008), and so many others exist, but La La Land is perfect because it does not follow the same formulaic approach that many other choices do. Although inspired by musicals of the 50s, La La Land puts its own spin on it, the ending alone proving their separation from other genre specific films. This movie follows the lives of two passionate yet struggling visionaries as they pursue their creative dreams in Los Angeles. Watch this film and I guarantee you will be enamored by the vivid colors in every scene, inspired by the passion and drive of the characters, and tapping your feet to songs such as “Another Day of Sun,” by the end.

10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This 90s classic is the perfect choice for this Valentine’s Day for any rom com fans. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s play The Taming of the Shrew, this film is about strong willed Kat Stratford and her high school experiences with a socialite sister, strict father, and new student Patrick Verona, who is paid to take her out. Fans of 80s/90s classics such as Clueless, Sixteen Candles, and Cruel Intentions, will also love this humorous coming of age tale. Bonus points to this film for featuring such a passionate, bold, feminist main character such as Kat.

Love, Simon (2018)

Fox took a leap of faith when they decided to adapt Becky Albertalli’s best selling YA novel Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda into a film, but following its release, the movie was received well among critics and fans. Love, Simon became the first teen film produced by a large scale production company that focused on two gay main characters. This film is perfect for Valentine’s Day as it focuses on themes of acceptance and love (platonic and romantic). Watch this film and I guarantee you will be rooting for Simon to find Blue, his online pen pal, and fall for their cute, heartfelt relationship at the same time. This film also gets bonus points for having a stellar soundtrack, featuring artists like The 1975, Troye Sivan, and Bleachers.

Dirty Dancing (1987)

The lone movie from the 80s to make this list is Dirty Dancing. If the final scene with the iconic lift to the song “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” isn’t already enough to convince you to watch this film this year, then maybe the nostalgic 60s resort setting or the swoon worthy relationship between Johnny and Baby will sway you. Dirty Dancing is the quintessential romantic movie that will leave you longing for a resort summer as spectacular as these characters.

Casablanca (1942)

The only black and white selection on this list, Casablanca is the perfect choice for classic movie fans. This film encompasses the perfect amount of nostalgia and love to satisfy any viewer. The story follows old lovers, Rick and Ilsa, as their paths cross again in French controlled Morocco during World War II. This film is an essential choice for anyone interested in film as it has inspired many modern works and is often quoted and referenced in the entertainment industry. At the 16th Academy Awards, Casablanca won best picture, best director, and best screenplay, so watch this film if you’re in the mood for an award winning classic flick.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

One of 2018’s best summer blockbusters, Crazy Rich Asians follows Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), an economics professor at NYU, as she travels to Singapore for a wedding and to meet her boyfriend’s family for the first time. What her boyfriend Nick forgot to mention though is that he is the most eligible bachelor in Singapore and heir to the Young family fortune. This film illustrates the crazy rollercoaster of their trip and is a brilliant adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s best selling novel by the same name. This film will leave you longing for summer and an extravagant life of luxury such as Nick’s but also content following the happy ending. Enjoy this groundbreaking and beautiful film this Valentine’s Day.

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)

This quirky film about two twelve year olds, Sam and Suzy, who fall in love and run away with each other is my favorite work from acclaimed director, Wes Anderson. Well within the unique style parameters of Wes Anderson’s work, this movie is set in 1965 as an unknown vicious storm is approaching a small New England island, endangering the children’s great escape. Filled with awkward moments with parents, hilarious camp counselor logs, tender and relatable explorations of young love, and an abundance of yellow, this film is perfect for any movie lover or someone wanting to get into the works of Wes Anderson.

The Big Sick (2017)

Based on the true life events of Kumail Nanjiani and his wife Emily, this film shows their lives from when they met through when they got married. It focused mostly on the mysterious illness Emily gets hospitalized with only after they have been dating for a few weeks. Despite the seriousness of the conflict in the film, the story is still filled with an abundance of comedic moments and touching romantic scenes. Check this film out on Amazon Prime this Valentine’s Day!

The Proposal (2009)

One of the best modern romantic comedies, The Proposal details an influential Canadian editor who has to pretend to be engaged to her assistant in order to remain in the United States when her Visa expires. If you’re a fan of the enemies to lovers trope in movies, you’ll love this film. The witty banter and awkward situation the characters are placed in is the reason why this film thrives. Betty White is really the true star of this film though, and her portrayal of eccentric, Alaska native Grandma Annie is certain to have you smiling and laughing this Valentine’s Day.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Another coming of age classic, The Edge of Seventeen focuses on Nadine Franklin, a high school junior, as she navigates her relationships with friends, family, and boyfriends. Directed by Kelly Fremon Craig, this film has a strictly female perspective on high school which is refreshing to see from a genre that mainly focuses on male stories. This quirky film is perfect for fans of other movies like Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird and Jordan Vogt-Roberts’ The Kings of Summer. Bonus points for this movie because it can also be found on Netflix!

I loved The Edge of Seventeen because Hailee Steinfeld is in it!

— Rachael Stokes (12)

A Cinderella Story (2004)

And finally, an all time favorite classic to wrap up this journey through some of the best romantic films.  A Cinderella Story is the best choice this Valentine’s Day if you’re in the mood to journey back to the iconic films of the early 2000s and the prime of Hilary Duff. Although Rotten Tomatoes awarded this film with an 11% rating, I think it should have been awarded with an Oscar instead. I mean what’s not to like about this modern retelling of Cinderella with internet pen pals? The relationship in this film is perfectly swoon worthy for this Valentine’s Day, but don’t worry, you can watch this film on Netflix if you don’t have your own Princeton Girl or Nomad this year.

Enjoy these films during February and all year long whenever you’re in the mood for a romantic flick. Happy Valentine’s Day from The Talon!