Whether you’re single or taken, Valentine’s Day is the universal day to celebrate love. If you’re planning on having a laid-back and relaxing night this Valentine’s Day, we’re here with a list of movies that you can watch in bed cuddled in bed or shamelessly eating chocolates - we prefer the latter.
The Notebook (2004)
It shouldn’t be a surprise that this iconic romance film is on this list. You’ve probably already seen or at least heard about “The Notebook” at least once in their life. It remains a cult classic (we all remember this iconic scene). The film tells the story of a young couple in the 1940’s, Noah and Allie, played by actors Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams respectively, and the circumstances that surround their relationship as the years pass. While the film has its sappy moments, it does an amazing job at tugging on our heartstrings with the whirlwind romance that Noah and Allie go through. Adapted from the novel by Nicholas Sparks, there will be tears, so get your tissue box ready!!
Stuck In Love (2012)
This highly acclaimed independent rom-com tells the story of one complicated broken family, starring Greg Kinnear as a novelist Bill Borgens and Jennifer Connelly as his ex-wife Erica. Bill Borgens is a novelist who still harbours feelings of attachment for Erica, who left the family two years prior for another man, thus causing a rift between the family. The film also features Lily Collins as their eldest daughter, Samantha, who is a cynical college student that strays away from serious relationships and would rather hook up with one-night stands, and Nat Wolff as Rusty, an awkward high school student who pines after his crush Kate, played by Liana Liberato. Actor Logan Lerman also plays Lou, Samantha’s classmate who starts changing her views on relationships and love. While the film does come across as light-hearted, there are quite a few moments that really get you thinking about the real meaning of love while teaching us that forgiveness is a big lesson we all must learn in life.
He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
If you’re currently pining after a guy who seems to be giving you mixed signals, I recommend watching this film. While the movie itself is a bit cliché, the message gets right to the point on why both women and men struggle with the universal problem of misreading romantic partners. Featuring an all-star cast, the film mainly stars Ginnifer Goodwin as Gigi, a woman who goes to Alex, played by Justin Long, for help on understanding men. In the film you’ll also be able to spot celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Bradley Cooper, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, and many more, who go through their own relationship issues. Our big take away? If you’re ever wondering why the guy you’re crushing on just won’t text back, don’t take it personally. Sometimes the truth is that he’s just not that into you, and you just have to move on to the next.
Love, Rosie (2014)
Have you ever thought about falling in love with your best friend who you’ve known for years? Rosie Dunne hasn’t. In this film based on the 2004 novel “Where Rainbows End,” the story talks about Rosie (played by Lily Collins) and Alex (played by Sam Claflin), who have been best friends since they were children. As they finish high school and apply for college, Rosie and Alex find themselves starting to go off in different directions due to the means of growing up and being with other people. As the year’s pass, they keep in contact but are both unhappy with their lives as they struggle to realize what they really want, or who they want to be with. This film was a rollercoaster of emotions and I definitely wasn’t expecting to cry as much as I did in the end (no spoilers).
How To Be Single (2016)
If you’re single on Valentine’s Day, have no fear. This movie teaches you to embrace single life and to have fun while you still can. The rom-com stars Dakota Johnson as Alice, a recent graduate who decides she wants to start new challenges in her life and breaks up with her boyfriend of 4 years before moving to New York City to work as a paralegal. She meets Robin, played by Rebel Wilson, who becomes her guide in learning how to enjoy the single life in the big city. This light-hearted film brings humour while still sending a strong message that being single in a big city with so many different people can be challenging and you’re bound to go through misadventures as you explore in the world of dating and finding yourself.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
As one of the most popular movies released by Netflix, this teen rom-com will surely make you smile with its cute heartwarming story. Based on the novel by Jenny Han, Lara Jean Covey (played by Lana Condor) is a high school girl who is kind yet reserved, opting to stray away from relationships. She finds herself in trouble when love letters she’s written to boys she’s liked in the past get mailed out to the recipients, one of them being fellow high-school student Peter Kavinsky (played by Noah Centineo). As a way to get his ex-girlfriend (who also happens to be an ex-friend of Lara Jean) jealous, Peter proposes that they fake date, which starts to get messy when they both begin developing feelings for each other over time. A cute and original love story that has many sweet moments, I’m sure many girls want their own “Peter Kavinsky” after watching this film.
Love Actually (2003)
While it’s more recognized as a Christmas film, “Love Actually” is also a great movie to watch even with the holidays over. With its many cute stories revolving love, it makes it one of the perfect movies to watch during Valentine’s Day. Featuring an ensemble cast, the film tells the intertwined love stories of many different characters; amongst the explored characters include a best man named Mark (played by Andrew Lincoln) who falls in love with a groom’s new wife (played by Keira Knightley), a widow named Daniel (played by Liam Neeson) who raises his stepson alone (played by Thomas Sangster), a man named Harry (played by Alan Rickman) who becomes attracted to his new secretary despite having been married to his wife Karen (played by Emma Thompson) for years, and more. The film is full of coincidental meetings and funny scenarios, making it a heartwarming rom-com full of joy.
The Vow (2012)
Based on a true story, “The Vow” tells the tale of newlywed couple Leo (played by Channing Tatum) and Paige (played by Rachel McAdams), who experience a break in their marriage after a car accident leaves Paige suffering from memory loss. As Paige only views Leo as a stranger now, Leo is determined to try and help her remember who he is and what they previously had as he refuses to give up on their relationship. Aside from the fact that the situation really happened to real-life couple Kim and Krickitt Carpenter, what makes this story into a remarkable film is the unconditional love Leo has for Paige despite the circumstances, making it romantic and leave you to believe in what true love really is all about.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Well known in the world of rom-coms, “Crazy, Stupid, Love” is probably the most recognized because of the famous “Dirty Dancing” scene Ryan Gosling’s character re-enacts with Emma Stone’s character because let’s be real here, who hasn’t wanted to try that out with someone before? The film is about a middle-aged man (played by Steve Carell) who recently learns that his wife (played by Julianne Moore) has cheated on him and wants a divorce. As he takes it all in, he moves out and eventually starts going to bars, where he meets young bachelor and ladies man Jacob Palmer (played by Ryan Gosling) who starts to coach him on how to become a womanizer. Along the way, Jacob finds himself interested in Hannah Weaver (played by Emma Stone). Full of ambitious and funny moments with a twist, the movie leaves you reflecting on just how crazy love can be sometimes.