Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to curl up on the couch with your significant other and enjoy a romantic movie together. Rather than just picking any old romantic comedy off your streaming shelves, put some thought into your selection with one of these tried and true Valentine's Day classics that are guaranteed to set the mood.
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The Notebook (2004)
The Notebook is a romantic drama film based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. It tells the story of an epic love between two young lovers, Allie and Noah, who meet one summer in South Carolina. Their passion and romance are challenged by their different social backgrounds.
The film spans many years and shows how their love endures despite the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams give emotionally powerful performances in the leading roles.
This romantic movie to watch on Valentine’s Day explores the themes of love, commitment, sacrifice, and following your heart even in the face of family and societal disapproval. The movie depicts their profound bond and the challenges they face in being together.
Many find it to be a tear-jerker that pulls at the heartstrings. It's considered one of the most moving portrayals of devotion and unwavering love in modern cinema. Overall it's a classic romantic drama that leaves most viewers deeply moved.
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When Harry Met Sally (1989)
When Harry Met Sally tells the story of Harry and Sally, who meet while sharing a car ride from Chicago to New York City after graduating from college. Though they initially dislike each other, the film follows their relationship over the next 12 years as they go from friends to more than friends and back again.
Starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in iconic roles, the romantic comedy explores the complex question of whether men and women can truly be "just friends" without feelings getting in the way.
Directed by Rob Reiner, it features memorable scenes like Sally's faked orgasm in a deli and a legendary New Year's Eve party. The chemistry between Ryan and Crystal is palpable as their feelings ebb and flow over the years, keeping the audience guessing about whether they'll end up together.
The film offers hilarious yet insightful observations about relationships, intimacy, and what we all really want from our lives and partners. It's widely considered one of the best romantic comedies of all time for its heart and humor.
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Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually follows the stories of eight very different couples in various stages of their relationships. The ensemble cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, and more, navigates the complexities of love and romance during the busy holiday season in London.
The film is actually comprised of several intertwining storylines, each exploring a different facet of loving relationships - new love, unrequited love, love between friends, young love, and marital issues. Richard Curtis directs with his trademark wit and heart, chronicling both the comedic and emotional sides of love.
While the characters face various challenges, from professional crises to relationship troubles, the movie ultimately celebrates the uplifting power of love.
Touching, amusing, and starring an excellent cast, Love Actually has become a modern romantic comedy classic watched by many around Valentine's Day for its portrayals of the heartwarming, heartbreaking, and unexpectedly funny sides of intimacy.
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Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Jane Austen's classic tale of the witty battle and dance between Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy has endured for over two centuries for good reason. Its themes of pride, prejudice, misunderstandings, and the ultimate triumph of love over initial assumptions remain timelessly compelling.
The 2005 film adaptation of Pride & Prejudice starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as the sparring Elizabeth and Darcy perfectly captures both the humor and romance of Austen's novel. From their arched-eyebrow first meeting to the swoon-worthy scenes of suppressed longing, Knightley and Macfadyen generate irresistible chemistry between the proud souls learning to see beyond surface impressions.
The luxurious costumes, beautiful English countryside backdrops, and lively classical music further transport viewers straight into 19th-century Regency-era England. But underneath the sumptuous period aesthetics lies a story as fresh and relatable as ever about learning to open one's eyes - and heart - to true love that was there all along.
On Valentine's Day, what better romantic drama to cozy up with than an epic love story that has brought joy to generations? Pride & Prejudice reminds us that underneath exterior judgments often lay misunderstood souls who only need an honest chance to reveal their depth of character and caring. A perfect romantic movie to watch on Valentine’s Day for any couple looking to appreciate the evolution of their own relationship.
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Pretty Woman (1990)
Nobody does the meet-cute quite like Pretty Woman. When cold businessman Edward hires Vivian, a freelancing escort, to be his date for a week, they find an undeniable spark between their seemingly mismatched worlds. Richard Gere and Julia Roberts created cinematic magic in their iconic leading roles, with Roberts especially dazzling as the sassy Viv with a heart of gold.
The contrasting worlds of Beverly Hills luxury and Viv's down-and-out circumstances make for an unlikely romance ripe for feel-good escapism. Watching their relationship evolve from payment transactional to genuine caring over a week's worth of adventures brings laughter and smiles. That final scene, where Viv emerges from her transformation more radiant than ever, never ceases to be satisfyingly sweet.
Three decades later, Pretty Woman remains the romantic comedy blockbuster by which all others are measured. Its charm lies in how seamlessly it blends humor, fantasy, and ultimately an empowering message about believing someone can see your true worth.
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Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are at their charming best in Nora Ephron's directorial debut, one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time. When recently widowed Sam is subjected to his son's radio plea for a new mother, he unexpectedly finds potential companionship in the form of Annie, who contacts the show from Seattle longing for her own match.
Watching their connection unfold solely through letters, phone calls, and chance glimpses is reminiscent of old-fashioned courtship. Yet the question remains - can true love blossom between two souls who have yet to meet face to face? Sleepless in Seattle invites viewers on a sweet Valentine of a journey as serendipity and fate intertwine to overcome impossible barriers.
Ephron imbued the film with her signature wit, heart, and ode to true romance. Nearly 30 years later, its mix of humor, empathy for the struggles of loss, and reminder of love's infinite possibility make it the ideal cozy watch for any couple this Valentine's Day. Even if miles apart, two hearts may still beat as one.
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La La Land (2016)
Last but not least, for a more modern musical choice, nothing says romance like La La Land. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone electrify the screen with mesmerizing musical numbers in this contemporary love letter to old Hollywood. Directed by Damien Chazelle with dazzling cinematography, La La Land immerses viewers in the colorful dreams and heartaches of aspiring actress Mia and jazz pianist Sebastian finding passion in each other amid the hustle of Los Angeles.
With its magical blend of stunning locations, lively dances, and memorable melodies, La La Land sweeps audiences away to a better place. Yet underneath the wistful romance lies deeper truths about balancing love and ambition as two souls recognize their connection may be fleeting.
This modern movie musical perfectly encapsulates all the swoon, nervous excitement, and bittersweet beauty of a new relationship's beginnings.
On Valentine's Day, what better way to celebrate love than watching Gosling and Stone's breathtaking chemistry and passion for their art and each other play out against vibrant skies and a jazz soundtrack? La La Land is a joyful reminder of love's transformative power.
Whether you choose a classic rom-com like When Harry Met Sally, an epic love story like The Notebook, or a movie musical like La La Land, any of these top romantic movie picks are sure to bring you and your valentine closer together on February 14th. Curl up with popcorn, chocolate and each other to appreciate the joys of love, laughter and happily ever afters. Wishing you a very happy Valentine's Day spent strengthening your own real-life romance!