Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, a holiday filled with love, romance, and sweet candy. Yet, outside, the weather is dreary, the roads are slippery, and most of us are about as far from holiday cheer as we can get. You might be wondering how to even get in a celebratory mood when we’re in such a drab, gray, and cold slump of the year. Here are five movies filled with romance, spirit, and energy that will get you excited for the upcoming holiday.
Our first film is first because, in my opinion, it’s the most romantic movie of all time. “The Princess Bride” is a classic most people know of, and despite being released in 1987, almost four decades ago, it remains one of the best movies ever.
The film tells the story of Buttercup, played by Robin Wright, and Wesley, played by Cary Elwes. Set in a fairy-tale-esque fantasy world, Buttercup and Wesley must contend with evil princes, swashbuckling criminals, and brushes with death every two minutes. It’s the perfect adventure to get you away from our scary weather and immerse yourself in. It’s available to stream on both Disney+ and Hulu.
“Set It Up,” while not having the fantasy and magic of “The Princess Bride,” is just as romantic and funny. Two New York City assistants, played by Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch, must contend with nightmarish bosses that completely control their lives and terrorize them daily.
To combat their overworked schedules and improve their workplaces, Powell and Deutch endeavor to set up their bosses, played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs. Will sparks fly and romance grow between the two assistants as they enact their little scheme? You’ll have to watch to find out! “Set It Up” is free to stream on Netflix.
When putting together my ultimate romance movies, I knew I couldn’t complete the list without including a Jane Austen film. “Sense and Sensibility” was released in 1995 and features an all star cast, with Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet, and Hugh Grant. This movie is one of, if not, the best Austen adaptations and features not one, but two amazing romances.
“Sense and Sensibility” tells the story of two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their differing personalities and worldviews reflect their subsequent romances and struggles. This movie is not just heartwarming and funny, but it is also a treat to watch, with beautiful costumes and scenery. “Sense and Sensibility” is available to rent on Apple TV, Google Play, and Amazon Prime.
One of the most iconic romance actresses of all time is Audrey Hepburn. Blessing the silver screen with class, elegance and decorum, she remains in modern audiences’ hearts despite her films being released decades ago. It was hard to pick my favorite of her movies, but ultimately I had to choose “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
Hepburn’s film, released in 1961, centers around two young people living in the same apartment building in New York City. While being extremely romantic in storyline, the film also is beautiful to watch, romanticizing New York City and fully immersing you in the movie and story. You can watch it now on MGM+.
My final pick is ”Brooklyn,” starring Saoirse Ronan and released in 2015. Ronan is one of my favorite young actors, and part of the reason the movie is so great is because she’s in it. Yet, the story, filming, and sets also make it one of my favorite romantic films ever. Ronan plays Ellis Lace, an Irish girl immigrating to America in the 1950s.
As she navigates homesickness, American culture, and familial expectations, she meets a young Italian man who introduces her to her new home and sparks a budding love. “Brooklyn” is quiet, heartrending, and takes you by surprise with the impact it will leave on you. It’s available for free on Hulu.
All these movies are perfect to watch in the upcoming days leading to February 14, for a Valentine’s Day celebration, or a Galentine’s movie night paired with brownies and conversation hearts. Happy Valentine’s Day!