Valentine’s Day can be great, and it can suck. If you’re in a relationship, love is all you can talk about. If you’re single, sometimes it’s a day of “single is better than in a relationship, look at all my freedom”, sometimes it’s more about “crap… I’m single…” And for the newly single, it nearly always sucks. Given that movies are a great way to pass a night, here’s a brief run-down of movies suitable for each condition.
For couples:
1. Say Anything
This sweet 80’s film revolves around an unlikely and unexpected couple falling in love the summer after high school.
2. Love Actually
It’s about, well, love, duh. Following the lives of eight couples, this film shows how complicated and wonderful being in love can be.
3. Brokeback Mountain
The story of two men in a time and place where them being together would be impossible is a heartbreaking and heartwarming story of how strong love can truly be.
4. Garden State
For the less sentimental type, Garden State offers a witty take on falling in love. The film is a very real take on the highs and lows in life that bring us together.
5. When Harry Met Sally
I don’t think I could write this list without When Harry Met Sally. After all, Meg Ryan had to be on the list. Like many relationships (except here at NU where they start at the Keg) Harry and Sally meet and become great friends, but eventually how complicated friendship is between a man and a woman.
For singles
1. Twilight
Well first of all, this movie is great for admiring exactly what you wouldn’t want in real life. Yes, it’d be nice to have an Edward, but do you really want a stalker? No. So let’s celebrate not having a vampire stalker or obsessed werewolf. Secondly, Edward, Jacob, and a generally gorgeous cast make it an easy watch.
2. (500) Days of Summer
Summer is awesome, and it’s pretty empowering to watch her independent spirit crush Tom’s. She’s mean at times, she uses him, and in the end she does exactly what she wants to do, just like we all should.
3. Atonement
Just make it through to the end and you’ll see the reason this is for singles. Just saying- no spoilers here, but it’s just easier to stay single after seeing this. For immediate explanation of its place on this list, James McAvoy and Kiera Knightly are magnificent and amazing looking. They have tons of chemistry and the twists and turns of the plot keep you wondering what will happen next.
4. Eat, Pray, Love
You actually can’t get more girl power than this. F love, be selfish, be free and explore the world and yourself!
5. Revolutionary Road
This sordid movie gives you a reason to be happy you’re single, and in fact makes you feel quite sad for the main characters and their relationship.
For the newly solo
1. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Have a laugh, even though you may not want to, with a great comedy featuring Jason Segel and Russell Brand. They make hating your ex hilarious and an all around good time.
2. John Tucker Must Die
Guys are pigs and girls are catty, but this movie makes us feel great about both of those. It’s cute and a giggle. And the guy get’s exactly what he deserves, and so do the girls when they are terribly behaved.
3. Legally Blonde
Simple, you don’t need anybody to be a kick-@$$ lawyer/ whatever you want to do. Screw relationships.
4. She’s the Man
It’s just fun and funny and adorable. Viola is just as good as any boy and kicked enough butt to show it. The movie also makes fun of love and how dumb it can be. Stupid love.
5. Titanic
Simply put, yeah it’s a love story, but we all know how that one ends. The boat sinks (whoa! Spoiler alert!) and there’s just no way that’s happy.