For all my single girlies out there, this one is for you. Valentine’s Day is coming up, and you know what that means. It’s that time of year where all you see are red and pink objects everywhere you go. However, just because we are single does not mean that we cannot enjoy the day just as much as any other person in a relationship. The holiday is, after all, a day about love. So why not spend it with some of your favorite people whom you love!
One way to celebrate is by grabbing takeout from your favorite restaurant and watching some romantic-comedy comfort movies (at least that’s what I’ll be doing). I have go-to movies for almost every occasion or mood. For Valentine’s day, here are some of the movies I recommend and plan to watch.
Letters to Juliet (2010)
Starting off strong with the heartwarming Letters to Juliet. Newly engaged Sophie (Amanda Seyfreid) visits Verona, Italy with her fiancé. While he is tied up with work, she decides to go visit Casa di Giulietta where the heartbroken leave notes to Juliet Capulet. During her visits, she comes across a letter from 1957 written by Claire (Vanessa Redgrave), whom she decides to respond to. Inspired by Sophie, Claire sets out on a mission to find her long lost love accompanied by her grumpy-negative grandson. This movie is wholesome and reminds me of Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.”
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
This film is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s famous novel, where Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightly) lives with her family in the English countryside facing the pressure of having to marry. When she meets Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen), they immediately have chemistry but his reserved personality makes their relationship difficult. (Please watch it so we talk about the power the hand scene holds.)
The Princess Diaries 2: The Royal Engagement (2004)
As a child I remember watching this movie and wishing I was princess Mia of Genovia (Anne Hathway). This movie is a continuation of the first, where Mia graduates from Princeton and returns to Genovia to claim the throne. Her grandma, the Queen (Julie Andrews) informs her there is one small problem, she has to marry someone within 30 days. On her lookout for a potential suitor, Mia comes across Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine) which complicates things.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
This is another movie that was part of my childhood and probably yours too. This romantic feel-good movie features mega-stars Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo. 13 year old Jenna (Jennifer Garner) wishes she had a boyfriend and when she is unable to get one, she fantasizes about being an adult and having everything she ever wanted. Suddenly, fantasy becomes reality when she gets transformed into her 30-year-old self where she gets a glimpse of her future. She realizes that adulthood isn’t as easy as it looks and what she always wanted was always in front of her. You can never go wrong with this movie. Personally, every time I watch it, I get a sense of motivation to become everything I want and more.
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)
Any movie with Kate Hudson is a guaranteed win, especially with this movie. It’s about Andie (Kate Hudson), an advice columnist that pitches the idea of how to get a guy to leave you within ten days. When out on the look for a guy, she coincidently bumps into Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey) who is also on a mission. He makes a bet that he can get any woman to fall in love with him within ten days. As you can imagine, their schemes get very messy.
The Holidate (2020)
Ironically, this movie is about two single strangers that are tired of being single for the holidays so they agree to platonically be each other’s plus-one for a year. Of course, it all goes south when they catch feelings for each other. It stars Emma Roberts, so it’s a must!
Little Italy (2018)
Continuing with movies featuring Emma Roberts, I really recommend this one! And here is a plus, it also features Hayden Christensen. It’s the classic Romeo and Juliet story, where two young lovers try to hide their relationship from the warring families. Their family feud began over a bad pizza competition outcome that eventually comes down to them being put against each other.
Our Family Wedding (2010)
This movie is hilarious. Honestly, you will be laughing at least 80% of the time, maybe even more. It’s about an interracial couple announcing their engagment to their families who plan the entire wedding out for them in a matter of weeks. Within those weeks, the different ideas and perspectives of the families clash, creating total mayhem especially between the respective fathers.
Mamma Mia (2008)
If you want to watch a romantic musical with amazing music, Mamma Mia is the way to go. This movie is filled with all the classic hits from the group ABBA. This movie is about Donna (Meryl Streep) preparing for her daughter Sophie’s (Amanda Seyfreid) wedding with the help of her two best friends. Sophie secretly invites three men — hoping to discover which one is her father so that her dad could walk her down the aisle.
Pretty Woman (1990)
This 90’s rom-com is a CLASSIC. You have to watch it, if you haven’t already. Vivian (Julia Roberts) a spirited and charming “lady of the street” meets Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) who is a shrewd billionaire. Their first encounter leads to a weeklong “business arrangement.” All I have to say is WATCH IT, WATCH IT, WATCH IT!
365 Days (2020)
Now, if you find yourself in the mood for something steamy, might I recommend this Polish, book-based movie. You might have heard or seen snips of it through TikTok when it came out on Netflix because it caught everyone’s attention. This movie is about a woman who is kidnapped by a mafia boss; he gives her a year (365 days) to fall in love with him. If by the end of the year she does not love him, he promises to let her go. This sounds very dark and twisted but trust me, it’s good.
The Fifty Shades Trilogy
Continuing with the steamy streak, I recommend Fifty Shades of Grey (2015), Fifty Shades Darker (2017), and Fifty Shades Freed (2018). These movies follow the encounter between senior college student, Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), and businessman Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). It’s quite obvious that Christian is drawn to Anastasia and offers her a “special arrangement” which quickly leads to something more. The second movie revolved around the couple rekindling their relationship after facing some problems. This leads to a new arrangement in their relationship that sets the foundation for something more. The last movie is about the couple embracing their new life together and stepping into a whole new level in their relationship. But just as they start, their happily ever after gets interrupted.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
If you want romance with a sprinkle of action, this movie is for you. Mr. and Mrs. Smith is about a married couple, John (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie) who live a deceptive life. Although being married for years, circumstances make them realize that they do not know each other, especially considering the fact that they are assassins working for opposing agencies. They are assigned to kill the same target which brings to light all of their lies towards each other. Naturally, they are assigned to kill each other which leads to a series of events.
Valentines Day (2010)
Last but not least, Valentine’s Day (the movie) because Valentine’s Day would not be Valentine’s Day without this movie. It features a host of superstars like Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Jennier Garner, Anne Hathway, Emma Roberts, Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, Patrick Dempsey, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Alba, Jamie Fox and many more. The movie is about a series of interconnected stories following couples through their highs and lows on Valentine’s Day. It really embodies the epitome of the holiday to the core by showing the different perspectives that people go through on the day. This movie is a MUST.
Honestly, I could go on with the list because I have so many recommendations. These are just some of the ones that popped into my head at the moment. I hope you enjoy watching these films just as much as I do and if you have any recommendations of your own, please let me know.
Happy Valentine’s Day <3