Movies are a great way to celebrate and get in the mood for holidays. One of the best holidays to watch movies on is Valentine’s Day, because there are a plethora of romantic films to choose from to enjoy with your valentine or on your own.
I’ll be exploring some different picks, not as much of the classic rom-coms that are often included on lists like these. That is to say, these are some of my favorite movies that have a large romantic element, but that isn’t necessarily the only thing the stories focus on, which might bring some variety to the standard films one may consider for a Valentine’s Day watch. This isn’t ranked in any particular order.
“Romeo + Juliet” (1996)
One of my more traditional picks, “Romeo + Juliet” is a retelling of the classic Shakespeare tragedy, set in current times in California, but utilizing the original script of the play. This is a classic and stunning film that is absolutely timeless. It includes amazing acting across the board. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the titular characters, and supporting cast such as John Leguizamo as Tybalt, Pete Postlewaithe as the priest, and Paul Rudd as Paris. Lesser known Harold Perrineau did an especially impressive job playing Mercutio, as well.
The film features incredibly vibrant and striking visuals, unique utilizations of the original dialogue, and a notable soundtrack including multiple Radiohead songs. This film is, of course, a tragedy, so be warned that there aren’t as many laughs in this film, if you’re looking for a more lighthearted choice this may not be the one.
“Juno” (2007)
“Juno” is a quirky drama-dey infused with cute indie music from artists such as Kimya Dawson, and Belle and Sebastian. It has a certain nostalgic factor as it exudes the feeling of the early 2000s. Elliot Page steals the show as Juno, a pregnant teen who finds and interacts with a couple who intend to adopt her child at birth. With a supporting cast including JK Simmons, Michael Cera, Jennifer Garner, and Jason Bateman, the film is packed full of realistic, unique characters. This movie is fit for any mood, it has the ability to make one cry, laugh, get angry and annoyed and heart-warmed. It’s one of the most heartwarming films I’ve ever seen, it is pure charm.
“Better Off Dead” (1985)
This 80s high school rom-com follows Lane (John Cusack) after his girlfriend breaks up with him to be with the captain of the school’s ski team. Hilarity ensues as Lane attempts to get his life back together, tries to ski the biggest mountain around to impress his ex-girlfriend and beat the captain of the ski team at his own game, and in the meanwhile meets the exchange student who lives next door. This is a truly silly film, with a unconventional, strange, yet highly charming main character in a near slapstick world. With comedy, sports, and romance, this is a great lighthearted pick for Valentine’s Day.
“Almost Famous” (2000)
Almost Famous is a somewhat autobiographical story of a young aspiring journalist William Miller, as he gets hired by Rolling Stone to write a story about the tour of an up-and-coming band. A loving and romantic depiction of 1970s music culture, this is one of my all time favorite films. With a killer soundtrack including original music written by Nancy Wilson of the band Heart (who’s also married to the director Cameron Crowe.) As well as lots of Led Zeppelin music. If you’re into music in general, this movie is for you. This is a love story at its core, though other subplots do dominate a lot of the movie– it’s all such a loving and caring view of a difficult experience. I recommend this film on any day, but it would be a great Valentine’s Day watch to get you in the mood for spring and summer road trips to come.
“Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982)
Cameron Crowe’s “Fast Times” is an iconic 80s high school movie about the trials and tribulations of teenage relationships. Following multiple main characters attending Ridgemont High, it showcases all of their experiences of one fall semester. Characters range from nerdy and shy to boisterous, relatable, and infuriating personalities. With hilarious and charming actors Sean Penn and Jennifer Jason Leigh, it’s another feel good movie that contains comedy and realistic, serious situations; this is a great choice for a laid back evening.
“Raising Arizona” (1987)
This Coen Brothers comedy is a quirky crime-romance starring Nick Cage and Holly Hunter. An ex-convict and police officer fall in love and plan for children, but find they are infertile and cannot adopt because of Cage’s criminal record. They turn to stealing one of the famous quintuplet babies of local furniture salesman Nathan Arizona. This is such a funny and charming film packed full of the usual quirky Coen brothers character. The prose is hilarious and so much fun, with great acting, too. This is a perfect comedic, yet still on theme pick for Valentine’s Day.
“Good Will Hunting” (1997)
This nine-time Oscar nominated film is about a troubled genius (Matt Damon) who works as a janitor at MIT where his skill is discovered by a math professor whose conditions for working with him include him going to a therapist, played by Robin Williams. As Damon’s character traverses new found success, his regular struggles in his working class community, and new struggles with love, he learns from the experiences and perspectives of Williams’ character. Set to a somber soundtrack of Elliott Smith (one of my favorite musicians) this film is heartwarming and heartbreaking, just like Smith’s music.
“La La Land” (2016)
A romantic musical from Damien Chazelle, “La La Land” delves into the world of LA, the struggle for creative success, the question of what success really is, and how to juggle that with love. Starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, they both make powerhouse performances which are absolutely heartbreaking. The music in the film is great and very jazz inspired, which I adore. The bright colors and lights of LA were so well depicted, the oversaturated and neon looks are otherworldly yet nostalgic and stunning.
“The Sound of Music” (1965)
One of the most famous musical movies of all, “The Sound of Music” starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer chronicles the experience of a studying nun-to-be who gets sent to the affluent military family, the Von Trapps, home to care for the seven children of the family, whose rigid father struggles after the death of his wife a few years past. All of this takes place in 1930s Austria, as World War II begins to threaten their way of life. This is a great movie in many aspects, in the romance, the charming kids, and the war looming, present in every bit. With one of the best and most recognizable musical soundtracks of all time, this film is sure to please, if you have some time (three hours) to spare on Valentine’s Day.
“The English Patient” (1996)
One of the best performances I’ve seen on-screen, This war epic starring Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe and Colin Firth follows the story of a man severely injured and burned beyond recognition during World War II, as he slowly reveals his story to the nurse taking care of him in a remote Italian church hidden away from enemies. This is one of the saddest love stories I’ve seen, so be warned. It’s absolutely astonishing and beautiful, but is definitely a hard and grueling watch.
