20 romantic movies to watch for Valentine’s Day

If you want a story on Valentine’s Day about two people who couldn’t stand the thought of being with anyone else for the rest of their lives, watch The Notebook. It’s also an excellent option if you want a good holiday cry. 

Notting Hill is a romance to watch if you’re after exceptional writing. It’s also got Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant at the beginning of their careers. Who doesn’t want to watch movies starring those two?

If a good period piece strikes your fancy on Valentine’s Day, settle in with a viewing of Pride & Prejudice. The film still has legions of loyal fans, and it gains new ones every time it’s watched. 

Crazy, Stupid, Love has one heck of a cast. Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone are all perfect on their own, but put them together and it’s absolute magic. You can’t go wrong with this movie any time of the year. 

Speaking of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, if you’re in the mood for a musical, opt for La La Land. It’s got gorgeous cinematography and great direction, and the performances are excellent. Anything Gosling and Stone do together is sublime, and this is no exception. 

For a more classic choice this Valentine’s Day, go for Roman Holiday. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck are perfect, and it’s fun to watch old romances to see that while the genre has progressed, it’s also stayed the same in many ways. 

You really can’t go wrong with any of Hugh Grant’s romance films on Valentine’s Day, but those from the beginning of his career are especially fitting (he wasn’t so cynical back then). Four Weddings and a Funeral is perfect for the hopeless romantic who can’t help but believe in fate. 

About Time is a unique take on the romance genre as it blends an element of science fiction. It doesn’t read as sci-fi, but it adds a quality you don’t typically get in films of its ilk, and it’ll make you smile, laugh, and cry all in one sitting.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding is perfect for anyone feeling a little lost on Valentine’s Day. The film is a great reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places, at the most unexpected times, and between the most unexpected people. 

Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds might not be the first people you’d put together to co-star in a rom-com, but their pairing works so well in The Proposal. They were both perfectly cast, and they made for a fun movie that never gets old. 

One of Julia Roberts’ other great early films is Pretty Woman . It proves that love can be found anywhere, and it’s got a young Richard Gere. If Roberts isn’t going to be swooning over Hugh Grant, Gere is a worthy replacement. 

Who doesn’t love Dirty Dancing ? Jennifer Grey in her breakout role next to a young Patrick Swayze? Those two had the entire country believing in young love when the film first came out, and their campaign still lives inside the movie. 

Moulin Rouge! is a zany, absurd, camp, over-the-top, exaggerated two hours and seven minutes of a film, but it’s practically perfect in every way and oh so romantic. If you want something unexpected and fun for your holiday viewing, you won’t regret choosing Moulin Rouge! 

Past Lives is a new addition to the group of elite romance films. It has a much different tone than most classic romance films and certainly a different take on love, but it’s a beautiful story that might give you a different perspective on your past relationships. 

Love & Basketball is a great Valentine’s Day film for many reasons. For example, it’s a great romance film, and it serves the purpose of getting any viewer excited for March Madness. 

Casablanca will teach you everything you need to know about romance movies. It’s got great writing, an excellent cast who put on good performances, and a swoon-worthy love story. It’s the perfect film to watch on Valentine’s Day. 

Titanic is another good movie to watch on Valentine’s Day if you need a good cry. Since most of your tears likely won’t fall until the end, it’s great if you’d like some balance between your heart filling and your heart breaking. 

You could watch any of Audrey Hepburn’s movies on Valentine’s Day and be satisfied, but there's something special about Breakfast at Tiffany’s. It’s her most famous role for a reason. The film just oozes romance, and Hepburn’s performance is iconic. 

The Sound of Music is all sorts of wonderful. It’s got some of the best music a movie has ever had, great costumes, and a beautiful set, but it’s also a truly beautiful love story. Fans of any genre of movie can find something they enjoy in The Sound of Music. 

Crazy Rich Asians is the movie to watch if you want to believe that there are people in the world who are willing to fight for love no matter the obstacles. The characters in the film are also incredibly wealthy (hence the name), which makes it fantastic escapism.