With Valentine’s day here, it’s that time of year when people sit down to watch romance films. Whether it be a sweet rom-com or a tearjerker, these movies are the perfect thing to watch for the holiday. With a date or alone, watching a romantic movie on Valentine’s Day is a tradition celebrated by many.
10. Me Before You
Directed by Thea Sharrock
With a 7.4 rating on IMDB, “Me Before You” focuses on the protagonist Louisa Clark as she goes from one job to another, and eventually becomes the caregiver to the wealthy financier Will Traynor, who was left paralyzed. Clark brings a light to Traynor who has a very cynical outlook on life. Their romance blossoms over their time together before Louisa learns of Will’s devastating life plan, leading to a heartbreaking conflict between the two of them.
The movie is known to be a tearjerker, depicting a raw and tragic romance. The message of the movie is for the viewer to live boldly and without regret.
“The movie does a lot of highlighting Lou and Will going through a very emotional relationship through love and disability, but always having the ability to find the good through the bad,” related senior Sariyah Adkins.
9. Mamma Mia!
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd
A musical classic, known for its iconic soundtrack including one of the most popular songs in the soundtrack, the titular song, “Mamma Mia” by the band ABBA. One of, if not the most, popular jukebox musicals, “Mamma Mia!” is considered a modern classic. The story follows Sophie inviting her mother’s past lovers to her wedding, hoping one of them is her father who will walk her down the aisle. All three show up, and Sophie spends time with each of them. However, with the wedding day approaching, her paternity remains unknown.
“Mamma Mia!” is a female driven narrative, and is known for being a feel-good movie that evokes feelings of nostalgia and joy.
“I think it’s a good Valentine’s Day watch because it has romance with a good bit of comedy to it,” shared senior Kristina Ennis.
8. Pride and Prejudice
Directed by Joe Wright
The 2005 film, based on a Jane Austen book sharing the same title, has a Rotten Tomato rating of 87%, narrating the story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. The movie begins with a mutual dislike between the two, climaxing to them falling in love while dealing with societal pressures and family drama. The setting takes place in the 19th century, showcasing ballroom dances, gowns and a regency aesthetic.
“Pride & Prejudice (2005)” modernizes Jane Austen’s 1813 book, depicting raw emotion and an understanding of how to love others.
“A delicate story that depicts love not just as the currency of focused attention, but as the failed attempts to eschew that attention,” shares a Letterboxd movie reviewer.
7. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Directed by Donald Petrie
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” features a magazine writer, Andie Anderson, and a company executive Ben Berry. Anderson pitches her idea, inspired by her friends’ failed relationships, to get broken up within 10 days by acting like the worst girlfriend ever. Berry, however, makes a bet that he can get any woman to fall for him in 10 days. Both are acting for their jobs’ sake. Anderson wants to write about more than makeup, Berry wants to win over a major diamond campaign. But, as they get closer, their plans backfire.
“All’s fair in love and war” is a famous quote the movie stands by, as Anderson and Berry use the other for their own gain, until they come to realize that they truly only love each other when they stop playing their games.
“Both playing each other and then they ultimately love each other in the end… cheesy moments make this funny and sometimes cringe worthy but in the best of ways,” shares another Letterboxd reviewer.
6. Moonstruck
Directed by Norman Jewison
This romantic comedy stars Cher as Loretta and Nicolas Cage as Ronny, both icons in the acting industry. “Moonstruck” has a score of 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and has won three Oscars since its release. Loretta accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Johnny, but soon finds herself falling for his younger brother, Ronny. The two find themselves falling deeper for each other, and a secret romance in the family comes to light.
When Loretta cheats on Johnny, she tells him immediately. The movie does not promote cheating, but conveys that people are flawed, and love can often be messy and uncontrollable.
“A very cheery romcom with a messy, subtly dark sense of humor and pure Italian-American excellence. Not sure if there’s been a more perfectly matched screen couple in terms of strangeness and acting style and beauty than Cage and Cher are here. That’s Amore,” commented a Letterboxd reviewer.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You
Directed by Gil Junger
Released in theaters in 1999, “10 Things I Hate About You” features Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger as the main protagonists. Directly inspired by William Shakespeare’s play “The Taming of the Shrew,” this movie scores a 7.4 out of 10 on IMDb.
Katarina, better known as Kat, is a young lady in high school. She’s quite abrasive and doesn’t attract many boys, nor does she care to. The new boy, Cameron, has eyes for Kat’s younger sister, Bianca. But the girls’ dad’s rules state that Bianca can’t date until Kat does. Thus Cameron pulls strings trying to get Kat into a relationship with a boy, Patrick. The two bond, letting Kat wear down her emotional walls and results in her opening up to him.
“The movie shows that you can still care for someone even when you don’t know you love them,” stated freshman Leia Martinez.
4. Pretty Woman
Directed by Garry Marshall
In a Cinderella inspired story, an escort, Vivian, is hired by Edward, a business man, to have her be his partner for social functions. The two end up falling for each other, and he helps transform her into a sophisticated lady, and she helps soften his cold demeanor. They overcome fears and help each other learn to love. With a score of 7.1 out of 10 on IMDb, “Pretty Woman” is a story worth watching.
“Pretty Woman” shows the viewer to never judge a book by its cover, and that the heart of a pretty woman is self-worth and love.
“There’s a real genuine feeling when watching the movie… So yeah, it’s good. It’s even ‘pretty,’ if I may be so bold,” shared letterboxd reviewer, Caleb Johnson.
3. Lala Land
Directed by Damien Chazelle
With a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, “Lala Land” is a bittersweet love story that pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals. The movie is about two struggling artists, actress Mia and a jazz pianist Sebastian. The two cross paths and fall in love, but as their careers take off, they must make a difficult decision: love or career?
The movie features the reoccurring theme of “here’s to the fools who dream,” lyrics sung by both the main characters. That to dream, is to take risks, and risks often come with sacrifices. The movie is critically acclaimed, recognized for its emotional depth and the revival of the classic movie musical.
2. The Notebook
Directed by Nick Cassavetes
Adapted from a novel by Nicholas Sparks and inspired by a real story, “The Notebook” is a classic romance movie, winning eight teen choice awards and a satellite award since its release. The movie focuses on Allie Nelson, Noah Calhoun and their lifelong love story. Set in the 1940s, Nelson and Calhoun share a heartfelt summer together, but Nelson’s parents disapprove and the two are forced apart. Nelson gets engaged to a soldier, but when she meets with Calhoun again, she must make the decision between her set future or past lover.
True love endures and their love isn’t perfect. Calhoun and Nelson’s relationship endured because they wanted it to, and through the hardships, they chose each other.
“One thing that stuck with me about the movie is him waiting his whole life to be with her even though she was already remarried,” said junior Isabella Aranda.
1. Titanic
Directed by James Cameron
“Titanic” needs no introduction, as it’s one of the most iconic movies to ever be filmed. “Titanic” defines 20th century pop culture and cinema. The movie held the title of the highest grossing film for over a decade according to IMDb, creating iconic moments such as the “I’m flying” scene or the “never let go” promise. “Titanic” stars Rose, a 17-year-old aristocrat, and Jack, a broke artist. Despite their different classes, they fall in love, and must face heartbreak when the Titanic begins to sink.
Rose’s journey inspires the viewer to live authentically. Life is precious and unpredictable, and the movie encourages us to live in the moment.
“It shows love because Jack and Rose fell in love and when Jack died, she kept living for him.” shares senior Felicita De Reyna.