Valentine’s Day — the holiday of Hallmark cards and commercialized love — is here. For some, this annual occasion may mean a wonderful evening with a significant other. For others, it will be a time to bask in singledom. Regardless of your relationship status, a movie always makes for good company on Valentine’s Day. Here are our top choices of romantic movies for the holiday. They are organized by categories of candy.
1. Box of Chocolates (Classic, but not kitschy)
“The Notebook,“ like a box of chocolates, may be overdone, but it never fails to satisfy. If you haven’t seen it before, this is your chance to witness Nicholas Sparks at his peak. This movie has every element of a tried-and-true romance — a meet-cute, rekindled romance, and kissing in the rain. Make sure to keep a box of tissues close by, because there are definitely moments when you will cry.
2. Conversational Hearts (Unconventional, but surprisingly enjoyable)
“(500) Days of Summer” is arguably a romantic movie. From the beginning, we are reminded that the movie is not a love story. And it is not. But on Valentine’s Day, sometimes we have to be reminded that relationships don’t always last, and that there is more to life than the pursuit of romantic love. While certainly less cheery than the other options, “(500) Days of Summer” keeps us grounded in reality.
3. Hershey Kisses (Cute, casual, and a little basic)
“Bridget Jones’s Diary” takes us to the lighter side of romantic movies. This rom-com promises many laughs as we follow the very relatable heroine through the struggles of both her romantic life and career. “Bridget Jones’s Diary” is perfect for someone who wants to keep Valentine’s Day casual, without losing a dash of romance.
4. Fun Dip (Young at heart)
Netflix’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is the ultimate chance to indulge in an impossible high school relationship. Based on Jenny Han’s book of the same name, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” manages to be cute without crossing the line into saccharine. This movie makes us wish for simpler days — notes being passed during class, kisses at lockers, and the thrill of falling in love for the first time.
5. Food from Your Mom (Sweet, but a little misguided)
“The Kissing Booth” is a competitor to Netflix’s other teen romantic movie “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” The plot does come off as formulaic and the characters are sometimes confusing, but at its core, this movie is a feel-good production. “The Kissing Booth” is enjoyable for all it is, and everyone needs something mind-numbing and uncomplicated every once in a while.