In normal times, couples who pride themselves on celebrating Valentine’s Day will go all out for the occasion. We’re talking about a fancy dinner, catching a flick at the theater, and taking a night out on the town.
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However, COVID-19 for the most part upended the traditional Valentine’s Day routine, with many couples now opting to stay in, cook a nice meal, and put on a rom-com on their preferred streaming service. Thankfully, there are plenty of selections so you and your beloved won’t get bored.
‘Love & Basketball’ (2000)
What do you get when you combine romance with the game of basketball? You getLove & Basketball, the 2000 romantic drama starringOmar EppsandSanaa Lathanas basketball prodigies who learn to love each other while pursuing their dreams on the hardwood. It was a unique romantic film that packs a lot of dramatic weight, with a lovely ending that will make you believe in the power of love.
‘Pretty in Pink’ (1986)
John Hugheswas riding high on his teen movie empire when he released whatsome consider his magnum opus,Pretty in Pink, in 1986. With teen icon,Molly Ringwaldin the leading role,Pretty in Pinktold the “finding love on the other side of the tracks” story from the teen girl perspective, with Ringwald’s Andie falling in love with a rich popular kid (Andrew McCarthy).
Though the two got together in the end, we all wanted to root for Duckie (Jon Cryer) and Andie to have that perfect romantic ending. Oh, what a missed opportunity there.
‘Casablanca’ (1942)
There is something about escaping a tragic situation that can turn things romantic. That was the case withCasablanca, starringHumphrey BogartandIngrid Bergman: this film told the story of a man who had to choose between the love of his life or helping her and her husband escape Vichy controlled Casablanca during World War II.
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Despite what some may think of the film,Casablancais a classic romantic drama that will have you and your significant other weeping in the end. Here’s looking at you, kid.
‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)
Once upon a time, in 1989, Harry (Billy Crystal) met Sally (Meg Ryan), and the rest was rom-com history.When Harry Met Sallyis a classic Valentine’s Day film that tries its best to answer the age-old question: “Can men and women just be friends?” Whether the film answered that question is left to the viewer, but there is no question thatWhen Harry Met Sallyis a film that should be on any couple’s Valentine’s Day streaming playlist.
‘Malcolm & Marie’ (2021)
Who said that romantic classics were only regulated to movies that were filmed pre-2000?Malcolm & Mariewas released in 2021, and caneasily be considered a romantic classic. Filmed entirely in black-and-white,ZendayaandJohn David Washingtongive the performances of a lifetime as a couple that finds their relationship put to the test after a filmmaker fails to acknowledge the inspiration of his latest film.
Malcolm & Marieis a beautiful, raw look into the interchangeable dynamics of a relationship, and should be appreciated as a modern-day masterpiece.
‘Brokeback Mountain’ (2005)
While society is thankfully more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, it wasn’t so much so in 2005, the yearBrokeback Mountainwas released. While the film was universally praised for its portrayal of the complexities of an LGBTQ+ relationship, it received unfairly harsh criticism of its subject matter,mostly from conservative outlets, and became a punching bag joke against the LGBTQ+ community.
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Re-appraising the film years later, making can now exalt in the sheer beauty of this neo-romantic classic, and is well worth a watch for anyone looking for a satisfying and beautiful film to enjoy with their loved one.
‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ (1994)
Hugh Grantwas the king of rom-coms in the 90s, and it all started with 1994’sFour Weddings and a Funeral. This rom-com finds Grant leading a group of friends as they cycle through social events, finding love in the process. Made in just six weeks,Four Weddings and A Funeralwas one of the year’s top-grossing films and was a heavy player on the awards circuit. It also made Grant a Hollywood leading man, which is more than enough to pop this film on during a romantic Valentine’s Day inside.
‘Someone Great’ (2019)
Netflix films can be hits or misses, andSomeone Greatfalls in the former. This rom-com starringGina Rodriguezrevolves around a journalist who decides to live it up with her two best friends (Brittany SnowandDeWanda Wise) after she’s been dumped by her boyfriend and leaves New York City for good for a new job on the West Coast.
Someone Greatcan feel a bit plodding at times, but, overall, what makes the film a great rom-com is its relatability and message about getting your life together after a painful breakup. This is one of those films that can also make for a great watch for singles in addition to couples.
‘Poetic Justice’ (1993)
Janet Jacksonis a legendary singer, but while she was racking up hits on the Billboard charts, she also proved that she was just as formidable in the acting arena as well. Her theatrical breakout came in 1993 withPoetic Justice, which finds Jackson’s character falling in love with a mailman (Tupac Shakur) on a work trip from L.A. to Oakland. Beautiful and powerful, Jackson gives a sterling performance as a woman who questions if she can open her heart to love again.Poetic Justiceis a classic that is a must-watch on February 14th.
‘Sleepless in Seattle’ (1993)
When you set out to make a list of best rom-coms to watch, you can rest assured thatSleepless in Seattlewill be at or near the top of the list. The film starringTom HanksandMeg Ryantells the story of a widower’s son who attempts to find his dad a soulmate through a radio talk show. While some mayfind issues with the film’s parasocial relationshipmessage, overall, the film is a perfect mix of comedy and romance.Sleepless in Seattlewill always be a must-watch for couples who are planning on spending Valentine’s Day inside the house.
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