Cozy up to these romantic films this Valentine’s Day
There are plenty of films that focus on Valentine’s Day or have a larger romantic theme. Such movies are ideal for date nights and the ultimate date night: Valentine’s Day.
• “Valentine’s Day” (2010): This aptly titled film takes place on — you guessed it — Feb. 14. It has a who’s-who cast of well-known actors such as Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine and Bradley Cooper. Various storylines intersect among the characters as Los Angeles residents work their way through the highs and lows of love on Valentine’s Day.
• “Kate & Leopold” (2001): While rom-com fans are used to seeing Meg Ryan teamed up with Tom Hanks, in this tale, she is paired with Hugh Jackman. Jackman plays a duke from 1876 who inadvertently finds himself traveling through time to modern-day New York City, where he meets a plucky advertising executive. The two clash before they discover feelings for each other.
• “The Princess Bride” (1987): This movie has withstood the test of time. It has a little bit of everything: sword fights, revenge, a giant and, of course, a heartwarming love story at its core.
• “The Wedding Singer” (1998): Despite coming out in the 1990s, this film brings on all the campy 1980s nostalgia, including a hit soundtrack of favorite songs from that decade. Although not everyone is a fan of Adam Sandler’s comedic antics, this movie is less slapstick and more heartfelt. It is one of a few where Sandler has paired with Drew Barrymore in the lead roles. Check out “50 First Dates” if you want a fun Sandler-Barrymore double feature.
• “Love, Simon” (2018): In this movie, Simon, a high school student, hasn’t yet come out to his friends and family but has been exploring a budding romance with an anonymous boy online. The big reveal of that boy’s identity is a moment of anticipation.
• “Pride and Prejudice” (2005): Jane Austen’s classic novel has undergone many interpretations on the silver screen. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen as Elizabeth and Darcy is a fan favorite. With its beautiful tableaus and enchanting soundtrack, viewers can’t help but root for this unlikely couple.
• “Always Be My Maybe” (2019): This Netflix original movie has Ali Wong and Randall Park playing former childhood best friends with some unfinished business. When they are reunited as adults on different paths, will they find a connection? Keanu Reeves has a guest cameo.
• “Chocolat” (2000): A mysterious French woman and her young daughter open a chocolate shop in a remote place where villagers are afraid of change. Her confections seemingly have magical powers to fix the ills of people, if only the shopkeeper can lure the stubborn to give the chocolates a taste. Johnny Depp stars as a love interest.
• “Notting Hill” (1999): If Meg Ryan is the queen of romcoms, Hugh Grant may be the king. In this movie, an unassuming British bookshop owner gets cast into the limelight when a famous American actress, played by Julia Roberts, hides in the stacks and eventually becomes more than just a customer.