Valentine’s Day seems to be one of those holidays that people either love or hate. But no matter if you are a romanticist or a realist, there is some common ground to find: Feb. 14 can be an awesome day to watch a romantic movie.
Whether you find yourself laughing over how predictable the plot is or tearing up over a passionate love confession, romance movies have at least a little something for everyone. Here is a list of five movies that just might make you a hopeless romantic this Valentine’s Day.
Pride & Prejudice
Based on Jane Austen’s 1813 novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” the movie follows Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and her sisters as they attempt to find steady marriages in the elegant, high society of England. During a ball, Elizabeth is introduced to the wealthy Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), whom she first finds intriguing, but she quickly becomes uninterested in him once she sees his seemingly haughty nature firsthand.
However, things are not all they seem with Mr. Darcy, and Elizabeth must overcome her pride and misconceptions about him to realize his underlying kindness and vulnerability.
This movie is full of charm and romance and reminds us to overcome our own pride and prejudices in the face of love. Lovers of period piece movies and yearning will quickly become obsessed with “Pride & Prejudice.”
50 First Dates
A popular romance movie that never gets old, “50 First Dates” is set in Hawaii and tells the story of Henry (Adam Sandler) and Lucy (Drew Barrymore). Henry is a marine scientist by day, ladies’ man by night, until he meets Lucy. The pair hit it off, and it seems to be love at first sight, although when Henry tries to go up to her the day after, she doesn’t remember anything about him or their time together.
After talking with Lucy’s friends, Henry learns that Lucy has short-term memory loss, making her believe it’s the same day, every day. Henry must work hard to prove to Lucy’s protective family that he truly does love her, even if he does have to remind her of it every single day. Romantic comedy and Adam Sandler fans, this one’s for you.
The Princess and the Frog
“The Princess and the Frog”, an iconic animated Disney movie, follows Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), who has her dreams set on opening her very own restaurant in New Orleans, Louisiana. Those plans are suddenly put on pause when she comes across Naveen (Bruno Campos), a talking frog prince, who asks her to kiss him to turn him back into a human. When they do kiss, Tiana is turned into a frog as well, instead of turning Naveen back human.
Tiana and Naveen must go on an adventure to find how to break the spell before they become stuck as frogs forever, while also discovering love for each other along the way. "The Princess and the Frog" is a cute, heartfelt film, perfect for Disney and musical lovers.
The Proposal
“The Proposal” follows Margaret (Sandra Bullock), an editor of a publishing company in New York, who suddenly faces possible deportation back to Canada after failing to complete visa renewal paperwork on time. Afraid of losing her job, Margaret claims she is marrying her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds).
Andrew agrees to Margaret’s plot, but only if she agrees to give him a promotion and come with him to Alaska to celebrate his grandma’s birthday. With the immigration official hot on their trail, Andrew and Margaret must go to great lengths to keep their lie alive while also finding that their love for each other might not be such a lie after all.
An easy and funny watch, “The Proposal” is a great choice for a laid-back movie night, perfect for fans of the fake-dating trope.
The Princess Bride
Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” tells the romantic love story of Westley (Cary Elwes) and Buttercup (Robin Wright) and is set within the fictional kingdom of Florin. The pair fall in love during Westley’s time working as a farmhand for Buttercup’s family. However, they are separated when Westley leaves to find his fortune so he can marry her, and he disappears at sea.
Five years later, Prince Humperdinck of Florin, who is searching for a beautiful woman to be his queen, finds Buttercup and forces her to become his fiancée. Westley returns and, realizing Buttercup’s engagement to the prince, rushes to save her before it's too late.
A movie filled to the brim with popular quotes and sweet moments, “The Princess Bride” is the perfect romantic fairy tale to watch on Valentine’s Day. By the end, it will have you yelling: “As you wish!”
Of course, there are tons more amazing romance films than just this list of five; however, these are a great start to get you in the lovey-dovey mood.