Top-notch Cinematic Picks for a Romantic Valentine's Day - Romantic Movie and Series Picks for Valentine's Day
For Valentine's Day, you're craving a romantic movie that strikes the right balance between laughter and tears. Whether you're single, newly smitten, or happily settled in a long-term relationship, there's a plethora of options to suit various tastes. These beloved movies will set the mood, whether it's for a date night, girls' night in, or cozying up solo on the couch.
Even if preferences in romance can be as diverse as cupcake toppings, there's a broad enough selection to satisfy everyone. And the selection seems to be increasing year by year.
Laughs and Emotions Galore
"Crazy, Stupid, Love," featuring Ryan Gosling (44) and Emma Stone (36), doesn't fit the typical romance mold. Gosling's womanizer, Jacob, offers dating advice to newly separated family man Cal (Steve Carell, 62). Meanwhile, he finds himself unexpectedly captivated by Cal's oldest daughter (Stone). This film has become a timeless classic thanks to its hilarious and unconventional take on romance.
"Silver Linings" with Bradley Cooper (50) and Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence (34) treads the line between traditional and unconventional romantic comedy. Pat (Cooper) aims to reclaim his ex-wife after his release from a psychiatric hospital. Enter young widow Tiffany (Lawrence), and an odd friendship blossoms, eventually giving way to something more. The film masterfully weaves humor with strong emotions and the characters' psychological instability.
Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" (1775-1817) is a classic love story that continues to enthrall audiences today. The 2005 film adaptation has kept hearts fluttering, as the Bennet family strives to marry off their five daughters to "suitable" men. Meanwhile, Lizzie (Keira Knightley, 39) hopes for a love match, but finds herself reluctantly drawn to mysterious Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen, 50).
New Takes on Romantic Comedy
Modern romantic comedies often feature couples who begin their relationship on the rocks, only to eventually fall head over heels.
Take Bea (Sydney Sweeney, 27) and Ben (Glenn Powell, 36) in "Where the Lies Fall." After a chance encounter and a shared night leads to misunderstandings, they’re forced to coexist at their siblings' wedding. Sparks may fly, but they'll have to navigate their contempt to keep up appearances.
Anne Hathaway (42) stars in "When You Saw Me" on Amazon Prime, which delves into a more serious love story. Hathaway's character, Solène, accompanies her teenage daughter to a music festival. There, she meets 24-year-old singer Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine, 30), and their love story is complicated by more than just an age difference.
It seems that the trend of older women falling for younger men is gaining traction as well. In "A Family Affair", Nicole Kidman (57) falls for her daughter's boss (Zac Efron, 37). Meanwhile, Laura Dern (58) and Liam Hemsworth (35) begin a passionate romance at a writing retreat in "Lonely Planet - Love in Morocco."
Series for Romance Marathons
Indulge in a series binge for Valentine's Day by diving into the critically acclaimed "Nobody Wants This." The Netflix series, starring Kristen Bell (44) and Adam Brody (45), evades typical rom-com clichés while tackling serious real-life challenges of new love. A second season is already in the works.
The miniseries "The Flatshare" is another great choice, based on the popular British novel by Beth O'Leary (32). Two strangers, Tiffany (Jessica Brown-Findlay, 35) and Leon (Anthony Welsh, 41), share a bed without ever meeting, but their friendship grows through notes left on sticky notes. When Tiffany's ex-boyfriend comes back, things get complicated. Despite some deviations, the series captures the essence of the original story and offers an authentic, lovable cast of characters.
Perfect Movies for the single at heart
For those still reeling from a recent breakup, "(500) Days of Summer" offers a refreshing perspective. Joseph Gordon-Levitt (43) stars as the lovably downcast Tom, who grapples with his feelings after being left by Summer (Zooey Deschanel, 45). With an enchanting soundtrack and a story that leaves a glimmer of hope, it's the romantic comedy you'll want to revisit again and again.
If you're a fan of charming, genre-defying protagonists, the "Bridget Jones" series may be right up your alley. Renée Zellweger (55) plays an endearingly honest, quirky character who tugs at our hearts. Binge-watch the series in preparation for the upcoming release of "Bridget Jones - Verrückt nach ihm" on February 27.
I'm not sure if the 2024 release date for "Bridget Jones - Verrückt nach ihm" is accurate, as I don't have real-time information about upcoming movie releases.
Gosling's character in "Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a womanizer who offers dating advice, which is an unconventional role for a romantic comedy lead.
In the 2005 adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice," Matthew Macfadyen plays a mysterious Mr. Darcy, and their relationship becomes one of the film's main focuses.
