February is fast approaching, and with it, Valentine’s Day. The season of candy hearts, outrageous flower bouquets, and cheesy pop songs about romance will soon be upon us. But February 14 will look a little different this year with that which shall not be named plaguing the world. Your previous plans for a romantic candle-lit dinner or going to the theatre for a show will have to be scrapped. Instead, why not stay home, open a bottle of wine, and watch the perfect Valentine’s Day movie? Whether you’re in a happy committed relationship, drowning in loneliness and ice cream, or completely unaware of what day it is, I have a movie for you. So sit back and relax as we count down the top ten rom-coms for Valentine’s Day.  

The Proposal (2009)  

Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have so much on-screen chemistry in this hilarious film. Margaret (Bullock) is Andrew’s (Reynolds) tenacious boss who is about to be deported back to Canada and, subsequently, fired. So what does she do in order to stay at her job? Marry her assistant of course! She persuades — more like blackmails — Andy into marrying her so that she can remain in the country. They end up spending the weekend with his family in Alaska for his grandmother’s birthday, and hilarity ensues as they attempt to keep up the charade in front of Andy’s loved ones and the immigration agent, all the while slowly falling for one another.  

Dirty Dancing (1987)  

Dirty Dancing is a personal favourite of mine. Between the dance routines, Patrick Swayze’s smouldering looks, and the magnetic attraction between Baby and Johnny, this film ages like a fine wine and is perfect for Valentine’s Day. 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)  

This movie is based off of the Jenny Han novel of the same name. It’s a sweet, coming-of-age romance that mixes first relationships, family, figuring out who you are, and the classic high school dynamics. The third film of the series will be dropping on Netflix on February 12, so you can even have a movie marathon and binge-watch the entire trilogy!  

The Notebook (2004)  

This film is adapted from the Nicholas Sparks novel and has won numerous awards, the most notable being the MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss. The utter passion between Noah and Allie is so strong that it resonates within the audience’s very core. Between steamy kisses in the rain, and gut-wrenching moments that will have you reaching for the tissues, this movie takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions.  

Love, Simon (2018)  

Love, Simon is a film that depicts a teenager’s struggle with his sexual identity and coming out to those closest to him, as well as the classic teenage identity crisis. Serving as a glimpse into the life of LGBTQ+ teens, this movie is both charming and heartwarming. Although, I do recommend that you read the novel (Simon vs. the Homosapien Agenda by Becky Albertalli) first, as it is even more saccharine than the film. 

Pretty Woman (1990)  

Julia Roberts’ radiant smile alone is enough reason to watch this film. Roberts plays a prostitute who runs into Richard Gere’s character when he’s hopelessly lost. She offers directions for a small fee but ends up driving him back to his hotel. Unwilling to spend the night alone, he invites her back to his suite, and their simple one-night arrangement later turns into a week-long stay. What starts off as a business agreement turns into a budding relationship that will leave you swooning. Yes, it may be filled with clichés and cheesy moments, but it’s also adorable and loveable enough for those hopeless romantics.  

Say Anything (1989)  

In this teen rom-com, Lloyd Dobler attempts to win the heart of the beautiful and intelligent valedictorian, Diane Court, immediately after they graduate high school. As their relationship slowly develops, Diane’s father expresses his disapproval and encourages her to break up with Lloyd, attempting to separate the young lovers. He temporarily succeeds before they eventually find their way back to one another. This film is refreshing and touching and is guaranteed to make you even the slightest bit emotional.  

Ten Things I Hate About You (1999)  

February is fast approaching, and with it, Valentine’s Day. The season of candy hearts, outrageous flower bouquets, and cheesy pop songs about romance will soon be upon us. But February 14 will look a little different this year with that which shall not be named plaguing the world. Your previous plans for a romantic candle-lit dinner or going to the theatre for a show will have to be scrapped. Instead, why not stay home, open a bottle of wine, and watch the perfect Valentine’s Day movie? Whether you’re in a happy committed relationship, drowning in loneliness and ice cream, or completely unaware of what day it is, I have a movie for you. So sit back and relax as we count down the top ten rom-coms for Valentine’s Day.  

Ten Things I Hate About You is a classic ‘90s teen movie that serves as a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. This spirited and sharp teen rom-com still manages to speak to teens even 22 years after its debut. If you’re looking for a good laugh with just a dash of romance, this is the movie for you. 

Love Actually (2003)  

Although this is technically a Christmas movie, it still holds during Valentine’s Day. This movie follows the interconnected relationships of eight couples and showcases various forms of love: familial love, romantic love, platonic love, past love, and young love. This light-hearted film will appeal to even the bitterest of cynics.  

Although this is technically a Christmas movie, it still holds during Valentine’s Day. This movie follows the interconnected relationships of eight couples and showcases various forms of love: familial love, romantic love, platonic love, past love, and young love. This light-hearted film will appeal to even the bitterest of cynics.  

When Harry Met Sally (1989)  

This movie is the romantic comedy, and no Valentine’s Day movie night would be complete without it. This all-time favourite can be watched over and over again without ever getting old. Between the classic friends-to-lovers trope, incredible dialogue, and undeniable chemistry between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, this is one film that you MUST watch.