Spending this Valentine’s Day in your dorm with a box of chocolates and no one to share it with? Here are a few all-time favorite romantic movies to occupy your night.
The Gold Standard: “Love Actually,” a two-and-a-half-hour British romp through nine intertwined stories of heartbreak, sex, and (most importantly) love will keep you busy for a while — mostly because you’ll want to rewatch it immediately after finishing. You’ve heard about it a million times for a reason. Bonus: Hugh Grant as the prime minister dancing to “Jump (For My Love)” is unbeatable.
Available On: YouTube Movies, Prime Video
The Contemporary Hit: Ali Wong and Randall Park star in their own hilarious creation, “Always Be My Maybe” on Netflix, which is a story of childhood best friends who get separated by adulthood and attempt to rekindle their connection. The most realistic story on this list, the movie addresses life’s tendency to separate people and the power of real love, through the eyes of two real-life comedians.
Available On: Netflix
The Instant Teen Classic: “The Spectacular Now” stars Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller as high schoolers who would never have fallen in love if not for pure coincidence. Though it sometimes takes itself too seriously, you’ll fall for the lead actors and their fated love. Ah, high school.
Available On: Netflix, Prime Video
The Time Travel Twist: Poignant, unique and goofy at times, “About Time” is but one of Rachel McAdams’ many rom-com successes. Her co-star Domhnall Gleeson discovers he is able to time travel at age 21, and the movie explores their meet-cute, love and eventual family. My personal favorite on this list, “About Time” perfectly blends together sticky-sweet romance, heavier issues and a dash of humor.
Available On: Netflix, Prime Video
The Literary Spin-Off: “10 Things I Hate About You” is certainly a stereotypical high school romance. But the highlight is Heath Ledger’s brash performance as the school’s outcast, alongside Julia Stiles’ rebellious persona, which creates chemistry and keeps the film sharp and witty. It’s a spunky nod to Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” with references to the great playwright peppered throughout.
Available On: YouTube Movies, Google Play
The Dumpster Fire(s): I take no personal issue with Noah Centineo, but his Netflix originals (“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” “The Perfect Date” and “Swiped,” to name a few) are often hard to watch due to clichés and bad writing, but if you’re looking for something that requires little emotional investment and will still leave you feeling lovey-dovey, give any one of these a try.
Available On: Netflix