Valentine’s Day is the kind of holiday that divides people. Some hate it; some love it; and some are neutral. I fall into the neutral category. I most certainly agree with those who argue love isn’t a one-day holiday because it’s obviously not. Nor do I disagree that the heightened commercialism of Valentine’s Day is oft-putting and certainly not worth creating debt over either. And yet I also find it to be harmless fun too.
I’m not a difficult Valentine. Seriously. Just a few requirements:
- Be with someone I love. Check, I got the Max Man. He loves to snuggle and eat. Plus, I bet I love him more than some people love their human Valentines.
- Order in or pick up something yummy. Even though I love to cook, I despise cleaning up so it’s take-out or delivery on V-Day whether I’m celebrating with a human or feline. I’m thinking pizza. Or Chinese. Maybe Mexican. All of the above … err … no worries, I’ll figure out something!
- Watch a good movie. Max and I have our movie locked and loaded. All we need is a warm blanket, a beverage of choice (okay, he just gets water) and we’re good to go! Maybe some movie snacks too because calories don’t count on holidays, even made-up, commercial ones!
Valentine’s Day Movies that Will Make You Swoon
Admittedly romance is one of my least favorite genres, but I was still able to easily compile a list of favorites where even cold, dead hearts like mine get a little warm. Okay, my heart is not dead but let’s not kid ourselves — a lot of romances don’t paint women in the best light. 😀 I tried to pick those that won’t have you side-eyeing me.
A few rules: I only include movies I’ve seen, which is why The Notebook isn’t included, even though I do love Ryan Gosling. Because I despise Leo DiCaprio and Tom Cruise, I won’t be watching Titanic (I’m down with Rose not sharing the door with Jack and even without seeing the movie — I know all about the controversy) or Jerry McGuire. His hellos make me want to sucker punch him.
About A Boy
There is so much to love about this movie. Hugh. Rachel. And a young, chubby Nicolas Hoult. Hugh plays a selfish pig who finds love, which is such a common, annoying romance trope and yet they all make it work. Also bonus points for their handling of mental illness. I own very few movies but this is one that I do.
Love Actually
This movie always gets played at Christmas but I don’t really think of it as a Christmas movie. Hugh once again steals the show with his little dance. And the below meme became popular after Prince Harry got engaged to Meghan Markle.
This is the greatest thing. pic.twitter.com/kYOPQSY7Ov
— Travon Free (@Travon) November 30, 2017
It does make you think … and smile. It’s mostly a feel good movie with a little pain but love does hurt too. I still can’t help but watch it every time I see it on TV.
10 Things I Hate about You
There was a period when I loved teen movies like She’s All That, Clueless and more. But this remains a favorite because of Heath Ledger (RIP) and Julia Stiles. It’s an update of Taming of the Shrew that’s not saccharine sweet, like so many romances movies, with the perfect amount of bite and charm. Heath Ledger’s joyous smile and silly song and dance will always make it one of the best teen romance movies.
You’ve Got Mail
This is probably a controversial choice as Sleepless in Seattle and When Harry Met Sally are more popular and beloved but … I love You’ve Got Mail. I want to live in Meg Ryan’s adorable apartment, shop at her independent book store, eat scones with Edith from All in the Family and fall in love with Tom Hanks.
Sixteen Candles
So … this is a little awkward. You love this movie but you wince every time Long Duk is onscreen because you remember laughing at him back in 1984 and feel really bad about it today. Because A) They are horribly offensive jokes and B) You’re … you know … Asian. But it’s still a good movie. So let’s just acknowledge that racism is bad and fast forward through all those parts to get to what really matters … Jake. Sweet, handsome Jake. So sweet. So handsome. He makes me forget that I’m offended and pissed about all those stupid Long Duk jokes. Because Jake, Jake, Jake, Jake … oooooohhhhh Jake. Ummm … I believe Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall were also in the movie but it’s really all about Jake.
Dirty Dancing
Confession, I wasn’t a fan of this movie when it came out. I honestly didn’t get the big deal. The dancing was fun but Patrick Swayze didn’t rock my world. I was also 10. 😀 Today, I get it all. The sexiness; the naughtiness; the ooh la la. Because nobody puts Baby in a corner!
Ghost
Unlike Dirty Dancing, I understood the allure of Swayze when this movie came out, although he still wasn’t the one who made my heart go pitter patter back then. NKOTB got my love. Hey, I was 15! Back off. But anyway, I can’t hear Unchained Melody or see a potter’s wheel without thinking of this movie. And maybe swooning a little bit. Also, the fact it’s a romance-mystery versus romance-only also wins bonus points.
The Wedding Singer
I love Drew Barrymore; Adam Sandler, not so much. But dang it, I love this movie. It’s silly and sweet and I can’t stop smiling when I watch it. Drew and Adam just have great chemistry together. Plus, you can’t beat a Billy Idol cameo, which automatically ups the cool factor. And fine — the hippity-hop Grandma makes me laugh too.
While You Were Sleeping
So much dang cheese in this movie. But I ain’t lactose intolerant, people! My girl, Sandy B, is great in this movie. The entire plot is preposterous but the normalness and relatability of both her and Bill Pullman’s characters make this movie work. So put together a fancy cheese platter because I’ve got plenty of crackers!
Wall-E
I know this is animated movie. A child’s movie. About machines, not people. And this is a list of the best romance movies. But yes, this is a romantic movie because I swear the scene between Wall-E and Eva where they “dance” in space is one of the sweetest and loveliest fall in love scenes from any movie, live-action or animated.
First Wives Club
Did I solely pick this movie for Ivana Trump’s cameo? Do you really think I’m that I petty to pick a movie just because it embarrasses Emperor Baby Fists?
Yes. The answer is yes.
Also the You Don’t Own Me scene is more relevant and important than ever. Even on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine Sweets for Your Sweetheart
Because this post isn’t long enough already, I’m sharing a few Valentine’s Day treats too. While I don’t like cooking on Valentine’s Day, I will bake/prepare a homemade treat in advance because I find they generally taste better than store bought. 😀
Coffee Ice Cream Pound Cake
Seriously, the simplest dessert ever! And really, really tasty.
Get the recipe, here.
Chocolate Fondue
Perfect with bananas, strawberries, marshmallows, brownie bites or pound cake. Also great with potato chips and baked bacon, if you’re feeling crazy!
Get the recipe, here.
Chocolate Truffles
Rich, decadent and glorious. I often give these as gifts.
Get the recipe, here.
Okay, you’re turn. Yay or nay to Valentine’s Day? What’s your favorite romance movie? Or what movie should I watch that will make my heart go on? And no, don’t say Titanic!
Tanya
we dont celebrate Vday (I’ve never done that, ever) but i do love sixteen candles! one of my fav movies!!
Sixteen Candles is great. Because Jake. 😀
What a fun post.
So many great movies I’ve forgotten about too.
That Love Actually meme is so fantastic.
I know! It’s amazing how many great romance movies are out there and I need to find Wedding Singer because I’m in the mood for some silliness. And 80s. 😀
I love 10 Things I Hate About You, 16 Candles, and Dirty Dancing of course.
All great choices! Seeing Heath in 10 Things was a real punch in the gut over what we lost.
My husband and I don’t do anything for Valentine’s Day. My daughter’s school does celebrate so we just bought some Valentine’s Day cards for her to exchange. I remember doing that when I was younger too!
I loooooove Dirty Dancing, I must have seen the movie a million times! Also The Wedding Singer is the best. Drew’s fiancée and his whole obsession with Miami Vice, including having the theme music playing in his car, cracks me up every time! 🙂
Oh yes, I definitely remember celebrating Valentine’s Day at school! In retrospect, it was kind of stressful! I have great appreciation for Dirty Dancing today but I remember the first time I saw it and couldn’t figure what the fuss was all about. I was like Goonies is so much better! 😀 There were so many great jokes in the Wedding Singer. I need to rewatch the movie, maybe for Valentine’s Day!
That ice cream pound cake looks amazzzzzing!
I’ve never seen Dirty Dancing, You’ve Got Mail, or While You Were Sleeping. I should look into those.
I hate Wall-E…. Sorry!!
And I JUST finished watching 10 Things I Hate About you. Like, 8 minutes ago. I love that movie.
We don’t really celebrate V-day. K is usually gone on business and this year we’ll be together, but we’ll be in Texas in a business trip with friends. Haha. We just treat it as a normal day together 😉
The ice cream pound cake is delicious and seriously simple to make. Well, you’re a lot younger than me so it’s not a surprise you haven’t seen some of the movies but I think you’d enjoy them! So here’s the weird thing about Wall-E, I’m not a huge fan of the movie either, but I love that particular scene so much. I always remember it because one of my favorite fall-in-love moments is between animated machines, which is just plain weird. 😀
I’m not a big fan of Valentine’s Day myself. This is a great list of movies. Can you believe my husband has never seen Dirty Dancing? I only found out a couple of months ago and told him we need to change that stat! Your post reminds me I should pick up a special Valentine’s dessert for us or make something if I have the time!
What!!! You definitely need to change that Nancy! I’m not sure if he’ll really love (guy thing) but he needs to see it. I’m all about Valentine’s Day desserts and food. Really, I just care about the food. LOL!