Need some ideas of what to watch on Valentine's Day? I've rounded up the ultimate list of Valentine's Day movies to watch this year on Netflix, Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime, and more! Whether you are in a relationship or single, there's a love story for everyone on this list! I split the post into “romantic” movies and “rom-com,” although some sort of fall in the middle. Keep in mind, a lot of the romance movies have highs and lows and may be a tear jerker. The rom-coms have a few options that a great for kids too! Whether you are in your own epic love story, recently endured a break up, or are hosting a Galentine's Day party, grab some popcorn, cuddle up and enjoy a festive night in!
P.S. These movies are really love stories, not necessarily “Valentine's Day” specific. Honestly, a lot of the Valentine's Day specific movies are kind of crummy, so I'd rather give you a list of quality movies that will fill your heart with whatever it needs this Valentine's Day than a list of 2-star movies simply because they are set on the holiday.
The Ultimate List of Valentine's Day Movies: Romantic Films
Titanic (1998)
Your heart will melt, even though the iceberg didn’t as you watch Leonardo Dicaprio and Kate Winslet break class divides and finding love at first sight. Your heart will rise and fall like swells on an ocean, soaring and then sinking like a ship (puns intended). Watch Titanic here!
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Love can be beautiful but messy, and Silver Linings Playbook does an amazing job capturing two perfectly flawed people finding it. This film stars Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper putting on epic performances of two people recovering from their own stuff and coming together. Watch Silver Linings Playbook here!
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Obviously Dirty Dancing makes the list because nobody puts Baby in the corner. An 80’s classic set in the Catskills in New York defined people’s fantasies of meeting that hot staff member or person on vacation, getting lifted off your feet (quite literally) and falling in love. You come for the dancing and stay for the romance. Watch Dirty Dancing here!
Love & Basketball (2000)
Even your man can’t say no to this romance movie. Love & Basketball is one of the ultimate sports movies, and also the ultimate romance film. As two friends start establishing themselves as true basketball stars, they fall for each other—but their respective careers may keep them apart. Sit down, watch and enjoy as it all unfolds. Watch Love & Basketball here!
A Star is Born (2018)
A newbie, but a goodie. This is another messy love story that shows Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga fighting for love, through pain, addiction and fame. The chemistry between the two of them is amazing, only to possibly be upstaged by the soundtrack. Watch A Star Is Born here!
The Age Of Adaline (2015)
This is a romantic fantasy film you will not want to miss! Blake Lively stars as a 29-year old woman who has stopped aging. It's a beautiful film to watch this Valentine's Day about timeless love. Watch The Age Of Adaline here!
Casablanca (1942)
I remember being in high school when my dad sat me down and said I needed to watch Casablanca… it's one of those right of passage movies and possibly one of the best romance movies of all time. Watch Casablanca here!
Twilight (2008)
The romantic fantasy series that swept the nation! If you haven't seen Twilight you've been missing out! Though the first movie in the series isn't great IMO, the rest are amazing! Think vampires, werewolves, and forbidden love! Watch Twilight here!
Southside With You (2016)
John Legend produces this romantic film based off Barack and Michelle Obama's love story in 1989. I'll be honest, it's good, but a little slow. Watch Southside With You here!
Ghost (1990)
This move personifies the connection between two people in love, transcending life and death. Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore heat up the screen and for a moment made me want to take up pottery as my heart spun faster than the pottery wheel in one of the sexiest iconic scenes in movie history. Watch Ghost here!
The Notebook (2004)
How does that quote go? “Love is patient…” Yea, we’ll just stop there for this movie. If you haven’t seen The Notebook, you’ve definitely heard of it. What starts out as a story in present-day takes a look back to the 1940’s where Ryan Gosling and Rachel Mcadams proves that there are some people who are just destined to be together. Watch The Notebook here!
La La Land (2016)
Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are at it again in this romantic musical! Not totally sure if it's a love story between them, or the city of LA but it's worth watching. Watch La La Land here!
West Side Story (1964)
This quintessential musical movie, that while older is still unfortunately relevant today. Two teens, torn apart by their attachment to rival gangs, fall in love for it all to end in tragedy. Watch West Side Story here!
A Walk To Remember (2002)
I’m already crying as I write this. Set in North Carolina, A Walk to Remember follows a disengaged jock played by Shane West, and his relationship with a shy, preacher's daughter, played by Mandy Moore. I think this story will always be one of my favorite – showing how people change, love helps us grow, and it's better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all. Bring tissues. Watch A Walk To Remember here!
A Message In A Bottle (1999)
For fans of A Walk To Remember and The Notebook, you'll love this movie for Valentine's Day! It's actually one of the first Nicholas Sparks books turned movie that fewer people have seen. It's another story about lost and rekindled love that will fill your heart! Watch A Message In A Bottle here!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
We’ve all felt the pain of past and lost loves, and we’ve all imagined how nice it would be to erase those painful memories. The amazing thing about this surreal fantasy is that it reminds us how important and fundamental those memories and experiences are—they make us who we are. Watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind here!
Fault In Our Stars (2014)
Think A Walk To Remember vibes that you'll definitely need some tissues on hand for. Watch Fault In Our Stars here!
Moonstruck (1987)
Not totally sure if this belongs in the romantic film section or rom-com so we'll put it here. The perfect Italian-American film set in New York, Moonstruck is a late-80s classic starring Nicholas Cage and Cher filled with in-law drama that many of us can relate too. Watch Moonstruck here!
About Time (2013)
About Time is a s story about a young man who at age 21 finds out from his father that he can quantum leap back in time and back to the present. The character Tim Lake chooses to use this power to win the love of Mary (played by Rachel McAdams), but he finds out that even his special gifts can’t change the problems of ordinary life. Part rom-com, part classic romantic film! Watch About Time here!
The Ultimate List of Valentine's Day Movies: Romantic Comedies (Rom-Coms)
Pretty Woman (1990)
A Cinderella story for the '90s, Julia Roberts plays L.A. prostitute Vivian, who meets fancy man Richard Lewis, played by Richard Gere, and agrees to spend the week with him for $3,000. We all know the infamous shopping scene montage. This is a classic. Watch Pretty Woman here!
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
All I probably need to say is that this stars a young Heath Ledger, but it really is one of my favorite movies. Heath Ledger, a mysterious high school rebel is paid to take out the angsty, man-hating social outcast played by Julia Stiles so that the high school jockass could date the younger sister. Obvi, Heath, and Julia hit it off and it’s one of the best teen rom coms eva! Watch 10 Things I Hate About You here!
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Notice how most of these movies are older? This is probably the only good TRUE rom-com we've had in YEARS! This will bring you back to the glory days of romantic comedies. A classic tale of two lovers from very different worlds and figuring out how to navigate it all as they merge for the first time. Watch Crazy Rich Asians here!
Love Actually (2003)
Despite this being a very Christmas holiday-themed movie it pulls on all the heartstrings for Valentine's Day. A movie about several characters who are navigating different relationships, from the child who is trying to woo his first crush, to the CEO who is tangled in a potential affair with his employee, to the guy who is in love with his best friend’s new wife. There are more storylines, but I don’t want to spoil it all. It’s a light-hearted romance with at least one character and storyline that almost anyone can relate to. Watch Love Actually here!
Valentine's Day (2010)
They really hit the title of this movie right on the nose. Kind of like a Love Actually but specifically for Valentine's day. This rom-com follows a handful of Los Angeles locals as they navigate the most romantic day of the year, which is not the case for everyone portrayed. An all-star cast makes this movie the perfect, feel-good V-Day treat.
Plus my husband really likes this quote from the movie “If you're ever with a girl that's too good for you, marry her.” Watch Valentine's Day here!
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
One of Nora Ephron's most famous and beloved works, this movie follows two people over several years as they go from irritating acquaintances to friends, to something more. Plus, it's got that famous Katz's Deli scene. Watch When Harry Met Sally here!
He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
A hit cast and a rude awakening based off the best selling book He's Just Not That Into You may be the exact movie you need this Valentine's Day. A great film to watch on Galentine's Day if you're having a hard time letting go of the person that's so clearly just not meant for you. Watch He's Just Not That Into You here!
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Definitely more humor than romance in this film, but a must-watch nonetheless (IMO), especially if you just had a break up. This movie has a hilarious cast including Jason Segel, Mila Kunis, Russell Brand, and Kristen Bell. In this film, Jason Segel is a miserable unmotivated musician who has been in a long-time relationship with a famous TV actress played by Kristen Bell. She ultimately dumps him for Russell Brand’s character that he meets at a picturesque resort in Hawaii where they all happen to be vacationing together. Watch as Jason Segel and Mila Kunis (a resort staffer) end up finding a connection through awkward and hilarious interactions. Watch Forgetting Sarah Marshall here!
Friends With Benefits (2011)
Another winner that includes the beautiful and funny Mila Kunis and also starring my husband’s man crush, Justin Timberlake. Justin’s character, a successful art director is wooed to NY for a job with GQ by Mila’s character that’s an executive recruiter. Mila and Justin have an instantaneous connection and friendship that ultimately gets super weird when sex enters the relationship. The perfect movie to watch this Valentine's Day if you aren't quite in a relationship. Watch Friends With Benefits here!
Say Anything (1989)
This late 80’s rom-com is a great portrayal of young love and all that comes with it. Another classic, with John Cusack defining what a romantic gesture looks like for every young man going forward when he holds the boombox over his head outside of Lone Skye’s window. This movie gives teenagers hope he can win the unattainable girl’s heart. Watch Say Anything here!
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
In Sleepless in Seattle Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) moves to Seattle with his son, Jonah (Ross Mallinger) after the death of his wife. When Jonah calls into a talk-radio program to find a new wife for his father, Sam grudgingly gets on the line to discuss his feelings. Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a reporter in Baltimore, hears Sam speak and falls for him, even though she is engaged. Unsure where it will lead, she writes Sam a letter asking him to meet her at the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. Watch Sleepless In Seattle here!
500 Days of Summer (2009)
Now this movie warns you right away that it's “not a love story,” but that doesn't mean it's not Valentine's Day worthy. When Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) meets Summer (Zooey Deschanel) his affection for her is infectious. It's sort of the perfect break up movie but also love story? Highly recommend! Watch 500 Days Of Summer here!
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
I remember being little and watching this movie and just thinking that Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan had to be real life lovers after their chemistry in Sleepless In Seattle and now this. Oh how dating has changed from email pen pals to Tinder friends! You'll definitely reminisce about simpler times of the internet. Tom Hanks is the CEO of a corporate big-box bookstore that is threatening to put Meg Ryan and her small bookstore out of businesses. Unbeknownst to them, they’ve built an online romance while hating each other in person. Watch as Tom Hanks’ character finds this out and tries to navigate his contradictory emotions towards his online lust and real-life distaste for the same woman. Watch You've Got Mail here!
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
A movie for all of us that had the pact with our bestie about marrying each other if we are still single by a certain age. In My Best Friend’s Wedding, childhood friends Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) and Michael O'Neal (Dermot Mulroney) had a deal to marry each other if they were still single by age 28. Now, four days before her 28th birthday, O'Neil announces that he's marrying a gorgeous 20-year-old named Kimberly (Cameron Diaz). Suddenly realizing that she's actually in love with him, Julianne vows to stop the wedding at all costs. However, when she is appointed maid of honor, things get even more complex. Watch My Best Friend's Wedding here!
Clueless (1995)
Jane Austen novel meets Beverly Hills teenagers? Yep, doesn't sound like it should work but it totally does! It's a love story for the ages about unlikely pairs. Watch Clueless here!
Sixteen Candles (1984)
A cult classic that helped Molly Ringwald live in our hearts and memories for eternity. In Sixteen Candles Molly Ringwald’s character (Samantha) is approaching her 16th birthday with the typical angsty dread of a normal teenage girl. Samantha has a crush on the hot older guy, a senior named Jake, but she is scared that her “lack of experience” will be a turn off to him. While she is navigating those emotions she is constantly rejecting her nerdy friend Ted (Anthony Michael Hall) who is the only guy really taking an interest in her. Watch Sixteen Candles here!
Garden State (2004)
You certainly won't leave this film with the light & airy vibes of a typical romantic comedy. However, if you are into dark, dry humor this rom-com is for you. It certainly is for me. Zach Braff’s character, a struggling actor and waiter in LA returns home to New Jersey for his mother’s funeral. There he is confronted by various aspects of the life he left behind, including his overbearing father (Ian Holm). Largeman also meets compulsive liar and amateur musician Sam (Natalie Portman), with whom he feels an immediate connection. Together with several other figures from his past, Largeman heals old wounds and forges new friendships. It's so much more than a love story in the traditional sense… it's also about loving yourself. Watch Garden State here!
Love Simon (2018)
A closeted gay teenager navigates coming out to his friends and family. There are honestly so many love stories in this movie that will leave you with all the warm and fuzzy feelings you just have to watch it here!
50 First Dates (2004)
I don’t typically associate Adam Sandler with romance, but he shows us what it means to fight for love every day in this romantic comedy with Drew Barrymore. In 50 first dates, Adam Sandler’s character, Henry, who is a lifelong bachelor and veterinarian, sets his heart on romancing Lucy (Drew Barrymore), but she has short-term memory loss; she can't remember anything that happened the day before. So every morning, Henry has to woo her again. Her friends and family are very protective, and Henry must convince them that he's in it for love. It's like Groundhog Day, but for love. Watch 50 First Dates here!
Shrek (2001)
A great V-day treat for the whole family. This amazing animated film is absolutely hilarious with Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, John Lithgow and Cameron Diaz voicing the characters. This fairy tale takes us through the Ogre whose wonderful life of solitude is at risk, and he has to strike a deal with the terrible Lord Farquaad to bring princess Fiona to be his bride in order to save his land. Let’s just say the Ogre doesn’t see what’s coming as princess Fiona has a remarkable secret that gets unveiled. Watch Shrek here!
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (1975)
Okay this isn't exactly a rom-com; but it's not a romantic film either. Instead it's a Valentine's Day movie for the whole family! Watch the Peanuts in this classic here!
Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Shirtless Ryan Gosling should be the only synopsis ya’ll need, but this movie features Steve Carrell who is a 40-something average joe with a happy life and wife that gets turned upside down when he finds out that his wife has been unfaithful and is now going through a divorce. Ryan Gosling, a true playboy, takes Steve under his wing to teach him out to get woman, and as Steve ends up blundering everything up he finds a woman to fall in love with while Ryan’s character ends up falling for Steve Carell’s daughter played by Emma Watson; Only Ryan doesn’t know it’s his daughter and Steve doesn’t know it's her boyfriend. Dun Dun Dun. Watch Crazy Stupid Love here!
To All The Boys I Loved Before (2017)
This Netflix original has a sequel coming out very soon! It's a great teen love story about getting over young love by writing a letter… and then what happens if those letters accidentally get mailed out to your secret crushes!
Hope Floats (1998)
Is it even a romantic movie roundup if we don't include a Sandra Bullock hit?! Sometimes we need to go back home in order to find our connection to love, just like Bullock did after her husband humiliated her on national television. Watch Hope Floats here!
The Big Sick (2017)
What's better than a sweet rom-com about how a serious illness brought two lovers together? The fact that it's based on a real-life love story. This very funny movie was written by star Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) and his wife Emily Gordon about the beginning of their relationship, and it's a great watch to really understand what “in sickness and health” really means. Watch The Big Sick here!
She's All That (1999)
Another favorite classic rom-com starring Freddie Prinze Jr., Rachael Leigh Cook, and the late Paul Walker. Watch as these high schoolers (but seriously, they look like they belong in college!!), take on a bet of turning the loser into the prom queen, but accidentally fall in love in the process. Watch She's All That here!
Someone Great (2019)
A Netflix original starring Brittany Snow and Gina Rodriguez all about handling a break up in your 20s. It's a rom-com you'll want to grab your girlfriend's for, although my husband did enjoy it too.
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days (2003)
Two high powered career focused individuals (Kate Hudson & Matthew McConaughey) star in this movie as they see who can meet their deadline or win a bet. It's a real battle of the sexes turned love story. Watch it here!
Make sure to check out these other movie round-ups too:
List Of 50+ Mother’s Day Movies To Watch With Mom This Year [+ Where To Watch!]
28 Quarter Life Crisis Movies [To Help Get You Through It]
50+ Best Christmas Movies To Watch This Holiday Season
The Ultimate List Of 59 Halloween TV Shows From Not-So-Scary To Scary [+ Where To Stream]
The Ultimate List of Halloween Movies [100+ from Scary to Not-So-Scary!]
Ultimate List Of Romantic Movies To Watch This Valentine's Day
- Titanic
- Silver Linings Playbook
- Dirty Dancing
- Love & Basketball
- A Star is Born
- The Age Of Adaline
- Casablanca
- Twilight
- Southside With You
- Ghost
- The Notebook
- La La Land
- West Side Story
- A Walk To Remember
- A Message In A Bottle
- Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
- Fault in Our Stars
- Moonstruck
- About Time
- Pretty Woman
- 10 Things I Hate About You
- Crazy Rich Asians
- Love Actually
- Valentine's Day
- When Harry Met Sally
- He's Just Not That Into You
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall
- Friends With Benefits
- Say Anything
- Sleepless in Seattle
- 500 Days of Summer
- You’ve Got Mail
- My Best Friend’s Wedding
- Clueless
- Sixteen Candles
- Garden State
- Love Simon
- 50 First Dates
- Shrek
- Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
- Crazy Stupid Love
- To All The Boys I Loved Before (2017)
- Hope Floats
- The Big Sick
- She's All That
- Someone Great
- How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Originally published 1/23/2020
