Looking to make your Valentine’s Day movie marathon extra special? We’ve curated an amazing collection of romantic films that are sure to set the mood! Whether you’re snuggled up at home or enjoying a cozy night in, these movies will make your heart skip a beat.
Our hand-picked selection features some of the most enchanting and captivating love stories ever told. Get ready to be swept off your feet by timeless classics like Sleepless in Seattle, Titanic, and The Notebook. Or, indulge in the magic of An Affair to Remember, Shakespeare in Love, and The Sound of Music. These films have captured the hearts of audiences for years, and it’s easy to see why.
But the romance doesn’t stop there! We’ve also included other unforgettable titles like Love Story, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Ghost, Crazy, Stupid, Love, Love Actually, and Return to Me. Each one is a treasure that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Have a favorite movie that you and your loved one watch religiously every February? Share it with us! We’re eager to hear your recommendations and add them to our list of must-watch films.
(Note: One film on this list has been known to spark some debate among viewers – Bridget Jones’s Diary.)
1. Sleepless in Seattle
In “Sleepless in Seattle,” we meet Sam Baldwin, played by Tom Hanks, who is a widower. The story takes off when his son Jonah, played by Ross Malinger, calls into a radio talk show and captivates the nation. On the other side of the country, Annie Reed, portrayed by Meg Ryan, is a journalist who listens to Sam’s heartfelt story and becomes deeply intrigued by him. And guess what? The universe works its magic, and their paths intersect in a dramatic and unforgettable encounter at the iconic Empire State Building.
Directed by Nora Ephron, this romantic drama has received much praise for its delightful mix of humor and emotional depth. It even earned two Oscar nominations, which speaks volumes about its quality. “Sleepless in Seattle” beautifully showcases the power of love that transcends all boundaries.
Released: 1993
Directed by: Nora Ephron
Actors: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Bill Pullman
2. Dirty Dancing
In the summer of 1963, the story of Dirty Dancing takes place. Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, played by Jennifer Grey, is on a vacation with her well-to-do family at a fancy Catskills resort. At first, she’s just an innocent daddy’s girl enjoying her time away. However, everything changes when she stumbles upon the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny Castle, played by Patrick Swayze.
Johnny is a tough-talking guy who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He opens Baby’s eyes to a whole new world of dancing that is both exhilarating and sensual. Together, they embark on a passionate love affair that defies the boundaries of class and goes against the expectations of their families.
Dirty Dancing is not just a movie filled with music and dance, but also a timeless tale about love, personal growth, and the incredible power that dance holds. Its captivating storyline and unforgettable characters earned it the prestigious Oscar for Best Original Song in 1987.
Released: 1987
Directed by: Emile Ardolino
Actors: Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Jerry Orbach
3. The Notebook
The Notebook is a captivating romantic drama that takes us on a journey with Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling). The story is set against the backdrop of 1940s South Carolina and beautifully portrays the passionate love between the couple as they navigate the challenges of aging. We are transported through the narrative as an elderly man named Duke (James Garner) shares his memories, reading from his weathered notebook to another resident of the nursing home, Miss Hamilton (Gena Rowlands). Directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on Nicholas Sparks’s novel, The Notebook received widespread acclaim, earning eight Teen Choice Awards in 2005.
Released: 2004
Directed by: Nick Cassavetes
Actors: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner
4. You’ve Got Mail
In the romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail, we meet Kathleen Kelly (played by Meg Ryan), a charming bookstore owner in New York City. She’s a delightful character, full of charm and wit. But little does she know, she’s about to embark on a digital love story that will turn her world upside down. You see, Kathleen has an anonymous pen pal, someone she met through the wonders of the internet. And guess who it is? None other than her business rival, Joe Fox (played by Tom Hanks), the owner of a huge bookselling chain. Talk about a twist of fate!
As the story unfolds, we get to witness the magic of their online connection, all while they remain blissfully unaware of each other’s true identities. They share their deepest thoughts, hopes, and dreams, not realizing that they’re actually talking to the person they despise in real life. It’s both hilarious and heartwarming to watch their relationship develop in the virtual world.
But here’s where things get really interesting. Amidst the bustling streets of the Big Apple, their real-life animosity takes an unexpected turn. As they continue to interact in person, they begin to see each other in a different light. The lines between their online and offline personas blur, leading to a surprising twist in their tale.
Directed by Nora Ephron, You’ve Got Mail is a delightful film that explores the complexities of modern romance and identity in the age of the internet. It’s a captivating story that reminds us that love can be found in the most unexpected places, even in the digital realm. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be charmed by this heartwarming tale.
Released: 1998
Directed by: Nora Ephron
Actors: Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Parker Posey
5. Pretty Woman
In the classic rom-com Pretty Woman, we witness an enchanting tale of unexpected love between Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a prosperous businessman, and Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a spirited and street-smart woman. Their paths cross by chance, thrusting them into the intricate dance of two contrasting worlds. As their connection deepens, the boundaries between work and personal life become hazy, unveiling profound truths. Directed by the talented Garry Marshall, this film has become renowned for its clever banter and unforgettable acting, especially Julia Roberts’ mesmerizing performance as Vivian, which earned her an Oscar nomination.
Released: 1990
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Actors: Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, Ralph Bellamy
6. Pride & Prejudice
In the 2005 period drama Pride & Prejudice, we follow the journey of Elizabeth Bennet, played by Keira Knightley, as she navigates the societal norms and expectations surrounding marriage in 19th century England. Elizabeth, one of five sisters, experiences a significant turning point in her life when she crosses paths with the wealthy and seemingly distant Mr. Darcy, portrayed by Matthew Macfadyen. Their initial encounters are marked by misunderstandings and prejudices, which eventually give rise to a complex and thought-provoking relationship that challenges their preconceived notions of class and love.
Directed by Joe Wright, this film adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel received well-deserved recognition, earning four Academy Award nominations, including a nomination for Best Actress for Keira Knightley. With its captivating blend of romance, drama, and wit, this movie brings Austen’s timeless story to life.
Released: 2005
Directed by: Joe Wright
Actors: Keira Knightley, Matthew McFadyen, Brenda Blethyn
7. Ghost
In the movie Ghost, a banker named Sam Wheat, played by Patrick Swayze, is tragically murdered. However, his spirit remains stuck on Earth. He turns to a psychic named Oda Mae Brown, played by Whoopi Goldberg, to help him communicate with his devastated fiancé, Molly Jensen, played by Demi Moore. Sam’s mission becomes twofold: to express his eternal love for Molly and to uncover the truth behind his untimely death. This film is a captivating mix of romance and supernatural thriller, and it even won two Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for Goldberg. As the story unfolds, audiences are left contemplating deep themes of love, loss, and seeking justice even after death.
Released: 1990
Directed by: Jerry Zucker
Actors: Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg
8. Titanic
The epic romance-disaster film Titanic, released in 1997, tells the story of Jack Dawson (played by Leonardo DiCaprio), a struggling artist, and Rose Dewitt-Bukater (played by Kate Winslet), a young woman from a wealthy background. They meet on the ill-fated R.M.S. Titanic and their unexpected connection blossoms into a powerful love story that transcends their different social statuses. The movie, directed by James Cameron, skillfully weaves their personal journey with the historical events of the ship’s doomed maiden voyage. Titanic achieved remarkable success at the Academy Awards, winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, a testament to its immense impact on cinema. Even years after its release, Titanic continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable human spirit in the face of tragedy.
Released: 1997
Directed by: James Cameron
Actors: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane
9. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
In How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, we meet Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) and Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey), two individuals entangled in a thrilling and playful romantic game. Andie, an ambitious journalist, finds herself with the amusing task of writing an article on how to push men away. Meanwhile, Ben, an advertising executive, confidently wagers that he can make any woman fall head over heels for him. Little do they know that their paths are destined to cross, leading to a whirlwind of chaos and confusion as they unknowingly work against each other. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, this delightful romantic comedy serves up a perfect blend of humor, romance, and unexpected twists that life has to offer.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Donald Petrie
Actors: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg
10. When Harry Met Sally…
Let’s talk about the classic romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally…, where we see the lives of Harry Burns (played by Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (played by Meg Ryan) becoming closely intertwined over the course of 12 years. It all starts when they meet during a car ride from Chicago to New York. From complete strangers, they gradually evolve into friends, prompting the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be just friends.
Directed by Rob Reiner, this film offers a delightful blend of humor and heartfelt moments, showcasing the intricacies of friendship and love. Nora Ephron’s sharp and clever screenplay, which even won a BAFTA award for Best Original Screenplay, does a fantastic job of capturing the complexities that come with modern relationships.
Released: 1989
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Actors: Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher
11. Love Actually
Love Actually is a heartwarming film that delves into the intricacies of love during the festive Christmas season. With nine interconnected stories, it takes us on a journey through various characters’ experiences. From Prime Minister David, played by Hugh Grant, to writer Jamie, portrayed by Colin Firth, and aging rock star Billy Mack, portrayed by Bill Nighy, the ensemble cast captivates us with their tales of romance, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Set against the backdrop of London’s picturesque streets and homes, Love Actually, directed by Richard Curtis, is a multi-narrative comedy-drama that combines humor and emotional depth. It skillfully explores the different forms that love can take, leaving a lasting impact on its viewers.
This film’s storytelling is masterfully crafted, drawing us in with its relatable and memorable characters. The performances are exceptional, particularly Bill Nighy’s portrayal of Billy Mack, which earned him a well-deserved BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actor. Love Actually is a cinematic gem that will warm your heart and leave you reflecting on the many facets of love.
Released: 2003
Directed by: Richard Curtis
Actors: Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Colin Firth