Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and that means a slew of romantic movies will be hitting theaters
Whether you’ll be spending the day alone or with someone special, it’s always a great time for a romantic movie. If you’re brave, you can head to your local cinema with all the sappy couples- but why do that when there are amazing movies you can watch in the privacy of your own living room? Here are seven great films that deserve to be on your watch list this Valentine’s Day:
1. ‘The Notebook’ (2004)
Considered by many to be one of the most romantic movies of all time, The Notebook tells the story of a young couple (Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams) who fall in love during the 1940s. Despite mixed reviews, the film was nominated for several awards, including eight Teen Choice Awards.
2. ‘Gone with the Wind’ (1939)
The original epic romance, Gone with the Wind tells the story of Scarlett O’Hara and her marriage to Rhett Butler in the 19th-century American South. The film stars Vivien Leigh alongside Clark Gable, who was one of the first “heartthrobs” in cinema.
3. ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ (1961)
In what is generally considered to be Audrey Hepburn’s most memorable role, she portrays Holly Golightly, a socialite who falls for a young man who has moved into her apartment building. Hepburn faced the challenge of playing an extroverted character, when she herself was an introvert. Although the film was released over fifty years ago, it still holds up as a classic romance today.
4. ‘Sleepless in Seattle’ (1993)
Sleepless in Seattle features Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as Sam Baldwin and Allie Reed who, against all odds, meet and fall in love with the help of Sam’s son, Jonah. The role of Allie was originally offered to Julia Roberts and Kim Basinger, before being given to Meg Ryan, who won the award for Funniest Actress in a Leading Role at the American Comedy Awards.
5. ‘Romeo + Juliet’ (1996)
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of the oldest love stories in the world, and Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaptation is a great modern retelling. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the titular lovers, living in the fictional modern-day Verona Beach. Swords and horses are replaced by guns and sports cars for this action-packed version of an original love story.
6. ‘Titanic’ (1997)
No collection is complete without James Cameron’s epic romance Titanic, and what better day than Valentine’s Day to watch it? Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet fall in love aboard the doomed ocean liner in one of the highest grossing movies of all time. DiCaprio’s portrayal of penniless artist Jack Dawson was a favorite among fans, and it remains one of his most iconic roles.
7. ‘WALL-E’ (2008)
While not a classic romance film, Pixar’s WALL-E is a heartwarming tale of two robots that fall in love. In the distant future, Earth is covered in garbage and humans have abandoned the planet. WALL-E trash compacter robots are left behind to clean up the mess, and what follows is an unexpected and surprisingly relatable story.