It’s that time of the year again. Love is in the air, the teddy bears and roses are fully stocked in stores, and the abundance of things to do for Valentine’s Day is endless! Whether you’re snuggling up with your boo, hanging out with some pals or just relaxing for a little “me” night in, there’s a show or movie for everybody! Below are just a few of my favorite movies for these particular days that can honestly be watched all year-round.
1. The Princess Bride (1987)
“As you wish…..“
My goodness. This iconic line from farmhand Westley to the farmer’s daughter Buttercup anytime she made him do something was just too adorable and made me and my friends develop a major celebrity crush on 1987 Cary Elwes. Buttercup and Westley eventually part, at the time for good reasons, only for love to spark back up when Westley rescues Buttercup from a gang of crooks who kidnap her from her marriage with the Prince of Florin, Prince Humperdinck. The Princess Bride is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of a romance movies to watch. It’s honestly a cult classic, packed with drama, revenge, love and just the right touch of witty humor.
2. A Cinderella Story (2004)
We grew up listening and dreaming about fairy tales and happy endings, but as we get older, sometimes life takes a different course. This modernized Cinderella story sees teenager Samantha Montgomery, who is forced to work as a janitor and dishwasher at her deceased father’s diner by her cruel stepmother while taunted daily by her stepsisters. She starts a text-messaging relationship after a phone number mixup, but is elated to meet her secret pen pal at her high school’s upcoming Halloween dance. Only for Samantha to find out that it’s none other than Austin Ames, the cutest boy in school, she panics and looks for a way to make herself more popular. Though a little cliche, the movie really goes into the reality that anyone going through hard times should keep hope and that they will someday be rewarded for enduring, just like Cinderella.
3. Legally Blonde (2001)
Elle Woods. Need I say more? But seriously, casting Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods was the best thing ever and she’s been a feminist icon ever since. With her bubblegum pink wardrobe and personality, and chihuahua in-bag, Elle shows that Legally Blonde sheds light on a different type of love (not just romantically of course), but a love for ones passions, self-worth, and that you don’t have to change who you are to be successful in this world.
4. Howl’s Moving Castle (2005)
One of the most well-known films created by Studio Ghibli Director Hayao Miyazaki, the message of love and kindness is portrayed amazingly in the story between Howl and Sophie. These two strong-willed individuals fall in love and learn to accept themselves in the process, making this a major fan favorite nationwide.
5. Bridgerton (2020); A MUST WATCH
BUT, specifically season 2. The fireworks, the tension, and the pining between Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey) and Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley)??? Absolutely off the charts (still love you though Daphne and Simon)! I could write a paper on how big a fan I was of Kate and Anthony, but I think it’s best if you guys just gave it a watch (please note: mature audiences only).
6. She’s The Man (2006)
Viola Hasting’s dream is to play for the North Carolina Tar Heels soccer team, but her dreams are cut short when her current school’s soccer team gets cut. Viola ends up agreeing to cover for her brother at his new school while he runs off to London with his band. Viola finds herself in a crazy boarding school life as she tries out for the boys soccer team, is fawned over by the school’s beauty, Olivia Lennox, and tries her best to battle her feelings for her roommate and soccer captain, Dyke Orisino, all while pretending to be her brother. It’s a really good silly movie to end the night.
7. Train to Busan (2016)
Normally when I think of Valentine’s Day, I usually associate it as a special day for lovers, but love on this particular day can really be interpreted for anyone special in your life. Workaholic and divorced father Seok-woo, played by Gong-yoo, shows us the special love of a parent who does all they can for their children after a massive zombie outbreak occurs in South Korea. From the tension to the adrenaline rushes, my eyes were glued to my computer screen, but be careful, this one’s a tear jerker (won’t lie, I cried the first time and still feel like I tear up every other time).
8. The Untamed (2019)
I actually found out about The Untamed on Tiktok. I was so in love with the landscapes, the intricate background of all the characters, and extensive plot line. The story takes place in a magical world and follows two soulmates, Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangjie, who uncover a dark mystery linked to a tragic past. Though the original web novel is about a romance between two male characters, the adaptation was censored due to bans overseas of LBGT portrayal, though that didn’t stop the show from becoming a global hit.
9. Coffee Prince (2007)
In this South Korean drama series, Chairwoman Bang is a successful woman in the coffee business, while her only grandson, Choi Han-gyeol, is living life to the fullest as a carefree bachelor, with no job or responsibilities, and still hung up on his first love, Han Yoo-joo, who sees him as just a friend. To avoid arranged blind dates, Han-gyeol pretends to be gay and hires Eun-chan to be his lover. Seeing as she can no longer set him up with potential bridal candidates, grandmother Bang forces Han-gyeol to show his capabilities by taking on a rundown coffee shop, which he takes on to impress not just his grandmother, but in hopes he’ll be seen in a more favorable light by Yoo-joo.
The twist? Eun-chan is actually a woman.
