Best Valentine's Day Movies

by Staff Writer
Published December 28, 2015 | Updated February 11, 2016

Picking the perfect movie to watch this Valentine's Day is easy with this guide. We've picked our Top 5 Valentines Day movies for five categories. Sit back, relax, and pop some popcorn. Grab some tissues just in case, because some of these movies are tear jerkers.

Find Your Favorite Valentine's Day Film ▸

Ultimate Romance:

Need ideas for a truly romantic movie? Check out our suggestions for the ultimate romance flick -- the kind where you hold your breath, wondering if the two lovers will get together -- or cry at the realization that love might not be enough. Full of passion, desire, and drama, these movies provide a satisfying romantic escape and engaging insights into love.

1. Annie Hall

   When a free-spirited singer and an uptight comedian connect, their story is not only a rom-com gold mine, but a commentary on the complexities of love and relationships. Featuring Woody Allen and Diane Keaton, "Annie Hall" won four Academy Awards including Best Picture, Actress, Director, and Original Screenplay.

2. Pride & Prejudice

   This classic Jane Austen story of love overcoming arrogance, misunderstanding, and social class has delighted fans for over 200 years. There are several film adaptations, but the 5 1/2 hour BBC production starring Colin Firth is a worthwhile investment of time for the die-hard romantic.

3. Chocolat

   A tranquil, conservative French village is thoroughly disrupted when a mysterious woman, Vianne (Juliette Binoche), opens up a chocolate shop in town. The magical effect of her indulgent, sweet treats on the townspeople may change their hearts and lives forever. Johnny Depp also stars.

4. Casablanca

   This captivating drama is the story of Rick (Humphrey Bogart) and Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), former lovers whose paths cross in Nazi-occupied Europe. The struggle between love, survival, and sacrifice make "Casablanca" a timeless and compelling tale -- one of the most popular movies ever made.

5. Dirty Dancing

   Baby (Jennifer Grey) is dreading an uneventful summer with her parents at a sleepy Catskills resort. When she becomes involved with Johnny (Patrick Swayze), the resort's rugged dance instructor, her vacation is anything but boring in this coming-of-age love story. (FYI, the soundtrack is amazing too!)

Manly Valentine's Day:

Some guys avoid romantic movies at all costs -- nothing sappy or mushy allowed! But there are movies that take the elements of a romance and add in healthy doses of humor, action, or both, to create a romantic flick that everyone can enjoy. So for your next date, pop some popcorn and check out our manly suggestions below.

1. Jerry Maguire

   After a life changing epiphany, a successful sports agent leaves his existing job to start his own firm with the encouragement of a shy, reserved co-worker as his only support. From their earliest struggles to Jerry's confession that "You. Complete. Me," "Jerry Maguire" is full of real relationships and unconventional romance.

2. Braveheart

   Part historical epic, part classic romance, "Braveheart" is the story of Scottish hero, William Wallace, who raised an army to fight tyrannical Britain and unify his nation. Battle sequences provide the action, while outstanding performances deliver the film's heart. It was the winner of five Oscars, including Best Director for Mel Gibson.

3. The Proposal

   When his high-maintenance boss, Margaret (Sandra Bullock) is faced with deportation, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) agrees to an engagement to keep the suspicious immigration official at bay. But when the couple travel to Andrew's family homestead in scenic Alaska, discerning what is real and what is not, becomes difficult.

4. When Harry Met Sally

   Two recent college graduates, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), argue whether men and women can ever truly be platonic friends. Several years later when then their paths cross again, their theories are put to the test. What will happen when two long-time friends become more than that? Will sex change everything?

5. The Princess Bride

   If there is a movie about "wuv, twu wuv," this is it! Colorful characters such as farm boy-turned pirate Westley, smart but not bright Vizzini, and vengeance-driven Inigo Montoya make this comedy-filled fairy tale an action-packed adventure. It's a perfect romance to watch with your favorite guy!

Gonna Make You Cry:

Sometimes, a good cry is called for. During these times, there are a few movies that will break your heart a little bit, kill you softly, and require a healthy amount of tissues.

1. Brokeback Mountain

   The lives of two cowboys (Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger) change forever when their paths cross and they begin a remarkable 20-year journey of frustration, self-discovery, and the kind of love that you just can't quit.

2. Moulin Rouge

   Set against the nightlife of Paris's renowned Moulin Rouge, a writer falls for a courtesan who is doomed from the start. The clock ticks down as they are pitted against the standards of society, her fatal illness, and those who want to tear them apart.

3. Phenomenon

   When the average life of George Malley (John Travolta) is forever changed by his sudden telekinetic abilities and genius tendencies, he is sent on a journey of acceptance. Though everyone wants the old George back, he learns what it means to be loved as he is.

4. Broken English

   Nora (Parker Posey) is a woman in her thirties working a job she's tired of, and facing the reality of singleness, even when everyone else seems to have that special someone. When Julien (Melvil Poupaud) comes into her life, though, her perspective changes for good.

5. Romeo and Juliet

   Baz Luhrman's gritty take on these famous star-crossed lovers combines Shakespeare's original writing with intensely beautiful visuals. Though we know how Romeo and Juliet's story ends all to well, this film is worth the tears every time.

RomCom Classics:

For some of us there is nothing sexier in a significant other than a sense of humor. If you enjoy a funny flick over a teary saga, our list of lighthearted movies will have you falling in love over and over again. So wrap yourself in your lover's arms and settle in with a few of our favorite romantic comedies for Valentine's Day.

1. The Wedding Singer

   "Love stinks" for Robbie Hart. After being jilted by his fiancee at the altar, this heartbroken wedding singer finally meets the perfect girl -- except she's already engaged to someone else.

2. You've Got Mail

   Love meets technology in this 90's flick about an unlikely pair who are rivals in business while unknowingly falling in love online. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks star in this picture perfect tale of online romance.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You

   In this modern take on Shakespeare's classic tale "The Taming of The Shrew," the new kid on the block has a major crush on the most popular girl in high school. Only, she's not allowed to date until her older, more rebellious sister does. In an attempt to win the heart of his crush, he strikes up a deal with a bad-boy senior to tame the antisocial sister.

4. Some Like It Hot

   In this steamy classic, Marilyn Monroe dazzles the screen as the racy front liner in an all-girl band. When the hilarious Jack Lemmon and smooth-talking Tony Curtis are forced to go incognito as musicians in the band, this misfit trio soon finds love and adventure on the road.

5. Sweet Home Alabama

   When a New York fashion designer (Reese Witherspoon) gets engaged to a prominent socialite, she's on a plane back to her hometown in Alabama to confront her past and her family before the big day -- and to ask for a divorce from her childhood sweetheart.

Guilty Pleasures:

What's Valentine's Day without a little indulgence? From racy to romantic, these movies are secretly some of our favorites.

1. Magic Mike

   Mike is a roofer by day and a male stripper at night, however he dreams of making furniture. After being disenchanted by the world of stripping, Mike leaves it all behind to eat breakfast with his new romantic interest, Brooke.

2. 50 Shades of Grey

   Christian Grey has a love life that doesn't fit the idea that Anastasia Steele has of romance. However, once a contract is signed, Christian and Ana engage in a love affair that leaves Ana questioning if she can accept Christian's unique appetites.

3. Twilight

   Love it or hate it, "Twilight" is a guilty, but very entertaining, pleasure. Bella and Edward fall in love and through vampire science are able to spend the rest of their lives together.

4. Sex & the City

   Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big finally decide to tie the knot in an over-the-top wedding, however Big gets cold feet and jilts Carrie. Carrie takes time to rediscover herself and help Miranda with her relationship troubles.

5. Ghost

   If you're crazy for Swayze, "Ghost" is your Valentine's Day fix. With one of the most memorable pottery scenes in cinematic history, Sam Wheat, played by Patrick Swayze, and Molly Jensen are able to reconnect after Sam's death through psychic Oda Mae Brown.