We all have our preferred way of spending Valentine’s Day. Some of us like to book getaways to romantic destinations, such as Tagaytay and El Nido. Others of us like to spoil our loved ones with thoughtful gifts and sweet treats. There are also those who love to plan extravagant dinners, long walks on the beach, or other equally swoon-worthy activities. But that’s not to say there’s something incredibly romantic about spending a night in, cuddling up and watching movies with your loved one, just enjoying time together. If that last option seems the most appealing, here are nine movies you can catch this Valentine’s Day:
50 First Dates
Look, nothing beats a first kiss. And nothing quite captures that nervous yet excited feeling of going on a first date. So why not relieve it? – 50 times. In 50 First Dates, Adam Sandler plays Henry, a likable playboy who finds his one true love in Drew Barrymore’s Lucy. The catch? Lucy turns out to have anterograde amnesia. Basically, she can’t form new memories and relives the same day over – and over – and over again. No problem for devoted Henry, who brings Lucy out on countless first dates so they can keep falling in love with each other. Sappy? Yes. But perfect for Valentine’s Day.
One More Chance
An oldie but a classic. There’s a reason One More Chance makes the list when talking about top Pinoy romance movies. John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo bring so much heart and heartbreak to the screen, bringing Filipinos some truly unforgettable moments. The relationship between Basha and Popoy begins happily but quickly turns complicated, troubled, and incredibly painful. But, in the end, they manage to find, forgive and trust each other again. Cuddle up on Valentine’s Day to this Pinoy classic, and if you don’t want the night to end, just pop in the sequel, A Second Chance.
Kita Kita
If you want to step away from mainstream romances, then Kita Kita makes the perfect watch. A little offbeat, a little quirky, this charming breath of fresh air surprised Filipino audiences and became a big hit. The romance between a heartbroken blind woman and her eccentric neighbor delivers the laughs and the feels. If you prefer whimsical romances for your Valentine’s Day movie night, pick Kita Kita.
When Harry Met Sally
Another classic, When Harry Met Sally answers that age-old question, “Can a guy and a girl ever be truly platonic without that friendship turning more?” It also asks the question, “Can you have sex with your friend without ruining your friendship?” But this isn’t a comedy flick with friends-with-benefits shenanigans. No, this rom-com digs deeper and really looks at the relationship between males and females. When Harry Met Sally has a little for everyone: it’s clever, it’s hilarious, it’s observant, it’s romantic. And it also contains one of the funniest yet most heartfelt confessions in cinematic history.
My Ex and Whys
Call it mainstream or cheesy, but this film became one of the biggest blockbusters in 2017 through the charged chemistry of loveteam Lizquen. Starring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil, My Ex and Whys follows the complicated relationship between Cali and Gio. The pair dated, but when Cali learns Gio cheated on her, they break up. Fast-forward a couple years, and they meet again, still not over each other. Now, My Ex and Whys isn’t a perfect movie by any means, but if you and your partner are looking for a quick hugot fix on Valentine’s Day, this is the one for you.
About Time
Want a little sci-fi for Valentine’s Day? Try out About Time, starring Domhnall Gleeson as a young man who learns he can time travel. Now, you think to yourself, a man given incredible power – the possibilities are endless! And what does Tim do with it? Find love. Determined to change his life for the better, Tim believes that by finding himself a girlfriend his life will immeasurably improve. Enter Mary (Rachel McAdams), meant to be that girlfriend. Or so Tim hopes. But it’s not as easy as you might think, even with all of time on Tim’s side.
That Thing Called Tadhana
How can you have a rom-com if the leads don’t even share a kiss? That Thing Called Tadhana tests the definition and expectations of romance through lonely strangers Mace (Angelica Panganiban) and Anthony (JM de Guzman). Meeting through a chance encounter and thrown together by fate, they learn how to move on and love again as they spend more and more time together. Now, this isn’t a romance movie as you might expect from mainstream films. There’s no kiss, no sex, but there is chemistry and a connection. It’s a wonderful slow-burn and can be wonderfully cathartic to watch on Valentine’s Day.
A Very Special Love
Another film featuring rom-com king John Lloyd Cruz and pop princess Sarah Geronimo, A Very Special Love somehow finds a balance between romance and reality. It has all the elements that appeal to hopeful Filipino romantics. An ordinary girl falls for a rich man. He’s dashing but hotheaded. She’s sunny but naive. They make wrong assumptions about each other and it causes conflict. But, in the end, they change and they truly fit together. It sounds simple enough on paper, but as anyone who’s watched the film can attest, A Very Special Love is no ordinary film. It truly captures the Filipino idea of romance. Besides, who can resist the amazing team-up that is Sarah and John Lloyd?
Love Actually
Last on the list, the top choice for any couple struggling to pick a movie for Valentine’s Day. The solution? Pick a movie with everything. With nine interconnected love stories, Love Actually explores love in all its meanings. Romance. Family. Friendship. A Prime Minister must choose between his duty to his country or his growing love his secretary. A widowed father must help his son ask out the girl of his dreams. The best man watches as the love of his life marries his best friend. If you want a feel-good romance movie, guaranteed to cement your belief in love, then there’s no better film than Love Actually.