Valentine’s Day brings up many different emotions for people. Maybe you’re in a happy relationship, living the single life or something in between, but no matter how you’re spending Feb. 14, curling up with a good movie can be the best way to spend an evening. Here are some of the best classic romance movies from the ’90s to-2000s for you to watch this Valentine’s Day:
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003)
“How to” column writer for a women’s magazine, Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) begins writing a piece on how to get a man to leave you in 10 days. Arrogant executive Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey) makes a bet that he can make a girl fall in love with him in 10 days to win a big campaign. When the two meet, their plans become messy.
From the hilarious plot line to the yellow dress, this movie remains iconic. Andie and Ben’s relationship will make you cringe with second-hand embarrassment, laugh until your stomach hurts and root for their happily ever after.
“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
While Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) wishes for her dad to let her date, her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) is abrasive and uninterested in dating. When their father says Bianca can date when Kat does, a plan brews to set up Kat with Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), the mysterious rebel at their school.
This movie contains all the best parts of a coming-of-age romantic comedy. Kat and Patrick have a different relationship dynamic than seen in most other romances, and I’m in love with it. Overall, a 10/10 movie that everyone should watch.
A 27-time bridesmaid, Jane (Katherine Heigl) faces an issue when asked to help her younger sister plan her wedding to the man Jane secretly loves. Meanwhile, handsome reporter Kevin Doyle (James Marsden) goes after Jane to write a story for his bridal section.
James Marsden plays the love interest in this movie and in my past life. 12/10.
Based on the classic Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice follows the outspoken Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) through Regency England as she faces family pressure to marry and consequently falls in love with the wealthy Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) despite their differences.
“Pride and Prejudice” balances the old-timey feel of 1800s England with a love story appealing to all generations. The story stays timeless and beautiful, and is a classic must-watch.
Widowed Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) moves to Seattle with his son, who calls a talk-radio show to find his dad a new wife. Hearing this, engaged Baltimore reporter Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) falls for him and asks Sam to meet.
While the plot may seem strange to some people, “Sleepless in Seattle” embodies a charming, feel-good romance movie perfect for fans of good old-fashioned rom-coms.
Williams Thacker (Hugh Grant) owns a struggling bookshop. When American actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) walks in to buy a book, Thacker becomes nervous and accidentally spills orange juice on her. Taking her to his flat to change ends with an impulsive kiss, and the two must navigate their budding relationship, different personalities and life in the limelight.
“Notting Hill” exhibits how two very different people can fall in love against all odds. Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts gave wonderful performances and created a movie that gives audiences yet another reason to romanticize British accents.
As teens in the 1940s, lumber mill worker Noah (Ryan Gosling) falls in love with Allie (Rachel McAdams), a rich girl whose parents don’t approve of their relationship and whisk Allie away. Eventually Noah goes off to serve in World War II and Allie becomes engaged to another man, but when their paths cross again, the memories come flooding back.
A heartwrenching movie, “The Notebook” made me cry tears of happiness and sadness at the same time. This movie encompasses so much more than just young love — it makes you believe in soulmates.
Player Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) falls in love with Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), who has short-term memory loss. Every morning, Henry must make Lucy fall in love with him again while convincing her family of his good intentions.
If you’re looking for an enjoyable movie to lift your spirits, watch “50 First Dates.” With a goofy plot line and crazy characters, this movie will keep you engaged and laughing all the way through.
Architect Melanie Parker (Michelle Pfeiffer) must give an important presentation and reporter Jack Taylor (George Clooney) needs to find a big story, but both of their plans get interrupted when their respective children miss the bus. Despite their hate toward each other, the single parents decide to spend the day together with their children.
Though it may not be as popularized as some of the other movies on this list, I think “One Fine Day” brings a different take on your classic rom-com. It’s hilarious and witty, and will be perfect for those wanting something a little different and chaotic on Valentine’s Day.
“While You Were Sleeping” (1995)
After Lucy Eleanor Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) saves her crush Peter (Peter Gallagher) from being hit by a train, he goes into a coma and she gets mistaken as his fiancée by his family and she doesn’t correct them. However, things become complicated when she falls for Peter’s brother, Jack (Bill Pullman).
If you read the description and thought, “Wow, that’s messy,” you’d be right, but trust me when I say it really does work. With consistent humor and genuine emotion, I consider this movie perfect to watch any day.
