8 Films For The Ideal Valentine’s Day Night In

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to list my top eight movies to watch during this romantic holiday.

These films are perfect for a cosy night in with your partner, a movie night with friends, or if you’re a hopeless romantic wanting to fantasise about fictional scenarios.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Every girl’s worst nightmare is if her crush discovers her feelings—nothing is more humiliating. This cheesy teenage love story stars Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey, a typical teenage girl who has always harboured intense crushes on the boys she encounters. Instead of confessing her feelings, she writes love letters to each of them.

However, when these letters accidentally get sent out, Lara Jean is thrust into a plot where she must fake date lacrosse captain Peter Kavinsky, played by Noah Centineo. This wholesome rom-com is one of the best to be released recently. Perfect for watching with friends or a partner, especially since Valentine’s falls on a Friday this year, making it a great opportunity to binge the whole trilogy!

All three films of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before are available on Netflix.

When Harry Met Sally

If you love a slow burn, this film is for you. Spanning over 12 years, it follows Harry, played by Billy Crystal, and Sally, played by Meg Ryan, through the progression of their relationship. Going from enemies to friends to lovers and back again, the movie constantly questions: “Can men and women just be friends?”

The ending may make you reconsider, but the key takeaway is that a strong friendship is essential for a successful relationship. I highly recommend it to young adults, as it beautifully illustrates how much life can change. The cosy 80s New York setting adds to this classic rom-com.

When Harry Met Sally is available on Amazon Prime & Apple TV.

Letters to Juliet

This charming film stars Amanda Seyfried as Sophie, a New York journalist visiting Verona with her fiancé. While there, she explores the iconic Casa di Giulietta, where women write letters to Juliet seeking love advice.

When Sophie discovers a letter from the 1950s, she sets out to help the elderly Claire find her true love, embarking on an adventure across Italy with Claire’s grandson, Charlie. This delightful movie is perfect for a girls’ night and highlights the beauty of older people rediscovering love, which is not often portrayed enough in the media.

Letters to Juliet is available on Amazon Prime & Apple TV.

Pride and Prejudice (2005)

This classic period drama, written in 1813 by Jane Austen, tells the slow-burn love story between Elizabeth Bennet, played by the stunning Keira Knightley, and the proud Mr. Darcy, played by Matthew Macfadyen. If you loved Netflix’s Bridgerton, you’ll adore this tale of love that transcends social classes.

Despite their prejudices towards one another, both characters are drawn to each other, challenging the societal perceptions that separate them.

Pride and Prejudice (2005) is available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime.

Roman Holiday

This underrated 1953 black-and-white classic features the enchanting Audrey Hepburn as Princess Ann. In an act of rebellion from her royal duties, she sneaks off from the palace and enjoys a much-needed holiday in Rome.

Guided by her charming tour guide Joe, played by Gregory Peck, the young couple fall in love as he helps her embrace her newfound freedom, even if it’s only temporary. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of their very different worlds, ultimately leaving the princess with cherished memories of her Roman holiday.

Roman Holiday is available on Paramount+, Apple TV & Amazon Prime.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

This film is one of the standout movies from the 90s rom-com renaissance. It takes the “dating for a bet” trope to a new level. Andie, a pop culture journalist played by Kate Hudson, and Ben, an advertising executive played by Matthew McConaughey, pretend to date without knowing the other is also playing against a bet.

Andie attempts to write a column titled ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days’ by being clingy and neurotic, while Ben has a bet with his colleagues that he can make any woman fall in love with him in time for a gala. This hilarious rom-com showcases Kate Hudson’s incredible acting as she embodies the most annoying character ever, perfectly complemented by Matthew McConaughey’s charm.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime & Paramount+.

Dirty Dancing

This iconic 80s summer romance features the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in a timeless tale about the love affair between a dance instructor and the daughter of a respected doctor. The film’s outstanding acting is complemented by its memorable soundtrack, transporting viewers to the vibrant 60s.

My two favourite iconic scenes include Johnny’s famous line, “Nobody puts Baby in a corner,” and the unforgettable lift during ‘(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,’ which have become cultural touchstones, often referenced in pop culture.

Dirty Dancing is available on Apple TV & Amazon Prime.

10 Things I Hate About You

Dare I say this is the best rom-com ever? Following the trend of the number 10, this 90s film, inspired by Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, meets all the criteria for a perfect movie: a headstrong female protagonist, an ideal man, iconic moments, and fake dating.

Starring Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger as Kat and Patrick, two high schoolers from very different worlds. My all-time favourite moment is Patrick’s apology to Kat while she is at football practice. The film features Heath Ledger’s unforgettable rendition of ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,’ accompanied by a high school marching band.

10 Things I Hate About You is available on Disney+, Apple TV & Amazon Prime.

Whether you’re snuggling up with your partner, enjoying a girls’ night in, or simply indulging your inner romantic, these films offer the perfect blend of laughter, love, and nostalgia. Each movie on this list captures the essence of romance in its own unique way.

So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and let these stories of love and connection sweep you away this Valentine’s Day. No matter your relationship status, there’s a little something for everyone in these beloved classics.

Words by Alyssa O’Sullivan