This blog post is all about the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day is basically an invitation to slow down, get cosy, and let a great love story sweep you off your feet for a couple of hours.
Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or planning a solo night with snacks and a blanket, choosing the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day can make the whole evening feel extra special.
From laugh-out-loud romcoms to heart-shattering tearjerkers and timeless classics that never lose their sparkle, this list covers every romantic mood imaginable.
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The Best Movies to Watch On Valentine’s Day
The best Valentine’s Day movies all share one thing: they make you feel something.
A great pick usually leans into romance, but it doesn’t have to be all roses and rainbows. It can be witty and playful, deeply emotional, or comfortingly familiar.
Think undeniable chemistry, iconic love stories, emotional payoffs, memorable soundtracks, and moments that linger long after the credits roll.
Whether you want butterflies, belly laughs, or a cathartic cry, the perfect Valentine’s Day movie matches the vibe you’re craving that night.
Newbies but Goodies
Below are my top picks of newer romantic releases and modern favourites that already feel destined to become Valentine’s Day staples.
Wuthering Heights (2026)
This highly anticipated adaptation brings Emily Brontë’s turbulent love story to a new generation.
Dark, obsessive, and emotionally charged, it’s a gothic romance that explores love in its most destructive and magnetic form, perfect if you like your Valentine’s Day movies intense and dramatic.
Plus, I can’t wait to see Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi in this together!
Coming to cinemas in February 2026!
The People We Meet on Vacation
Based on Emily Henry’s beloved novel, this friends-to-lovers story follows two opposites who take one summer trip a year together, until feelings complicate everything.
It’s tender, funny, and full of longing, making it an ideal Valentine’s Day watch for hopeless romantics. And yes, it’s just as good as the book.
RELATED blog post to read: The 6 Best Emily Henry Books You Need to Read: In Order
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
A charming modern romcom that feels like a warm hug.
When Lara Jean’s secret love letters accidentally get sent out, her quiet teenage world turns upside down. Sweet, nostalgic, and endlessly rewatchable, it’s a feel-good choice for Valentine’s Day.
Plus, it stars Noah Centineo – need we say more?
The Kissing Booth
Messy, fun, and unapologetically dramatic, this teen romcom is all about first love, complicated friendships, and rule-breaking romance.
It’s lighthearted escapism that doesn’t take itself too seriously, perfect for an easy Valentine’s Day watch.
A young Jacob Elordi stars in this one!
How to Be Single
This romcom flips the script by focusing on love, heartbreak, and self-discovery in modern dating.
Set in New York City, it’s funny, relatable, and refreshingly honest about being single, making it a great Valentine’s Day pick no matter your relationship status.
Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day if You Want to Laugh
These are the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day when you want romance with sharp humour, chaotic situations, and iconic one-liners.
How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days
A battle of wills disguised as a romcom, this film follows two people unknowingly trying to sabotage each other for work.
The chemistry, fashion, and humour make it one of the most rewatchable Valentine’s Day movies ever.
Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey are romcom perfection.
John Tucker Must Die
A deliciously petty romcom about revenge, friendship, and unexpected feelings.
When three girls team up to take down the same guy who broke their hearts, chaos ensues, with plenty of laughs along the way.
This is one of my nostalgic rewatches from my teens – it’s the best.
The Proposal
Fake dating, forced proximity, and enemies-to-lovers collide in this hilarious romcom set against a stunning Alaskan backdrop.
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds deliver nonstop laughs and surprising heart.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
Awkward, honest, and wildly charming, this classic follows Bridget as she navigates love, career woes, and her own insecurities.
It’s funny, relatable, and perfect for Valentine’s Day with a glass of wine.
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Interconnected love stories, glow-ups, and emotional twists make this film far more heartfelt than it first appears.
It balances comedy with sincerity, offering laughs and genuine romantic moments.
The Ugly Truth
A romcom that leans into opposites-attract tension, following a cynical TV producer and a blunt dating expert.
It’s cheeky, flirty, and ideal for a light Valentine’s Day movie night.
Not one to watch with your parents, if that’s who you happen to be spending Valentine’s Day with.
Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day if You Want to Cry
Bring tissues. These Valentine’s Day movies don’t hold back when it comes to love and loss.
The Notebook
Few films define epic romance quite like The Notebook. Spanning decades, this sweeping love story follows Noah and Allie as they navigate class divides, war, separation, and the slow erosion of memory.
It’s a Valentine’s Day classic that reminds you love is not just about falling, but about staying, even when everything else fades.
P.S. I Love You
After losing her husband, Holly begins receiving letters he wrote before his death, each one gently guiding her back toward life.
P.S. I Love You is heartbreakingly tender, balancing moments of deep sorrow with warmth, humour, and hope.
It’s a Valentine’s Day movie that proves love doesn’t end when someone is gone, it simply changes shape.
Me Before You
Me Before You tells the story of Lou, a vibrant young woman, and Will, a man whose life has been drastically altered by an accident.
Their relationship is full of warmth, laughter, and emotional growth, which makes its central conflict all the more devastating.
This is a Valentine’s Day film that explores love as something selfless, complicated, and deeply human.
My Girl
At first glance, My Girl feels like an innocent coming-of-age story, but it quietly builds toward one of the most heartbreaking moments in cinema.
Set in childhood, it explores first love, friendship, and the loss of innocence through the eyes of a young girl growing up too fast.
This was quite traumatising when I watched it for the first time at 8 years of age.
The Fault in Our Stars
Hazel and Gus’s love story unfolds under the shadow of illness, yet it’s filled with wit, charm, and moments of genuine joy.
What makes this film so powerful for Valentine’s Day is how it celebrates love not despite pain, but alongside it, proving that even brief love can be infinite in its impact.
Classic Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day
These timeless romances have endured for a reason. They offer comfort, chemistry, and unforgettable love stories that feel just as magical today as they did on first release.
You’ve Got Mail
Set in a pre-social-media New York City, it follows two business rivals who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous emails.
The film thrives on atmosphere, autumnal visuals, witty dialogue, and emotional restraint, making it a perfect Valentine’s Day choice if you love romance that unfolds gently.
When Harry Met Sally
Following Harry and Sally across years of friendship, failed relationships, and emotional vulnerability, the film explores whether love is built instantly or slowly earned.
Sharp dialogue and emotional honesty make it endlessly rewatchable, and on Valentine’s Day, it feels especially comforting in its belief that love often arrives exactly when it’s supposed to.
Pretty Woman
Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, it tells the story of two people from entirely different worlds who find unexpected connection.
It’s indulgent, iconic, and unapologetically romantic, making it a go-to Valentine’s Day movie for pure escapism.
Dirty Dancing
Baby and Johnny’s relationship is fuelled by rebellion, passion, and unforgettable dance sequences, all underscored by a powerful soundtrack.
It’s a Valentine’s Day classic that celebrates young love, independence, and following your heart, even when it scares you.
Notting Hill
This charming romance asks a simple question: what happens when an ordinary person falls in love with someone extraordinary?
With its cozy London setting, understated humour, and emotional vulnerability, Notting Hill delivers one of the most iconic romantic confessions in film history.
It’s gentle, sincere, and perfect for a Valentine’s Day spent dreaming.
Sleepless in Seattle
Built on longing rather than physical connection, Sleepless in Seattle is a slow, hopeful romance about destiny and emotional intimacy.
The film leans into the idea that love can exist before two people ever meet, making it a beautiful Valentine’s Day watch for those who believe in fate and timing.
Romeo and Juliet
This modern adaptation injects youthful intensity into Shakespeare’s tragic love story.
With heightened emotion, striking visuals, and a powerful sense of urgency, it captures the recklessness of first love and the devastation of its loss.
It’s a bold and emotionally charged Valentine’s Day option for those who like their romance dramatic and unforgettable.
10 Things I Hate About You
Smart, sharp, and surprisingly tender, this teen romcom reimagines Shakespeare with heart and humour.
Beneath the banter and bravado lies a story about vulnerability, trust, and emotional growth.
It’s funny enough to lighten the mood, but sincere enough to make it a Valentine’s Day favourite.
Roman Holiday
Following a runaway princess and an American journalist through the streets of Rome, this film captures the magic of temporary love and the sadness of inevitable goodbye.
It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day if you love romance that’s beautiful precisely because it doesn’t last forever.
Sweet Home Alabama
A cozy blend of small-town charm and second chances, this film explores the pull of first love and unresolved feelings.
As the main character is forced to confront her past, the story becomes a reminder that sometimes the love we try to escape is the one that knows us best.
It’s warm, romantic, and ideal for a relaxed Valentine’s Day watch.
Say Anything
Earnest and emotionally sincere, Say Anything captures young love at its most vulnerable.
It’s a film about showing up, speaking your feelings, and loving loudly even when it’s risky.
The iconic boombox scene has cemented its place in romantic film history, making it a must-watch Valentine’s Day classic.
The Best Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day
No matter how you’re spending it, the best movies to watch on Valentine’s Day are the ones that match your mood.
Whether you’re craving laughter, emotional release, nostalgic comfort, or swoon-worthy romance, this list offers something for every kind of Valentine’s Day celebration.
Light the candles, grab your favourite snacks, and press play on a love story that makes the day feel just a little more magical
RELATED Valentine’s Day blog posts to read:
- The 9 Best Spicy Romance Books to Read This Valentine’s Day
- The 19 Most Romantic Restaurants in New York for Valentine’s Day
- 14 Best Valentine’s Day City Breaks in Europe for Couples
- The 29 Best Valentine’s Day Romance Books to Read in 2026
- Luxury Travel Destinations That Can Help Your Relationship Get Out of A Rut
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and moved to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
