By: Amanda Guarragi
Happy Valentine’s Day to my fellow Lovers out there. Today is a day to spread love, joy, kindness and most importantly POSITIVITY. Valentine’s Day is no longer just for intimate relationships, it’s for everyone in your life that shows you how much they love you, every single day. It’s also a day to take care of yourself and treat yourself because self love is also important.
The best thing about Valentine’s Day isn’t even today, it’s the day after because all the chocolates are half off 😉
In all seriousness, today is a day to spread love and the love language I speak is expressed through my love of films. So, I’ve compiled a list of my favourite romantic films, for whatever mood you’re in today.
If You Want To Laugh…
Just Friends
If you haven’t seen Just Friends, then you have missed out on one of Ryan Reynolds’ best performances. This is one of the most underrated romantic comedies and I don’t know how it’s not on more watchlist’s. It has Ryan Reynolds being incredibly sassy, Anna Faris being whacky and a high school romance for the ages.
**It also has one of the best opening scenes, EVER.**The Proposal
When The Proposal came out 11 years ago (damn, already?) it was on everyone’s radar. It was one of the highest grossing romantic comedies of 2009 and brought us the dynamic duo of Sandra Bullock/Ryan Reynolds. It’s the classic tale of pretending to be in love with the other person for some personal gain. In this case, it went a bit too far, and by far, I mean a whole trip to Alaska. Their chemistry was undeniable and it’s definitely one of the reasons everyone loves this film. Also, Betty White is the best in this film and her connection with Reynolds was amazing.Deadpool
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. Deadpool is an R rated, comic book film, with plenty of violence and gore BUT many people forget that it all started with Wade and Vanessa’s love story. Deadpool is definitely a romantic, action comedy and it has become a tradition of mine to watch it at midnight.
*I’m pretty much saying to have a Ryan Reynolds marathon….*When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is the ONE film I will always recommend when someone needs a pick me up. Nora Ephron wrote fantastic screenplay about multiple relationships and how they can change over time. Then Rob Reiner’s vision brought it to life, when he called up Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan to play Harry Burns and Sally Albright. The lovely Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby are in this as well, they both bring so much to the table. The cast is great, the structure is different and the Reiner/Ephron dynamic has solidified this as the best romantic comedy of all time.
If You Want Teen Drama…Sixteen Candles
Our “Eighties Queen” Molly Ringwald definitely set the bar high for romantic teen dramas. Pretty in Pink is also a great one but nothing beats a classic like Sixteen Candles. No one will ever forget the moment Samantha walks out of the church on her sister’s wedding day and sees her crush Jake Ryan, leaning against his car, just staring at her. Your heart will definitely flutter and deem Jake Ryan as the official romcom high school hottie.A Cinderella Story
A Cinderella Story had EVERYTHING. We had Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray at their peak. We had the wonderful Regina King as a “fairy godmother” and Jennifer Coolidge as the evil, botched step mother. It’s one of the best because it shows that just because you’re “stuck” with certain family members, it doesn’t mean that you deserve that treatment from them. Family can also be the friendships you keep and they are more important than you think.Some Kind Of Wonderful
Some Kind of Wonderful ended up on my radar because of another romantic comedy (which will also be on this list), called He’s Just Not That Into You. When I watched this for the first time, I felt the pain Watts went through. If you were always treated as a second option or kept on a shelf whenever someone needed you, then you will definitely see yourself as Watts. There will always be a popular girl like Amanda Jones but never fret, being Watts is just as awesome. It’s your typical teen drama and that’s why I love it so much.To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is by far one of the cutest, modern day teen romantic comedies. It definitely pays homage to the classics I’ve mentioned above and puts a spotlight on an Asian American teen, who writes love letters for her crushes. It’s definitely an old fashioned mentality but it’s still refreshing to see that being done in this generation. Somehow, Peter Kavinsky became everyone’s boyfriend and Noah Centineo is definitely riding this wave, BUT he’s no Jake Ryan.
If You Want To Sob Uncontrollably…
9. The Notebook
The Notebook is the most heartbreaking romance film EVER. Noah and Allie’s love story is so pure and their ending will make you cry for hours. I watched The Notebook for the first time, when my grandmother was suffering from Alzheimer’s and I had no idea that the ending of this film, would have affected me this deeply. I’ve only watched it once because I couldn’t bring myself to go through that again. It’s undeniable that Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams had beautiful chemistry, they made us believe in true love.
10. Call Me By Your Name
Call Me By Your Name absolutely destroyed me. It’s starts off as this beautiful summer romance in Italy. You could feel the lust, infatuation and the natural pull between Elio and Oliver. It was sensual, seductive, romantic and then heartbreaking. When you’re a teenager, every feeling is amplified and that’s why it’s so incredibly hard to express any feelings. Timothée Chalamet is fantastic in this and the last half hour of this film, will leave you in shambles. The final shot will stay with you for a very long time.
11. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Portrait of a Lady on Fire is a beautifully shot piece about an artist and her muse. This French Foreign Language Film also explores the relationships of women and the many ways love can be perceived. There are such soft, tender moments between Héloïse and Marianne, their chemistry was beautiful and it made me want to see them together in every scene.
12. Her
Her is written and directed by Spike Jonze. It’s such a fantastic concept about how this generation is dependant on technology. The general form of dating is now through our phones and Jonze takes that to another level. This is also one of my favourite Joaquin Phoenix performances because of how vulnerable he is as Theodore Twombly. It goes through the motions of lost love, forgiveness and the concept of identity.
If You Want That Warm Fuzzy Feeling…
13. 13 Going on 30
13 Going on 30 has Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo being adorable during the entire film. It also shows what happens when you become an adult… some people lose their inner child and others try to hold onto it as long as they can. This film also has Andy Serkis like we’ve never seen him before and the always lovely Judy Greer. It also has one of the best dance numbers ever!
14. How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days had another dynamic duo, which made this romantic comedy legendary. Not only was the concept a whole lot of fun, this movie wouldn’t have been the same without Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. The film is hilarious and will leave you feeling so full after watching it.
15. Crazy Rich Asians
Crazy Rich Asians brought back the major studio romantic comedy and it broke records at the box office. It also introduced the world to the lovely Gemma Chan and the dapper Henry Golding. It’s a lovely film about the meaning of family, true love and the power of a connection, no matter where you’re from.
If You’re in a Bad Mood…
16. He’s Just Not That Into You
He’s Just Not That Into You has an incredible cast and it also shows you multiple scenarios, about how people treat each other in relationships/dating. It’s brutally honest and anyone who says they don’t overthink about situations, are definitely lying to themselves. The storyline is very intricate and if you don’t pay attention, you could lose track of who is connected to who. It’s a film that anyone can relate to, especially when you’re feeling down.
17. Gone Girl
If you want to release yourself from the VDay woes, then my advice to you, is to watch Gone Girl. You’ll forget about whatever has you troubled and your focus will be on the mystery of Amy Dunne. It’s a film that will leave you feeling a certain way, I can’t even describe it, you’ll somehow feel stronger and free.
If You’re in a Spicy Mood…
18. Magic Mike XXL
Magic Mike XXL is a FANTASTIC sequel. It’s a road trip movie mixed with stripping. The dance routines are choreographed so well and the cast brings it! The film honestly has something for everyone, so grab those singles and enjoy a film that is BIGGER and BETTER than it’s predecessor.
19. Fifty Shades Darker
Yes, the Fifty Shades trilogy is filled with sensual moments but everyone knows the best scenes are in Fifty Shades Darker. The book was also the best in the trilogy, so naturally the adaptation would do it justice.
These films have gotten me through so many tough moments in my life and have been a staple around Valentine’s Day. So if you’re feeling any type of way today, I wanted to share the films that spoke to me and I hope they speak to you as well.
Sending all the love and positivity out there today!
Candid Cinema 