Love, hope, tears and murder: Movies for your Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day can be a controversial holiday, with some people wearing red and pink colored lenses and others calling it a made-up capitalist holiday.

However you spend your Valentine’s Day, from hanging with your beau to contemplating revenge to avoiding anything heart-shaped, here’s a list of movies to get you into the lover (or hater) spirit, along with where you can stream them.

Underrated

“Serendipity” (2001) — PlutoTV or Paramount Plus

If you want to believe in fate, watch this movie where two strangers attempt to find each other again after sharing a beautiful night together.

“Say Anything” (1989) — Hulu

Lloyd Dobbler, a nobody, tries to win over Diane Court, the beautiful valedictorian.

“Can’t Buy Me Love” (1987) — Amazon Prime Video (for rent)

Young Patrick Dempsey plays a nerd who pays the most popular girl in school to go out with him.

“Letters to Juliet” (2010) — PlutoTV

If you like “Mamma Mia,” you’ll probably like this simple and fun romcom with Amanda Seyfried in Europe attempting to rekindle someone else’s past love. Oh, and her character’s name is also Sophie.

Classics

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“13 Going on 30” (2004) — Peacock

This has been one of my favorite movies since I was a kid, and I would be remiss to not include it.

“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) — Disney Plus

Bring back teen movie adaptations of Shakespeare plays!

“When Harry Met Sally” (1989) — HBOMax

If you’re in love with your best friend, this one's for you.

“Pride & Prejudice” (2005) — Amazon Prime Video (for rent)

There’s a picture of Matthew Macfadyen as Mr. Darcy in the dictionary next to the definition of yearning.

“Juno” (2007) — HBOMax

While the romance isn’t the central point of this film, the sweet naivety of Juno and Bleaker (thrown for a loop when Juno gets pregnant) earns it a spot.

Something a little different

“Stardust” (2007) — HBOMax

A fantasy/adventure movie with a fallen star, an evil witch, a vengeful prince and an enemies-to-lovers romance.

“But I’m A Cheerleader” (1999) — Paramount Plus

A satirical but heartwarming movie about a conversion camp.

“Palm Springs” (2020) — Hulu

At her sister’s wedding, the maid of honor gets stuck in a time loop with Andy Samberg.

“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” (2010) — Netflix

Unfortunately, more than one man has called me Ramona Flowers. Fortunately, that hasn’t ruined my love for this very quirky movie.

Tear-jerkers

“(500) Days of Summer” (2009) — HBOMax

A non-linear story about a failed relationship starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” (2004) — Amazon Prime Video

Hoping to forget a certain someone? This movie might make you change your mind.

“A Ghost Story” (2017) — Paramount Plus

After dying, a ghost watches as life moves on without him.

Anti-valentine’s Day

“Shiva, Baby” (2020) — HBOMax

The most anxiety-inducing movie I’ve ever watched.

“Chicago” (2002) — HBOMax

Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.

“Legally Blonde” (2001) — Amazon Prime Video (for rent)

Elle Woods doesn’t need a man; she has a Harvard education, a gorgeous wardrobe and a cute dog.

“Thelma & Louise” (1991) — Amazon Prime Video

Two best friends take a road trip and end up on the run from the police.

“Do Revenge” (2022) — Netflix

Watch this if you want to live vicariously through two girls seeking revenge on those who have wronged them, or if you enjoy references to classic teen films.

“The Menu” (2022) — HBOMax

The highest-end dinner gone wrong.

@nwlexi

whitehan@miamioh.edu