Fantastic movies about love
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Valentine’s Day comes with the resurgence of popular romance movies, like The Notebook (2004).
There are endless movies surrounding romance and love, which are perfect themes for the Valentine’s Day season. With so many choices, it can be hard to decipher which ones are worth watching. If you are looking for some recommendations, here are just a few of my favorite movies about love.
A quick disclaimer is that these movies are not classic Valentine's Day movies. Since I am a certified Valentine’s Day hater, I use these unique movies to celebrate this holiday in my own way.
Not every great movie about love has to end in a happy ending. With that in mind, one of my favorite love stories is Brokeback Mountain (2005). I cannot summarize this plot without spoiling one of the most emotional narratives of all time, but if you are not simply looking for a lighthearted rom-com, this Western dramatic film is worth watching. It also always feels good to add a classic to what you have watched!
A different approach to love is seen in my all-time favorite movie, Little Women (2019). This modern version of a classic novel, Little Women (1868), depicts love among sisters, which cannot be broken. This adaptation is relatable yet still holds onto some important historical aspects, making it a heartwarming watch.
If you are someone who loves to dwell on the past and relive moments, Love, Rosie (2014) is perfect for you. As a classic friends-to-lovers trope, this recommendation is a dramatic switch-up from the previous two movies. It is a great film to watch with friends and celebrate the holiday.
Though it is constantly discussed, The Notebook (2004) is a must-watch movie. If you are looking to laugh, cry, and smile all within minutes, this is for you. To anyone currently experiencing heartbreak, watching this movie may change your life. Some things are popular for good reason.
My next pick is an oldie but a goodie: The Man in the Moon (1991). While it would not be socially acceptable to view today, this movie has stuck with me for years. It is a nice short watch for those with short attention spans, but the plot packs a punch.
If you are currently hating love and do not want to watch a perfect couple fall in love, May December (2023) may be for you. This movie might make you feel a little ill and turn you off from relationships forever, but it is worth the experience.
Love can exist in many forms, one being a love for pets. The Secret Life of Pets (2016) is a kid-friendly movie that shows this. This film depicts what pets do behind the scenes, showcasing the strong bonds many pets have for their owners. This recommendation is definitely for the unconventional celebrator.
Another great pet movie that is a little more mature is Isle of Dogs (2018). This animation truly manages to teach life lessons through dogs and change lives through love. While it may not showcase the commercialized meaning of Valentine's Day, it shows how much love can change us.
If you think hard enough, almost any movie can be about love. A million movies showcase close relationships with characters in the plot. If you are someone who hates the Valentine’s Day season, watching these movies is a great way to celebrate in your own way without having romance as the central theme.