The Rebellion’s Ultimate Guide to Valentine’s Day Movies

Emily Butler

February 14, 2017

Attention all rom-com/ Nicolas Sparks movie enthusiasts; this February 14th is our day to thrive. Movie channels will be airing romantic movie after romantic movie and we will be soaking it all in. After watching hundreds of movies that fall into this category I have noticed a pattern that seems to dictate the progression of most plots. The best romantic films tend to follow this criteria in order to successfully bring the audience along a emotional roller coaster full of laughter and tears.

Bumpy start

More often than not the time the main characters in romantic comedies start out on completely different paths. Usually due to an unexpected turn of events or accident the two main love interest collide in an unusual way. However polar opposite the two seem at first the chemistry is quickly established. In some scenarios the characters take on different identities causing their romances not to know who they really are, causing hearts to break down the road.

Best Examples: Notting Hill, Maid in Manhattan, The Prince and Me

The Bond

Once the initial awkwardness of the meeting has subsided the characters in a good Valentines movie quickly form a bond due to their unique shared circumstances. The best movies will feature a montage preferably set to a great song to showcase the newfound friendship. The bond will continue to develop over the course of the movie.

Best Examples: Leap Year, She’s the Man, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 10 Things I hate about You, Titantic

The Revelation

They were the one. One character finally realizes the chemistry that has been being built up for the whole movie much to the audience’s knowledge.. Unfortunately, this revelation tends to arrive too late because the other character they have been pursing has left, moved on, flown away, about to get married, dancing with someone else…

Best Examples: Clueless (the fountains add a nice touch)

4. The exit followed by the chase

They are gone, now what? Now you have to get them back preferably in the most dramatic fashion possible. Jump in that plane, train, boat, car, cab, motorcycle, or even horse (see Pride and Prejudice) and go to them.

Best Examples: The Proposal, How to Lose a guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, Cinderella

The Dramatic Reunion

To quote Noah from the Notebook “It wasn’t over… it still isn’t over.” and in Rom com land it’s never over. It seems as though these movie characters were born with a six sense for perfect timing because just before it seems like the pair no longer has a shot someone pulls through. This step is when long passionate speeches tend to occur, bonus points for inclimate weather condition. If bystanders in the movie start to clap at this part that’s when you know you picked the right Valentine’s day movie.

Best Examples: The Notebook, Endless Love, Dear John

Whether it be with a group of friends, on your Valentine’s date night or just chilling by yourself February 14th is a great day to grab a comfy blanket, delicious chocolates and watch some classic lovey dovey movies. Below is a complete list of movies that will satisfy any and all of your Valentine’s Day movie-watching needs!

* Available on Netflix

Cheesy Teen Movies