Valentines day is just around the corner, and with social distancing recommendations still in place, and a cold front rolling over the country, it is the perfect time to stay in, snuggle up and watch a movie. Here are seven romantic movies to watch with your significant other or galentines this weekend!
1. Safe Haven
Safe Haven centers around a young woman named Katie fleeing the dangers of her past and finding refuge in the seaside town of Southport, North Carolina. There, she meets Alex, a local shop owner and widower with two young children. Their lives quickly become intertwined, but before they can hope to build a future together, they first have to survive the memories and man from Katie’s past that have followed her all the way to Southport.
Fun Fact: Kiera Knightly was offered the lead role, but she was unable to accept it due to filming conflicts, and the part instead went to Julianne Hough.
2. Beautiful Creatures.
The tiny town of Gatlin, North Carolina is rife with scenic beauty of the Southern landscape, ceaseless gossip, and Civil War history. It is also home to the Duchannes, a family that is rumored to be guarding a deep secret. When a mysterious member of the Duchannes family, Lena, moves to town, she is quickly befriended by a local boy named Ethan Wate. Ethan’s relationship with Lena draws him into the dangerous web of secrecy surrounding the Duchannes family. The pair must navigate the town’s whispers, familial disapproval, and immense supernatural danger in the hopes of remaining together.
Fun Fact: This film is based on the first book in “The Caster Chronicles” series, written by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.
3. Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Set in England in the early 1800’s, this film tells the story of the five eligible daughters of the Bennett family, and their frantic, yet well-intentioned mother who is determined to find them all suitable husbands. The film centers around the marital prospects of the two eldest daughters, Jane and Elizabeth, which are set into motion when the wealthy Mr. Bingley and his friend Mr. Darcy take up residence in a neighboring estate. This film is ideal for those who love period pieces or who enjoyed the slow-burn romance of Bridgerton. Be prepared to watch this film with the subtitles on to catch the witty dialogue and quick exchanges that Jane Austen is known for.
Fun Fact: The most recent remake of the film was released in 2005, and an updated remake is being considered for the film.
4. Hannah Montana: The Movie
Building off of the Hannah Montana Disney Channel series, this movie follows pop star Miley Stewart as she returns to small town Tennessee and her country roots. Here she meets, Travis, a farm boy who reminds her that small town living can have its charms. This film has a highly musical element to it, and features songs from Taylor Swift, the Rascal Flatts, and of course Miley Cyrus. This film is ideal for younger audiences, or anyone who wants to revisit the days when Hannah Montana was pop culture icon.
Fun Fact: This movie features an original Taylor Swift song, “Crazier”, which is not included in any of her other albums.
5. Casino Royale.
This film follows 007 agent James Bond across the globe on a mission to a stop a financier for terrorist organizations. Whereas women do not play central or pivotal roles in many Bond films, Vesper Lynd, a banker who becomes entangled in Bond’s mission, breaks this pattern; she is a quick-witted and capable woman who boldly maneuvers through the danger that quickly surrounds her and Bond. Though a Bond film may seem a bit out of place on this list, Casino Royale owes much of its acclaim and success to the dynamic romance between James Bond and Vesper Lynd.
Fun Fact: The name “Vesper Lynd” is designed to sound like “West Berlin” to represent her complex nature and shifting loyalties.
Anther fun fact: Rumors are circulating that Regé-Jean Page, also known as The Duke from Bridgerton, will play James Bond in the next installment of the 007 series
6. Atonement.
This film features the incredible talents of James McAvoy and Kiera Knightly, as two young adults living in the English countryside during World War II. As the two finally begin to give into their feelings, a terrible crime occurs and the confusion that follows tear the two apart. This intense and emotionally-packed film reminds viewers of how compelling love is, yet how fragile it can be.
Fun fact: Kiera Knightley’s green, silk dress which she wears in the library scene is considered one of the most iconic movie costumes.
7. The Man from Uncle
If you can get past the recent controversy surrounding Armie Hammer, you will find that The Man from Uncle, is a true hidden gem. This film blends action, comedy, and romantic intrigue into a snappy and visually stunning story. Set in the early 1960’s, a slick CIA spy, a stern KGB agent, and a feisty car mechanic with ties to a German nuclear scientist, find themselves working together on a mission to stop the release of an atomic bomb. While this movie may be primarily classified as an action movie, its romantic relationships propel and deepen the plot and make it a captivating film.
Fun Fact: Though it was able to find success after it was released to streaming services, the film was not met with box office success as it was overshadowed by the almost simultaneous release of the 5th Mission Impossible film.