Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and whether you have a Valentine, Feb. 14 is a great excuse to watch a fun romantic comedy. This year, Valentine’s Day coincides with the Friday before reading week. Here is a list of ten heart-warming rom-coms that are sure to warm up your Valentine’s Day and winter reading week.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) was undoubtedly one of the most successful rom-coms of the 2010s. Based on the novel of the same name, the movie follows Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding) as they travel to Singapore for a friend’s wedding. As the story progresses, Rachel attempts to win over Nick’s mother while handling the pressures that come with being in the socialite spotlight.
Based on the real-life relationship of actor Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick (2017) is one of the most heartwarming rom-coms made in a while. Born to Pakistani immigrant parents, Kumail struggles to advance his career in stand-up comedy. At one of his comedy shows, he meets Emily. Knowing that his parents will disapprove of him marrying outside his culture, Kumail keeps his relationship with Emily discreet. While trying to balance his traditional parents and his non-traditional career, his relationship with Emily is put to the test. With a heartwarming ending, this movie has everything you could ever want out of a rom-com.
Inspired by Jojo Moyes’ book of the same name Me Before You (2016) chronicles the love story of Louisa Clark (Emilia Clarke), a caregiver, and Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a recently paralyzed banker. The acting in this movie is excellent — Clarke’s performance is especially moving. Equal parts tear-jerker and rom-com, Me Before You (2016) is a beautiful storyand sure to be a future classic. If you are planning on watching this movie on Valentine’s Day, plan on having two boxes of tissues and some comfort snacks.
For fans of fantasy, The Princess Bride (1987) is the perfect movie to watch this Valentine’s Day. With stunning visuals that you just do not get with the fantasy films of today, this movie cements itself as the most nostalgic, feel-good rom-com to watch this February.
Released in 1996, The Birdcage starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane was truly ahead of its time. Armand (Robin Williams) and Albert (Nathan Lane) are forced to conceal their relationship and family dynamics as their son Val (Dan Futterman), is marrying into a politically active and conservative family. Filled with both laughs and sweet, tender moments, The Birdcage is the ultimate rom-com to watch this February.
Bend it Like Beckham (2002) might just be one of the best rom-coms ever made. Set in London in the early 2000s, eighteen-year-old Jess Bharma (Parminder Nagra) is the daughter of Punjabi immigrants. Bonding through their mutual love for soccer, Jess and Jules Paxton (Keira Knightley) become close friends. Jules eventually convinces Jess to try out for the local team, and she makes it. Because of Jess’s strict parents, the girls must work together to keep Jess’s secret life as a soccer player a secret. Themes like girlhood, true loveand team-work are highlighted in this rom-com, which is what makes it such a magical watch.
A true classic, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) highlights the best parts of popular 2000s rom-coms. Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) makes a bet with her friend, Michelle, that she will be able to force a guy to break up with her in ten days by imitating Michelle’s behaviour. Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) makes a bet with his boss that he can make any woman fall in love with him within ten days. As the two hide their true objectives from each other, they begin to actually fall in love. Through a hilarious premise, the movie has viewers invested in this ‘will they or won’t they’ relationship. Laurier student, Madison, says it’s one of her favourites. “It’s funny and I love Matthew McConaughey!” How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is definitely one to rewatch this February.
With an internationally star-studded cast, Bride and Prejudice (2004) is a fantastic introduction for any viewer looking to expand their film repertoire with Bollywood films. A retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this movie has the perfect blend of singing, dancing, comedy, and empowerment.
In recent years, fairytale retellings have been making a comeback. A nostalgic fan favourite, Enchanted (2007) is the perfect movie to add to your reading week rom-com watch list. A fairytale princess, Giselle (Amy Adams), is transported to New York City, where circumstances lead Robert (Patrick Dempsey) to help her as she navigates a new world. After getting to know each other, Giselle and Robert realize their love for each other.
No rom-com list would be complete without Mamma Mia (2008) – especially if you have been looking forward to summer weather. A cult classic for a reason, this film incorporates equal parts comedy and romance, paired with top-tier acting.
Whether or not you have a Valentine this February, make sure to take a study break by watching one of these rom-coms.
Graphic by Bachir Miloudi
