Dory’s must watch Valentine’s Day movies

1. A Walk to Remember 

My heart was simply destroyed after watching this movie, but it was worth it. 

A jaded and irresponsible boy meets a “goodie goodie” girl and slowly falls in love with her. If you’re into 2000’s nostalgia and high school romance this is for you. I personally think it took a while to get to the main plot, but once you’re there, you can’t stop smiling, then crying. If you need a heartfelt cry, bring your tissues and snuggle up.

2. Queen and Slim

This movie was just wow, and it didn’t get the recognition it deserved. It highlights a Black couple who get into trouble and commit a crime together after their date. They fall in love as they drive across the country in hopes of escaping law enforcement. 

It is filled with the gut wrenching realities of being Black in America and will cover all your emotional bases in just two hours. A must see if you like crime love stories. 

3. La La Land 

I forget my love affair with this film. It is a classic Hollywood musical, breaking into song and dance is sometimes cringe-worthy, but getting past that is easy with the amazing cinematography.

 Featuring A-list actors Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, you will fall in love with their love, and scream at the TV when the movie ends.

4. 17 Again

Never have I ever recognized so many people from one movie! Every actor and actress from A-Z seems to be in this film.

17 Again is new on Netflix and great if you’re looking for an alternative Rom-Com. A man who married his pregnant highschool sweetheart, has a new chance to relive high school in order to get her back after he loses touch with what really matters. 

This was a movie I always wanted to see but never wanted to rent it, now that it’s on Netflix it’s most definitely on my must-see list, and of course Zac Effron makes it even more top-notch.

5. Baby Driver

I’ll be honest, I only watched this movie because of the spectacular trailer. I was sucked in by the fast paced action and accompanying soundtrack. Ansel Algort plays a music lover and talented getaway driver for a group of bank robbers, and after watching I’d say the movie lived up to the trailer and more. 

The opening scene is perfectly correlated with the music and there’s just the right balance of action and love. If you’re into love and crime this one’s for you.

6. The Theory of Everything

This movie is an amazing cross between romance and biography.  The movie follows Stephen Hawking and his journey becoming an astrophysicist and meeting the love of his life. Watching his relationship conquer all as his muscles slowly failed him due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was heartbreaking but liberating. 

If you aren’t into heavy romances, this subtle one might be the way to go. 

7. Crazy Rich Asians

Hopefully you watched this movie when it came out because it was phenomenal. With one of the first full Asian casted movies in Hollywood, this movie broke stereotypes and box sale office records. 

Just like in a fairytale, Rachel Chu is surprised to find out that her boyfriend turns out to be incredibly wealthy and famous. Her world is abruptly turned upside down and she has to figure out how to adjust. This is a must watch to fulfill your fairytale fantasy.

8. Lady Bird

Hear me out on this one, I wouldn’t consider it a romance, but it’s definitely a coming-of-age drama with some snippets of realistic high school love. Christine McPherson, or as she calls herself “Lady Bird,” has to figure out how to navigate high school and her homelife all while feeling like she doesn’t belong. 

If you enjoy indie-type coming-of-age films, this is a must see as we all could relate to something in this movie.

9. The Spectacular Now

This is another coming-of-age drama, light on romance, heavy on the growing up. By the end of this one you’ll most definitely have had butterflies at least once. 

In my opinion this film was a bit slow moving but fulfilling. It was first played at the Sundance Film Festival and includes two unlikely characters that become friends and fall in love. This is the movie to watch if you don’t enjoy steamy love as much as slow romance and friendship. 

10. Footloose (1984)

Footloose is definitely a classic must watch for anyone and everyone. It’s another musical-type drama, so of course if you’re not fond of that, maybe this one isn’t right for you, but you’ll be missing out. Taking place in a small, conservative town where dancing is illegal, a big city boy has to figure out how to convince the town’s preacher that dancing doesn’t have to be sinful. 

This happens all while he falls in love with the preacher’s daughter, and after getting the ban on dancing abolished he show’s her a good time, dancing of course.