Valentine’s Day Evolves: A Celebration of Love in All Forms
Valentine’s Day has transcended into more than just a Hallmark holiday. In 2025, it’s about cherishing love in every guise and finding what makes your heart sing. Whether you’re in a relationship or celebrating alone, today is about embracing the emotions that make you feel whole.
Parks and Recreation‘ star Leslie Knope, portrayed brilliantly by Amy Poehler, pioneered Galentine’s Day in Season 2 of the sitcom. She declared it “the best day of the year,” a tradition that’s caught on globally, encouraging us to celebrate friendships as much as love.
Inspired by the spirit of Galentine’s Day, we thought we’d dive into another form of celebration—love through movies. We call it “Film-times,” a growing collection of romantic gems for every taste. Keep scrolling for an A-Z guide of the best love stories to watch this Valentine’s Day.
A: About Time
Director Richard Curtis crafted About Time as a charming and heartfelt love story about the value of every moment. Tim Lake, played by Domhnall Gleeson, discovers his family’s secret ability to time travel. As he uses this power to improve his romantic life, especially with Mary (Rachel McAdams), the film reminds us to cherish our time with loved ones.
B: Bridget Jones’s Diary
Bridget Jones’s Diary is a beloved classic with a balance of laughter and love. Directed by Sharon Maguire, the movie follows Bridget Jones, Renée Zellweger, as she navigates a love triangle. With iconic moments like the “ugly sweater” Christmas party and the line “I like you just as you are,” this film is as funny as it is endearing.
C: Clueless
A modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless from Amy Heckerling features beloved characters like Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) and Josh (Paul Rudd). Known for its fashion, wit, and a refreshing Will-they-won’t-they romance, this must-watch is perfect for Galentine’s Day.
D: Definitely, Maybe
Definitely, Maybe explores how our past loves shape our identities. Ryan Reynolds stars as a divorced father, Will, who regales his daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) with tales of his past loves, changing names each time. The movie’s twisty plot and adorable little Protagonist make it uniquely endearing.
E: Easy A
Emma Stone stars in this delightful comedy, Easy A, directed by Will Gluck. It reimagines The Scarlet Letter with a modern twist. The film’s sassy dialogue and Emma’s winning performance earn it a well-deserved spot on this list.
F: Friends with Benefits
Jessica Simpson and Justin Timberlake lead the charge in Friends with Benefits, a rom-com that pokes fun at itself. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis play two friends in a casual romantic arrangement, with their funny dynamics and sizzling chemistry making for a crowd-pleaser.
G: Grease
Grease is a timeless love story set against the backdrop of iconic ’50s fashion and music. Directed by Randal Kleiser, the film follows Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (John Travolta) as they fall in love. The soundtrack is as iconic as the lead actors, with memorable tunes like “Summer Nights” and “You’re the One That I Want.”
H: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
A classic romantic comedy, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days tells a story of a woman’s schemes to push away a man she can’t seem to forget. The film’s feel-good charm and memorable fashion will keep audiences entertained.
I: It’s Complicated
It’s Complicated offers a nuanced look at complicated love lives. Starring Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin, the film explores the complexities of love and commitment in a post-divorce world. The epic dance scene featuring The Beach Boys will steal your heart.
J: Jerry Maguire
Jerry Maguire elevates the rom-com formula with its memorable quotes and powerful life lessons. Directed by Cameron Crowe and starring Tom Cruise and Renée Zellweger, the film follows a football agent and a single mother navigating their budding relationship amid career struggles.
K: Knocked Up
Judd Apatow’s Knocked Up explores the unexpected consequences of a one-night stand. Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl star as Ben and Alison, whose night turns into a pregnancy, forcing them to rethink their future together.
L: Love Actually
Director Richard Curtis’s Love Actually combines sugary romance with bittersweet moments. The ensemble cast, including Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, and Hugh Grant, tells diverse stories that intertwine into a single, heartwarming tale about love in all its forms.
M: My Best Friend’s Wedding
From Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts comes My Best Friend’s Wedding, a rom-com that cemented Diaz as a Hollywood icon and Robert’s career. The film’s comedic elements, coupled with Julia Roberts’ compelling performance, make for a must-watch.
N: Notting Hill
Notting Hill combines romance, comedy, and cultural tension. Directed by Roger Michell, the film stars Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant as a famous movie star and a humble bookshop owner. Their complex relationship has resonated with audiences since 1999.
O: Only You
Only You offers a realistic portrayal of modern romance. Directed by Harry Wootliff and starring Laia Costa and Josh O’Connor, the film follows two strangers who fall for each other and learn the significance of living in the moment.
P: Pretty Woman
Pretty Woman is Julia Roberts’s breakout film, launching her into Hollywood stardom. Set in 1990, the movie features Roberts as Vivian Ward, a prostitute who becomes the romantic interest of a wealthy businessman, played by Richard Gere. The iconic soundtrack and Roberts’s charisma make it a favorite.
Q: Quiet Man
The Quiet Man blends romance, humor, and cultural misunderstandings. Directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, the film tells the story of Sean Thornton, an American boxer who falls for strong-willed Mary Kate Danaher in Ireland.
R: Return to Me
Return to Me is a heartfelt love story that explores the themes of grief and love. Directed by Martha Coolidge, the film followsGrace Briggs (Minnie Driver), who receives a heart transplant from Bob Rueland’s deceased wife, leading to a connection between the two.
S: Sleepless in Seattle
Director Nora Ephron’s Sleepless in Seattle follows Tom Hanks’ Sam Baldwin, a widowed father trying to move on from grief. A radio request brings him in contact with Meg Ryan’s Annie Reed, setting the stage for a charming romance. Sam Hanks considers it one of his favorite films.
T: The 40-Year-Old Virgin
The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a comedic gem directed by Judd Apatow. Steve Carell stars as Andy, a 40-year-old virgin who attempts to lose his virginity with his friends’ help. The film’s blend of awkward humor and heartfelt moments is sure to entertain.
U: Up
Up, an animated film by Pixar, explores deep love and connection between Carl and Ellie. The bond between them is depicted through silent montages that highlight their life together from childhood to old age. Dug, the lovable dog, steals the show with his antics.
V: Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day features an ensemble cast including Ashton Kutcher, Jessica Alba, and Julia Roberts. Directed by Garry Marshall, the film follows multiple couples and singles in Los Angeles navigating various love-related challenges on Valentine’s Day.
W: When Harry Met Sally
When Harry Met Sally is a comedic love story directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan play the titular characters, sharing a friendship that evolves with humorous and heartfelt moments. The scene at Katz’s Delicatessen is widely cited in popular culture.
X: XOXO
Y: You’ve Got Mail
You’ve Got Mail reunites Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks as two bookshop owners who begin a rivalry-turned-love story. Set in a pre-digital age, their relationship blossoms through secret emails. The film is a remake of the 1940 classic The Shop Around the Corner.
Z: Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Zack and Miri Make a Porno is a bold and outrageous comedy starring Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks. The movie follows two best friends who decide to make a porn film to pay off debts, leading to unexpected romantic connections. The film’s wild humor will keep audiences laughing.
Conclusion: Find Your Perfect Valentine’s Day Movie
From classic rom-coms to modern love stories, this A-Z guide to Valentine’s Day movies offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a heartwarming tale or a humorous romantic adventure, these films are sure to delight on this special day.
So, what will your perfect Valentine’s Day movie be? Let us know in the comments below, and share with your friends. Don’t forget to subscribe and share on social media to stay updated with our movie guides and more!