Instead of splashing out on an expensive meal this Valentine’s, why not have a romantic night in watching a themed film?
Here we bring you our top 10 romantic movies to give you food for thought.
Which is your favourite? Vote in our poll.
Love Actually (2003)
This fast-paced comedy-drama follows eight couples as they make up and break up in London.
Their stories are somewhat intertwined, and everyone can relate to at least one of the relationships under scrutiny.
Martine McCutheon and Hugh Grant are our favourites.
A feel-good movie that will make everyone laugh, with the perfect smattering of romance to make it appeal to all.
The Holiday (2006)
This has become a Christmas staple, but the wintery feel will make you want to snuggle up under a blanket together this Valentine’s Day. Starring Jude Law and Cameron Diaz, the transatlantic romance is destined to happen from the off, but there are a few unexpected twists and we are left wondering whether it will stay the course.
Watch it to find out.
The Notebook (2004)
The classic ‘love across the divide’ story, this movie is set in the 1940s and the story unfolds in Seabrook Island, South Carolina.
Ryan Gosling plays country boy Noah and Rachel McAdams takes on the role of young heiress Allie.
The pair’s romance is short-lived after an argument breaks out with her parents.
Both continue to hold a torch for one another and years later, their paths cross again.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Okay, we have all seen it. Dozens of times. But it makes it no less amusing when Bridget’s signature granny pants are hauled out of her suitcase by the customs officers and she mutters under her breath “they’re not my favourite pair”.
We are all well-versed in the plot, unlucky-in-love, disaster-prone Bridget, played by Renee Zellwegger, details her daily dramas in her trusted diary, through which the story is told.
Bridget falls for notorious womaniser, Daniel Cleaver, played by Hugh Grant, but her heart really belongs to the appropriately-named Mr Mark Darcy, played by Colin Firth.
Easy watching, especially if you know the plot, but one to make you laugh, cry and gush all at once.
Notting Hill (1999)
Hugh Grant takes the leading role (who says actors are type-cast?) in this genre-defining rom-com, now a cult classic.
Grant’s character, Will, encounters Hollywood Star Anna Scott, played by Julia Roberts. Their romance begins in a very unstarry manner with a dinner date at the home of Will’s sister, Honey.
If you haven’t seen this, make a date for Valentine’s night and download it now.
50 First Dates (2004)
Hilariously funny yet touchingly poignant, this is a slow burner for fans of true romance.
Stick with it, even if you cannot abide Adam Sandler, it is well worth the wait.
Sandler’s character Henry is the true Hawaiian play boy until he comes across Lucy, played by Drew Barrymore, who he hits it off with straight away.
But the morning after their first date, she acts as if she doesn’t even know him - but not because she is not interested, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss.
As the title suggests, there are more dates to follow. Enjoy.
The Vow (2012)
The memory loss theme continues in this gut-wrenching romantic drama featuring Rachel McAdams and the gorgeous Channing Tatum.
The film opens with a hopelessly romantic scene that makes your heart melt, Paige, played by McAdams, unclips her seatbelt so she can lean in for a kiss with her besotted husband Leo.
Then disaster strikes, their car is wiped out by a truck. Both survive, and Paige recovers physically but her memory is shattered, so much so that she has no recollection of marrying Leo or even falling in love with him.
Watch as Leo struggles to cope with the rejection, painful to see but the raw emotion that Tatum bring to the role makes it enthralling viewing.
Will they find true love once more? We will leave it to you to find out.
Ps I love You (2007)
This adaptation of Cecelia Ahern’s novel gets off to good start with a strong cast made up of Gerald Butler and Hilary Swank.
Ladies, this is perhaps one best viewed with your girlfriends as you will undoubtedly shed a tear or two.
When Gerry discovers he has a life-limiting illness he plans ahead, leaving a string of letters for his wife Holly. The first arrives on her 30th birthday and the subsequent installments lead her to his homeland, Ireland.
Her emotions range from exasperation and frustration to thankful and lonely as the journey continues. Just what will she discover about her late husband?
The soundtrack, featuring Fairytale of New York and Mustang Sally, adds an extra dimension to this film. Add it to yourto-see list, even if you are busy this Valentine’s.
Blended (2014)
Sandler and Barrymore are back in this hilariously funny family movie - perhaps one to watch with the children, especially if you are a step-parent with your own ‘blended’ family.
The pair meet on a blind date (at Hooters) and are subsequently thrown together in a family holiday resort.
Between they have five children, which adds to the chaos of this, erm, blossoming romance.
There might be tears with this one. From the laughter.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in this classic romance story that begins with a radio call in.
Your heart will melt as Annie, played by Ryan, throws caution to the wind and invites Sam, played by Hanks, to meet her atop the Empire State Building - on Valentine’s Day.
How could you not choose February 14 to re-watch this beautiful love story?
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