Valentine’s Day is often seen as a day for couples to celebrate, but let’s not forget that it’s the perfect excuse for a cozy movie night when you’re flying solo. Whether you’re in the mood for rom-coms, empowering films, or just want to laugh the night away, there’s something for everyone. So grab your snacks, snuggle in, and enjoy the following handpicked films that will make you forget all about the holiday’s lovey-dovey vibe.
1. Eat Pray Love (2010)
If you’re in the mood for self-reflection and a dash of adventure, Eat Pray Love is the perfect pick. Julia Roberts stars as a woman who embarks on a journey around the world to rediscover herself after a difficult breakup. This inspiring story is both heartwarming and empowering, and it’ll leave you feeling like taking on the world—no romantic partner necessary.
2. Legally Blonde (2001)
Who says you need a man to be happy or successful? Legally Blonde is a classic that will have you laughing, crying (from happiness), and rooting for Elle Woods, who shows us all that with a little bit of pink and a lot of heart, you can conquer anything. Plus, it’s a great reminder that love starts with loving yourself first.
3. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
This one’s for the romantics who need a bit of a reality check. 500 Days of Summer offers a refreshing look at relationships and breakups, with Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel in the lead roles. It’s bittersweet but ultimately uplifting, reminding you that love is complicated, but it’s also part of life’s journey.
4. The Proposal (2009)
If you’re craving a feel-good rom-com that will make you laugh out loud, The Proposal is a great choice. Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the movie centers around an unlikely marriage between a book editor and her assistant. It’s lighthearted, funny, and full of adorable moments, making it the perfect antidote to the Valentine’s Day blues.
5. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Sure, it’s not a traditional romance, but The Devil Wears Prada is a movie that celebrates ambition, independence, and personal growth—plus, Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway are a dynamite duo. It’s the ideal watch for those who want to see a female lead thriving in her career, with the occasional romantic twist thrown in.
6. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
We all know the struggle of trying to balance life, love, and everything in between. Bridget Jones’s Diary is the quintessential “single girl” movie that follows the hilarious and relatable journey of Bridget as she navigates her career, friendships, and romantic misadventures. It’s awkward, funny, and will make you feel like you’re not alone in your own romantic follies.
7. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
If you’re feeling the need for a bit of escape, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a must-watch. Ben Stiller stars as a man who daydreams of adventures while living a somewhat dull life. His journey towards self-discovery will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone—even if it’s just from the comfort of your couch.
8. Notting Hill (1999)
This movie is a warm hug in film form. Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Notting Hill tells the charming story of a bookshop owner who falls in love with a famous movie star. It’s a classic rom-com with a healthy dose of charm, and it’ll remind you that love can be unexpected, magical, and worth waiting for.
9. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
This one is for those who are in the mood to laugh off any breakup blues. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a hilarious and heartwarming movie about a guy who, after a breakup, tries to move on by taking a vacation in Hawaii—only to find his ex staying at the same resort with her new boyfriend. It’s awkward, funny, and full of heart, making it the perfect distraction from all the Valentine’s Day hype.
10. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
If you’re in the mood for a movie that balances humor, romance, and a bit of emotional depth, Crazy, Stupid, Love is the way to go. Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone, this film follows several intertwining love stories and proves that even when things go wrong, there’s always room for growth and second chances.