An Alternative List of Valentine’s Movies for the Hopeful Romantics

This year instead of giving you typical lovey-dovey films that I have watched more times than I can count, such as, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and 13 Going on 30,  I decided to share some movies that I stumbled upon over the years, which may not fit into everyone’s Valentine’s Day mold, but they all contain the puzzling emotions that we like to call love.

As a hopeful romantic yet still to this day, nursing some pretty deep wounds from previous holidays, I know that love comes in so many delicate forms. It has the power to not only excite us, but it can also really blind us.

It is important to distinguish between love and lust. There’s a lot of murky waters to swim through dealing with those feelings.

Be okay with embracing singlehood until you find someone who is worthy in your eyes of changing your Facebook status for. “I’m not willing to gamble my whole life on someone who’s, well, not quite sure. It’s like you said. I’m still looking for something more extraordinary than that.” ~Bridget, Bridget Jones’s Diary

Also a detail not to overlook; promptly jump ship when the love that you’re pouring out to someone is unrequited. “I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn’t know you had inside you. And it doesn’t matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends… you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood.” – Iris, The Holiday.

Movie List:

Love Me If You Dare: A French delight that is beautifully filmed and challenges the ways we perceive love through the ages. A childhood game of innocence trails into adulthood and spirals out of control leaving unresolved feelings mangled in confusion.

Warm Bodies: You may roll your eyes and wonder how can a zombie movie be on this list, but give it a chance and see Nicholas Hoult shine in his role as “R.”  Another quirky but well-done film that really  captures the essence of survival, companionship and the complexities of love.

Kissed:  If there is one movie that you will always remember Molly Parker for, this Canadian film would be it.  A controversial yet sensual piece about love in a very intimate way. What line would you be willing to cross between the world of the living and beyond?

He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not: I was shocked to see Audrey Tautou (the sweetheart from Amelie!) in such a dark and provocative role, but this one really caught my attention. A dose of romantic obsession never ceases to thrill me.

Howard The Duck: Do you have a soft spot for the cheesy and quirkiness of this 80’s gem? I sure do. It grew on me, the more times I watched it. The connection between Howard and big-hair, big-dreamer, Beverly, is sweet and playful. Yes, maybe just a tad bit out of the ordinary too, which makes this a perfect choice for the list.

The Hunger: Fangs out everyone! Who doesn’t love a good vampire love triangle story? Staring the beloved David Bowie, and directed by Tony Scott, it will get you a little hot under the collar.

Get Real: A sweet coming-of-age British film that explores the topic of sexuality and dealing with the jittery, sweaty-palms, heart-pumping emotions of love. Ben Silverstone is so endearing in this role, and with a lot of funny and “a-ha” moments, you’ll see that whether you’re gay or straight, there’s no perfect way to fall in love sometimes.

So there are a handful of films that you may want to try and find on February 14th! If you are mourning the loss of a love lost or planning on hexing your ex with sage on Valentine’s Day, remember to take a moment and smile because as alone as you may feel, I believe there is someone special in this big wide world who is thinking of you. “My dearest friend, If you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side. Where we could gaze into the stars, and sit together, now and forever. For it is plain as anyone could see, we’re simply meant to be.”– Jack, Nightmare Before Christmas.

Have any favourites that I should check out? Send me a message and let me know!