20 romantic movies and TV shows that'll help you build up to Valentine's Day 

Valentine's Day isn't just an event; it is, indeed, a season of love. It is the time for anticipation and tales. Whether with a partner, or friends or enjoying a much-needed "me time," nothing could elevate the mood more than an appropriate romantic flick or a television show. Here is a curated list of 20 picks from romantic classics to contemporary love tales that highlight the joys that true love can bring-passionate, complicated, heartwarming, and impossible to forget, so grab your favorite snacks, settle in, and allow these heartfelt stories to evoke and prepare you for the most romantic day of the year.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this list are solely those of the writer.

1. The Notebook (2004)

A timeless love story that has become the quintessential romantic film of the 21st century, The Notebook stars Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams as Noah and Allie, two lovers who reunite after years apart. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, the film explores themes of love, memory, and fate. Rain kisses or shy scenes of silently sharing history in "The Notebook" by Mike Nichols become a balm for tearing in all Valentine's Days.

2. Pride and Prejudice (2005)

Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen are electric in this adaptation of the Jane Austen classic. Every frame in this film, shot in the golden hour of cinematography, is a feast to the eyes. The rain-soaked declaration of love by Macfadyen remains one of the most swoon-worthy moments in cinema. Interestingly, Joe Wright, the director, had reservations about casting Knightley for the role of Elizabeth Bennet because she was "too pretty". Yet, it was her performance that made the film a modern classic, one that balances wit and vulnerability. This is the ultimate period romance to inspire Valentine's Day vibes.

3. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

This is a bright, shiny romantic comedy that celebrates culture and family far more than it's a love story. Constance Wu and Henry Golding are so genuinely good as Rachel and Nick that their romance really does face the challenges of cultural clashes and family drama. That lavish wedding scene with the water aisle and live performance of "Can't Help Falling in Love" is pure cinematic magic. Fun fact: The movie rekindled the debate regarding all-inclusive representation in Hollywood and unleashed a wave of Asian-led films.

4. La La Land (2016)

Damien Chazelle's cinematic treasure is a poignant love letter to dreamers. Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling star as the lead characters Mia and Sebastian, whose romance blossoms in the golden light of the Los Angeles setting. The film will consume your senses, with its colorful resonance and jazz soundtrack accompanying the story. To this day, the ending remains bitter-sweet and keeps fans debating. Interestingly, this film, the opening freeway dance scene was rehearsed for months and had over 100 dancers.

5. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

This is not just a rom-com that narrates a love story but, instead, changes it. Watching Harry and Sally through 12 years of lost chances, this film captures the beauty of growing love from a base of friendship. With Billy Crystal's sarcasm and Meg Ryan's quirky sweetness, this is an absolutely refreshing match. The film's most iconic moment—the diner scene—was so powerful that it reportedly enhanced tourism to Katz's Delicatessen in New York. With sharp humor and an authentic portrayal of relationships.

6. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

This is an unconventional love story that survives on its rawness and unpredictability. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence shine in this movie as two emotionally scarred individuals who find solace in each other. Lawrence won the Oscar for her fiery charm with Tiffany, and Cooper's performance as Pat was a balance between vulnerability and humor. Did you know that the film's dance finale was choreographed in just two weeks? It's a perfect Valentine's Day film for anyone who needs a heartwarming, fresh take on love, mental health, and second chances.

7. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)

This mind-bending romance involves the exploration of love and heartbreak. Through unforgettable performances from Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, it chronicles Joel and Clementine undergoing a procedure where they forget each other after a very nasty breakup- and then eventually fall in love once again throughout this process. With its exceptional story-telling, raw emotions, and exquisite visual effects, it is easily a standout for the romantic dramas category. Perfect for Valentine's Day, it's a poignant reminder that love, with all its flaws, is worth holding onto.

8. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

A modern version of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, the movie brought together Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in one of the most iconic teen romances of the 1990s. Ledger singing "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" remains a moment to remember, while his mischievous charm won him an instant star status. Interesting fact? The paintball scene was totally ad-libbed between the leads; one could already sense the good chemistry between the two leads. This is a high-school rom-com brimmed with nostalgia and a perfect mix of wit, humor, and romance.

9. The Princess Bride (1987)

The Princess Bride is a cult classic with a tale of love, adventure, and whimsy. The Westley and Buttercup played by Cary Elwes and Robin Wright have seen their love story defy all odds. The dialogues are iconic, full of memorable lines and witty humor. Did you know the budget for this movie was just $16 million? It is indeed one of the most quotable films of all time. The marriage of romance and swashbuckling adventure and an unforgettable cast of characters makes it the perfect pick for anyone looking for a nostalgic feel-good Valentine's Day.

10. About Time (2013)

This heartwarming Richard Curtis film, blending romance and a bit of time-travel magic, finds its endearing protagonists in the pair played by Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, who together portray love and imperfections of life. Beyond the romance, family bonding and the joy of cherishing daily moments have a much deeper meaning to them. A little-known fact: Benedict Cumberbatch was offered Gleeson's role initially. The poignant message of the film—make the most of the time you have—makes it a soulful pick for Valentine's Day reflection.

11. Bridgerton (2020–)

This Regency drama turned Netflix into a destination for sizzling, over-the-top romance. Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Basset of Season 1 brought so much energy and excitement across the globe. From diverse casting to the use of orchestral covers of Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" as the sound of a carriage ride, the series put a twist on old-fashioned period dramas. Little known fact: That iconic "spoon scene" really brought sales for cutlery. It is a perfect blend of passion and scandal, making it the ultimate binge for Valentine's Day.

12. Outlander (2014–)

Outlander is a blend of romance, historical drama, and time travel combined into storytelling, which captures viewers' hearts. Claire's (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie's (Sam Heughan) chemistry is intense, magnetic, and transcends centuries; that makes their love story wonderfully compelling. What really makes this series very different is the emotional depth is not just about passion but involves sacrifice and trial by love. Did you know that the renowned "Sassenach" title was made by Heughan on the location? This became one of the loveliest series moments ever, perfect for rom-com enthusiasts wanting a romance spiced up with adventure.

13. Normal People (2020)

This adaption of Sally Rooney's bestselling novel explores in detail the complexity of relationships as the bond between Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) grows from high school to university. It is a tender, raw take on love, friendship, and self-discovery. The intimacy with which Normal People delves into the emotional and physical connection of two people is the vulnerability inherent in love. Fun fact: Paul Mescal's interpretation of Connell became immediately embedded in popular culture, especially through the "Connell's chain" fashion trend that started gaining popularity after its release.

14. Heartstopper (2022–)

Heartstopper is an all-round feel-good show, especially considering it is an LGBTQ+ series featuring the sweetest and tender love between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor). Taken from Alice Oseman's graphic novel, the show is simply a celebration of love, self-discovery, and acceptance. As such, the chemistry on the screen involving the leads comes across as unbeatable, and the gentle-paced series lets us breathe through the relationship's most organic phases. Fun fact: Heartstopper may be a cultural phenomenon because, in addition to the heartwarming story, it also refreshingly showed LGBTQ+ relationships on screen.

15. Jane the Virgin (2014–2019)

A delightful mix of telenovela drama and warm romance, Jane the Virgin tells the story of Jane Villanueva (Gina Rodriguez), whose life is turned upside down when she is accidentally inseminated during a routine medical check-up. Over-the-top twists are balanced masterfully with emotional moments, such as those shared between Jane and Michael (Brett Dier) and Rafael (Justin Baldoni). Fun fact: Gina Rodriguez became the first Latina to win the Best Actress in a TV Comedy category in decades after winning her Golden Globe for this role.

16. Love, Victor (2020–2022)

A spin-off of Love, Simon, Love, Victor revolves around the journey of Victor (Michael Cimino), as he learns the truth about love by struggling through the issues of coming out. It offers a new and contemporary LGBTQ+ romance drama to explore, raising the concerns of identity, family, and self-acceptance. With such storylines and diverse characters, the series makes its representation of love, not just relatable but powerful as well. The series has received praise for breaking barriers, with many considering it a game-changer for teen romantic dramas.

17. Gilmore Girls (2000–2007)

Gilmore Girls is an all-time combination of wit, warmth, and romanticism set in the idealistic Stars Hollow, where love stories crawl in tandem with fast-talking humor. The relationship between Lorelai and Luke, as well as Rory's love affairs with Dean, Jess, and Logan, all grab attention, offering the most relatable highs and lows of romance. Fun fact? Filming required the cast to perform at a rate of 20% faster than fast. This series would be a perfect accompaniment for Valentine, an embrace that warms and brings comfort, laughter, and love into every episode.

18. Younger (2015–2021)

This series is the perfect Valentine's Day binge for someone who likes a little career-driven plot and some good romance sizzlers. Sutton Foster plays the part of Liza, a 40-something-year-old woman, posing to become a 26-year-old lady in the publishing world so as to acquire that highly coveted position. Therein lies a tangled web between love, triangles, and three quite different guys. The series is full of sharp humor, unexpected twists, and a deep dive into what it means to reinvent oneself at any stage of life.

19. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2022)

Love and time travel may not mix well, but in The Time Traveler's Wife, everything goes so fine. Theo James takes the role of Henry, the man with an uncontrollable life traveling through time. The film's star, though, is the beautiful Clare portrayed by Rose Leslie. This romantic adventure, however poignant it gets through its long moments of yearning and loss, cannot get tired of fighting challenges posed by both time and memory. Fun fact: the time travel sequence was so complicated that James had to rehearse his scenes for hours to get the emotional beats through with all the shifting timelines.

20. Sweet Magnolias (2020–)

Sweet Magnolias is an emotional drama Southern series full of friendship and romantic feelings. It has three best friends, Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue, who try to navigate through the ups and downs of life. The series speaks for resilience, love, and the community; so, this makes it a warm escape on Valentine's Day. It's different because of how it portrayed women's friendships and proved that a deep friendship is not merely romantic but rather platonic, too. That chemistry and this scenic Southside backdrop are to leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.