Last updated on May 22nd, 2026 at 10:42 am
Valentine’s Day calls for a movie that matches your vibe—cozy, funny, swoony, adventurous, or cathartic. This ranked list of the best Valentine’s Day movies blends iconic romance, rewatch value, and audience love, with quick “who it’s for” guidance so you can pick the perfect Valentine’s Day movie night in minutes.
Quick pick by vibe
- Want funny + romantic? Notting Hill, When Harry Met Sally…
- Want a tearjerker? The Notebook
- Want something artsy / emotionally real? Eternal Sunshine, Before Sunrise
- Want a timeless classic? Casablanca, Roman Holiday
Table of Contents
10 Best Valentine’s Day Movies
10. Notting Hill (1999)
A cozy, crowd-pleasing “ordinary person meets superstar” romance—sweet, funny, and extremely easy to watch with a date.
- IMDb: 7.2/10 (379K votes)
- CinemaScore: B+
- Best for: a relaxed, low-pressure Valentine’s Day movie night where you want smiles more than drama.
9. The Notebook (2004)
Peak “tissues required” Valentine’s viewing—big feelings, devotion-over-time, and a love story designed to make you cry together.
- IMDb: 7.8/10 (678K votes)
- CinemaScore: A
- Best for: couples who want a full-on emotional release and don’t mind a little (or a lot of) sobbing.
8. Pride & Prejudice (2005)
Slow-burn tension, chemistry in every glance, and a payoff that feels earned—one of the most satisfying period romances to rewatch.
- IMDb: 7.8/10 (371K votes)
- CinemaScore: A−
- Best for: “yearning” energy—if you love romance that simmers before it explodes.
7. The Princess Bride (1987)
Romance plus adventure, comedy, and nonstop quotability. It’s playful, charming, and basically impossible to hate.
- IMDb: 8.0/10 (481K votes)
- CinemaScore: A+
- Best for: Valentine’s Day when you want something fun and flirty—not overly serious, but still romantic.
6. Roman Holiday (1953)
Old-school charm with a bittersweet edge: a “one perfect day” love story that feels elegant, classic, and quietly heartbreaking.
- IMDb: 8.0/10 (156K votes)
- Metacritic score: 8.1
- Best for: couples who love classic Hollywood romance and don’t need a sugary ending to feel satisfied.
5. Amélie (2001)
Whimsical, warm, and visually comforting—more “falling in love with life” than traditional rom-com beats, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s.
- IMDb: 8.3/10 (832K votes)
- Metacritic score: 8.3
- Best for: an artsy, cozy Valentine’s Day movie when you want something uplifting and dreamy.
4. When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
The gold-standard rom-com: sharp, honest, and deeply satisfying—especially if you like love stories grounded in friendship and real conversation.
- IMDb: 7.7/10 (269K votes)
- CinemaScore: A+
- Best for: a date night where you want laughs, warmth, and a romance that feels believable.
3. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A romantic movie that also interrogates romance—emotionally raw, inventive, and painfully human (in the best way).
- IMDb: 8.3/10 (1.2M votes)
- CinemaScore: B−
- Best for: couples who want something “real”—beautiful, messy, and conversation-starting after the credits.
2. Before Sunrise (1995)
Pure connection-on-screen: basically an entire movie made of chemistry, conversation, and that “this night could change everything” feeling.
- IMDb: 8.1/10 (372K votes)
- CinemaScore: B
- Best for: a romantic Valentine’s Day vibe where you want intimacy, not spectacle.
1. Casablanca (1942)
The all-timer: iconic dialogue, sweeping romance, and the ultimate “love vs. duty” bittersweet glow—still wildly watchable today.
- IMDb: 8.5/10 (650K votes)
- Metacritic score: 8.7
- Best for: Valentine’s Day when you want a legendary romance that hits hard and sticks the landing.
Why these are the best Valentine’s Day movies
This list is built for Valentine’s Day movie night success: each pick is romantic, highly rewatchable, and strongly loved by audiences—reflected in IMDb ratings/vote volume and (where available) CinemaScore audience grades.
FAQ
What’s the best Valentine’s Day movie of all time?
On this ranked list, #1 is Casablanca for its enduring romance and iconic status.
What are the best Valentine’s Day movies for couples who want comedy?
Try Notting Hill, When Harry Met Sally…, or The Princess Bride—romantic, funny, and easy to enjoy together.
What’s the best Valentine’s Day movie if you want to cry?
The Notebook is the reliable tearjerker pick.
