Valentine’s day is the perfect excuse to slow down, light a few candles and lose yourself in a love story. Whether you are the type for sweeping epics or closer to modern romantics, there are some films which are timeless choices for 2026.
Titanic
James Cameron’s epic romance is about Jack and Rose (played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet) who fall in love aboard the doomed luxury liner.
Their story takes place amid class divisions and impending tragedy and everything becomes more urgent and hard to forget. A timeless classic that remains the definition of cinematic romance.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey sparkle in this playful Rom-Com about two professionals who are secretly using each other in career bets.
What is initially a game develops into real love. It’s light, funny and perfect for an easy Valentine watch.
(500) Days of Summer
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel star in this refreshingly real take on love and heartbreak.
Told in non-linear fashion, it explores expectations vs. reality, which makes it a good one for people that enjoy a romance with an emotional depth to it.
A Star Is Born
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper give us an intense, music-filled love story about fame, passion and sacrifice. Emotional and powerful, it’s a moving choice for couples who are not that mindful of a few tears.
Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this modern day’s fairy tale. A chance encounter leads to unexpected romance, the movie provides a mix of charm, humour and a feel-good ending.
When Harry Met Sally…
Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan sparkle in this sparkling study of friendship and love. It’s warm, clever and endless hook quotes, proving that sometimes love grows slowly over time.
The Notebook
Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams make a sweeping tale of a lifelong devotion come to life. Emotional and heart-warming, it remains a Valentine’s favourite of people prepared to give in to the tears.
La La Land
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling are dreamers in pursuit of ambition and love in a city called Los Angeles. Visually stunning, bitter Frankfurt Romantic, it’s romance with big doses of realism.
10 Things I Hate About You
This is a modern Shakespeare-inspired teen romance that features Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in a comedy that is well layered with heartfelt moments and is endlessly re-watchable.
Eternal Sunshine of the spotless mind
Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet lead this imaginative story about love, memory and second chances. Thought-provoking, yet a deeply emotional movie, it’s a pretty unique and unforgettable pick for a Valentine’s Day reading.
Whether you’re in for laughs, nostalgia or heartbreak, these films remind us why love stories never go out of style.
Also read: Why is everyone obsessed with giving roses on February 7?
