Valentine (article)

Published by Mason Oldridge, 14 February 2026

Happy Valentine’s Day! Did you know that the holiday is named after the Roman saint who wedded couples in secret after Emperor Claudius banned marriage to keep men focused on war? Whether you’re spending the day loved up or crying alone on the sofa, here’s some of the best romcoms to watch (or perhaps avoid if you fall into the latter) to celebrate the day of romance and love.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

In this Richard Curtis classic, Hugh Grant debuts his bumbling heartthrob type as the miserably single Charles, who, along with a group of friends, attend a series of social events, over the course of which he falls in love with the American Carrie (Andie MacDowell). The upbeat atmosphere of weddings aids the feel-good element of the film as we delve into the characters’ relationships with one another. This British classic is full of funny moments, such as a confused guest accusing Charles of impersonating his dead brother, Charles forgetting the rings and scrambling for replacements from the guests, Charles inadvertently telling a friend that his wife cheated on him and the nervous new priest Father Gerald (Rowan Atkinson) fluffing his lines and pronouncing Lydia as Bernard’s “awful wedded wife”.

Notting Hill (1999)

She’s just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her. Another Richard Curtis hit, a British book shop owner (Hugh Grant) falls in love with an American film actress (Julia Roberts) in the eponymous London district. This blossoming romance is hindered by Anna’s celebrity profile and William’s eccentric flatmate Spike’s clumsy behaviour though love triumphs over their obstacles. The funniest highlight of the film is when William poses as a Horse & Hound journalist to see Anna at a press event and asks if she ever considered having more horses in her latest film… which was set in space.

Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)

Adapted from the Helen Fielding novels, Renee Zellweger stars as the unlucky in love Bridget Jones as she finds herself torn between the sleazy Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and the respectable Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). The most notable funny scene is when a misunderstanding sees her dress up as a Playboy Bunny and receive some unwanted attention from Uncle Geoffrey. In the second film The Edge of Reason, she endures a disastrous skiing trip to Austria with Mark and an unfortunate work trip to Thailand with Daniel, in which she is mistakenly imprisoned. In the third entry Bridget Jones’ Baby, she is pregnant, but doesn’t know if her now-ex Mark or her previous one-night stand Jack is the father. In the fourth and final instalment Mad About the Boy, a widowed Bridget has a fling with younger man Roxster before finding her happy ever after with her son’s teacher Scott. 

The Holiday (2006)

Two heartbroken women swap homes for the holiday period; American producer Amanda (Cameron Diaz) goes to live in a quaint British cottage while journalist Iris (Kate Winslet) moves into a large Californian house. While living in each other’s property, Amanda meets Iris’ brother Graham (Jude Law), unaware he is a widowed single father, and Iris bonds with Amanda’s colleague Miles (Jack Black) as they help retired Hollywood screenwriter Arthur attend his honorary ceremony. Jude Law is positively charming as Graham, whereas Jack Black masters the good guy role while subverting the romcom stereotype. This is a truly heartwarming, feel-good tale about two intercontinental romances.

Valentine’s Day (2010)

Multiple loosely-intertwined tales of love and heartbreak on the titular holiday are told, featuring an ensemble cast. Many of the characters are connected by florist Reed (Ashton Kutcher), who is a big believer in love and romance, and the array of nice stories gain a deeper sentimental feel when further connections between characters are revealed.

The Kissing Booth (2018)

In this Netflix teen romcom trilogy based on the Beth Reekles books, Elle (Joey King) and Lee are best friends, but their friendship is threatened when Elle falls for Lee’s older brother Noah (Jacob Elordi). Elle and Lee run a kissing booth as a school fundraiser, where Elle kisses Noah for the first time and they begin a secret relationship. Lee is angered when he finds out but they later reconcile. In the second film, Elle grows insecure with Noah away at Harvard and becomes close to her dance competition partner Marco, while also unintentionally putting a strain on Lee and Rachel’s relationship. In the third and final instalment, Elle, Noah, Lee and Rachel spend the summer at the Flynns' beach house, where Elle tries to complete a bucket list of activities with Lee before going to Harvard with Noah. Although they may be clichéd, the films are still fun and easy-watching, with a sweet motif being Elle and Lee playing Dance Dance Revolution at the arcade.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

Based on the Jenny Han novels, this Netflix teen romcom trilogy sees high school student Lara Jean write private letters to five boys she has crushes on, only for her younger sister Kitty to actually send them. Lara Jean and Peter, one of the recipients, begin a fake relationship, though feelings soon become real. Sweet moments include the hot tub scene on the ski trip and the kiss on the field as the camera pans out. In the second instalment PS I Still Love You, Lara Jean and Peter are now in a real relationship, but she is insecure about Peter’s ex Gen and grows close to another letter recipient John Ambrose, who she is now volunteering with at a retirement home. In the third and final entry, her relationship with Peter is set to be tested as they opt to attend different universities, but the ending in which Lara Jean hopes to exchange love letters with Peter is a nice nod to the original premise.

Anyone but You (2023)

Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell star as Bea and Ben, whose first date ends in disaster, only for them to then find themselves attending the same destination wedding in Australia. The chemistry between the two, whether love or hatred, is electric throughout, with standout moments being when they plan to fake being together on the boat and the repeated use of Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield, particularly when Bea sings it to him for comfort as they are rescued by helicopter amidst the stunning backdrop of the Sydney Opera House.

Did you know that a male penguin gifts a pebble to a potential female mate and, if she accepts, it means they become partners? Here’s hoping you’re hit with Cupid’s arrow and you can settle in to watch one of these romcoms with your penguin this Valentine’s Day.