We’ve curated this list with everyone in mind—whether you're a hopeless romantic, going through a heartbreak, or simply not a fan of the classic rom-coms and looking for something a little different. Whatever your vibe this Valentine’s Day, we’ve got something for you. Enjoy the ride!
Who Needs a Man? Live, Love, Lesbians.
No, truly—who needs a man when women exist?
Rachel (Piper Perabo) starts questioning her marriage after feeling an unexpected connection with the florist, Luce (Lena Headey), on her wedding day. As their bond deepens, Rachel explores her true feelings and desires.
Imagine meeting your wife at your wedding ceremony, while still engaged to your male fiancé. Sounds very much like the plot of your next favorite lesbian rom-com—and we can assure you, it will be. Don’t let your husbands stop you from finding your wives, ladies!
The Handmaiden (2016) is a visually stunning psychological thriller set in 1930s Korea, where a young woman is hired to be the handmaiden to a Japanese heiress. As she gets closer to her mistress, a twisted web of deceit, betrayal, and hidden motives unravels.
The Handmaiden is the perfect combination of a “good for her” cinematic universe and a “but they fell in love in the end” storyline. Twists and turns make it far from your typical romance movie—but it’s even better!
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) is a passionate drama about the forbidden love between a painter, Marianne (Noémie Merlant), and her subject, Héloïse (Adèle Haenel), in 18th-century France. As Marianne secretly paints Héloïse’s portrait, their intense connection grows, challenging societal norms and their desires.
There is something magical about Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Something stirs, and your heart gains a life of its own, beating to its rhythm (or perhaps following the cadence of Vivaldi’s Violin Concerto No. 2). Céline Sciamma somehow captured the essence of love itself and turned it into an art form. It feels as though it was extracted from the intertwined essences of two lovers in the throes of passion.
Gia (1998) is a biographical drama about the life of supermodel Gia Carangi (Angelina Jolie), one of the first famous supermodels of the 1970s and '80s. The film chronicles her rise to fame, turbulent relationships, and struggles with addiction, ultimately leading to her tragic early death from AIDS.
With a raw and emotional portrayal, Gia explores the cost of fame and the devastating effects of self-destruction, making it a powerful and poignant story of beauty, love, and loss.
Cupid Who? Love’s Got a New Direction (And It’s Mostly Hating on Men–Oop)
Forget Cupid—love’s taking a bold new direction! This watchlist flips the script on romance with fierce, rebellious tales that don’t shy away from a little man-hating. Perfect for those who want something a bit more daring this Valentine’s Day!
Atomic Blonde (2017) follows MI6 agent Lorraine Broughton (Charlize Theron) on a dangerous mission in Cold War-era Berlin. Tasked with retrieving a crucial dossier, she faces betrayal, deadly combat, and espionage in a world of shifting loyalties. Packed with intense action and a killer '80s soundtrack, it’s a stylish, high-energy spy thriller. We told you—Cupid who?
There’s some “fruity” activity going on, and women fighting men—sounds like the perfect Valentine’s Day movie to us!
Gone Girl (2014), directed by David Fincher, is a psychological thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s novel. The film follows the mysterious disappearance of Amy Dunne (Rosamund Pike) on her fifth wedding anniversary. As her husband Nick (Ben Affleck) becomes the prime suspect, a media circus ensues, and dark secrets about their marriage are slowly revealed.
Rosamund Pike is brilliant—she deserved that Oscar!!! You don’t need to feel sad when you’re alone on Valentine’s Day. Just curl up with your favorite snack and watch girl boss Amy Dunne get everything she wants, and more.
Love Lies Bleeding (2024) follows Lou (Kristen Stewart), a reclusive gym manager, and Jackie (Katy O’Brian), a driven bodybuilder, as they navigate a passionate and toxic romance in 1989. Their intense relationship unravels as they’re drawn into a world of deception, violence, and familial crime, leading to tragic consequences.
While it may have the strangest ending of a “love story,” it has two sapphic women falling in love and beating up the men who get in their way. What else do you need?
Bottoms (2023) takes a hilarious, rebellious approach to high school romance. In a bold, over-the-top move, two best friends, PJ (Rachel Sennott) and Josie (Ayo Edebiri), start a fight club to impress their crushes and gain popularity—completely sidestepping the typical male-centered narrative. As their plan spirals into chaos, they confront the mess of friendships, sexuality, and social expectations, all while unapologetically challenging gender roles and high school hierarchies in the most irreverent way possible.
Ever thought about starting a fight club just to catch the attention of your girl crush? If not, well, PJ and Josie have... and the results are both empowering and hilariously unexpected–shoutout to the Football scene!
Love Hurts: A Watchlist for When You Need a Good Cry
Love isn’t always smooth sailing—it can be messy, painful, and heartbreaking. This collection of films captures the rawness of love in all its forms, from fleeting affairs to long-lost connections.
The Bridges of Madison County (1995) tells the story of Francesca (Meryl Streep), a housewife who embarks on a four-day, passionate affair with Robert (Clint Eastwood), a photographer in town to photograph the covered bridges of Madison County for National Geographic.
This film is a deeply emotional love story about a fleeting, life-changing romance. Streep and Eastwood deliver powerful performances, bringing to life a passionate connection that is both heartbreaking and beautiful—a tender, bittersweet romance perfect for Valentine’s Day if you’re heartbroken and need a good cry.
Blue Jay (2016) is a touching drama about former high school sweethearts, Jim (Mark Duplass) and Amanda (Sarah Paulson), who unexpectedly reunite in their small hometown. As they spend the day revisiting their past, old feelings resurface, exposing unresolved emotions and the complexities of love and loss. With raw, intimate performances, the film explores nostalgia, reconnection, and the passage of time. It’s one of the most heartbreaking films you’ll watch—tears guaranteed.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) is a visually stunning French musical about a young couple, Geneviève (Catherine Deneuve) and Guy (Nino Castelnuovo), whose love is tested by war and separation. Set in the vibrant coastal town of Cherbourg, their romance faces obstacles as Guy is drafted into the Algerian War, leaving Geneviève to make life-changing decisions.
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg is a film "for all the young lovers of the world," capturing the bittersweet essence of love in both visually stunning and emotionally powerful ways. From the opening scene, where rain falls and the first notes of music play, to the heart-wrenching finale, a lingering sadness flows through every moment, leaving you feeling as though your heart has been pierced. It’s like ordering the most beautiful dessert, only to discover a hidden piece of dark chocolate inside. The film perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Valentine’s Day, with its enchanting, wintry aesthetic, while never shying away from the raw reality of love and its bittersweet consequences.
Beginners (2010) is a heartwarming drama about Oliver, a man who reflects on his life after his father, Hal, comes out as gay late in life and passes away shortly after. As Oliver navigates his romantic life with Anna (Melanie Laurent), he also comes to terms with his father’s legacy.
A story of love, self-discovery, and living life fully, told with gentleness and beauty. This is the perfect feel-good, heartwarming film to watch on Valentine’s Day, enveloping you in a warm embrace.
Hopeless Romantic: A Journey Through Love's Timeless Moments
Dive into a world of love that lingers in silent glances and fleeting moments. This collection celebrates the beauty, complexity, and heartbreak of romance, leaving you reflecting on what could have been—or what might still be. Perfect for those who believe in love’s lasting magic.
Amélie (2001) is a whimsical French romantic comedy about Amélie Poulain (Audrey Tautou), a shy and imaginative young woman who sets out to improve the lives of those around her in quirky, unexpected ways. As she anonymously helps others find happiness, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love, all while navigating the charming streets of Paris.
It wonderfully captures the enchantment of falling in love, even in the most unexpected and subtle ways. A perfect reminder that love is often found in the small moments, Amélie enchants with its magical score and heartwarming, quirky scenes, making it impossible not to fall in love with this film.
The Before Trilogy (Before Sunrise, Before Sunset, Before Midnight)
The ultimate cinematic journey through love, from its exhilarating beginnings to its complexities over time. Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s raw, poetic dialogue captures the essence of romance, making this trilogy an essential, deeply moving watch for Valentine’s Day.
The entire Before trilogy deserves an honorary spot on this list, but the first one is the most special. When we think about depictions of love in films, Before Sunrise (1995) is one of the first that comes to mind. As the story unfolds and the characters get to know each other, you can truly feel them falling in love, over and over again. It's like watching a two-hour conversation between two strangers that slowly becomes something much more... and then, suddenly, the movie ends, leaving you feeling like meeting these two has changed your life in almost the same way it has changed theirs.
Notting Hill (1999) is a charming romantic comedy about a humble bookstore owner, William (Hugh Grant), who falls in love with a famous American actress, Anna (Julia Roberts). Despite their vastly different worlds, they navigate the ups and downs of a relationship in the spotlight, leading to (spoiler alert) a heartwarming and memorable love story.
Your heart will overflow with emotion—you’ll feel both sad and happy, riding an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. This film is truly magical—one of the best romantic comedies ever made. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to fall in love with a charming bookstore owner in Notting Hill? If you say no, you’re lying to yourself!
In the Mood for Love (2000) is a haunting romance about two neighbors, Chow (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and Su (Maggie Cheung), in 1960s Hong Kong, who form a deep emotional bond after suspecting their spouses of infidelity. As they navigate their unspoken feelings, the film explores love, longing, and the delicate tension between desire and restraint.
It is probably the most romantic movie ever made. The score of a lifetime makes you swoon each time the first note is picked up. Imagery that will haunt your most beautiful dreams. Electricity buzzes as soon as the characters even dance around each other. Pure poetry on the screen. You will probably fall in love with this film in under ten minutes.
Falling in Love (1984) is a romance about two married people, Frank (Robert De Niro) and Molly (Meryl Streep), who meet on a train and develop a deep emotional connection, leading them to question their lives and relationships. It explores love, choices, and the complexities of human connection.
A tender, understated romance about two people finding each other at the wrong time—but perhaps the right moment. De Niro and Streep’s chemistry carries this quiet, bittersweet love story, making it an ideal choice for a cozy (and quite heartbreaking) Valentine’s Day viewing.
Unconventional Hearts: A Valentine’s Day Watchlist for the Non-Classics
This Valentine’s Day, skip the usual rom-coms and dive into a collection of films that explore love, loss, and connection in unexpected ways.
How to Steal a Million (1966) is a charming caper comedy about a young woman, Nicole (Audrey Hepburn), who teams up with a suave art forger, Simon (Peter O’Toole), to steal a priceless sculpture from a Paris museum to protect her father’s criminal secret. As the heist unfolds, sparks fly between the two, blending romance with witty antics in a lighthearted tale of crime and clever deception.
It’s a love story that will tug at your heartstrings—its incredible aesthetic, sharp humor and the undeniable chemistry between Hepburn and O’Toole make this an underrated gem. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, especially if you’re not a fan of the typical “classics.” After all, who wouldn’t want to plan a museum heist with their charming “burglar” fiancé?
Love Streams (1984), directed by John Cassavetes, follows two lonely siblings, Robert (Cassavetes) and Sarah (Gena Rowlands), as they navigate their troubled relationships and emotional turmoil. The film delves deep into love, loss, and family, using a raw, improvisational style to explore human vulnerability and connection.
It isn’t your typical romantic tale—it’s messy, imperfect, and often painful. But its emotional journey will make you laugh, and cry, and leave you deeply moved by the complexity of relationships.
Paris, Texas (1984) is a poignant drama directed by Wim Wenders about Travis (Harry Dean Stanton), a man who, after being missing for four years, is found wandering the desert. Reuniting with his son, he embarks on a journey to reconnect with his estranged wife, Jane (Nastassja Kinski). The film explores themes of redemption, loss, and healing against the haunting landscapes of the American Southwest.
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Paris, Texas is a meditation on love, isolation, and the longing for connection, making it a deeply emotional and thought-provoking watch.
Galentine’s Day: A Feel-Good Watchlist
Celebrate Galentine’s Day with a feel-good watchlist filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments—ideal for a cozy day of fun and heartwarming memories with your favorite gals!
A star-studded ensemble rom-com that weaves together multiple love stories on the most romantic day of the year, showing the highs and lows of relationships.
The hilarious, heartfelt tale of Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), a single woman navigating her love life, career, and personal growth while trying to keep her expectations (and reality) in check. Messy, funny, and probably the most relatable romantic comedy EVER!
A newly single man (Steve Carell) seeks help from a bachelor (Ryan Gosling) to navigate his love life, only to find that things are more complicated than expected, in this funny and heartwarming romantic comedy.
A high-powered book editor (Sandra Bullock) forces her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her to avoid deportation, leading to an unexpected and hilarious journey of love and self-discovery.
A perpetually single woman (Katherine Heigl) who has been a bridesmaid 27 times struggles with her feelings as she faces her wedding, caught between her romantic hopes and her sister’s engagement.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
A magazine columnist (Kate Hudson) and an advertising executive (Matthew McConaughey) enter a game of manipulation, where she tries to make him dump her in 10 days, unaware he’s trying to make her fall in love with him.
A 13-year-old girl (Christa B. Allen) makes a wish to fast-forward to adulthood, only to find herself waking up as a 30-year-old woman (Jennifer Garner), learning valuable lessons about love, friendship, and staying true to herself.
At W Spotlight, we want to remind you that you are loved, and that love comes in many beautiful forms. So grab the popcorn, get cozy, and let these stories remind you that love, in all its shapes and sizes, is always worth celebrating. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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