Valentine's Day Watchlist 2026

 Written by Mariane Tremblay

Just like last year, we’ve decided to curate a Valentine’s Day watchlist, unveiling one movie each day from February 1st to the 14th. Whatever your vibe this Valentine’s Day, I’m sure we’ve got something for you. Enjoy, and happy Valentine’s Day!

Folichonneries (Follies)

Honestly, this is the perfect Valentine’s Day movie if you’re in the mood for something a little different from the usual cheesy rom-coms. It’s a film about couple dynamics, self-discovery, and the exploration of sexuality (+1 because it’s kinky), with just the right balance of humor and drama to stay real, authentic, and never fall into clichés. It reminds us that love can take a thousand different forms, that it’s okay to want different things and to build relationships or family models that don’t fit the “norm” — as long as you listen to yourself and respect each other. Whether you’re in a relationship, exploring, or just curious, it’s a great pick for a fun Valentine’s Day. Have fun, be naughty, but most of all… go see this movie! — Mariane Tremblay

How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days 

If you want a night of hair-twirling and giggles, this is your film. It’s fun, it’s light, and it's one heck of a good time. Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey delivered such iconic moments that are still talked about every Valentine’s. I myself still do a double-take at every yellow satin dress. The story is written with such wit and humour. Everything that goes hilariously wrong is just so right. No matter how many times I rewatch it, this is one of my favorite comfort films ever. — Xiaoyi Wang

Notting Hill 

Written by Richard Curtis, Notting Hill is a classic for the ages. Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant star in an iconic star-crossed love story that matches everything you expect from a rom-com, overflowing with the improbability and kismet that seem only destined for the silver screen. This cozy film fills you with its charm, letting you spend your evening dreaming about owning a little bookshop somewhere, with a silhouette waiting for you behind the bookshelf. — Xiaoyi Wang

Enough Said

Enough Said is an essential Valentine's Day watch for those who are lovers of funny and well-written second chance romances. It's tender, witty, and a gentle reminder that everyone deserves to find love, especially messy, imperfect, middle aged divorcees. The chemistry between Julia Louis-Dreyfus and the late James Gandolfini is so real and heart-warming, that viewers can't help but root for them. — Sydney Grullon-Matos 

Past Lives

For those whose lives are shaped by multiple cultures, this film is of the heart and of one's own. It is so beautifully written, untangling my thoughts and ponderings that are stranded between cultures. For the parts of you that are tucked away, even from your closest loved ones, to be seen in this film is such a heartening relief. This delicate story, so dear to me, shines a prismarine light on the choices we make for the love that extends beyond one lifetime. — Xiaoyi Wang

Picnic at Hanging Rock

Set on St. Valentine’s Day, this film is a perfect choice for this time of year. I also fully believe that it’s one of the most visually stunning films ever made, and what better time to enjoy this beauty? It might not be the typical genre associated with Valentine’s day—after all, it’s a mystery and certainly not a romcom—but there’s absolutely something romantic about the way this story is told. It leaves you feeling as though you’ve just woken up from a hazy, pink-tinted dream. —Andie Kaiser

Bringing Up Baby

Nothing says “love” quite like a leopard called Baby on the loose, a disastrously charming paleontologist, and a whirlwind heiress who turns his world upside down. Bringing Up Baby is the definitive screwball comedy, the one that practically invented the modern rom-com. Every line of dialogue, every perfectly timed gag, every outrageous misunderstanding is pure delight — this includes, of course, the legendary silk bathrobe scene and Cary Grant’s famously hysterical line about going “gay all of a sudden”.

Anyone who knows me knows my absolute adoration for Katharine Hepburn. Her Susan Vance here is the ultimate “chaos agent”: a woman who knows exactly what she wants and isn’t afraid to be completely absurd to get it. She and Grant are easily one of my favourite cinematic duos — their dynamic on the screen is just so captivating that I literally can’t stop smiling whenever they’re together.

There’s love in the most unexpected places (and people). This chaos-filled masterpiece proves that love isn’t “perfect”, nor does it have to be neat and predictable — sometimes, it’s just beautiful, tender chaos. An all-time favourite of mine and the perfect pick if you’re tired of the usual romantic clichés. Don’t let the black-and-white fool you: its humour is sharper and more relatable than most rom-coms today. It’s a timeless explosion of pure, unadulterated cinematic joy because, in the end, I can’t give you anything but love, Baby. — Giorgia Cattaneo

The Proposal

You can’t curate a Valentine’s Day without including at least one rom-com starring Sandra Bullock. America’s sweetheart and the queen of rom-coms, she’s starred in so many, but The Proposal remains one of the best and a Valentine’s Day must-see. Who doesn’t love an enemies-to-lovers trope with a little chaos? With a star-studded cast, including Ryan Reynolds, Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, and Craig T. Nelson, whose chemistry is just perfect, you’re in for a good time. — Maria Paula Acosta and Mariane Tremblay

Gone Girl

Anne Hathaway said that David Fincher’s Gone Girl was one of her favourite romantic comedies, and who are we to contradict the Queen of Genovia herself? We just had to include it on our watchlist. And honestly, what’s better than watching Rosamund Pike portray female rage, plot revenge, and kill men on Valentine’s Day? Nothing. This is the perfect watch if you’re single or spending February 14th with your friends. Don’t be sad—be a girl boss like Amy Dunne and have fun! — Maria Paula Acosta and Mariane Tremblay

Black Bag

Black Bag is one of the most romantic and sexiest movies of 2025, and you can’t say otherwise. If my partner can’t even do half the things George (Michael Fassbender) does for his wife, Kathryn (Cate Blanchett), then I don’t want it. The movie’s vibes, the lighting, and the chemistry between both leads (and honestly, the entire cast) are pure perfection, adding to the atmosphere and overall sexiness. If you’re looking for something less cliché, I’d say Steven Soderbergh’s spy movie is the perfect pick for Valentine’s Day. — Mariane Tremblay

Something's Gotta Give

Erica (Diane Keaton) and Harry (Jack Nicholson) are quite possibly one of the best love stories ever portrayed. The complexity of a love that was not expected at an age when everyone believes you are done is one of the most amazing explorations of human emotions. Keaton and Nicholson deliver performances that stick with the viewer long after the movie has ended. Nancy Meyers proves once again that she is the queen of rom-coms, and without he,r the world would be much darker. — Lara Rosales

Peak Everything

If you are looking for a romantic movie to watch on Valentine’s Day but want something new, something refreshing, and not your typical romantic comedy, I suggest you watch Peak Everything (Amour Apocalypse). Anne Émond’s newest feature film explores romance through climate change and eco-anxiety, and it’s honestly one of the sweetest films I saw last year. — Mariane Tremblay

Together

Sometimes, a horror movie is the most fitting thing to watch on February 14th. And what’s better than watching a couple so in love it’s impossible for them to be apart? So much so that their bodies wouldn’t let go of one another? What would be more romantic than being completely obsessed with your partner? Honestly? You know, when two become one? — Mariane Tremblay

Heart Eyes

This one is for my Valentine’s Day haters and slasher fans! Some people aren’t fans of February 14th, some people are single, some of them are thriving, but some aren’t, and that’s okay. Extremely valid, even. But it doesn’t mean you have to be miserable or not having fun on this day. So I say watch a horror movie, let this day be bloodier than it should be, have a good laugh, and enjoy a few gruesome kills while watching Heart Eyes! — Mariane Tremblay