I was sick of everyone telling me all these sweet and romantic movies to watch on Valentine’s Day which only made me cranky and sad. Even though I’m currently in a relationship, it seemed as though the perfect man in those sappy love stories always made me second guess my guy and think he wasn’t doing anything right. (It took me a long time to realize that the men in movies are actors and paid to do all the sweet things in the movie, as well as having all the sweet lines written for them.) Whether you’re single this year, or your loved one is far away, these movies are surely going to make you smile during and after the movie! No sappy tears and doubt in this list, I promise!

Practical Magic (1998)–This sweet and fantastical movie starring Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman is a perfect movie to watch on Valentine’ s Day because it focuses more on the love between sisters than lovers. Practical Magic is about two sister’s dealing with a not-so-nice man in one of their lives and how they, together, overcome that. It’s a movie about strength, family, and the hope of finding the perfect person (who, you realize, may not be a man, but may be your sister or best friend). Cry factor is minimal, unless you’re close with a woman in your life and your bond emulates the bond in the movie between the sisters, than you may cry a little more. It’s a sweet movie with amazing actresses and fulfilling messages about love and life.

The First Wives Club (1996)–Any movie starring Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn, and Bette Midler has to be on a list of movies to watch by yourself on the most romantic day of the year. These women are perfect for this movie because of the strength and power that augments and radiates throughout The First Wives Club. When three ex-wives decide to not just get back at their husbands, but help an old friend, chaos, dancing, love, and girl-power explode on the screen. Full of outstanding comedic actors, memorable moments, and the brilliant friendship between the women, The First Wives Club is sure to get you laughing and missing your girlfriends this Valentine’s Day.

Waitress (2007)–Waitress, starring Kerri Russel, is a bittersweet and well done movie about the love you find when you least expect it. A young waitress, obsessed with pies finds herself in the “family way” and is none to happy about it. With the help of her friends and inner strength she finds her own voice and ability to love that was once hidden. The ending is a surprise in which you will cry, but not for the reasons you thought. It’s a heartwarming and classically made movie about the power within and one’s ability to take agency over their own life. Furthermore, Kerri Russel is outstandingly beautiful and an amazing actress to watch blossom on screen.

Songcatcher (1999)–Talk about a triple threat movie! This amazing gem of a movie set in turn of the century Appalachia not only has outstanding actors (and adorable Aidan Quinn–who was also in Practical Magic) dealing with issues not discussed at the time, but the soundtrack was what hooked me. I actually bought the soundtrack before the movie and fell in love with it. Little did I know the movie was just as outstanding to watch as it was to listen to. The movie is perfect for Valentine’s Day because it’s another “love yourself, power within” movie, and it’s also about the human need for music and entertainment. A definite must see little gem of a movie.

Ladies in Lavender (2004)–Ladies in Lavender is one of the rare movies in my life that both my grandmother and I adore. And that’s just the perfect word for it, adore. It’s a sweet, charming, and lovely movie about sisters, life, and the weird turns that occur on the bumpy path of life. It’s set in Pre-World War II England and revolves around two older sisters who let a stranger into their life. This young man affects the women in more ways than they wish to describe and changes their life in a plethora of ways. It’s a perfect little film to knit or craft to; it’s not loud or anxious, it’s just sweet and kind.

Houseboat (1958)–When we’re talking Cary Grant there’s just too many movies to discuss. However, Houseboat is one of my favorite’s because it’s simply an amazing film classic. Cary Grant plays a father, stranded with his children and no clue how to raise them. Along comes Sofia Lauren who takes over and whips them into shape, all the while living on a boat! This early romantic comedy is perfect to snuggle up and watch because it has singing, dancing, falling into water, adorable child actors, and well, Cary Grant. What’s better than that?

My Favorite Wife (1940)–I couldn’t leave this other great Cary Grant flick off the list, however. Yet, in My Favorite Wife, it seems as though the beautiful Irene Dunne steals the scenes with her wit and charm. My Favorite Wife is about a woman who reappears after seven years of being lost at sea only to find out that her husband is engaged and her children have forgotten her! However, this movie is far from sappy and sad; it’s romantically comedic and semi-slapstick with just a hint of seriousness in Cary Grant’s eyes.

Music and Lyrics (2006)– I was deeply hesitant to put any romantic movies on a list of movies to watch by yourself on Valentine’s Day, yet I couldn’t skip over Music and Lyrics. Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore is one of the most simple and calm romantic comedies I have ever seen. I’m not a big fan of anxiety ridden romantic movies, but Music and Lyrics floats along without any major catastrophes or tears. Not only is the movie super-cute, but the music is amazingly poppy and fun; I even have the soundtrack. This is a must see for any day of the year (and I would know since I’ve seen it more than ten times), but it’s a perfect simple romantic movie to watch solo on Valentine’s Day. It won’t bring you down, but it will totally get you dancing in your seat.

Heartburn (1986)–If we’re making a list of movies to watch solo about the power within I couldn’t leave out the incomparably outstanding Heartburn, one of my personal favorites. Set in Washington DC in the 1980’s, Heartburn, written by Nora Ephron tells the true story of Rachel Samstat (Meryl Streep) who marries a man she thinks is her soulmate, Mark Forman (Jack Nicholson) only to find out that being married to him wasn’t heartwarming, but heartburning. I think it’s Streep and Nicholson’s best performances by far, for they convince you that they really are these people and aren’t actors. Nothing in the world is better than the last scene of the movie with Carly Simon’s “Coming Around Again” blaring in the background. A total must see for your life, not just on Valentine’s Day.

Everyone Says I Love You (1996)–I wouldn’t normally put a Woody Allen film on this list (except maybe Annie Hall) but Everyone Says I Love You is a movie chock full of amazing stars (Alan Alda, Natalie Portman, Julia Roberts, Drew Barrymore, Goldie Hawn, Edward Norton and more), beautiful images of New York and Paris, and best of all: it’s a musical! It’s a surefire movie that will have you singing and dancing along, as well as caring about the characters and plot-lines. I guarantee you will see this movie more than once as long as it’s in your home. It’s a favorite film of mine for the music and actors, and I know it will cheer you up on a day celebrating love, for it reminds us that life is about having many loves, not just one simple love.

Article written by Olivia March, © 2008 butyoudontlooksick.com