By Tamara Ramadan | Co-Executive English Editor

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and if you’re anything like me, you’re a sucker for a good romance. Is there anything more beautiful than a kiss in the rain during the climax of a two-hour rom-com? Or a guy who realizes his mistake and hails a cab to the airport 10 minutes before his lover’s flight? Or two best friends who slowly uncover the feelings they’ve had for each other all along?

The answer is no. There is truly nothing better. This Valentine’s Day, curl up with your partner, or yourself (who am I to judge?), and enjoy watching any of the ten romantic movies listed below. 

11. 365 Days:

I’m just kidding. Don’t watch this.

10. Shakespeare in Love

Shakespeare in Love, as you can probably guess, depicts a blossoming love story involving the world’s greatest playwright and the woman of his dreams. Mixing satire and romance, it is the perfect movie to watch with your partner—especially if you’re a literature nerd!

9. The Shape of Water

Where do I even begin? The Shape of Water transcends words and language. A story about a mute woman and a human-like amphibian creature falling in love; the film pushes boundaries and questions the nature of human emotion. The winner of 21 awards, the film is a true visual stunner. 

8. Dirty Dancing

One of the most iconic films of all time, bringing us memorable scene after memorable scene, Dirty Dancing is a simple summer romance between Baby, played by Jennifer Grey, and Johnny, played by non-other than Patrick Swayze. The age gap between the couple may be somewhat uncomfortable to a modern audience, but it’s important to remember the movie came out almost 40 years ago.

7. Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Bring the tissues. Many tissues. All the tissues. In this period piece, Marianne, an artist, is asked to draw the portrait of Heloise, a young bride, in secret. As they’re drawn closer (pun intended) by time and fate, a beautiful love story begins.

6. 10 things I hate about you

Heath Ledger is in this one. Need I say more?

5. The Notebook

I know, I know. It’s cheesy, really corny, and super predictable. But sometimes, predictability is comfort. In this film, based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, Noah and Allie fall in love. Here’s the kicker, she’s rich and he’s not. Of course, as in all cheesy romantic movies about two people from two distinct economic backgrounds, her parents don’t approve, and they’re forced to call it quits.

Until Noah comes back to town years later, and they fall in love all over again. 

4. Pride and Prejudice

ANOTHER PERIOD PIECE. Based on the brilliant Jane Austen book under the same name, this movie is about a ‘plain jane’ falling in love with a mysterious, gloomy rich man. It’s one of those “he’s mean to everyone but me.” But hey, it’s done right. 

3. Notting Hill

A bookstore owner and a famous actress fall in love. This movie had me kicking my feet in the air like a teen girl in a 90s movie. Absolutely adorable, a must-watch!

2. La La Land

Two words: Endless fun. A series of colorful montages, musical numbers, and dance sequences. La La Land is brilliantly entertaining and dazzlingly memorable, telling the story of a crumbling romance amidst the couple’s individual career success. And the soundtrack has been on repeat ever since I watched it. 

1. Amelie

Amelie is the most French film to have ever existed. And the greatest. 

Told through the eyes of, well, Amelie, the film is a cinematographic masterpiece, with its enchanting hues and colours, almost fantastical depiction of Paris, and its simple, fun romance. More importantly, Amelie beautifully showcases loneliness and incites all watchers to protect the inner child that hides in all of our souls.

And with that, I conclude my list. Happy watching and happy Valentine’s!