It’s a chilly February night. A candle is lit on the nightstand, wafting a vague mahogany scent through your living room as you and your sweetheart bundle up under layers of throw blankets. Frank Ocean streams through your speakers, not at all triggering reminders of your exes. Reaching over the armrest, you grab a chocolate-covered strawberry and will away the coming of dawn. Well… it’s either that or binge-eating Hershey’s Kisses while Ryan Gosling’s abs make cameo appearances on your dorm room T.V. If your Valentine’s Day isn’t playing out like a rom-com, never fear: The Hustler Life Staff has the films you need to make it through this Sunday.

For the diehard Valentine’s Day traditionalist: 

“The Notebook” (2004)

“In my opinion, no other Valentine’s Day movie can compete with The Notebook. With its heart-wrenching plot that combines tragedy, war and love, it is hard to compare it with anything else. The Notebook is instantly a classic, for it is a testament to raw human emotion. Seriously, tell me you can watch that infamous rain scene without shedding a tear. You can’t.”
Julia Tilton, Staff Writer

For the chick flick junkie: 

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

“‘To All The Boys’ is absolutely beyond cheesy, gushy and perfect for any Valentine’s Day celebration because anyone can laugh at how over-the-top it is. Anything to give Lana Condor the recognition she deserves.”
Andrew Kolondra Jr., Deputy Life Editor

“It’s objectively bad. Mostly because of Noah Centineo. And yet, it’s so good. It toes the perfect line between ‘I would only enjoy this if I were twelve’ and ‘my mom thinks this is cute because she exclusively watches Hallmark Christmas movies,’ leaving us with something sappy, sweet and slightly nauseating. It’s the perfect Valentine’s movie to make you forget that you’re living out your prime, 20-something years only communicating with people via the unmute button. ”
Justine Del Monte, Life Copy Editor

For the film major who wants some Oscar-worthy cinematography:

“La La Land” (2016)

“I know it’s cheesy but I can’t help it—La La Land is an objectively great film. Although its reception has undoubtedly been influenced by the 2017 Best Picture mixup, La La Land is so much more than an award show controversy. Full of references to old Hollywood, stunning visuals and catchy songs, La La Land is the perfect Valentine’s Day flick for the hopeless romantic. P.S., the last ten minutes are an absolute emotional gut punch. I would recommend having a box of tissues at the ready.”
Evan Monk, Staff Writer

“La La Land tells a classic yet non cliche story. It’s sappy but real without being depressing, corny and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s ‘Old Hollywood’ without the baggage. Also, it may or may not make you fall in love with musicals.”
Oghosa Omobude, Staff Writer

For the Netflix aficionado: 

“The Kissing Booth” (1973)

“Valentine’s day might just be the only day it is acceptable to celebrate with a Joey King movie. We should all cherish that. On a more serious note, this Netflix original is cheerful, lighthearted and romantic and the most earnest of ways.”
Caroline Lingle, Staff Writer

For a chill (probably solo) Valentine’s night in:

“Pride and Prejudice” (2005)

“Pride and Prejudice is an exquisitely executed portrayal of one of the most iconic literary love stories. From Mr. Darcy’s endearing awkwardness to Miss Elizabeth’s fiery gumption, the characters sweep you into the high-stakes social machinery of the original regency romance (sorry, Bridgerton). The spice level is mild on this one, but it just brings more spark to every across-the-ballroom glance and let-me-help-you-into-your-carriage touch.”
Heream Yang, Staff Writer

For Galentine’s with your ‘family unit’:

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (2011)

“‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ is the perfect rom com because it nails both the romance and comedy genres. Steve Carrell is in it, so obviously it’s going to be funny, though, surprisingly, Ryan Gosling’s character is the most entertaining. It’s the classic bad boy-turned-good guy trope done exceptionally well, thanks to Emma Stone’s awkward-cute acting, a reenactment of the “Dirty Dancing” jump and most importantly, Ryan Gosling’s abs.”
Phoebe Sklansky, Staff Writer

For the V-Day waterworks:

“Love, Simon” (2018)

“This movie was so sweet and heartwarming and unpredictable—so rare for a romcom.”
Sahanya Bhaktaram, Deputy Life Editor

“The first time I watched this movie was on an airplane. Needless to say, I think the entire plane could hear my joyful sobs. From the diverse cast to the funny remarks, this movie is totally relatable and simply spectacular!”
Marissa Tessier, Staff Writer

Best overall: 

“A Star Is Born” (2018)

“It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking—-there’s few emotions you won’t feel watching it.”
Rebecca Rossi, Staff Writer

“2020 has been full of lots of tears and bad emotions, but this movie reminds us why relationships are important and why the struggles are worth it.”
Zoe Yarbrough, Staff Writer

“A beautifully crafted love story with shame, regret and heartbreak buried into a deep plot.”
Sam Blum, Staff Writer