To celebrate Valentine’s Day safely in our homes, THE MAGIC RAIN’s writers have prepared a list of our favourite romance movies for you — all guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and sing along, even when times are tough. So grab a snack and sit down with us as we go through the ultimate Valentine’s movie marathon!
If you want to laugh…
About Time
About Time is about love, plain and simple. Domhnall Gleeson is awkwardly charming as Tim, a young man who recently discovered that the men in his family can travel in time. He uses it to find Mary (who can do no wrong because she’s Rachel McAdams) and the movie follows their romance. It’s a beautiful story that will make you laugh a lot, cry a little, and all around aww’s. – Nat
Palm Springs
This movie is 1 hour and 30 minutes of pure joy. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti are phenomenal in their roles as two strangers who are stuck in a time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over again. While I did expect a ton of laughs from a Lonely Island production (which did happen), this story also has a ton of heart. Bonus points for J. K. Simmons’ guest appearance! – Nat
Heroine Shikkaku
I’m not going to lie, I watched this show because of Kento Yamazaki but I came out loving Sakaguchi Kentaro! The constant fourth wall breaks, animated expressions from the heroine, and side commentary makes the movie hilarious and entertaining, especially if you like over-the-top romcoms like me. – Julia
Fall in Love at First Kiss
Based on the manga series Itazura na Kiss, this is the best adaption of the original so far! The classic high school romance, where a mundane girl falls in love with the most popular male in school — and they live under the same roof too! If you’re into shoujo mangas, fluff or just a good time, this film is an excellent choice. – Dionne
If you want to cry…
The Fault in Our Stars
Cancer is usually the disease that every writer uses to tug at our heartstrings, but in this tale, it’s the butt of every joke and metaphor told by both protagonists in an attempt to achieve a normal life. It’s a movie about two people who dream of a teenage life free of cancer, and being deep in love with a person who understands your hardship–however short-lived it may be. – Alfred
Five Feet Apart
Once again, it’s cancer. How Five Feet Apart differs from The Fault in our stars is the connection between the protagonists: Will, the foolhardy, daring patient that no longer believes in a long life, versus Stella, who truly believes that her cancer can be beaten. The dynamic of Will teaching Stella how to live and Stella teaching Will how to stay alive is both exciting and tragic. – Alfred
More Than Blue (Taiwanese 2018 version)
Loneliness is something that hits home for me. Hence, watching two lonely souls find solace in each other and do whatever it takes to make each other happy tugs at my heartstrings. K and Cream’s chemistry is something that will make you laugh and cry, facepalm, and leave you in awe. Tissues are a must. – Julia
Hotaru no Mori e
“Time might separate us some day. But, even still, until then, let’s stay together,” said Hotaru Takegawa. This film is about two friends who spend many summers together and eventually fall in love. Unfortunately, their happy times do not last forever. Trust me, watch it and you will definitely cry buckets! – Dionne
If you like tension…
The Garden of Evening Mist
The tragic love of a Japanese gardener and a female survivor of the Japanese atrocities post-World War II in British Malaya. This bittersweet story will surely have you holding back tears as you proceed further into the plot. Even though I wasn’t born from that era, the amazing portrayal and top-notch acting made it so I could resonate with the characters emotionally, as if I’m the one experiencing the ups and downs. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s undeniably a very well-written piece! – Dionne
Secret (2007)
Secret is that childhood film that got me believing in the power of piano and magic. The romance between Xianglun and Xiaoyu was the power couple when I was growing up. Their quirky relationship added a tinge of mystery which made me love the movie even more. – Julia
Marriage Story
Most love stories end with the happy couple being together forever but Marriage Story starts at the end of a blissful relationship. Marriage Story is unapologetic and raw. It tells a story of the hardships of a broken marriage, what both sides have lost, and the things they do to keep what is left in the shattered remains. – Alfred
If you love musicals…
La La Land
If Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone do not pique your interest, then I hope the fact that it’s a musical will. An epitome of opposites attract, La La Land tells a story about two reluctant lovers. Not only is there is something about watching two people that do not like each other fall in love, the fact that everything is surrounded by jazz music makes it all the better. – Alfred
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again
I’ve loved Mamma Mia ever since my grandmother brought me to the theatre and I watched the Dancing Queen sequence for the first time. But there is even more joy in watching Lily James bring young Donna to life and go on the 3 sexy, iconic conquests that set the scene for the original tale. Plus, YOUNG BILL. – Nat
…. And those were our picks! Let us know in the comments if you’ll be adding anything to your list. We’ll definitely be rewatching some of these come weekend.
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