Although Valentine’s season is over, you can still keep the romantic spirit in the air. Simple dates can do the trick! Sure, a vacation out of town and dinner dates in a fancy restaurant have their allure, but nothing beats staying in and cuddling with your special someone. Sometimes, all the romance you need are in a movie date right at the comfort of your DMCI condo. So get ready with ample supply of pizza and a great lineup of romantic films. Indulge in a heartwarming movie marathon with these fourteen celebrated films.
1. Love, Actually
If you want a movie that will make you cry, laugh and fall in love all at the same time, you can’t go wrong with this one. Featuring the stories of eight British couples, Love, Actually is sure to give you a character to root for. It’s a romantic comedy that lets you follow several couples dealing with love in their own unique ways. It features moments that are so heartwarming and genuine that ordinary couples are bound to relate with them.
2. Titanic
Speaking of classics, Titanic is a definite must-watch. And it’s the type of movie you watch over and over again to relive all the feels. Beyond just the cheesiness, the movie is something you get to enjoy for its excellent plot, scoring, and cast. It earned eleven Oscars for a reason! Still, this remains to be only the tip of the iceberg, for the film’s real substance lies in the tragedy made beautiful by the star-crossed romance between Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslett).
3. One more Chance
And what’s a movie list without a Filipino classic? One of the most quoted Filipino films yet, One More Chance has definitely earned a cult-classic status. Who doesn’t know Basha and Popoy? Played by John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, the couple starts out happy only to spiral into a complicated and troubled relationship. You get to follow them as they find their way to forgiveness and into a place of trust once again. Cuddle up as you cry to one of the most repeated movie lines: “Kasi ang totoo, umaasa pa rin akong sabihin mo na sana ako pa rin. Ako na lang. Ako na lang ulit.”
4. Pride & Prejudice
You can’t be a true romantic without celebrating Jane Austen’s works. The post-Valentine season is a great time to look back at one of her best novels. The 2005 film adaptation of Austen’s Pride & Prejudice will let you do just this. Join the many audiences captivated by one of the most celebrated love stories in history. This 1813 Jane Austen classic will give you a sneak peek at the dynamics of 18th century life and romance. Watch Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfayden) struggle between the pull of true love and the weight of familial duties. You’ll have a renewed appreciation for the freedom our modern times allow.
5. When Harry Met Sally
Are you one of the many people asking the age-old question of whether a man and a woman can have platonic love that never turns into anything more? When Harry Met Sally lets you explore the answers to this question. More than just a friends-with-benefits rom-com, the film takes a more profound look at the relationships between males and females. It’s as perceptive as it is hilarious.
6. Kita Kita
This is not your ordinary movie. It’s not mainstream, yet it somehow reached the same level of popularity. You get to watch the unlikely romance between a blind woman and a quirky neighbor. The movie is as heart-wrenching as it is light-hearted. Prepare yourself for a roller coaster of emotions as you get swept away by this unique movie. Make sure you experience this while holding your special someone’s hand.
7. About Time
Now give your movie marathon a different flavor by injecting in a bit of sci-fi. Watch About Time and follow Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) as he time travels and tries to use this great power to find love, believing that it is the one ingredient that will make his life better. He sees this hope for love in Mary (Rachel McAdams). But as he soon realizes, finding love is not all that easy. Not even when you have time on your side.
8. 50 First Dates
Do you still remember your first date with your special someone? Was it great or was it more of a disaster? 50 First Dates lets you watch Henry (Adam Sandler) and Lucy (Drew Barrymore) as they have a bit of both 50 times over.
Lucy has anterograde amnesia which leaves her unable to form new memories. This then leaves Henry struggling to win her over in several “first” dates. Though tragic in its context, the movie manages to stay light-hearted and full of love — just the concoction you need this Valentine’s season!
9. That Thing Called Tadhana
That Thing Called Tadhana lets you watch two lonely strangers learn to move on and open their hearts to love again. Having had met through a chance encounter, Anthony (JM de Guzman) and Mace (Angelica Panganiban) spend time together in what should have been nothing more than a getaway. Instead of running away from love, they find their way to it.
10. My Ex and Whys
Speaking of running away from love, My Ex and Whys lets you follow the complicated relationship between Gio (Enrique Gil) and Liza Soberano (Cali). The two dated, but broke up after Cali found out that Gio cheated on her. They eventually meet again, and are forced to deal with pent up anger and lingering love.
The movie is known for being mainstream and cheesy, but the chemistry between the lead actors is undeniable. This is just the kind of light viewing you need this Valentine’s season.
11. A Very Special Love
The hopeless romantic in you will be gushing over this light romance comedy starring John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo. It’s a story of an ordinary girl falling in love with a man who comes from a rich clan. Polar opposites not just in status but in disposition as well, the two personalities initially clash only to later find that they complement each other — just the stuff that captures Filipino hearts.
12. The Notebook
This list is simply not complete without The Notebook. It’s the kind of film you can watch over and over again. Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allie’s (Rachel McAdams) can’t-live-without-you story will pull your heartstrings to no end. You get to watch them surpass all obstacles and find contentment in each other’s arms. The movie will have you hoping that the person beside you is the Allie or Noah of your life.
13. Roman Holiday
For the love of classics, Roman Holiday is one film you shouldn’t miss. Watch Audrey Hepburn play the part of a princess who escapes her royal duties to experience life as a commoner. She accidentally bumps into Joe (Gregory Peck) who offers to show her around the city. Beyond just the love story, you will love the movie for its iconic costumes and scenic shots. It’s a fairytale sputtered with a good dose of reality. You’ll love it!
14. Casablanca
This is as classic as classic gets. Watch the iconic Humphrey Bogart as he shows us what unconditional love really is. His character, Rick, forgoes his chance at happiness to make sure Ilsa, the love of his life, is able to leave Casablanca safely. The story will remind you of what love looks like beyond just romance and fairytales.
Spend your post-Valentine’s Day with a stay-at-home date that will both wrench and warm your heart — all by looking at love from the perspective of many different characters. Enjoy!
