Even though Valentine’s Day is over, love is still in the air, and watching classic romantic movies is the perfect way to celebrate love. There’s nothing better than curling up with a warm blanket, a cup of cocoa, and a heartwarming classic love story while Iowa City’s winter temperatures continue to fluctuate. These five of my favorite romantic films will make your February a little sweeter, whether you need a break from studying or just want to enjoy the beauty of romance. Let’s dive into the top picks that will have you Hawkeyes swooning this season!
- How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
This romantic comedy from the early 2000s has the ideal balance of heart and fun. The greats Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey play magazine columnist Andie Anderson and advertising executive Ben Barry. Unaware that Ben has bet that he can make a woman fall in love with him in the same amount of time, Andie targets him when she is given the task of writing an essay on how to lose a guy in 10 days. Their divergent goals result in a funny string of miscommunications, practical jokes, and touching moments. One of my favorites to rewatch, without a doubt!
- Me Before You
Just a heads up: Bring tissues! This heartwarming romance, which is based on Jojo Moyes’s book, examines the value of living life to the fullest and the transformational potential of love. Louisa “Lou” Clark, played by Emilia Clarke, is a bright and upbeat young lady who takes on the role of caregiver for Will Traynor (Sam Claflin), a successful and affluent banker who has been paralyzed following an accident. As their relationship grows, Louisa and Will both start to see the world from different perspectives, pushing one another to take chances and appreciate life’s beauty despite its challenges.
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Since the summer before my first year of high school, this one has been one of my personal favorites. Lara Jean Covey and Peter Kavinksy, her seventh-grade crush, start a fictitious romance. Audiences have responded favorably to the film’s realistic and beautiful depiction of adolescent love and self-discovery because it is endearing and relatable.
- Think Like a Man
This ensemble romantic comedy, which is based on Steve Harvey’s best-selling book “Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man,” follows the intertwined lives of four couples as they navigate the difficulties of relationships and love. The males find it difficult to keep up when the women in their lives begin using Harvey’s book as a guide to improve their relationships. With a cast that includes Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart, and Gabrielle Union, “Think Like a Man” offers heartwarming moments, humor, and insightful perspectives on the intricacies of modern-day romance.
- The Sun is Also a Star
Adapted from Nicola Yoon’s acclaimed novel, “The Sun Is Also a Star” tells the enchanting story of two teenagers, Natasha Kingsley (Yara Shahidi) and Daniel Bae (Charles Melton), whose paths cross in New York City on a fateful day. Natasha, a pragmatic and science-minded girl, is facing the imminent deportation of her family to Jamaica, while Daniel, a romantic poet, is grappling with his family’s expectations and his own dreams. Daniel tries to persuade Tasha that love is based on fate and can happen quickly during their brief time together.