Dressing up and hitting the town for a special Valentine’s Day dinner is fun. However, fighting the crowds of couples doing the same thing isn’t.
With Valentine’s Day landing on a Tuesday this year, staying in and celebrating the occasion might be what most folks opt for. And spending time together at home can be just as fun and entertaining as going out.
Make the most of the celebration by watching a classic Valentine’s Day movie, reading a romantic page-turner or listening to an entertaining love-themed podcast together.
Let the A&E Spotlight take the stress of trying to figure out the perfect movie, book or podcast off your plate with this list of suggestions for couples, friends and singles.
Movies
Of course, “Valentine’s Day” makes the top of the list. The 2010 romantic comedy stars a bevy of Hollywood actors including Julia Roberts, Ashton Kutcher, Bradley Cooper and Taylor Swift. Set on Feb. 14, the movie follows different stories of couples, would-be-couples and no-longer couples. The movie is rated PG-13 for adult themes and language.
“The Half of It” by Alice Wu puts a 2020 spin on the classic “Cyrano de Bergerac.” Set in a small Massachusetts town, Ellie agrees to help her classmate, Paul, write love letters to his crush. The problem is, Paul’s crush is also Ellie’s crush. The movie explores different relationships between friends, romantic partners and family. “The Half of It” is rated PG-13.
Kick it old school with “Dirty Dancing.” The 1987 hit stars the late Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey and tells the story of two people from the opposite sides of the tracks who find a love connection through dancing. With its iconic dance scenes and “nobody puts Baby in the corner” line, “Dirty Dancing” is a fun and lighthearted movie that adults and teens will enjoy. The movie is rated PG-13.
“The Princess Bride” is another classic romantic movie that everyone should see at least once. Made in 1987 and starring Cary Elwes and Robin Wright, the sci-fi love story is anything but your typical romantic comedy. Rated PG, the movie is a great flick choice for families.
If you’re looking for a dramatic romance, then “If Beale Street Could Talk,” may be something you’re interested in. The 2018 movie is based on the book by the same name by James Baldwin. The story follows Fonny and Tish through a wrongful arrest, a pregnancy, family reactions of all kinds and more. The movie is rated R for adult themes and language.
For Galentine’s celebrations, “Waiting to Exhale” is the perfect movie. The 1995 flick stars Whitney Houston, Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon as four friends dealing with the ups and downs of love. Women of all ages and backgrounds can relate the valuable lessons about life, love and themselves the characters eventually learn. The movie is rated R for adult content and language.
Check out “The Big Sick” for a meet-cute comedy based on the true story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon. While Nanjiani and Gordon are attracted to each other, their cultures, and families, clash. The story follows how the two navigate the challenges to fight for true love. The movie is rated R for adult content and language.
“The Spectacular Now” is a sweet story of first love. Released in 2013 and starring Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller, the movie follows high schoolers Aimee and Sutter as they try to navigate the present and plan for the future. The film is rated R for adult themes and language.
Books
If you want to extend your Valentine’s Day celebration, then choose a romantic novel and take turns reading it or just spend some quality “me-time” relaxing in the story of someone else’s life.
Some suggestions include:
- “The Duke and I” by Julia Quinn
- “Love Your Life” by Sophie Kinsella
- “Paris: A Love Story” by Kati Marton
- “Eleanor & Park” by Rainbow Rowell
- “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger
- “The Notebook” by Nicholas Sparks
- “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
Podcasts
Not really interested in sitting down and concentrating on a movie or book? Then you might want to check out a podcast. Podcasts are great to listen to while cooking, driving or even laying in bed before catching some z’s.
Podcasts can be downloaded to your phone or tablet through a variety of platforms such as Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Audible and Podbean.
Some fun and educational podcasts that center on love, relationships, marriage, dating and just life are:
- The Endless Honeymoon
- Modern Love
- I Do Podcast
- Love Letters
- A Fight Worth Fighting: A Marriage and Family Podcast
- Date/Able
- The Self Love Effect
- Multiamory
- Dating After Divorce
- Talking It Out with Mike & Bryan
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