With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, there’s no better time to revisit the movies that make you believe in love again. Whether you have a Valentine this Feb. 14 or not, here are some of my all-time favorites, from ones that make you laugh to guaranteed tearjerkers. 

My personal top four

First is “27 Dresses,” a classic rom-com about always being the bridesmaid and never the bride. Jane, played by Katherine Heigl, unknowingly falls for the one person who sees her beyond everyone else’s wedding plans — and who just happens to be the guy that ticks her off the most. I love this movie mainly because of the evolving chemistry between the two main characters.

Another favorite of mine is “13 Going on 30.” When Jenna Rink, played by Jennifer Garner, magically wakes up as her 30-year-old self, she gets everything she ever wished for. She soon realizes the people she needs the most aren’t around anymore, prompting her to rekindle a childhood friendship and navigate life as an adult while feeling 13 at heart. This movie hits hard because it makes you realize you don’t need to fall in love at one specific moment — you could have been in love all along. 

An arguably less popular film but a favorite nonetheless is “Sweet Home Alabama.” In this movie, a New York City fashion designer, played by Reese Witherspoon, is forced to confront her small-town past when she goes back home to demand a divorce from her first husband as she’s now engaged to someone else. 

It’s the perfect mix of southern charm, unresolved feelings and the idea that some people still know you best, even if they haven’t been part of your life for long. 

Last, but certainly not least, on my list of personal favorites is “50 First Dates.” Adam Sandler plays Henry, a playboy who tries to woo Lucy, only to realize she suffers from short-term memory loss. 

Every morning, Henry has to make her fall in love with him all over again. Lucy is surrounded by people who want to protect her from getting hurt, so Henry has to prove he’s in it for real love. What I love most is how persistent Henry is, irrespective of the challenges thrown in his way. 

For when you need a good laugh

In “What Happens in Vegas,” two strangers wake up married after a wild night in Vegas. They find out they have won a million dollars at the slot machines and are forced to live together in order to be granted a divorce and split their winnings.

Chaos, bickering and feelings ensue. I love how they’re constantly trying to get back at each other, but end up having each other’s backs in the end. 

Another great comedy is “Hitch,” which follows a professional dating coach, played by Will Smith, who helps everyone else find love but struggles with his own. He finds himself unprepared when he meets someone who actually challenges him. It shows that finding love isn’t about smooth lines or having “rizz” — it’s about being yourself, being emotionally honest and vulnerable. 

The last laugh out loud film on this list is “Made of Honor.” This film follows a lifelong bachelor, played by Patrick Dempsey, who realizes he’s in love with his best friend. It’s messy and dramatic in the classic rom-com way, but also heartfelt, exploring the fear of losing someone who has always felt like home. I like how it shows that the right person can turn even the biggest commitment-phobe into someone willing to settle down. 

Feel-good movies: 

“Flipped” is a classic example of the “she fell first but he fell harder” trope. This movie follows the story of Juli and Bryce in a coming of age story told from both of their perspectives. This movie is especially unique, because on the surface it looks like it’s just about their romance when it also explores how family, upbringing and values shape the way we see people. 

In “You’ve Got Mail,” two business rivals, played by Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, unknowingly fall in love, finding peace in conversations with a stranger who understands them better than anyone else. It’s slow, cozy and perfect if you love soft romance. What I like the most is that it proves that two people can have completely opposite views, yet end up being perfect for each other. 

Another Reese Witherspoon-led classic, “Just Like Heaven” follows a widower who moves into a new apartment only to discover it’s already occupied by the spirit of its former owner — who’s convinced she isn’t really dead. This movie plays with fate, memory and the non-physical elements of connection. I love how the plot surrounds the question of how important timing is when it comes to finding someone that’s meant for you. 

If you want a good cry: 

“A Walk to Remember” is a classic “opposites attract” movie, but with a tragic twist. A high school troublemaker falls for the kindest girl in school, only to learn that love can be both beautiful and devastating at the same time. It’s a story about first love, faith and how sometimes the people who change us the most aren’t in our lives very long. What really gets me about this movie is how he makes it his life’s purpose to make her happy.

Another tear jerker is “City of Angels,” in which an immortal angel gives up eternity for the chance to experience human love and touch after falling in love with a doctor, proving that even infinite time isn’t worth much without connection. Fun fact: it’s the movie that my all-time favorite song, “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls, was written for, which is what makes it special for me. 

The last film on this list is “Five Feet Apart.” In this movie, two teenagers with cystic fibrosis fall in love. The catch is they are physically unable to touch each other due to their illness, turning distance into the central theme of their friendship. It’s tender, frustratingly sad and heartbreaking in a way that makes you realize how much we take simple closeness for granted. The best thing about this movie is the acting — it feels so real that it’s impossible to not get emotionally invested. 

From nostalgic classics to heartfelt stories, this guide reflects the different ways love can be experienced on screen. No matter your plans this Valentine’s Day, these films serve as a reminder that love isn’t about grand gestures, but about connection, timing and the people who leave a lasting impact on us.