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Valentine’s Day is only days away, but it will look a lot different than usual this year. Rather than heading off to dinner and movie theater, many couples will be ordering takeout and watching a movie from the comfort of their own living rooms. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up an eclectic group of movies we think would be great to watch at home this Valentine’s Day. Some of them are streaming on popular services like HBO Max and Hulu, while others are available as digital purchases/rentals or on Blu-ray. At this point, it’d be hard to get a Blu-ray of one of these movies shipped to your home by Valentine’s Day, but Amazon has most of these films available digitally as well.
Instead of focusing solely on movies centered on romance, we’ve rounded up 15 Valentine’s Day movies that are cozy and have good vibes. After all, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about romance; it’s about spending time with your favorite person and enjoying each other’s company. Since many Valentine’s dates will take place on the living room couch this year, what better way to celebrate together than snuggling up and watching a cozy movie? And for couples with kids, Valentine’s Day will probably be a family event, so this list also features some family-friendly movies that both parents and kids will enjoy.
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If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your partner this holiday, check out our guide to the best Valentine’s Day gifts for 2021. You should also take a peek at our roundup of the best games for couples to play together this Valentine’s Day.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse isn’t just one of the best superhero movies ever made, it’s also one of the most impressive animated films in recent memory. Sony Pictures Animation used a unique technique that combines computer animation and hand-drawn panels to give the 2018 film a distinct comic book feel. It tells the origin story of Miles Morales becoming Spider-Man while also featuring Peter Parker, Peni Parker, Spider-Man Noir, Gwen Stacy, and the wonderful Spider-Ham.
The ensemble cast shines in a comedic adventure that has plenty of touching moments. Into the Spider-Verse is extremely stylish and is brimming with heart, which makes it an ideal movie to watch this Valentine’s Day. It recently left Netflix, but thankfully the Blu-ray and 4K Blu-ray offerings are reasonably priced and are loaded with neat special features.
Detective Pikachu
For everyone who grew up wishing Pokemon were real, Detective Pikachu is a love letter to that dream. The first live-action Pokemon movie turned out far better than anyone could have expected, delivering a charming and heartwarming story. It’s essentially a buddy comedy, with Tim Goodman (Justice Smith) going on an adventure to find his father with a talking Pikachu voiced by Ryan Reynolds. Detective Pikachu has excellent pacing and uses a myriad of Pokemon species such as Psyduck and Mr. Mime to create some truly funny moments. Though more about an unlikely friendship and the bonds between fathers and sons rather than a love story, Detective Pikachu is a feel-good movie that parents and kids alike can enjoy.
Stream it on HBO Max Buy it at Amazon
Sonic the Hedgehog
Like Detective Pikachu, Sonic the Hedgehog mines a rich history of source material to create a smile-inducing film for fans of the iconic Sega mascot. Sonic the Hedgehog is a lighthearted movie with a positive message that paves its own path forward rather than merely rehashing the games. Ben Schwartz’s portrayal of the beloved blue hedgehog is certainly zany but also quite endearing, and his quips with James Marsden’s small-town sheriff character work well. Jim Carrey does a wonderful job portraying Sonic’s main foe Dr. Robotnik, too. Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog is a fun adaptation that is smart enough for parents to enjoy while still having a childlike quality about it. It would be a great movie to watch with the whole family on Valentine’s Day.
Paddington 2
Paddington 2 should’ve at the very least been nominated for the Oscar for Best Picture. Yes, it’s a children’s movie about a classic fictional bear who loves marmalade more than some people love their partners, but it’s simply brilliant. While the original was good and certainly worth watching, the sequel takes it to the next level, as Paddington gets embroiled in a scandal that sends the always-optimistic bear to prison. That’s right. Paddington the Perfect Bear gets sent to prison. From there, Paddington 2 only gets more surprising and almost impossibly charming. Paddington 2 is worth watching any day of the week, but it seems like a particularly cozy movie to watch with loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Also, Paddington 2 holds a 100 percent Certified Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, which puts it right next to Citizen Kane. This is not to say that Paddington 2 is basically Citizen Kane, but everyone loves talking bears more than red sleds.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs was one of the best movies of 2020, and it’s one of the only traditional “romantic” movies on this list. As a sci-fi romantic comedy, Palm Springs is Groundhog Day-style film. Thanks to a mysterious portal, Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Miloti) are stuck reliving the same day over and over again. But hey, at least they are at a Palm Springs resort for a wedding every time they wake up. The time loop means that Nyles and Sarah are essentially living in their own little world together, which is obviously excellent fodder for a romantic comedy. Palm Springs is carried by its stellar performances and great writing. If you’re looking for a relationship movie to watch with your significant other, you should definitely check out Palm Springs on Hulu.
Booksmart
Booksmart follows in the footsteps of Superbad as a raunchy buddy comedy about one last hurrah before high school has ended. Directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever, Booksmart follows two studious high school seniors who finally decide to live a little bit by going to a graduation party. Naturally, getting to the party proves to be a major challenge, their friendship is tested, and all sorts of hilarious hijinks ensue. Booksmart has strong performances throughout and would certainly be a great choice for adults looking for some laughs this Valentine’s Day.
Stream it on Hulu Buy it at Amazon
Good Boys
If you’re looking for a double-feature, try watching Good Boys alongside Booksmart. Good Boys basically has the same premise but is led by a trio of sixth graders played by Jacob Tremblay, Keith L. Williams, and Brady Noon. Despite the fact it centers around sixth graders, Good Boys is certainly not a kid’s movie, though it is sweet-natured. At its heart, Good Boys is about childhood friendships and all the ways in which those are challenged. It has a bunch of hilarious scenes and awkward situations that will appeal to those who are fans of Seth Rogen movies (Rogen and Evan Goldberg were producers on Good Boys).
Shazam
While most movies in the DCEU are fairly grim, Shazam is the exact opposite of that. It’s arguably the most feel-good modern superhero movie. After young Billy Batson is chosen by the ancient wizard Shazam to become the new champion, Billy turns into a badass adult superhero played by Zachary Levi. Like many age-swap movies, Billy still has the mind of a child; he just happens to be the key to thwart the Seven Deadly Sins, too. Given the premise, Shazam has a far more innocent quality to it than most superhero movies and winds up being an endearing adventure because of it. The light tone makes this superhero movie ultra-cozy, and it imparts some positive messages about generosity and how we should treat one another.
Stream it on HBO Max Buy it at Amazon
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
Nothing says cozy quite like Peter Jackson’s remarkable adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. The Fellowship of the Ring is the movie equivalent of being wrapped in a warm blanket, while The Two Towers and The Return of the King up the stakes and help solidify the bonds of the lovable cast of characters on their winding quest to destroy the One Ring. Since Valentine’s Day is on a Sunday, watching the whole nine-plus hour trilogy is a great way to spend the day together.
Stream it on Hulu Stream it on HBO Max Buy it at Amazon
Up
As anyone who has watched Pixar’s 2009 movie Up knows, the first 10 minutes of the animated film can very easily move you to tears. Up is Pixar’s greatest love story, and the opening montage showing Carl and Ellie Fredricksen’s relationship from inception to Ellie’s passing is extremely well done and sets up the trajectory of the movie. From there, Up becomes a charming tale of fulfilling childhood dreams, dealing with loss, and unlikely friendships. It has all of the Pixar charm that both parents and kids love, which makes it a really good pick for families to watch this Valentine’s Day.
Stream it on Disney+ Buy it at Best Buy
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
Adapted from the hit graphic novel series by Bryan O’Malley, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World didn’t fare well at the box office in 2010. However, it has grown to become a cult hit, and there’s nothing quite like it. It mashes together the visual stylings of video games and comic books to make a unique movie with some really neat visual effects. When indie bassist Scott gets involved with a delivery girl named Ramona, his whole world turns upside down. The vast majority of the story sees Scott battle multiple of Ramona’s exes while confronting his own as well. While not exactly a “true love conquers all” type of tale, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a fun spin on the romantic comedy genre that has broad appeal, great action, and lots of humor.
Stream it on Netflix Buy it at Amazon
Deadpool
Marvel actually advertised Deadpool as a Valentine’s Day movie ahead of its release in 2016. Though that was a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign focused on Deadpool’s (ahem) unique charm, we’re here to say that Deadpool is actually a wonderful movie to watch with your loved one on Valentine’s Day. This recommendation is largely due to the fact that Deadpool has appeal that stretches beyond superhero fans. It’s part ultra-violent action movie, part raunchy comedy, and a whole lot of fun. Ryan Reynolds plays the antihero role well, and we’re guessing there are plenty of people out there who wouldn’t mind spending a couple of hours with Reynolds this Valentine’s Day. Since he breaks the fourth wall regularly, it’s almost like he’s in your home.
Stream it on Hulu Buy it at Amazon
Your Name
Imagine the plot of Freaky Friday, except instead of an American mom and daughter switching bodies, it’s two Japanese teenagers who are complete strangers to each other. That’s the premise of Your Name, one of the highest-grossing anime films of all time. It follows Mitsuha, a girl living in the rural town of Itomori, and Taki, a boy living in bustling Tokyo, as they inexplicably begin to switch bodies one day. Your Name is part-comedy, part-romance, and completely engrossing the entire way through, and it’ll also subvert your expectations in a pretty major way–we suggest going in without reading anything about it. Whether you and your partner are already anime fanatics or new to the genre, Your Name is a film you’re sure to love–it’s an international hit for a reason–and it’s a great choice for watching together this Valentine’s Day.
Interstellar
Christopher Nolan’s 2014 science fiction film Interstellar isn’t a love story, but there’s something about voyages to the great unknowns of space that is quite cozy. The film follows former astronaut turned farmer Joseph Cooper, who is recruited to help save humanity from its dystopian ruin. While not a romantic film, Interstellar does tell a touching story about the love between fathers and daughters. The film’s runtime is nearly three hours, and it takes a rather wild turn more than halfway through. If anything, Interstellar will create some lively discussions with your significant other once the credits roll.
Howl's Moving Castle
Studio Ghibli’s films are beloved worldwide, and Howl’s Moving Castle is one that stands out as particularly exceptional. Based on a 1986 British novel, Howl’s Moving Castle is set in a fantasy world where both magic and early 20th-century technology are present, and wizards and witches have been enlisted by the king to fight in a devastating war. A young hatmaker named Sophie becomes embroiled in the conflict after a witch casts a curse on her, turning her into an old woman. The curse leads Sophie to meet a handsome wizard named Howl, and she comes to live with him in his magic traveling castle, with Howl initially believing she’s nothing more than a harmless old woman. Howl’s Moving Castle is one of the more mature Ghibli films due to its depictions of war, but it’s still infused with plenty of humor and charm. It’s also a great entry point for the couple who may be new to Hayao Miyazaki’s films. Howl’s Moving Castle–and the rest of the Studio Ghibli catalog–are now available to stream on HBO Max.
Stream it on HBO Max Buy it at Amazon
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