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Illustration by Jam Moreno.

Valentine’s Day Movie Recommendations from The Gazelle

Whether or not you’re single, taken or “it’s complicated”... if you’re looking for some feel-good movies to binge on this V-day, The Gazelle has got you covered.

Feb 13, 2022

Valentine’s Day is coming up and for those of you who are a) single or b) want a fun feel-good movie to watch with your S/O, The Gazelle has put together a list of binge-worthy romantic movies across all genres to satisfy every movie lover.
Claudia Alcarra, Deputy Features Editor
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Set it Up (2018) - Media courtesy of Netflix.
Set it Up will definitely give you a good laugh and keep you entertained throughout the whole 90 minutes of the movie. The main characters are incredibly lovable and funny. Our starring couple gets together after working on a master plan to set up their grumpy bosses. This is for sure a go-to for Valentine’s day; Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) are such a great fit for each other that it makes you believe in love again. Extra points to this one also for having a great soundtrack.
Emily Yoo, Deputy Features Editor
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The Princess Bride (1987) - Media courtesy of Hulu.
The Princess Bride is a rom-com — though more heavy on the “com” than the “rom” — that’s framed as a spoof on traditional fairy tales, which makes it a perfect movie for bitter shrews like me on Valentine’s Day. And yet, this movie never fails to make me believe in the power of true love every time Westley (Cary Elwes) says “As you wish.” It’s a perfect sappy romance that also includes incredible fight scenes, laugh out loud comedy and rodents of unusual size.
Grace Bechdol, Editor in Chief
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Once (2007) - Media courtesy of Smash Film.
Once, the Irish romance film turned into a musical with an Academy Award winning score, follows two unnamed struggling musicians who meet in Dublin and connect through their music. The movie could not be more simple in its construction: made in only 17 days with a miniscule budget, the film doesn’t even give its two protagonists names. But the poignant story of “guy” falling for “girl” with a husband abroad is told elegantly through the movie’s beautiful score and the bond they form through their music that transcends the physical, emotional and language barriers that separate them. A wholly underrated film, Once is a captivating and unique choice for a Valentine’s Day screening that will leave you feeling a bit somber, but satisfied.
Jam Moreno, Senior Multimedia Editor
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Kimi no Nawa / Your Name (2016) - Media courtesy of Asia Media International.
What starts as an overused plot of a boy and a girl switching bodies and falling in love with each other becomes a compelling story of love that transcends time and space. Kimi no Nawa is an animated Japanese film that just tugs at your heartstrings. It follows the life of Mitsuha living in the countryside and Taki living in central Tokyo. With an unforgettable soundtrack, breathtaking hand-drawn animation and masterful storytelling (that I shouldn’t spoil), I cannot recommend this movie enough.
Malak Elmallah, Deputy Features Editor
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10 Things I Hate About You (1999) - Media courtesy of Vox.
As a self proclaimed rom-com expert, 10 Things I Hate About You is a classic must-see from the genre (in my not-so-humble opinion). This enemies-to-lovers flick is the perfect culmination of my all time favorite clichés, making it the perfect fun, light-hearted watch if you're looking for a cute movie.
Morgane Motlik, Senior Columns Editor
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Roman Holiday (1953) - Media courtesy of Parade.
Roman Holiday has been one of my favorite romantic comedies to come back to over the years. It has the required sweetness and “aww” factor, paired with witty dialogue, all playing out on the backdrop of 1950s Rome. You can never go wrong with Audrey Hepburn.
Nirvana Amjad, Senior Features Editor
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Howl’s Moving Castle (2004) - Media courtesy of IMDB.
If you’re looking for an unconventional romance, you can’t go wrong with a wizard falling in love with a hatmaker trapped inside a body that isn’t hers. The dysfunctional walking house, gorgeous Ghibli animation and Howl’s hilarious narcissism make it the ideal escapist fantasy to distract you from the woes of your love life.
Sara Vuksanovic, Senior Features Editor
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The First Daughter (2004) - Media courtesy of IMDB.
The movie follows the daughter of the President of the United States, Samantha (Katie Holmes), as she enters college. The focus is on Sam learning to navigate the college environment, including roommate relationships and romantic relationships. As she struggles to balance being the First Daughter (which often involves being followed around by Secret Service Agents) and her growing romance with another student (Marc Blucas), Sam must face life outside the White House.
Zainab Hamid, Deputy Columns Editor
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Reality Bites (1994) - Media courtesy of 25YL.
If Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke are not enough to convince you, here’s a quick summary: Reality Bites follows a high school group of friends as they navigate relationships, life and love. It is my favorite movie of all time and I cannot recommend it enough, especially if you like sappy romance accompanied by witty commentary.
We hope you will enjoy these movie recommendations. Happy Valentine’s day from The Gazelle team!
Sara Vuksanovic is Senior Features Editor. Email her at feedback@thegazelle.org.
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