Ever wished your life (or at least your Valentine's Day ideas) could be more like a movie? Well, guess what?! Movies aren’t made just for the watching. Sure, Hollywood’s hottest rom-coms and love stories carry an undeniable entertainment factor. And they usually do a darn great job of making audiences feel all warm ‘n’ fuzzy inside. But what good are these romantic movies if that feeling just stops when the credits roll? Shouldn’t those two hours of your life amount to something more?
The truth is, these flicks come loaded with inspiration. The best of them turn those wishes (that ‘real life was like a movie’) into authentic action. And with the irresistible season of L-O-V-E upon us, who couldn’t use a little bit (or a lot) of that? Especially when it comes to Valentine’s Day ideas.
Whether you want romantic ideas for an unforgettable date, or are searching for the perfect Valentine’s Day gifts to express your emotions — take a few cues from these blockbusters.
Live a February 14th that’s full of movie-esque moments with your special someone; enjoy quality time together as a couple, making delightfully-mushy memories that are way beyond worthy of the silver screen.
1. When Harry Met Sally
Surprise your sweetie with a good, old-fashioned Valentine’s Day road trip. Or take a page from Harry’s book: go out on a limb and really tell someone (old or new) how you feel.
2. 10 Things I Hate About You
Go paintballing! Whether it’s the hand-launched blobs of color that made movie-watchers the envy of Patrick and Kat, or the trigger-happy type loaded with a rainbow of pellets — do what you gotta do to paint the town with your other half.
3. Love Actually
It may revolve around Christmas, but it comes with legit Valentine’s Day ideas. If this movie taught us anything, it’s that simple, honest, romantic gestures have an enormous impact. So take a chance. Learn a new hobby to catch a crush’s eye (and heart). Confess your genuine love for someone, despite a rocky or complicated history. Make a move on someone who is ‘out of your league.’ You never know how it will shape your story until you try.
4. Shakespeare in Love
Nothing says romance quite like a Valentine’s Day gift that treats you to a classy night at the theatre or opera as a couple.
5. Serendipity
You can’t beat the ‘fortunate accident’ of ‘forgetting to make dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day.’ Go for a cozy, intimate evening at home instead. Hide your phones, unplug the TV, add some wine, light some candles, and toast some s’mores. Of course, you could also take more direct hints from the film, and opt to enjoy a classic ice skating date under the stars.
6. Pretty Woman
It’s a safe bet that the two of you clean up real nice. So why not put on some fancier threads than usual, and splurge on an elegant dinner at an extra-ritzy restaurant. Just this once.
7 & 8. Dirty Dancing -&- Silver Lining’s Playbook
Both of these films are powerhouses when it comes to advocating movin' and groovin'. Try a low-maintenance Valentine’s Day date idea: cut a rug at your favorite dive bar. Or go all-out and try a ballroom dancing lesson together.
9. The Princess Bride
This timeless tale gushes of adventure and “twue wuv.” Tackle some outdoorsy excursions with adrenaline-pumping Valentine’s Day ideas like horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, scuba diving, or archery as a dynamic duo… [if] you wish.
10. Ghost
Nope, not going to suggest a pottery class. (Although that is a wonderful option!) Instead, try fun urban outings that double great as date nights and highlight local haunts (literally) in your city — like ghost tours, food carts, pub crawls, etc.
11. 50 First Dates
First dates can be very hit or miss. For those lucky couples whose initial rendezvous was one for the books, why not make like Adam and Drew? Re-do your first date or two all in one evening. Savor all the little things that captivated you in the first place, all over again.
12. Sleepless in Seattle
AKA, sleepless in your city! “I really don’t like staying up into the wee hours with a bottle of wine (or several) and my special someone, then watching the sunrise together.” Said no lovebird, ever. Mission of Valentine’s Day date ideas: complete.
13. You’ve Got Mail -&- The Notebook
Tom wrote to Meg; Noah wrote to Allie. The lost art of writing love letters (or heck, even love emails) is tough to come by in this day and age. So put pen to paper. Or compose a surprise email instead of just a short text. Go freestyle, or buy a card. However you do it, let your words speak loud and proud.
14. Titanic
This one simply cannot be left off Valentine’s Day ideas. Go for a cruise. Get away for a few days, or even just a few hours for lunch or dinner on the water. An elegant ship, a lovely dining atmosphere, and a beautiful horizon are just the tip of the romantic –errr– iceberg.
15. Runaway Bride
If anyone would have encountered a nice, sappy wedding proposal on Valentine’s Day, it would be Julia Roberts’ character, Maggie. For those couples who are gunnin’ for the ultimate February 14th, pop that question! You won't regret it.
16. Top Gun
The obvious inspiration from this film is an aviation adventure. There’s no denying that. Let your love soar in whimsical ways: hot air balloon rides, scenic flying lessons, helicopter tours, etc. But let’s not forget, Tom Cruise rode a pretty sweet bike with his leading lady, too — so if a Harley Davidson adventure is calling your name on February 14th, you better answer!
17 & 18. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days -&- Fever Pitch
Kate Hudson is a NY Knicks fan. Jimmy Fallon’s got it bad for the Boston Red Sox. Sporting events are great Valentine’s Day ideas for bonding with your beloved!
19. Bridget Jones’ Diary
Both installments of this British chick flick demonstrate Bridget’s tendency to take rather unique romps in the snow. Follow her lead. Enjoy wonderful walks with your other half in a winter wonderland. Try date outings like snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, etc.
20. Valentine’s Day
Some women say they don’t like getting flowers as Valentine’s Day gifts. But Ashton Kutcher sure did make some b-e-a-utiful, swoon-worthy deliveries during Cupid’s big day. In more ways than one. Just sayin’…
21. Tin Cup
Tee up with your favorite hunny-bunny. Take in a round on a course, head to a driving range, or check out a local Topgolf facility in your area. It just might be the Valentine’s Day idea you’ve been searching ‘fore'!
22. Groundhog Day
This may not seem like the go-to choice for a ‘traditional romantic movie,’ per se. But when it gets down to it, the story is actually a great reminder to put your significant other first. As Bill Murray learns, sometimes that takes practice. And that’s ok. There’s a reason why going out of the way for someone you’re sweet on is called a ‘labor of love.’ And in the end, making that extra effort is always worth it, for both people involved.
23. Sideways
This fine flick not only celebrates a love of wine (which, let’s face it, makes everything more romantic)… but it also is a great testimony to finding love again. Life sure can throw some curveballs. But no matter how old you are or what the past entails, love can be surprising and intoxicating all over again.
24. Chocolat
Having just mentioned wine, it only makes sense to give a shout out to its perfect romantic pairing: chocolate! If the way to someone's heart really is through the stomach, then all hail the almighty power of cocoa. Indulge your favorite someone in Valentine’s Day gift ideas like a box of treats, homemade sweets, or a chocolate-making class you can take together!
25. Up
“Adventure is out there!” This heartwarming film reminds us that even the simplest moments of everyday life are a grand adventure, especially when shared with a loved one. It encourages us to embrace memories we’ve made, but to also grow through new chapters. Finally, it promises that prioritizing and nourishing the hearts of others can fill ours up, too, often in unexpected ways. And if a ridiculous amount of balloons happen to be involved in a Valentine’s Day idea? The answer is always “Yes!” to that adventure.
Feeling thoroughly inspired to make every single moment count now? Maybe some of these clips made you laugh. Maybe they made your heart skip a beat. Or maybe they even gave your heartstrings a hefty workout…
Whatever they did, here’s to true love, wild romance, and adding another unforgettable scene to your story this February 14th.
