Whether you’re planning your fifth Valentine’s Day celebration with the love of your life or your twentieth one while single, there will always be one constant during this time of year: the 90s rom-com. So, this Valentine’s Day, plan to bundle up with your loved ones and binge-watch this list of the best nostalgic rom-coms. Warning: happy tears are anticipated.
1. "Romeo + Juliet"
This classic Shakespearean remake has all the workings of a perfect rom-com. Star-crossed lovers, secret escapades and grand displays of love. Not to mention, it’s graced with the beautiful faces of young Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes. Beware, although it is a modern-day reenactment the characters still speak in Shakespearean English. Let’s be real, “Did my heart love 'til now? Forswear its sight. For I never saw true beauty 'til this night,” sounds a lot more romantic than “Woah, she’s super-hot.” So, if you want to make yourself feel like an intellectual while still maintaining the absolute glee of watching two people fall in love, I highly suggest this movie.
2. "Pretty Woman"
Wow, talk about star-crossed lovers. A prostitute and a wealthy businessman form an unlikely bond while in a scheme pretending to be in a relationship. The two learn a lot from each other about the different worlds that they are from and must jump many hurdles to make things work. Don’t forget Julia Roberts’ famous scene where she tells the luxury sales associates to eat it. If you’re looking for a movie that will warm your heart while pushing the boundaries of what a “traditional” relationship should look like, you’ve found it.
3. "10 Things I Hate About You"
Bianca Stratford can’t date anyone until her older, more abrasive sister Kat has a boyfriend. This is unfortunate news for Bianca’s number one fan Cameron James, so he decides to pay an equally abrasive Patrick Verona to wow Kat so he can finally ask Bianca out. Kat Stratford sticks to her guns and enjoys her company, showing girls everywhere that they don’t NEED a relationship to be happy. Patrick and Kat’s relationship is only an addition to their lives, not all of it. Don’t forget about Bianca and Cameron’s love story as well! If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching double romance that will get those tears flowing, watch "10 Things I Hate About You."
4. "When Harry Met Sally"
Now, even though these next two movies didn’t come out in the 90s it was close enough and they deserve their spots on this list. Characters Harry and Sally meet during a shared 18-hour car ride to New York after college. The movie follows them over the next 12 years as their relationship changes and grows. It’s the most realistic portrayal of a relationship that I’ve seen in a long time. The witty banter between Harry and Sally will keep you grinning throughout the whole movie. So, if you’re looking for an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers movie that will leave you wondering when you’ll meet your own Harry or Sally, I highly recommend it.
5. "The Princess Bride"
In my opinion, this is the best rom-com of all time. Wesley should be the standard for all men everywhere. If you aren’t willing to get sucked into a pit of quicksand to get to me, I don’t want you. Not only is this movie the epitome of romance, but it’s full of genuine friendships and found family. This movie will take you on a journey into a magical land of fantasy and love. So, if you’re looking to raise your standards in life or feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket of love, watch this movie. It won’t disappoint.
Now go forth and veg on the couch!
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