Flicks to catch on Valentine's Day

It's that time of the year again, where new love sparks while existing ones grow stronger, flowers are given to loved ones and chocolates are eaten together (or maybe not). 

Yes I know it might seem like every other day, nothing seems special for some people especially those who're still single and for those who argue that everyday can be a love day. Valentine's day has become more common as society grows and social media opens doors all over the world, and whether you celebrate it or not it's the romantic movies that reel us in every year. 

If you're spending it on your own or with your loved ones, we want to share with you our top movies to revisit or even see for the first time if you haven't during this lovely day. This list has been curated by one of the male voices at MDLR who happens to be the team’s hopeless romantic and insisted on highlighting some of his favorite films of the past decades.

Without further ado, whether you're planning on Netflix-and chilling on the couch with your loved ones or just watching alone with your popcorn, do consider giving this list a shot during Valentine's Day!

------  MDLR'S VALENTINE MOVIE LIST ------

1. Begin Again (2013)

You don't want to miss this musical hit played by the wonderful Keira Knightley as Gretta, a musician ready for a challenge after being dumped by her boyfriend. As New York City becomes a secondary character to the film, we see Greta meet Dan, a famous and once-respected music executive who has since fallen on hard times. Adam Levine stars in his 1st movie appearance as the boyfriend who leaves Gretta because of his new-found fame as singer and songwriter.

2. Sing Street (2016)

Back with another musical again but this time we venture into 1985, in Dublin this time. A 15-year-old Conor has just been moved to a new school. As he tries to adjust to a new way of life, one day he meets the enigmatic Raphina standing in front of the school's gate, and is immediately smitten by her. He tries to get close to her through music, because Love and Music in a movie is always a perfect match! Conor forms a band and the tunes intertwine with the classic of a boy who tries to win a girl's heart.

3. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

Based on 1939's short story by James Thruber, we follow Walter Mitty, a guy who's been living a tedious life and spent most of his time daydreaming into a world of fantasy. An adventure begins when his final work is on the line as he juggles getting the attention of his co-worker, Cheryl Melhoff and pursuing his passion. Played by two of the best comedic actors in the industry, Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig, this movie will surely inspire you to be more adventurous and come out of your comfort zone.

4. Five Feet Apart (2019)

It has been a pretty positive list so far, but everyone likes a good cry every now and then. Five Feet Apart shares a story where we learn to appreciate and cherish those that we love and the ability to "touch" them. It's heart-breaking and tear-jerking, if you want to see this one, prepare a tissue or two. Played by one half of the well known twins working in movies, Cole Sprouse and also the talented Haley Lu Richardson.

5. The Theory of Everything (2014)

The story follows one of the most brilliant and celebrated physicist of our time, Stephen Hawking and Jane Wilde, the arts student he fell in love with while studying at Cambridge in the 1960s. I love all things science and Stephen Hawking has been one of my inspirations in the field. This depiction of his life is incredibly heartfelt, Eddie Redmayne plays the late Stephen Hawking wonderfully and went on to win an Oscar in 2015 as best actor, alongside Felicity Jones who was also nominated as best actress for this film.

6. Love and Monsters (2020)

Time for some action, as Dylan O' Brien plays Joel Dawson, a young man who's trying to prove himself brave in the days of living in Monsterpocalypse. His journey begins as he tries to reconnect with his high-school girlfriend Aimee after being separated for 7 years. Follow him as he pursues love in a world filled with big scary monsters and the occasional robot, surely everything will be alright?

7. The Amazing Spider-Man Series (2012 & 2014)

These two lives in my heart forever, I know some people might have touted them as bad live-action Spider-man movies, but I beg to differ.In my opinion they capture the heart in terms of a well constructed relationship with insane chemistry. Which makes total sense as they were directed by Marc Webb (director of 500 Days of Summer) who clearly understands how a relationship should be formed even in superhero movies.

It's not always about the action after all, and this one ages well amidst a bazillion other superhero movies in the love department. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone clearly love their characters and the fact that they were dating back then made their scenes better. This duology might not capture the superhero magic but it'll definitely get to your heart lovebirds!

8. La La Land (2016)

It's not a romance movie list without Ryan Gosling, trust me! Most of you probably have seen this movie, for those who haven't seen it, shame on you … go watch it now! This musical drama is one that sets a new standard in Hollywood, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stones' amazing chemistry will have you rooting for them without knowing exactly where the story will go. The moral of the story is that life isn't a classic Hollywood movie but it's definitely an entertaining ride.

9. Warm Bodies (2013)

Every good romance list should depict at least one classic tale of Romeo & Juliet like story and so far I haven't exactly put that in here but believe it or not, Warm Bodies is a modern interpretation with a twist, Zombies! See it for yourself and you'll notice the similarities. Nicholas Hoult plays the charming yet desperate for love undead, R, while her Juliet counterpart is played by Teresa Palmer. After all love isn't bound by life right, the undead can also feel it too! 

That's it from my list, it might not be perfect but I hope that it can give you one or two flicks to enjoy during Valentine's day! I hope it will bring joy, hopefully a few laughs too or even happy tears.