Valentine’s films for lovers, haters alike

My choices for the Top 5 movies to watch on Valentine’s Day will prove to be heartwarming,… My choices for the Top 5 movies to watch on Valentine’s Day will prove to be heartwarming, full of love and perfect for promoting some cuddling between you and your sweetheart. These flicks will help get you into the Valentine’s Day spirit, and even if you don’t have a Valentine, the hunks from these films provide enough eye candy that you won’t be left craving candy hearts or peanut butter truffles.

5. “Romeo + Juliet”

You can’t go wrong with this modern take on William Shakespeare’s classic love story between two star-crossed youths from enemy families. As young teens, Romeo and Juliet fall in love but are doomed to an ill-fated end as they struggle to keep their love for each other a secret from their families. This well-known, dramatic tale will be sure to tug on your heartstrings. Plus, Leonardo DiCaprio is pretty easy on the eyes.

4. “Love Actually”

Even though this film takes place around Christmas and not Valentine’s Day, it’s still one of the best recent romantic comedies. The plot follows six different love stories, which range from a little boy’s crush on his classmate to a dwindling marriage to a man’s secret love for his best friend’s wife.

The most romantic story involves a couple who is willing to overcome a language barrier in the name of love. The sacrifice and difficulty that these characters are willing to go though for “the one” make “Love Actually” truly unforgettable.

3. “Say Anything”

This film is perfect for Valentine’s Day, as it displays just how far a guy is willing to go for a date with a girl. You’ll find yourself rooting for Lloyd Dobbler, the very young-looking John Cusak, as he does everything in his power just to be able to go on one date with the beautiful, intelligent Diane Court. He woos her in ways that will have every girl falling head-over-heels in love with Lloyd, so, guys, you might want to take notes.

2. “Pretty Woman”

This rags-to-riches story is bound to put you in a Valentine’s Day mood. It’s an emotional story about a prostitute, Vivian, who falls in love with one of her rich customers, Edward. Despite the fact that they lead two very different lives and have two different opinions about love, they make it through the tough times and find that nothing can stop them from loving each other. Who wouldn’t want this fairy tale?

1. “The Notebook”

Not surprisingly, “The Notebook” is by far the greatest Valentine’s Day movie because it includes everything that a love story should: young love, romancing, family conflicts, tough decisions and, of course, fate.

Two teens, Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling), who come from different classes meet one summer and fall in love. However, Allie’s upper-class parents see nothing in Noah, and the two are separated shortly thereafter. It is fate that brings them back together, and Allie faces a tough decision: Does she spend the rest of her life with her soulmate, or does she marry the man she is engaged to in order to make her family happy?

Romantic boat rides, wonderful dinners and passionate love are just a few things that make this the ultimate Valentine’s Day movie.

So, this Valentine’s Day, grab your sweetie, sit down, relax and check out one or more of these movies. Just don’t forget the Kleenex!