Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate loved ones in our lives and the idea of love in general. Because of this, the romantic comedy film genre has become huge over the years. While it’s true that most rom-coms are simple feel-good flicks, some films stand out against the rest. Here, The Emperor Grapevine provides its top 5 rom-coms to watch with your special someone on Valentine’s Day or by yourself to celebrate.

5. Clueless

At number five we have “Clueless” starring Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd. This film follows popular 16 year-old Cher Horowitz as she navigates through high school and falling in love, two topics which she is completely clueless about.  The plot borrows heavily from Jane Austin’s novel “Emma.”  Alicia Silverstone’s performance as Cher is definitely one that will be remembered for years to come. She plays dumb so well that it’s hard to believe she’s really not. It’s a funny and refreshing take on high school and romance with a great soundtrack and great outfits. While some may find the ending shocking, it’s all in good fun and this film feels good all the way through.  Its focus on multiple love stories and romantic failures make it a very relatable and comforting watch for anyone looking for some entertainment this coming Valentine’s Day. 

4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” is a feel-good film about what it’s like to live in a very annoying (but very loving) big family. It’s the story of Toula Portakalos and Ian Miller, two people who fall deeply in love but have extremely different backgrounds. This movie captures exactly what it’s like to be in a big family. Its story is very sweet and well thought out. It’s romantic plot and family storyline mix very well; both feel very realistic and mixed with humor throughout.  It’s the perfect feel-good rom-com.  

3. 13 Going on 30                     

This movie perfectly captures the idea of what it’s like to want to grow up quickly, while illustrating the importance of staying true to yourself. The film follows thirteen-year-old Jenna Rink as her birthday wish comes true, skipping forward to age thirty while still mentally being thirteen. To help navigate her new reality, she seeks out her childhood best friend Matty. Throughout the course of the film, Jenna learns the valuable lesson of living as your true self, and staying true to the ones you love. Actress Jennifer Garner brings a spunky, youthful performance that is entertaining from start to finish. If you’re looking for a cute, fun story that is packed full of emotion and a great soundtrack this film is a must watch!

2. 10 Things I Hate About You         

At second place is “10 Things I Hate About You,” a film based on the Shakespeare Play The Taming of the Shrew. This movie follows Kat Stratford and Patrick Verona as they fall in love with each other under unlikely circumstances. When charming “bad-boy” Patrick Verona is set up to date beautiful, seemingly abrasive Kat Stratford, the two find they have feelings for one another. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles’ chemistry really sells their characters’ romance, making their tension throughout the film something that is super entertaining to watch.  With its charm, wholesomeness, and a “will they won’t they” dynamic that has solid comedy, this film is perfect for the Valentine season. 

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind 

For our number one pick we have “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.” This film follows Clementine and Joel,  a couple so devastated about their breakup that they do everything in their power to forget about each other. However during the process, Joel realizes just how deeply he loves Clementine and learns to regret his decision. This movie’s use of science fiction makes for a complicated but beautiful story about what true love actually is. While it’s melancholy it’s also very romantic and may make you think about those that you love in your life. The film also has a very talented cast starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet along with Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Kirsten Dunst. The message of the film is to consider those that you truly love and to hang on to them despite the hardships you may face. This film is a perfect tear-jerker for Valentine’s Day entertainment.