Whether spending this Valentine’s Day with a partner, a friend, or alone, the best way to get into the spirit of love is to watch a movie about it! The Wire staff list their favorite romance movies to help you make your selection.

Cass Salot – Editor in Chief

I would say one of my favorite romance movies is The Princess Bride, a classic romance that breaks comedic waves as well. The film truly encapsulates the heart of a good romance film while still following good character development and a consistent plot that’s worth watching for an entire film. I feel like I have no other choice but to root for Princess Buttercup and Wesley. I also feel like watching a movie like the Princess Bride really reminds me of my childhood. While it is a great romance movie, it’s definitely also a comfort movie too.

Gabby Burdick – Managing Editor

Not only is True Romance my favorite romance movie, but it’s also my favorite movie of all time. I love how the film blends genres like action/ crime and romance together perfectly. I personally get bored really easily during a lot of movies; the fast-paced, action-packed plot of True Romance is one of the only movies that can keep me completely intrigued for the entire 2 hours, each time I watch it. To top it all off, the first half of the movie is based in Detroit, which is where my parents grew up, so it hits close to home whenever I watch.

Hayden McLaughlin – Head Sports Editor

My top choice would be 500 Days of Summer. This may be slightly cheating as the movie makes it abundantly clear from the get go that “This is not a love story. This is a story about love.” Tom played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Summer portrayed by Zooey Deschanel have excellent chemistry together. The “Expectations vs. Reality” is one of my favorite scenes in film and easily will make you feel a spectrum of emotions. Each time I watch the movie I come away with new takeaways on the relationship between Summer and Tom. The film packs quick-wit and smooth scenes into a quick 95 minute period making it an easily re-watchable film as well. 

Olivia Osterman – Creative Writing Editor

10 Things I Hate About You is my favorite romance movie. It provides me with a sense of nostalgia as I grew up watching it frequently with my friends. I like how it’s not necessarily love at first sight, but they grow to love and appreciate each other. Additionally, I love Kat Graham’s outfits and hair throughout the movie. And, of course, I think the movie has one of the best declarations of love in the genre.

Alexandra Norton – Social Media Manager

My favorite romance movie is 10 Things I Hate About You. Some of my favorite comfort movies are from the late 90’s early 2000’s. I love how it’s not a typical love story and kind of gives enemies to lovers. It gives that nostalgic, feel good, rom-com vibe which is perfect to get in the Valentines Day spirit. 

Dan McGlynn – News Editor

Punch Drunk Love: A colorful but simple movie. Lots of fun. Adam Sandler in a serious role is always interesting.

Paige Rawson – Entertainment Editor

My top pick would be Past Lives. While not a romance movie in the traditional sense, it is a film about unrealized love. It follows its main character, Nora (played by Greta Lee), who had immigrated to Canada from Korea as a child, leaving behind her first love. It shows moments from that part of her life, to when the two reconnect as adults. It is a quiet, introspective film that lingers in your thoughts. While more slow paced, the subtle storytelling and well written characters make for a compelling and emotionally impactful watch.