It’s that time of year again. It’s freezing, snow is on the ground and pink heart decorations are popping up everywhere. In case you couldn’t tell from your Twitter feed, today is Valentine’s Day, and whether you’re spending the holiday with a significant other, some friends or by yourself, we have some suggestions on what to watch. In honor of the holiday, here are the Cadenza Staff’s favorite romantic comedies.

‘The Princess Bride’

I love rom-coms. I really do. But a lot of them get me down—I’ll see a meet-cute I don’t like, or a love interest whose behavior is more concerning than endearing. “The Princess Bride,” however, is flawless. The love story is beautiful (I melt inside every time Westley tells Buttercup “As you wish”), but that’s not all there is to the movie. There’s the wackiest political plot ever courtesy of Vizzini’s crew and Humperdink. There are pirates and swordfights. There are rodents of unusual size whose CGI was bad even when the movie came out in 1987. I could quote this movie from memory by middle school. Do yourself a favor and (re)watch it.

— Isabella Neubauer, Senior Cadenza Editor and Copy Chief

‘Someone Great’

I like to consider myself a rom-com connoisseur, so it’s probably a little confusing that I’d choose a rom-com that really isn’t a rom-com. If anything, it’s the ultimate anti-rom-com, but I know that’s just the kind of film many people need right now. In case the LCD Soundsystem-inspired title wasn’t a giveaway, “Someone Great” has one of the most brilliant soundtracks I’ve ever listened to. I mean, there’s an entire break-up montage set to Lorde’s “Supercut.” That’s truly as good as it gets when it comes to music-driven movie moments. 

— Jaden Satenstein, Multimedia Editor

‘Emma’ (2020) 

I basically haven’t stopped gushing over this movie since it came out last summer. Maybe it was the quarantine, maybe I’m just a bigger sap than I think I am, but something about the regency-repression-induced sexual tension that pervaded the entire movie just really worked for me. What I really love about this Austen adaptation in particular is how it is not afraid of stylism. The sets are lavish, the costumes are beautiful, the editing is inspired and the soundtrack just knocks it out of the park. Also, the cast is just patently hilarious and really brings these characters to life in a fresh and relatable way for modern audiences. Also, it has probably the funniest and most heart-warming proposal scenes of any romcom ever made. Overall, highly recommend for those wanting a little bit of escapism this Valentine’s Day! 

— Lydia McKelvie, Staff Writer 

‘When Harry Met Sally’

Even as an entry-level rom-com fan, I suppose it’s still an extraordinary embarrassment that I had not seen this movie until last summer. “When Harry Met Sally” is the ultimate stereotypical rom-com, and while it’s sure got flaws, I think it’s fair to say it at least earns a spot on this list. Just typing the title and seeing its cover makes me want to watch this movie again, from the idealized drive through the Midwest to the ever-enchanting “I’ll have what she’s having” line from the woman in the diner. The film’s driving question—”can a man and a woman be friends without longing for sex or a relationship?”—is utterly stupid, but Nora Ephron handles it in a deft and lovable manner. I had started to watch this movie with friends on Valentine’s Day of freshman year, and can only wish I had finished it sooner. 

— Matthew Friedman, Associate Editor

‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’

As ridiculous as this movie is, I truly love it. Jason Siegel, Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Russell Brand are some of my favorite actors, so this movie was bound to be a favorite. I still can’t get over the fact that Peter copes by working on a Dracula-based puppet rock-comedy. As cheesy as it seems, I also love when movies come full circle; this is another reason why “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” is great. The movie begins with Peter butt-naked being broken up with, and ends with him butt-naked, getting back together with Sarah. Although it is relevant because of Valentine’s Day, this movie is perfect for any time.

— Gracie Hime, Staff Writer

‘La La Land’

The appeal of the conventional rom-com has always eluded me: if the movie poster shows two people smiling lovingly, kissing in the rain or otherwise ogling each other, you already know that they will end up together by the end of the movie. After initially appearing wrong for one another, they’ll slowly find common ground, followed by a night of indescribable passion and a promise never to do it again, only to eventually abandon their unlikeable significant others to spend eternity over the rainbow together. Every time. Then again, I salivate over every new superhero movie that comes out, and I’m well aware of the blatant hypocrisy of my opinion. Furthermore, the universe sometimes plays tricks on us all, and as a result I’ve been forced to endure my fair share of rom-coms. As salvation to those in a similar position, I’ll suggest “La La Land” as a familiar yet refreshing respite from the conventional rom-com. The music is brilliant, as is Damien Chazelle’s choreography and scenery, and both protagonists have compelling arcs that extend beyond just their romance. Anyone looking for a great movie that happens to also feature a love story should consider it for Valentine’s Day, or any other time the need arises.

—Grady Nance, Staff Writer