Preen Picks: Movies to watch on Valentine’s Day based on your relationship status

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. While the hallmark holiday is basically meant for the celebration of love and all things cheesy and couple-y, it’s not for everyone. Because let’s face it, yeah it would be awesome if we’re all in love that day, but unfortunately, life just doesn’t work that way. Understandably, we have different plans on how to commemorate Valentine’s.

If yours is to spend it by watching a movie, and you’re disappointed because the choices seem limited to cheesy rom-coms, don’t fret. We’ve asked around the office for movie recos especially for you, whatever you may be going through right now.

Here are our resident writer Tisha Ramirez, F&B magazine and Multisport writer Catherine Orda, and Scout writer Rogin Losa’s top pick of films to watch on Valentine’s—according to your current relationship status.

It’s complicated

Lars and the Real Girl

“Watch it and you’ll understand.” – Catherine

The 5-year Engagement

“One of my fave rom-com movies! It starts out as a cute love story and then shifts to a couple who have neglected their relationship. The constant postponing of the wedding date challenged their dynamic and tested their love for each other. Sounds serious but it’s also really funny.” – Tisha

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World 

“It’s fun, absurd, and heartbreaking….so like love I guess.” – Rogin

Deliriously in love

Jeux d’enfants

“I assume this is how people who are deliriously in love behave?” – Catherine

Some Kind of Wonderful

“This has to be the ’80s romantic comedy I always turn to and also first perfectly with this relationship status. You’re probably like Watts who is in love with her best friend. Sadly he’s not into…yet. You might even get some diamond earrings in the end, who knows?” – Tisha

Populaire

“It’s a cutesy French film revolving around Rose Pamphyle, a nobody from a small town who wants to make it in the city. She falls in love with his pompous boss who in return trains her to be a the fastest typist. It’s weird, quirky, and a fun story about female misfits falling in love.” – Rogin

Bitter

High Fidelity

“I don’t remember how this ends but what stuck with me was how exceptionally bitter the main guy was. He’s like Tom from 500 Days of Summer—just as bitter and whiny, but with better music taste” – Catherine

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

“An action-packed movie where a woman saves the day? Yes, please! Jyn Erso was left alone as a child but as a grown woman, she basically stopped the Death Star from destroying planets.”

Once

“Once is here to murder what’s left of your heart.” – Rogin

In a long-term relationship

Like Crazy

“A nice portrait of an initially promising relationship going stale and vitriolic. How realistic is that? But I like it best for the fact that the two main characters change and grow so much throughout the whole film.” – Catherine

The One I Love

“No, The One I Love is not a romance movie. It is actually more sci-fi/fantasy. It focuses on a couple trying to fix their marriage at a getaway house with their therapist. There is a huge twist that is so unexpected. I remember repeatedly shouting “what the f*ck” at the TV when I first watched it. The twist will really have you thinking about your own relationship.” – Tisha

Juno

“It’s about fallin’ in love with your best friend in the most inconvenient time possible—teenage pregnancy. Nothing more challenging and heartwarming than that.” – Rogin

Broken-hearted

Carol

“Watch it for Cate Blanchett, if not for a beautiful depiction of forbidden love and extreme social repression in the 50s set against the saddest movie score” – Catherine

Keanu

“I’ve been broken-hearted before so I know that laughter will be the best medicine. Jordan Peele and Keegan-Michael Key are in so you know it’s going to be funny. The movie starts with Jordan’s character being dumped by his girlfriend. He then forms a bond with a kitten who takes them on a wild ride involving drug dealers.” – Tisha

Changing Partners  

“The soundtrack will kill you. It’s inclusive as f*ck.” – Rogin

Single and happy

An Education

“Makes a great case for choosing self-actualization via books and art rather than through a relationship with rich—but ultimately seedy—older guys. I understand that these are two extremes, but you get the point.” – Catherine

Ocean’s 11

“This is one of my favorite movies ever so anytime I can recommend it, I will. Also, George Clooney is great. Sometimes Brad Pitt too, but mainly George Clooney.” – Tisha

Devil Wears Prada 

“A career woman’s saga. Sis, I live.” – Rogin