Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to tap into your romantic side. While the holiday is typically marketed toward romantic lovers, those feeling festive can always celebrate with friends or enjoy a cozy night to themselves. From hilarious rom-coms to tearjerking dramas, Valentine’s Day movies capture every phase of love, from the excitement of new connections to the complications of timing and the heaviness of lost companionship.
Throughout the years, these love stories have carved out a lasting place in romantic cinema, offering unforgettable chemistry and cozy feels. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, cry or feel nostalgic, these 15 Valentine’s Day movies center romance in all its forms.
15. ‘The Best Man’ (1999)
IMDb: 6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%
The Best Man follows rising author Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs), whose debut novel, which is loosely based on his life and friendships, threatens to expose secrets from his past as he reunites with his college buddies for a wedding weekend. Buried feelings resurface between Harper and the career-driven Jordan Armstrong (Nia Long), complicating his relationship with his girlfriend Robin (Sanaa Lathan) and shaking the foundation of longtime friendships. The Best Man can be streamed on digital platforms such as Apple TV and Fandango at Home, where you can rent or buy it digitally.
14. ‘Something New’ (2006)
IMDb: 6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
In Something New, Kenya McQueen (Sanaa Lathan) is a thriving accountant who is forced off course when she unexpectedly falls for Brian Kelly (Simon Baker), a laid-back landscaper she falls for after a sour first blind date. As their connection deepens, Kenya must face her views on interracial dating, cultural pressure and her own vulnerability. Something New can be streamed on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
13. ‘Brown Sugar’ (2002)
IMDb: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 66%
Another classic in Sanaa Lathan’s catalog, Brown Sugar centers on the character Sidney Shaw and her childhood best friend Dre Ellis (Taye Diggs). The pair are forever bonded by their love of hip-hop, both finding success in the music industry. As adults, their friendship is tested when Dre’s success begins pulling him away from both his New York roots and Sidney. Brown Sugar can be streamed on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
12. ‘Love Jones’ (1997)
IMDb: 7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 75%
Set within Chicago’s stunning Black arts scene, Love Jones follows poet Darius Lovehall (Larenz Tate) and photographer Nina Mosley (Nia Long) as they navigate a complicated fling that blossoms into an infectious romance. Numerous factors challenge their connection, resulting in a raw depiction of modern Black love that has become a Valentine’s Day staple. Love Jones can be streamed on digital platforms such as YouTube, Apple TV, Amazon Prime and Fandango.
11. ‘The Photograph’ (2020)
IMDb: 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
The Photograph puts Issa Rae in a light most fans wouldn’t expect from the comedian. Portraying museum curator Mae Morton, she embarks on a whirlwind fling with journalist Michael Block (LaKeith Stanfield) while uncovering deep-rooted secrets about her late mother. The film examines trauma passed down through generations and the courage to love one another throughout unfavorable conditions. The Photograph can be streamed on digital platforms such as Peacock, Amazon Prime, Hulu and Fandango.
10. ‘Deliver Us from Eva’ (2003)
IMDb: 6.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 43%
Deliver Us from Eva stars Gabrielle Union as the strong-willed Eva Dandridge, an intelligent but overly controlling woman whose strong desire to protect her sisters often overwhelms the women and their husbands. To distract her, the sneaky men hire smooth-talking bachelor Ray Adams (LL Cool J) to knock Eva off her feet. What begins as a scheme turns into a genuine love story filled with humor and unexpected personal growth. Deliver Us from Eva can be streamed on digital platforms such as Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Fandango.
9. ‘Poetic Justice’ (1993)
IMDb: 6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 35%
Superstar Janet Jackson stars as Justice, a soft-spoken poet grieving the tragic death of her boyfriend. She goes on to form an unexpected bond with Lucky (Tupac Shakur) during a road trip. As their guarded hearts open through poetry and conversation, the film becomes a story about healing and emotional connection even in the midst of chaos. Poetic Justice can be streamed on digital platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango and Apple TV.
8. ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’ (2003)
IMDb: 5.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 13%
Nick Cannon stars as high school nerd Alvin Johnson, who strikes a deal with popular cheerleader Paris Morgan (Christina Milian) to pose as his girlfriend in order to gain popularity in his senior year. As Alvin gains the friends and favor of their peers, both he and Paris must confront the cost of image, especially when genuine feelings begin to develop. Love Don’t Cost a Thing is available to stream on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Apple TV, Fandango and Google Play.
7. ‘Beyond the Lights’ (2014)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 83%
Beyond the Lights follows pop star Noni Jean (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) as she finds her success skyrocketing. While struggling with fame and mental health. Her relationship with Kaz Nicol (Nate Parker), a grounded police officer, challenges her to reclaim her voice and sense of self in a bustling career that can often strip artists of their identities. Beyond the Lights can be streamed on digital platforms such as Tubi, Pluto TV, Amazon Prime Video, Fandango, Pluto TV and Apple TV.
6. ‘Valentine’s Day’ (2010)
IMDb: 5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 17%
This ensemble romantic comedy, which sports Jessica Alba and Bradley Cooper in an all-star cast, follows several couples navigating Valentine’s Day. Some are met with love, while others are burdened with heartbreak and surprises over the course of the lovers’ holiday in Los Angeles. This lighthearted film captures the unpredictability of romance through interconnected plots. Valentine’s Day can be streamed on digital platforms such as HBO Max, Hulu, Fandango, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
5. ‘Just Wright’ (2010)
IMDb: 5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 47%
Queen Latifah stars as physical therapist Leslie Wright, who develops strong feelings for NBA player Scott McKnight (Common). While helping him bounce back from an injury, their bond only grows, though complications arise when Scott falls for Leslie’s cousin, forcing them both to take a hard look in the mirror. Just Wright can be streamed on digital platforms such as, such as Tubi, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango.
4. ‘The Wood’ (1999)
IMDb: 7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
The Wood follows groom-to-be Roland (Taye Diggs) as he reflects on friendship and commitment through memories with childhood friends Mike (Omar Epps) and Slim (Richard T. Jones). While the groom stumbles down the aisle with plenty of cold feet nerves, his friends and their storied history see him through.The Wood can be streamed on digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Pluto TV, Paramount+, Hulu, Apple TV, Fandango and Google Play.
3. ‘Think Like a Man’ (2012)
IMDb: 6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%
Inspired by Steve Harvey’s bestselling self-help book, Think Like a Man, this comedy follows several couples whose relationships are thrown into disarray when the women begin using dating advice from the book against the men. With an ensemble cast led by Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Taraji P. Henson and Regina Hall, real relationship lessons are at the center of this hit film. Think Like a Man can be streamed on digital platforms such as Fandango, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
2. ‘Sylvie’s Love’ (2020)
IMDb: 6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%
Set in 1950s and ’60s New York, Sylvie’s Love follows television producer Sylvie Parker (Tessa Thompson) and jazz musician Robert Halloway (Nnamdi Asomugha) as they navigate love, ambition and timing. Elegant and emotionally rich, the film celebrates Black romance and second chances with the sounds of the time period serving as a strong backdrop in this feel-good COVID-era flick. Sylvie’s Love can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
1. ‘Love & Basketball’ (2000)
IMDb: 7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%
Putting an adorable spin on a sports flick, Love & Basketball tells the story of Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan) and Quincy McCall (Omar Epps), childhood friends and sometimes rivals whose attachment develops alongside their hoop dreams. As ambition and personal sacrifice test them, Monica and Quincy find their way back to one another at a pivotal time, making it the ultimate Valentine’s Day about sacrifice, undeniable chemistry and growth. Love & Basketball can be streamed on digital platforms such as HBO Max, Amazon Video, Apple TV and Tubi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new movies are coming out on Valentine’s Day 2026?
Several movies will be introduced to celebrate Valentine’s Day 2026. These include Wuthering Heights (Feb. 13), Love in Real Time (Feb. 14), Cupid & Chaos (Feb. 14), and Heartbeat Heroes (Feb. 14).
What is the number one Valentine’s Day movie?
Love Actually (2003) has long been considered the quintessential Valentine’s Day movie. It is often praised as the leading romantic film for Feb. 14, thanks to its connected love stories.
