For anyone who knows me, it’s no secret that I’ve spent years watching romantic movies. Today, in that rare moment when I can actually find time to turn the TV on, I’ll likely pick the newest Korean drama.
The stereotypes don’t bother me; I see them, and I find them playful. But I am not the type who, in real life, is looking for a hero to change me for the better. That job? All mine.
A nice, lighthearted romance with a little dose of stereotypes doesn’t need to be harmful, as long as we know what purpose it serves. Maybe it’s just the nostalgia of old-time films that makes me feel sentimental about some of my favourites.
So, here today, on Valentine’s Day, I’d like to share a few of my favourite romantic movie choices.
Classic Romance: Jane Eyre
I watched Jane Eyre long before I read the book, and even now, some scenes still play out clearly in my memory. I would read the book, looking for those most special moments. With so many adaptations to choose one you want to watch based on your favourite cast or series. But my suggestion? Go back to the 1996 version, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, with Charlotte Gainsbourg as Jane Eyre and William Hurt as Mr Rochester. It’s dramatic, romantic, and utterly timeless.
British Charm: Notting Hill & Bridget Jones
For lighter fare, Notting Hill is hard to beat. William Thucker, played by Hugh Grant, with his innocent, awkward bookstore-owner charm, tells a movie star, Anna Scott, portrayed by Julia Roberts, that meeting her was a surreal experience. That small, perfectly awkward moment is pure magic.
Then there’s Bridget Jones’s Diary, loosely inspired by Pride and Prejudice, which updates the fantasy without ever quite letting go of it. The iconic moment? Mark Darcy telling Bridget he loves her just the way she is? Everyone knows it’s special, and if they didn’t notice, Bridget’s faithful group of friends is there to tell us. Colin Firth and Renée Zellweger really make it unforgettable.
American Rom-Coms That Steal Your Heart
How Do You Know (2010, Reese Witherspoon & Paul Rudd) is a slower-paced comedy where the magic happens in small moments. It’s about letting someone unwrap a gift slowly, appreciating it, and sharing a story that gives a different perspective on life. Even the smallest gesture can change everything – whether it’s love or something else entirely.
One Fine Day (1996, Michelle Pfeiffer & George Clooney) shows a day when everything goes wrong, yet somehow brings the characters closer. Watching the tension build, the annoyance, the irritation, the glimpses of their better sides, makes you wish moments like that happened in real life.
Time, Magic, and Letters: The Lake House
And then there’s The Lake House (2006, Keanu Reeves & Sandra Bullock), based on the South Korean film Il Mare. The exchange of letters across time is magical, but my favourite moment is when he meets her and recognises her from the letters, even though she is still unaware of his existence. This movie proves my love for Korean dramas was in me even before I knew it -though I’ll save my top picks for another time.
Why These Moments Matter
For me, the magic in romantic movies isn’t always grand gestures or sweeping declarations. It’s those short, very special moments, the ones that make you pause, smile, or even shed a tiny tear. Watching these films with a warm cup of tea on Valentine’s Day makes me reflect, laugh, and remember why these stories still matter.
So, now it’s your turn: what’s your Valentine’s favourite?
Hi, I’m Julia Braun Raven, a second-year Journalism, Media & Creative Writing student. I’m co-Editor-in-Chief and Features Editor, and I love creating stories that matter to students, inspiring them, supporting what they’re passionate about, and celebrating their achievements. I’m especially interested in arts, culture, and student life, and I enjoy bringing energy, curiosity, and a love of storytelling to every piece I work on.