By Don Hall

Ah, the 14th of February has everything beautiful and horrifying about living as a human in the Twenty-first Century, doesn’t it?

The spectrum is covered: those recently afflicted by the cocaine-level chemical addiction to someone just discovered, those lonely hearts who may or may not be or will become raging incels, long-standing couples whose relationships are solid or creaky, children using the commerce-created holiday to horde some chocolate hearts to last until the next candy-bearing day.

Here is a list of films I recommend you sit down and watch while jamming those chalky heart candies into your maw while guzzling box wine in your yoga pants.

Before Sunrise
Dir. Richard Linklater
1995

Watching Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy flirt and walk and talk and gradually fall in love is guaranteed to make you wish that either you were in Venice with one or the other or that your partner looked like one or the other. Christ, we all sort of wish we were this charming…

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Dir. Michel Gondry
2004

We all wish we could erase the memory of love gone bad but what Joel realizes during the process is that it is the bad stuff that gives flavor to the good. If you just broke up with your romance, this’ll make you rethink it. Also, if you’re currently fucking your boss, you probably shouldn’t be…

Harold and Maude
Dir. Hal Ashby
1971

We’re all a bit fucked up in the head, and this odd couple will remind you that your eighty-year-old grandma might be dallying with a twenty-year-old and it’s none of your business. I think this is a uniquely beautiful movie.

Love and Basketball
Dir. Gina Prince-Bythewood
2000

That kid you kissed in grade school who also loves the thing you love most? Time to get busy.

True Romance
Dir. Tony Scott
1993

Even prostitutes and Elvis impersonators can find love. And cocaine. You are no different so quit judging one another and find the desperation and need in that world-weary possibility.

Blue Valentine
Dir. Derek Cianfrance
2010

A lack of ambition and a bout of extreme self-absorption can blow the marriage to pieces. As much a Valentine cautionary tale than anything else.

If Beale Street Could Talk
Dir. Barry Jenkins
2018

The power of love can transcend all obstacles. This one is a real keeper and hopefully reminds you that sometimes your one and only is the only thing protecting you from the harsh realities of living among everyone else.

When Harry Met Sally
Dir. Rob Reiner
1989

Has it all. Friendship over time grows into true love. Old couples adorably talking about meeting. Great music. Pop culture references galore. Ignore the odd misogyny and the fact that Harry is a bit of a dick throughout. Cuz your man is a bit of a dick, too.

Happy Hallmark Day!