This quirky French flick became an instant classic upon its release in 2001. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, it follows Amélie, a young French waitress who sets off to fulfill a list of good deeds, which leads her to an unsuspecting romance. It's so beautifully filmed and fun, you'll wish you were having adventures with her.
How can this not make the list? The Richard Curtis film is a holiday tale for the ages, thanks to its lovability and varied story lines, which focus on the love lives of eight couples.
For a dash of realism and grit, look no further than Derek Cianfrance's Blue Valentine. Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, the tense film jumps back and forth between their journey from young lovers to rocky married couple.
This Valentine's Day, give yourself the gift of art. The Italian drama helmed by Luca Guadagnino stars Tilda Swinton (who speaks fluent Russian and Italian in the film) as a wealthy married woman who falls into an affair with a younger man. Complicated and dramatic, it's a sumptuous treat for the eyes and ears.
The premise of this film is silly: A man puts out an ad claiming he's going to time travel, and needs a partner. What follows is a surprisingly heartwarming journey and an unlikely romance that makes this endearing indie flick worth a watch.
A popcorn flick at its finest, She's All That will satisfy all your ‘90s teen comedy needs. The high school story of a popular jock trying to woo a geeky girl in order to win a bet is irresistibly kitschy.
Even if you've never seen this film, you've still pretended to raise a boombox over your head because of it. Written and directed by Cameron Crowe, the 1989 romance stars a recently graduated high schooler (played by an earnest John Cusack) trying win over the valedictorian (a pouting Ione Skye).
To feel equal parts true romance and crushing heartbreak, this is the film to watch. The Ang Lee flick about two cowboys having a love affair is difficult, raw and daring in its romantic perspective. Get the tissues ready.
What if you were happily married, but then met a person who completely changed everything? That's the plot for Sarah Polley's indie tale Take This Waltz, which stars Michelle Williams as an unhappy wife who starts fantasizing about a man who moves in across the street. Eventually fantasy leads to...well, just watch and you'll see.
Nominated for four Oscars (including two for its leading ladies), this film is a realistic snapshot of a roller coaster marriage. Julianne Moore and Annette Bening star as a lesbian couple with two teenaged kids (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson). Trouble arises when the kids go out in search of their biological father, a bohemian restauranteur (played by Mark Ruffalo). Once he enters their lives, things change dramatically -- for better and for worse.
A tribute to the silent films of old, this French romantic comedy swept the Oscars in 2012, due to its infectious, cheerful plot. The film follows the slow fall of silent film star George Valentin, juxtaposed with the rise of newcomer Peppy Miller.
The trials and tribulations of a modern romance are captured elegantly in the realistic drama Keep the Lights On. The 2012 film follows young couple Erik and Paul as they traverse the tragedies and speed bumps of falling in love.
This inspired story of a young William Shakespeare facing writer's block is one of dizzying romance, spliced with comedy and drama. Directed by John Madden, conflict arises when young Shakespeare falls in love with Victoria de Lesseps (played by Gwyneth Paltrow), a bright young woman who is already betrothed.
Starring a toned-down Adam Sandler and a winning Emily Watson, the oddball romantic film packs a double dose of drama and comedy. Directed by five-time Oscar nominee Paul Thomas Anderson, Punch Drunk Love is a novel romance for the ages.
Manhattan is the archetypal Woody Allen film. Conflicted love interests, witty dialogue and an obsession with New York City are all heavy-handed elements that play well in the director's hands. It's an ode to love triangles and the city that never sleeps (and features dynamite performances from actresses Diane Keaton, Mariel Hemingway and Meryl Streep).
This Valentine's Day, curl up with your Netflix Instant account for a night in at the movies. The streaming service offers hundreds of romantic flicks that pair well with the holiday, and we've rounded up some of its best selections.
To get into the spirit, tuck into any of these 15 films. From classic fare such as Love Actually and Shakespeare in Love, to grittier material such as Blue Valentine and Brokeback Mountain, we've covered every area of romance — from happily-ever-after to doomed, morbid love.
See also: The 7 Most Popular Valentine's Day Gifts in the U.S.
Whether you're coupled up or staying single this Valentine's Day, there's a movie out there for all of your holiday needs.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.