As we know Valentine’s day is one of the most complicated holidays for most people. Unless you’re like me and enjoy rom-coms because seeing people in love is a beautiful thing. So hate no more. You can eat your feelings as you watch these surprising romantic comedies.

10. 10 Things I Hate about you

“10 Things I Hate About You” is a beloved classic with Julia Stiles’ starring as Kat Stratlord trying not to fall in love with the school’s bad boy. The plot starts with Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) trying to get with Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik) but in order for her to date, her older sister has to date too. This causes Cameron to make a deal with Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger) who will date Kat Stratford. The classic fake dating storyline becomes real when they both fall for each other. 

9. 13 going on 30

“13 going on 30” begins with young Jenna Rink (Christa B. Allen) and her friend Matty (Sean Marquette) throwing a party for her 13th birthday and finding herself in the future at the age of 30. Jenna, portrayed by Jennifer Garner, in the future, finds herself estranged from her childhood friend Matty and discovers she’s living the life she’s always wanted only to realize she misses Matty. This is a wonderful story of the boy next door and is already a rom-com classic.

8. Enchanted

“Enchanted” is considered to be a modern classic. This movie has wonderful music accompanying it. Personally, I don’t think it’s a cliche but instead a subversion of expectations with our heroine falling for the common man instead of prince charming. We see Giselle (Amy Adams) in her animated world before she is brought over into the real world where she meets Robert (Patrick Dempsey) and his daughter Morgan (Rachel Covey). Throughout the movie, Giselle talks about her love for her prince and how it feels only to develop feelings for Robert. 

7. Her

“Her” is a science fiction movie with Joaquin Phoenix playing Theodore, a man who falls in love with an artificial intelligent AI named Samantha. The story could be seen as a metaphor for a long distance relationship but is a great story with any meaning being formed by the audience. Samantha is voiced by Scarlett Johansson and her incredible voice work will leave the ending hurting you as much as it hurt Theo. 

6. Love Simon

“Love Simon” is a great movie that has a strong significance towards the LGBT community. This was the first mainstream movie that was widely accepted and for that reason alone you should check it out. The story is relatable towards the queer youth showing the great romance mystery of Simon Spier portrayed by Nick Robinson writing emails towards a mystery boy while they both fall in love with each other. 

5. Palm Springs

This movie plays with the sci-fi concept of repeating the same day.  Nyles (Andy Samberg) has been stuck in a time loop and accidentally brings Sarah (Cristin Milioti) into the loop with him. They get to know each other as they are the only two aware of being stuck together at the same wedding. From then on, the two have fun with their new curse. It’s a comedy first but a beautiful love story is found within.  

4. To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before

“To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” will be this generation’s hit. I remember when this first came out everyone talked about it. Rewatching it did solidify that fact that many like fake dating to the real dating storyline. We follow Lara Jean (Lana Condor) as her little sister mails the letters written to all the boys she’s loved in the past, including her ex best friend’s boyfriend, Peter (Noah Centineo) and her older sister’s ex boyfriend, Josh. Peter and Lara Jean then plan to fake a date in order to get their respective crushes jealous; however, they surprisingly fall in love with each other.

3. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

In order for Scott Pilgrim (Micheal Cera) to get Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Withstead) to be his girlfriend he has to fight her seven evil exes. This movie is greatly inspired by video games and is based on a clever manga series with the same premise. The movie is another great cautionary tale of broken people trying to find another broken person in order to find love.

2. I Love You, Man

The best way to describe this movie in one word would be: Bromance. We follow Paul Rudd’s character, Peter Klaven, trying to find a new best friend in order for him to be the best man at his wedding. He meets Sonny (Jason Segal) who in turn becomes the best friend he’s always dreamed of. This is a must-watch for everyone since it’s about the best kind of love and friendship. 

1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

I wish you could go into this movie blind because it’s a great movie. Some may say this isn’t a rom-com but I disagree because it’s about a failed relationship or a cautionary tale with an impactful meaning. We see Jim Carrey’s Joel, trying to erase his memories of his ex-girlfriend Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) after he discovered that she erased her memories of him. The main action takes place in his mind as he remembers why he loved her and regrets the procedure.