Top Ten Romantic Movies to Rent on Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone! My husband Troy and I, being the romantics and movie buffs that we are, have seen just about every movie out there. For Valentine's Day, I've compiled a list of our favorite movies about love. Whether you’re in love, hoping to find love,  or disappointed in love…these movies will make you believe in love again. At least they did for us.

1. Prelude to A Kiss

Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan

Oh my…where do I begin. This is the movie that made me fall in love with Alec Baldwin forever. (It’s okay, Troy knows…) The reason I fell in love with Alec is that his character reminds me of Troy, in that he loves his wife and understands her so completely, he can’t be fooled when someone steals her soul. (Alec is also young and crazy-handsome in this film, by the way). This is a story about getting past the outer stuff and loving someone for who they are, all their faults and quirks. It is about soul-mates. My all-time favorite romantic movie.  : )

2. The Story of Us

Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer

I loved this movie because it tells the truth. Love can break down when you re enduring the harsh realities of life, work, money, kids, and stress. But we all have a choice - to let life’s stresses steal our happiness, or to fight for love. I bawled my eyes out watching this movie- but in a good way. Very touching and real.

3. It’s Complicated

Alec Baldwin, Meryl Streep, Steve Martin

The most heartwarming, heartbreaking, laugh out loud funny movie I’ve seen in a very long time. I have seen it four or five times and would sit and watch it again just for the scene where Meryl Streep and Steve Martin smoke pot. Oh, did I mention Alec Baldwin’s in it, and you get to see him kinda naked. So there’s that.

4. The Notebook

Ryan Gosling, Rachel Mc Adams, Gena Rowlands, James Garner

The ultimate, romantic tale of a true love that lives forever. Hands down, the best love story of our generation. If you haven’t seen this movie, what are you waiting for? Seriously.

5. Once

Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova

A beautiful indie film about two street performing singer/songwriters who stumble into each other’s lives for a short time, but end up impacting each other forever. Shot in Dublin. Great, natural performances by two newcomers, who ended up falling in love while making the film (awwww). The music, which was nominated for both an Academy award and a grammy, is stunning. The critics loved this film, and so did we. Once is now debuting as a musical in New York.

6. Lost in Translation

Scarlett Johansen, Bill Murray

A young Hollywood wife and an older has-been actor meet in a hotel bar in Tokyo. Over several days, they develop a sweet, innocent love that will leave the both of them changed. Tender, funny, and true. This whole film was beautifully shot in Tokyo, and is a love letter to the city. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Japan, see this film.

7. Manhattan,

8. Annie Hall

Woody Allen, Diane Keaton

Two classic, must-see Woody Allen films. When he teams up with the fabulous Diane Keaton, get ready for a wild, neurotic, obsessive, ride through the tunnel of love. Can’t get enough of these movies!

9. Mr. Wonderful

Matt Dillon, Annabella Sciorra, Mary Louise Parker, John Hurt, Vincent Donofrio

Well, of course I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s funny, light, smart, and hopeful. And by the way, my friend and writing partner Amy Ferris wrote the script. If you’ve ever read Amy’s books or blogs, you’ll hear her in the dialogue. Great movie!

10. Truly, Madly, Deeply

Alan Rickman, Juliet Steveson (This film, and Mr. Wonderful, directed by Anthony Minghella)

The moving tale of a love that lives beyond the grave. Haunting…literally.

Whatever you end up doing this Valentine's Day, I hope you are good to yourself, and that your day is filled with the love you give, and the love that comes back to you.