Movie Marathon Options For Your 'Galentine's Day' This Year
I'd rather be with my girls than on a fancy dinner, anyway.
We all know that, with Valentine's Day being on a Thursday this year, the day is going to become more of a Valentine's Weekend. This means from February 14th to that Sunday (and maybe a few extra days for those couples who cannot manage to meet up for the holiday), we will all be bombarded with candy hearts and artificially-dyed roses whether we want to be or not. For some of us, the weekend includes scrambling to find a romantic gift, trying to arrange dinner reservations, figuring out if your significant other prefers caramel or cherry chocolates. For me, on the other hand, I will be treating myself on my own, perhaps with my own decadent dessert that I won't have to share with anyone.
In my mind, this is an ideal scenario, but I will admit that it would be nice to have some company on the day to restrain myself from scrolling through my Instagram feed and seeing the myriad "relationship goals" posts. I figured the perfect plan would be to gather my fellow single friends together and binge watch some romantic films, either to make fun of the cheesy scenes or to live vicariously through the characters.
Whether it's with your friends or your beloved pets, there's nothing harmful about a genuine movie night where you can be thankful that you don't have to dress up in some fancy outfit for a pricey restaurant with small portions. Today, you can take solace in your sweatpants and a never-ending bag of popcorn.
1. The Twilight Series
GiphyThis is the best option if you're looking for something that implements both romance and thrill. If you haven't watched the heart-wrenching scenes of "New Moon" or the excitement of "Breaking Dawn: Part One and Two," it's time to settle down and break out the tissues. Plus, there's nothing wrong with a little shirtless Taylor Lautner turning into a werewolf. Now you can see who your real friends are based on if Team Edward or Team Jacob.
2. Mamma Mia!
GiphyWith a mixture of love, comedy, and catchy songs that will be stuck into your head for the rest of the month, you can never go wrong with Mamma Mia! This is the perfect movie to bring everyone together, as you and your friends rejoice in an off-key rendition of "Voulez-Vous" after you have all just finished crying during "Our Last Summer." And we can never forget the incredible voice of Cher during "Fernando."
3. Bridget Jones
GiphyWhen you want to revisit the innocence of the early 2000s, this compilation is the one to choose. You can watch the transition throughout the years, as Bridget begins by somehow having to choose between Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, to ending up pregnant by the third movie. All three movies provide at least a little eye candy, including Patrick Dempsey in the last film.
4. Pitch Perfect
GiphySo technically, this isn't all about love, but that might be a nice change if you're looking to just watch a few movies that are simply entertaining. However, this does still have the hint of romance you need for a fun get-together with some girlfriends. You can enjoy a hysterical movie while simultaneously listening to some killer a cappella renditions. Watch the girls grow throughout the years and marvel at the sweet sounds of Skylar Astin's voice.
5. Before Sunrise/Before Sunset/Before Midnight
GiphyThis trilogy brings us back to a simpler time, with the first movie coming out in 1995. Taking place in Vienna, the story follows a love affair between an American man and a student returning from Paris. See their love progress throughout the sequels while admiring the beautiful scenery featured in the film. Even though you may not be able to experience Europe yourself this Valentines Day, buy yourself some fancy chocolates so you can feel like you're right with them.
Whether or not you're feeling lonely this holiday, hosting a movie night with some friends is the best way to de-stress and forget about that awful Tinder date you put yourself through last week. And if you'd prefer to spend the night alone in your room, as long as you have your own personal box of heart-shaped chocolates, the day can't be too bad.