Not A V-Day Fan? Try These 10 Films On For Size
Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays, with or without a significant other, partially because I get to send out terrible Comic Sans valentines out to my friends and partially because it’s a day devoted to loving yourself and others. (We’re stepping back from the commercialism and Hallmark aspect in my case anyways.)
But, let’s be real, this is not a holiday for everyone. So if you’re in the Anti-Valentine Club, here are a few films that could fill your holiday (and the following weekend).
Hercules
Animated fan? Check out this one. Sure there’s a bit of love to it, but it doesn’t get more badass babe than Meg when it comes to cartoons. She jokes, but she is no damsel in distress. And no chance, no way, she won’t say she’s in love. You can share some snarky laughs with Hades and indulge in a world way different than the current one.
John Tucker Must Die
This one could go without saying. Three girls team up with a new student to take down the playboy jock of their school who was dating them all at once. It’s a teen romcom that isn’t a romcom. It has baby Dan Humphrey! Ashanti! Sophia Bush! Jesse Metcalfe! Relive the aughts and live your best life indulging in this incredibly underrated teen flick.
Kill Bill
Quentin Tarantino in general is a solid choice for an Anti-V-Day hang. Eat popcorn and watch the heads fly - sometimes literally. This revenge thriller (and it’s a two-parter, so even more movies to indulge in) is perfect for anyone who may not be feeling the love right now. Plus, Uma Thurman goes hard in general in this movie, so you know it’s a winner.
Gone Girl
Nothing will kill the romance around you like this movie. In fact, the first time I watched this, I turned to my friend and told him he was no longer allowed to date without thoroughly vetting everyone from here on out. But it’s an incredible performance by Rosamund Pike and filled with twists and turns that will keep you invested from beginning to end.
(500) Days of Summer
Based on the cast alone, it could be called Adorkable: The Movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel take on the story of a relationship in a completely different way, and analyzes just why some loves just don’t work out - and why it’s one hundred percent okay that it didn’t. It’s almost an anti-love story and perfect for those not wanting a warm, fuzzy blanket of a movie.
The Break-Up
Jennifer Aniston is always a good choice, and while this one may not even be one of my favorites, even I can see the merit of a film like this. No matter what you think this will turn out to be, you’re probably going to end up being wrong. Is it a romcom? A drama? Who knows - watch and see. And if this reminds you how much you love Aniston, there’s plenty of Friends you could revisit as well.
10 Things I Hate About You
Sure, sure, this one is a love story. But it’s based on Shakespeare. And the heroine is super not into the idea of falling in love. At all. Period. And it’s Heath Ledger in one of best and most enjoyable performances. He sings. He smirks. He plays paintball. My personal favorite thing is just how much of the original Shakespearean comedy they’re able to throw into this one.
Heathers
The question is: What is your damage? Is everything - seriously everything - making you roll your eyes? Maybe you need to watch Winona Ryder and Christian Slater take on a clique of popular mean girls and maybe an entire school - literally. It’s the antidote to all those John Hughes flicks in a way and definitely isn’t exactly a traditional, love-filled Valentine movie choice.
Atonement
A period movie starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy may actually seem like the perfect love movie, but this one isn’t exactly what it seems. There’s a lot of drama, a lot of angst and a lot of damage done to a relationship that seemed like it was already having to go against the odds. It’s also a critically acclaimed movie that, if you haven’t seen it before, should definitely be on your list.
First Wive’s Club
Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton are revenge plotting against exes that have done them wrong. How much more do you need to know? Their ‘You Don’t Own Me’ number in all white is beyond iconic and it’s basically a self-love movie. Realize how much you’re worth, recognize when you’re being taken advantage of and take no shit!
Which of the movies on this list is your favorite? Do you have one you keep going back to? Let me know in the comments!