No babysitter? No problem! Celebrate Valentine’s Day at home with some romance classics. These movies have it all: great acting, witty dialogue, lots of sparks, and, of course, true love! So snuggle up with your loved ones and enjoy one of the following movies with your family.
1. Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown (2008)
The 2008 remastered DVD has the two additional specials that were on the previous DVD, You’re in Love, Charlie Brown (1967), in which our hero tries to meet the little red-haired girl, and It’s Your First Kiss, Charlie Brown (1977). Will Charlie Brown win the big football even though Lucy keeps pulling the ball away, and escort–and kiss–the little red-haired girl to the homecoming ball?
Run time: 300 min. Not rated. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
2. Lady and the Tramp
Lady is a well-bred cocker spaniel who falls for Tramp, a charming mutt from the opposite side of the tracks who shows her excitement and adventure. A heartwarming love story with a famous spaghetti scene. Parents be warned: your kids will want a dog immediately after viewing.
Run time: 76 min. Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
3. Enchanted (2008)
Giselle, a bubbly princess-to-be, is banished to New York City’s Times Square by a wicked queen. Fairytale romance gets a modern makeover when Giselle discovers that her true love is not a handsome prince but a jaded divorce lawyer.
Run time: 107 min. Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
4. The Princess Bride
Take your basic fairy-tale-fantasy-love-story between Princess Buttercup and her dashing lover Wesley. Mix in some pirates, giants, swashbuckling Spaniards, evil geniuses, dungeons with torture devices and six-fingered men, and you have possibly the best non-animated family classic of the 1980s.
Run time: 98 min. Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
5. Love Comes Softly
A historical drama based on faith-based author Janette Oke’s bestselling book series. This movie originally aired on the Hallmark Channel and is a sweet love story of an arranged marriage that turns into love.
Run time: 121 min. Not rated. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
6. You’ve Got Mail
In this 1998 romantic comedy, superstore book chain magnate Hanks and cozy children’s bookshop owner Ryan are anonymous e-mail cyberpals who fall head-over-laptops in love, unaware they are combative business rivals.
Run time: 119 min. Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
7. Casablanca
“Casablanca” is Hollywood’s quintessential statement on love and romance. This iconic love story, with its heroic characters, rousing message, and beautiful black-and-white production values should appeal to teens, as well as adults.
Run time: 103 Minutes. Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
8. Sleepless in Seattle
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan star in this enchanting romance about a widower whose son convinces him to find new love and the woman who answers his call. Even teenagers used to edgier fare will fall for this romantic fairytale.
Run time: 106 Minutes. Rated: PG. Recommended for ages 11 and up.
9. An Affair to Remember
Before there was “Sleepless in Seattle,” “An Affair to Remember” made the Empire State Building a romantic landmark. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr sizzle in this classic romantic drama. Teens who enjoy classic romances and old movie stars may like this one.
Run time: 119 Minutes. Not rated. Recommended for ages 12 and up
10. Ever After: A Cinderella Story (1998)
A clever and highly original retelling of the classic Cinderella story. A “modern” young woman of the 16th century, Danielle (Drew Barrymore) is as independent and wise as she is beautiful and kind. Against remarkable odds, she stands up to her scheming stepmother and works miracles on the lives of everyone around her, including the crown prince of France!
Run time: 121 min. Rated PG-13. Recommended for ages 13 and up.
What Valentine’s Day movie would you add to this list? Tell us in the comments below!
