Valentine’s Day is a special holiday that couples enjoy celebrating. I enjoy it as well, yet my birthday is a couple of days before it, and it can be challenging to score a dinner reservation. I do like to stream older, heartfelt movies. One of my favorites is “Love Actually” (2003), starring Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, and Laura Linney. I find sharing these personal favorites interesting because it shows my preferences and experiences, like meeting director Richard Curtis and Hugh Grant, which helps me connect more with my film audience who might share similar interests or have their own memorable stories.
“Love Actually” is one of my all-time go-to Valentine’s Day films, as it’s directed by one of my favorite directors, Richard Curtis, whom, as I mentioned above, we met in person. Also, one of my favorite actors, Hugh Grant, whom I’ve also met and interviewed, stars in the film. I’m also pleased to say I met and spoke with Laura Linney at the Telluride Film Festival in 2023.Laura was promoting the film “Wildcat,” in which she starred alongside Casey Affleck.
Other films that are classic romances are “When Harry Met Sally” (1998) starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, and “The Notebook” (2004) with Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling. I’m sure some will be surprised to learn that Taylor Swift starred in the movie “Valentine’s Day” in 2010 alongside Taylor Lautner, with whom she was dating at the time. She also wrote and sang the song “Today Was a Fairytale” for the movie.
For kids and parents, I’d recommend the classic Disney animated movie “Lady and the Tramp,” which opened in 1955 and is celebrating its 70th anniversary. Also, the live-action 2017 film “Beauty and the Beast” starred Dan Stevens and Emma Watson.
Whatever you choose, have a great time viewing these films, and be sure to have the iconic chocolate hearts, as on Valentine’s Day, calories don’t count!
Sarah Knight Adamson© February 13, 2026
Hollywood 360 Live Broadcast link will post after Saturday evening February 14, 2026