13 cheesy and not-so-cheesy romance movies to cuddle up to (or watch alone) this Valentine’s Day

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Even though I pretend I’m not a fan of romance movies, a quick glance at my streaming service watch history would reveal that’s not entirely true. Granted, my favorites don’t all fall under the umbrella of “cheesy” romance per se, but some do. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I’ve watched Titanic more than the average person. But, every now and then, a film not completely centered around romantic drama scratches the itch for me just the same. If you’re looking for a variety of love movies to cozy up to this Valentine’s Day, from swashbucklers to films with extra cheese, here are 13 of my personal favorites that get frequently replayed, even beyond Feb. 14.

13. The Legend of Zorro (2005): This 2005 sequel to its 1998 remake “The Mask of Zorro” stars the same leads and is somehow even better than the prequel. It follows more closely the effects of Zorro’s quest for justice on his marriage to wife Elena. Grappling between coping with their separation and fulfilling his calling as a vigilante, Zorro/Don de la Vega spends all two hours and nine minutes of the film working to win back his wife’s heart (and of course save California’s statehood.)

12. West Side Story (1961): Few Hollywood relationships have set the tone for love the way Maria and Bernado’s have. This one has all the elements to make you feel all the things. Even though most romance aficionados have seen it countless times over, it never hurts to revisit a classic packed with so much: music, drama, forbidden love, and tragedy. Grab your tissues, your pretend microphone, and dive in.

11. The Bodyguard (1992): Speaking of grabbing the mic, it goes without saying Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner solidified their status as film icons in this “I’m not supposed to love you, but I do” action packed drama. With a stellar soundtrack to boot, there’s no denying why the Bodyguard deserved all the acclaim it received.

10. Something New (2006): Maybe I’m a sucker for love that breaks societal norms, but that’s exactly what Something New gives us. In it, we follow Kenya McQueen and Brian Kelly as an interracial couple torn between following their hearts and sticking with what they know. Will true love prevail against all odds? Check your streaming services to see where this one is playing and find out for yourself.

9. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011): It took me entirely too crazy stupid LONG to discover why this movie was such a hit. If you’re a fan of the hit show “This Is Us” then this movie is for you. Penned by the same writers as the award-winning NBC television series, it follows multiple storylines that detail the complexities of what it means to love someone. You’ll do more laughing than crying with this one, but you’ll feel deeply and find yourself reflecting. It’s well worth the journey.

8. The Best Man (1999): Two words - PEAK 90s! If you want to see 90s Hollywood at their prime, the Best Man is your man. Packed with too many celebrities and familiar faces to name, this story will have you gasping with either laughter or surprise from start to finish. It’s a solid story that delves into themes surrounding friendship, romantic love and betrayal. A caution to parents, it is Rated R. But always worth the watch, or in my case, the frequent re-watch.

7. Ever After - A Cinderella Story (1998): I’ve loved this retelling of the Cinderella Story ever since childhood. Nobody asked me, but if they did, I’d say this was Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott’s best work. Not to mention a phenomenal portrayal of an evil stepmother by Anjelica Houston. A modern twist on a familiar classic, Ever After is one of my go-to comfort movies. Perfect for sitting on the couch with a warm drink and unwinding to a fairytale.

6. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): A movie where the guy and the girl meet their match in one another? You must be talking about How to lose a guy in 10 days. Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson reunite on-screen going bar for bar as Benjamin Barry and Andie Anderson: two cunning, high performing professionals with high stakes and personal goals. In this case, the main goal is to outsmart the other, even if means putting love on the line.

5. 10 things I hate about you (1999): Ah, rest in peace Heath Ledger. And rest in peace Shakespeare, too! This modern retelling of “The taming of the shrew” is a certified teenaged classic. Its ability to seamlessly blend comedy with romance and likable characters is what makes this familiar favorite an ever-perfect watch.

4. Two can play that game (2001): With Vivica Fox, Morris Chestnut, and even a small role featuring Bobby Brown, this movie will have you doubled over from laughter. I could watch and re-watch this romantic comedy 1,000 times and never get tired. The film’s premise serves as a great reminder that there are no rules when it comes to matters of the heart.

3. The Mountain Between Us (2017): For some reason, this film doesn’t end up on many romance lists, but it doesn’t stop it from being one of my personal favorites. Imagine getting stuck on a snowy mountain after a plane crash with a total stranger who might just turn out to be the connection you’ve needed all along… if you survive the elements, that is. Idris Elba and Kate Winslet will have you on the edge of your seat for all two hours of this adventure/romance/drama.

2. The Wedding Planner (2001): COME ON! Do I even need to say it? The Wedding Planner has to be one of the greatest romance movies of all time. Or at least it is for me. Yes, it’s dripping with cheese, but if that’s your thing, because clearly, it’s mine, this is for you! Jennifer Hudson and Matthew McConaughey deserve all the flowers for this quite predictable masterpiece.

1. Deliver Us from Eva (2003): Talk about a truly underrated gem! Gabrielle Union and LL Cool J get nothing short of a standing ovation from me for this insanely hilarious romantic comedy. Eva Dandridge has always been the one to raise and protect her three younger sisters. The problem? She’s bossy, she’s a bit of a bully and her brothers-in-law want her out of the way. What they don’t count on is the man they’ve hired to occupy her time falling in love with her.

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