The Best Classic Romance Movies To Watch On Netflix This Valentine's Day

What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than revisiting romantic films from decades past? Grab a box of chocolates and snuggle up with your significant other—with this list, you're going to need a shoulder to cry on

1. The Age of Innocence (1993)

Rewind back to the nineteenth-century where a romance tangles itself into the depths of New York's high society. Ironically-titled, The Age of Innocence paints a love triangle between a young wealthy lawyer, Newland Archer; his socialite fiancée, May Welland; and May's cousin, a debutante unbound by convention. The hunger for passion with a scandalous socialite depicts unforgiving hypocrisy amongst New York's elitist—exploring the theme of public versus private self within the social construct of the 1870s.

2. The Notebook (2004)

Reach for the tissues with this one. The Notebook is set in pre- and post- World War II and the narrative arc traces two individuals from different socio-economic backgrounds—Allie, a wealthy 17-year-old girl with high expectations and Noah, a blue-collar worker—as they endure the conflicts of their disapproved love. The tale of a desperate romance that is compelling from the opening to end, The Notebook is storytelling at its best.

3. Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961)

A classic worth rewatching over and over again. Based on a novella by Truman Capote, Holly Golightly is a quirky and free-spirited Manhattan socialite looking for a rich man to marry. Her story unfolds when she meets her new neighbour and aspiring writer Paul Varjak, who is 'kept' by an older, wealthier woman. As the pair pursue their dreams in the big city, they find something else unexpected. This iconic romantic comedy showcases Hollywood elegance at its finest, giving you a taste of New York's high society.

4. Titanic (1997)

Can you hear Celine Dion already? This classic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet tells the remarkable story of rebellion and passionate love. A young aristocrat Rose awaits an arranged marriage after departing to New York on the ill-fated ship. Feeling out of control with her marital constraints, Rose crosses paths with Jack Dawson, a lower-class artist right before she hits rock bottom. Defying social boundaries, the pair plan to elope but tragedy strikes. Everyone knows how it ends, but oh, what a story.

5. Love Story (1970)

Another story where a romance is compromised by socio-economic backgrounds: Love Story, a telling of a wealthy son of Harvard graduates and an art student from the working class. The narrative will have you rooting for the characters as it adopts a simplistic chronological arc about a couple from start to end, displaying commentary about social differences, sacrifice and religion. As the relationship grows stronger, you will begin to feel the ache between the characters as they fight for each other, making you want to hold your Valentine closer.

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Valentine's Day netflix Movies Films The Notebook Titanic The Age of Innocence Love Story Breakfast at Tiffany's Romance Classic