It is the season of love, so to make it more interesting, it’s time to sit down with some popcorn and watch these romantic films that make audiences appreciate their significant other. Whether you are in the mood to experience love for the first time again or live the tormenting parts of being in a relationship, this list has it all. Here are some recommendations to watch with your partner, friends or family. 

“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)

With an all-star cast, “Crazy Rich Asians” put USC alum Jon M. Chu on the map. The film was nominated for two Golden Globe awards, and it made over $200 million at the global box office. It stars Constance Wu as well as Henry Golding, and it is set in the beautiful country of Singapore. Frequent flyers know that it is the perfect movie to watch on the plane.

The film details Rachel’s (Wu) experience when her boyfriend Nick (Golding) takes her with him to his family’s home in Singapore for his best friend’s wedding. However, she encounters a big challenge: Eleanor (Michelle Yeoh), Nick’s mom, who does not approve of their relationship because Eleanor feels that Rachel’s wealth and social status does not match her son’s. Will Rachel outwit the horrible Eleanor, or will her love for Nick fail? 

“Fire Island” (2022)

What is more entertaining than a bunch of gay men going to an annual festival on Fire Island? Absolutely nothing. “Fire Island” explores modern gay culture in a way that has not been seen on screen before. Even though the film is often making fun of the toxic culture that can occur at queer festivals, it is full of heartfelt appreciation for friendship and love. 

Joel Kim Booster wrote and starred in the film, in which his character, Noah, feels conflicted about whether or not he should fall in love with Will (Conrad Ricamora) because of their conflicting personalities. The Hulu original is perfect for anyone looking for an enemies-to-lovers arc, and it has a wonderful payoff earned through Booster’s earnest writing and screen presence. 

“Always Be My Maybe” (2019)

Inspired by Mariah Carey’s song “Always Be My Baby,” the film features Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) as two friends whose relationship falls apart after high school. Years later, they meet up again once Sasha becomes a successful chef, but Marcus still lives with his parents. At first, their relationship is awkward, but they slowly pick up each other’s groove again as the story carries on. A romantic comedy with two hilarious leads is hard to find, but “Always Be My Maybe” is the ideal film to watch after a dinner date since it is easy to follow. 

On the other hand, these three movies will deplete you of every tear in your body; just know that this is a warning.

“Brokeback Mountain” (2005)

This heartbreaking story about two men in 1950s Montana shattered hearts when it appeared, and 20 years later, it continues to do so. Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) are forced to deal with societal pressures and their own internalized homophobia as they navigate a complicated relationship full of affection, sex and fear. 

Ang Lee’s masterpiece showcases love in a painful and emotionally charged way that captures the prejudice of the time. Alongside Ledger and Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams (Alma Del Mar) offers an incredible performance that sincerely portrays the emotions of loss and agony when she finds out about her husband’s secret. 

When the film first premiered in 2005, it broke many boundaries around LGBTQIA+ representation in Hollywood, but at the same time faced backlash from conservative groups. By being one of the first mainstream films to portray a same-sex relationship between two men, it became a must-watch for those interested in queer cinema.

“La La Land” (2016)

Starring Academy Award winner Emma Stone and Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling, “La La Land” follows a young actress and a jazz musician both trying to make it big amid the brutal competition in the city of Los Angeles. When their paths cross, they fall in love and live happily ever after. The end.

That is not true. Damien Chazelle’s musical pictures Mia (Stone) and Sebastian (Gosling) as driven people who will do anything to accomplish their goals. In this case, that means separating from each other as one of them becomes a successful actress and the other owns his own jazz club. Is their love strong enough for them to find their way back?

Accompanied by fun musical numbers, the film is a blast for anyone who is looking to have a great time while also bawling their eyes out.

“Her” (2013)

The danger of falling in love with artificial intelligence is real now more than ever. In this Spike Jonze flick, Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) undergoes a harsh divorce with his wife (Rooney Mara). Afterwards, he develops a strange connection with his virtual assistant Samantha, voiced by Scarlett Johansson. 

Set in near-future Los Angeles, “Her” goes beyond just being a regular science-fiction movie with no regard for character. It focuses on themes of loneliness and identity as Theodore becomes more attached to Samantha. By the end, the film leaves viewers with a sense of dread that brings tears to the eyes. Jonze’s exceptional screenplay received critical acclaim, winning Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards in 2014.