It’s not a stretch to say that many people consider Valentine’s Day to be one of the more annoying holidays of the year. The day is full of forced, commercialized romance, and we don’t even get a public holiday out of it. Some people think that only serially single people hate the day of love, but even the happily boo’d up have gripes with the holiday.
Marketing for Valentine's Day begins almost as soon as the new year begins. No industry is immune, from the obvious participants like hospitality and retail to the bizarre like home appliances and fast food. Among all these, the entertainment industry arguably takes the crown for leading the Valentine’s mania. Every year, streaming sites advertise cheesy romance after cheesy romance, and theatres reveal film line-ups so sugary sweet they threaten to send you to the dentist. It feels like you have to go out of your way to watch something that isn't about love this season. If you’re struggling to beat the romance propaganda this February, let’s make your life a little easier with these five movies to watch on Valentine’s Day that aren’t romcoms.
Get Out
A horror movie is the obvious opposite for a cheesy romcom, but Get Out isn’t just any horror movie. The film actually begins with a happy couple and, in another world, could have been a sweet love story. Thankfully, the movie is set in Jordan Peele’s world, where racial dynamics are not just political topics but matters of life and death.
Get Out follows a young black photographer, Chris, who agrees to join his rich (and white) girlfriend on a weekend trip to meet her parents. Things take a dark turn as he uncovers her family’s sinister secret and fights to make it out of her home alive.
This movie is a perfect Valentine’s watch for both singles and couples as it directly questions the fundamentals of love itself. How well do you know your partner? And how much can you trust the person you claim to love?
Living in Bondage
Living in Bondage is a classic Nigerian drama and a must-watch. The two-part epic, released in 1992 and 1993, is a touchstone of Nollywood history. The films introduced some of the biggest names in Nollywood to audiences, and was the first to take Nollywood mainstream.
The movie follows an unsuccessful and despondent man named Andy on his journey to achieving financial success by any means necessary. This movie has all the Nollywood staples from money rituals to cults, and terrifying visual effects. The movie is truly a rollercoaster and worth a watch for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet.
You can even make it a three-part marathon and watch the recently released sequel, Living in Bondage: Breaking Free, after the originals. These movies will definitely give you something more engaging to consume than a run-off-the-mill romcom.
Rush Hour
One of the most important elements of a romance movie is the chemistry between the two leads. But people often forget that chemistry doesn't always have to be romantic. The buddy cop movie is perfect for anyone who wants to see two leads banter with each other without having to sit through a romcom, and Rush Hour is a perfect example of the genre.
The movie stars Jackie Chan as the dedicated Detective Lee and Chris Tucker as the arrogant LAPD Detective Carter. The two are polar opposites but are forced to work together when a Chinese diplomat’s daughter is kidnapped. Their dynamic is immediately hilarious, with both actors bringing their A-game to the now iconic roles.
Lee and Carter’s arc from hostility to friendship is entertaining and wholesome enough to rival most romcom couples, and certainly much funnier. For couples that want to laugh together or friends looking for a relatable comedy, Rush Hour is the perfect Valentine’s pick.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves
Fans of epic fantasies and magical lands will love this movie as an alternative to the standard Valentine’s Day fare. While Dungeons & Dragons as a game has a more niche audience, this movie was able to capture global attention thanks to its heart, comedy and performances.
In the magic-filled world of this movie, Chris Pine plays a man named Ed who is left a widower and single father after the death of his wife. His circumstances lead him to a life of crime, which ultimately lands him in jail. But as Ed returns from his imprisonment, he finds that the people he called friends were not all on his side, and those he doubted might be his true allies.
The story of Honor Among Thieves is not too complex, but the sincerity of the characters and the strength of the actor’s performances elevate this movie. If you’re planning on having a Galentine’s or a chill day in with family, this is a great watch.
Mad Max: Fury Road
Romance movies tend to be soft and delicate, and, while romcoms can get loud and chaotic, they mostly stick to a light and happy tone. Mad Max: Fury Road is the complete opposite of that. This movie is pure, uncompromising action and it is unapologetic about it.
The film is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a tyrant and cult leader named Joe hoards resources and oppresses people. Max is pulled into Joe’s world just as his enforcer, Furiosa, betrays him and runs away with his five wives. Reluctantly, he teams up with Furiosa to save the women, but Joe is on their tail, and the stakes are high.
The movie is essentially one long car chase through the desert with increasingly crazy vehicles and stunts, and no one is mad at it. If you want a fun and action-filled movie to yell at the screen with your friends, this is your best bet.
