14 Best Valentine's Day Movies to Watch in 2026

From classic rom-coms to heartwarming tales, these films are perfect for a romantic night in.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Pioneer Woman has compiled a list of the 14 best Valentine's Day movies to watch in 2026, ranging from classic romantic comedies to heartwarming love stories. The list includes films featuring iconic on-screen pairings like Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson, Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, and Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Whether you're looking for laughs, tears, or just a cozy night in, this list has something for every Valentine's Day mood.

Why it matters

Valentine's Day is a popular holiday for couples to celebrate their love, and watching romantic movies together is a classic way to mark the occasion. This list provides readers with a curated selection of the best films to enjoy on the holiday, ensuring they can find the perfect movie to set the mood for a romantic evening.

The details

The list covers a variety of romantic movie genres, from classic rom-coms like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Pretty Woman" to more dramatic love stories like "The Notebook" and "The Bodyguard." Each film is described in detail, highlighting the on-screen chemistry, memorable scenes, and why it makes for an ideal Valentine's Day viewing experience.

  • The list was published on February 11, 2026, just in time for Valentine's Day.

The players

Diane Keaton

An acclaimed American actress known for her roles in films like "Annie Hall" and "Something's Gotta Give."

Jack Nicholson

A legendary American actor who has starred in numerous iconic films, including "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "The Shining."

Julia Roberts

One of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, known for her roles in films like "Pretty Woman" and "Notting Hill."

Richard Gere

A renowned American actor who has starred in many successful romantic movies, including "Pretty Woman" and "Runaway Bride."

Tom Hanks

A highly acclaimed American actor who has appeared in numerous critically acclaimed films, such as "Forrest Gump" and "Saving Private Ryan."

Meg Ryan

A popular American actress known for her roles in classic romantic comedies like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle."

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What they’re saying

“Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson make this one such a satisfying watch because it's funny and romantic without pretending love only happens to twenty somethings. There's plenty of awkwardness, a little chaos, and some genuinely great scenes between people who have lived a little.”

— Kelly O'Sullivan, Senior Editor (thepioneerwoman.com)

“Allie and Noah's love story is big and dramatic and yes, it's going to make you cry. Even when you know every beat, it still gets you because the movie really commits to the romance, the longing, the whole thing.”

— Kelly O'Sullivan, Senior Editor (thepioneerwoman.com)

“Julia Roberts is so charming you can't look away. And don't even get us started on young Richard Gere. If you don't want to watch this on Valentine's Day, you're making a big mistake—huge!”

— Kelly O'Sullivan, Senior Editor (thepioneerwoman.com)

“Ree has watched this approximately 1,455 times, which tells you everything you need to know. Julia Roberts plays a woman who realizes she waited too long, and she reacts in ways that are not always admirable—which is part of what makes it so entertaining.”

— Kelly O'Sullivan, Senior Editor (thepioneerwoman.com)

“Hugh Grant + Julia Roberts = one of the best romantic pairings of all time! A bookstore owner meets a movie star, and suddenly neither of them has any idea how to have a normal relationship. But it's all worth it for Julia Roberts' big speech near the end, which still gets people every time”

— Kelly O'Sullivan, Senior Editor (thepioneerwoman.com)

What’s next

Readers can use this list to plan their perfect Valentine's Day movie night, whether they're watching alone or with a partner.

The takeaway

This list of the 14 best Valentine's Day movies offers something for everyone, from classic romantic comedies to heartwarming love stories. Whether you're looking for laughs, tears, or just a cozy night in, these films are sure to set the mood for a romantic and memorable Valentine's Day celebration.