Today, many of us will celebrate the special relationships in our lives. Many others will also hope to find a special person who will help them navigate life’s uncertainties. But today is not only for the already aligned two-legged romantics or those still looking.
It can be a perfect time to snuggle on the couch with your favorite pet(s), with or without a significant-other human, and indulge in a marathon movie night. Why not make tonight extra special by grabbing a favorite blanket and preparing some tasty snacks for all involved, which of course should include a few treats for the furry companions joining the fun? Then settle in, press play, and make a night of it with movies that understand how you are feeling, whether it’s wildly in love, heartbroken, or happily solo. Your furry Valentine might find the following movies less exciting than Animal Planet or Nature, but they will still appreciate some of the scenes and the chance to chill by your side, getting occasional ear scratches, belly rubs, or their most loved treats.
Some of the following recommendations may spark laughter or invite a good cry, and others may reflect the complicated, real-life versions of love we can all recognize. So, whether you are looking for a bit of comfort or a little escapism, read on to find the movie(s) to watch tonight.
One of the best love stories in my estimation is a classic with a famous spaghetti-sharing scene that should not be missed on any romantic evening. The 1955 Disney “Lady and the Tramp” is about trust, loyalty, and the joy of finding love in unexpected places. This charming animation, with a beautiful soundtrack and heartwarming messages, makes it an ideal pick for a cozy family Valentine movie night.
If you are looking for a heartwarming adventure that highlights qualities essential to strong relationships, such as loyalty and determination, watch the 1963 film “The Incredible Journey”. Seeing two dogs and a cat embark on a perilous journey to reunite with their cherished family serves as a wonderful reminder of how love endures even through the toughest challenges. If you’re looking for an inspiring story that tugs at the heartstrings, this is another great choice for movie night. If you like this one, then you might also want to watch the 1993 remake “Homeward Bound. It is another heartwarming adventure story about love and loyalty.
If you can remember the early days of email and dating, the 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail” is for you. One can never go wrong with a Meg Ryan-Tom Hanks rom-com combo. It’s a delightful movie that contains feel-good things like books, coffee, and a beautiful Golden Retriever. You might also consider another of their movies, “Sleepless in Seattle”. The 1993 film may not have a dog, but it is considered one of the most romantic movies of all time: a tale of love, an acknowledgement of the power of human connection and, for us romantics, the magic of fate. It is patterned after the 1957 romantic classic “An Affair to Remember,” which plays an important role in the film’s narrative of love and destiny.
Another is the 2005 rom-com “Must Love Dogs”. If you have ever been divorced, dating afterward can be quite challenging, as many of us know. A newly divorced woman reluctantly reenters the dating scene through an online profile that emphasizes love for dogs as a non-negotiable. Ironically, she does not own one, so she borrows her brother’s Newfoundland “Mother Theresa” to meet a blind date at a dog park. After a series of misadventures, humorous moments, and even more adorable pooches, the ending once again proves it’s never a good idea to give up on love.
An extremely funny mockumentary about the competitive world of dog shows is the 2000 film “Best in Show”. It is filled with eccentric characters, absurd rivalries, and an abundance of comic moments. Laughter is the key to every wonderful relationship, and this film delivers plenty of it. It is a great pick for anyone who loves good comedy, dogs, and wants to have some lighthearted fun.
With so many enjoyable movies, it is hard to pick only a few to describe within the parameters of this column. The following is a short list of other view-worthy personal favorites. The 1997 “As Good As It Gets” with Verdell, the Brussels Griffon who serves as a symbol of unconditional love and is owned by cantankerous Jack Nicholson; the 2002 “Sweet Home Alabama” which includes Bryant the Bloodhound, who is integral to the story; the 2008 “Marley & Me” where Marley reminds us love can come with a wet nose and too much energy; the 2017 “A Dog’s Purpose” a story of one devoted dog who goes through several lifetimes and finds the purpose of his existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to love; and my all-time favorite is the 1989 “Turner and Hooch”, a very entertaining comedy about a cop and a smooshy-faced, huge, drooling, lovable, clumsy, and ultimately heroic mutt. Be sure to have tissues ready.
Ultimately, movie night on Valentine’s Day is for everyone, regardless of their relationship status. So, no matter who you watch with, or what you watch, enjoy the evening and have a Happy Valentine’s Day !