Valentine’s Day originated from honoring the Roman saint, Saint Valentine. Over time, it became a holiday associated with love and gifts. Valentine’s Day, celebrated every Feb. 14, is a celebration of love and friendship, where people give their loved ones cards, flowers, balloons and sweets as a way to express their affection.
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and for many, a special tradition is to watch romantic movies. If you’re looking for something to watch — whether it’s a comedy or a drama — HBO Max has compiled a selection of romantic films especially for the occasion. In spirit, let’s take a look at some of the movies featured to discover your 2026 Valentine’s Day watch.
Love & Basketball (2000)
If you want a story that’s inspiring and sweet, then you might want to watch “Love & Basketball.” This film is directed and written by Gina Prince-Bythewood. The cast includes Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert and Debbi Morgan, to name a few.
This film follows the lives of Monica Wright (Lathan) and Quincy McCall (Epps) from childhood into adulthood. As children, Monica and Quincy were friends with a shared passion for basketball. Later, as young adults, they develop romantic feelings for each other. However, during college, their relationship begins to struggle due to personal problems and pressure from their basketball teams. Will Monica and Quincy mend their relationship?
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
In the mood for a comedy filled with romance and family dynamics? Then you should definitely check out “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” directed by Joel Zwick, and written by Nia Vardalos, who stars in the lead role. The cast is made up of John Corbett, Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin, Louis Mandylor and many others.
The story follows Toula Portokalos (Vardalos), a 30-year-old woman from a big and spirited Greek family who lives in Chicago. She isn’t exactly happy with her lifestyle, with her father (Constantine) troubling her about marrying a Greek man and raising a family. Toula takes charge and adjusts her appearance, begins computer classes at college and eventually gets a job at her aunt’s travel agency. There, she meets English teacher Ian Miller (Corbett). The two begin dating secretly, as Toula knows her family won’t approve of her dating a non-Greek man. They soon fall in love, and of course, their secret relationship isn’t hidden forever. Events unfold as Toula and Ian want to marry, and Toula works to have her family accept the man she loves.
The Notebook (2004)
In the mood for a sweet romance that’ll pull at your heartstrings? Watch the famous romantic drama, “The Notebook,” directed by Nick Cassavetes and based on the Nicholas Sparks novel of the same name. This film stars Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams, James Garner and Gena Rowlands, to name a few.
The film begins at a nursing home, with Duke (Garner) reading a love story to another patient. The story follows the romance of Noah Calhoun (Gosling) and Allie Hamilton (McAdams), who meet in the summer of 1940. After sharing a summer romance and falling deeply in love, Allie returns to her home in Charleston, South Carolina, due to her mother’s disapproval of Noah. World War II brings many changes to the lives of Noah and Allie; however, it seems their love for one another remains the same. Will Noah and Allie reunite and live their happily ever after?
Past Lives (2023)
Want to watch something with an emotional and reflective story? Then you should watch A24’s 2023 romantic drama, “Past Lives,” directed by Celine Song. The cast includes Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, John Magaro, Ji-Hye Yoon and Choi Won-young.
This movie follows the story of Na Young (Lee) and Hae Sung (Yoo), two childhood friends living in South Korea. Their friendship, however, is disrupted when Na Young and her family move to North America. There, Na Young changes her name to Nora. Several years later, we learn that Hae Sung has been searching for his childhood friend, Na Young, on Facebook. The two reunite through video calls, but due to changes in their personal lives, they stop talking for a while. Nora eventually meets Arthur Zaturansky (Magaro), and they fall in love and get married. Then, Hae Sung travels to New York City to visit Nora, and they begin to wonder what would’ve happened if she had never left South Korea.
Materialists (2025)
Feel like watching a “torn between two lovers” story? Check out last year’s romantic drama, “Materialists,” from director Celine Song. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, Pedro Pascal, Zoë Winters and Marin Ireland.
Lucy Mason (Johnson) is a successful matchmaker working for the matchmaking company, Adore, in New York City. While attending a wedding for her former clients, she confronts Harry Castillo (Pascal), a financier who takes a liking for her, and John Pitts (Evans), her ex-boyfriend, who still loves her. Lucy and Harry begin dating, and he checks off the most important thing she’s looking for in a partner — wealth. But as she continues to run into John, she wonders if there is still some spark between them.
Final thoughts
These are only a few of the many romantic movies available to watch on HBO Max right now. Maybe you’ll be watching “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” for a cute story with plenty of family fun. Or maybe even “The Notebook” for a sweet, easygoing and nostalgic vibe. Whatever your choice may be, it’s most definitely going to make your heart flutter.