These titles explore themes of love and relationships. But unlike most romantic films, they thoughtfully examine our need to be partnered up. Whether you are single, planning an anti-Valentine’s celebration with friends, or are in a relationship but can’t handle another romantic comedy, these are the best films for an Alternative Valentine’s Day.
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500 Days of Summer
Marc Webb’s 2009 film is a classic breakup film that won’t leave you feeling empty. 500 Days of Summer examines the failed relationship between Tom and Summer in a non-linear structure. Tom is a hopeless romantic who sees his relationship with his coworker as meant to be, despite their incompatibility. The film shows that sometimes people aren’t right for each other, but can still look back on the positive aspects of their relationship and eventually find happiness with other people. 500 Days of Summer is an excellent selection for people getting over a breakup or needing a fresh start.
Check out our review of 500 Days of Summer
Heathers
This 1989 film directed by Michael Lehmann is a great selection for those celebrating that they’re not with their ex anymore this Valentine’s Day. Heathers follows Veronica, an intelligent student who is part of her high school's cutthroat clique. She becomes involved with J.D., a mysterious new student, but their romance quickly sours as his murderous intentions toward other students become clear. Intended to contrast the optimistic high school dramas popular at the time, this cynical black comedy is an excellent contrast to cheery and romantic Valentine’s Day films this year.
Check out our review of Heathers
The Lobster
Yorgos Lanthimos’ 2015 black comedy film is the perfect movie to draw attention to the absurdity of dating. In The Lobster, a group of newly single people stays at a hotel in order to find a new partner, or else they will turn into animals. With this bizarre and morbid threat, the guests of the hotel go to extreme lengths to find someone with whom they have something in common. While this disturbing film may not be appropriate for every gathering, it’s a great choice for viewers who want to examine the expectations associated with romantic relationships.
Check out our review of The Lobster
The Love Witch
Anna Biller’s 2016 comedy horror film, The Love Witch, is the ideal Anti-Valentine’s Day movie. The film follows Elaine, a modern witch who bewitches the men around her to find love. Although set in the modern day, The Love Witch evokes the aesthetics of 1960s Technicolor films. In a behind-the-scenes interview with Anna Biller, she states that one of her goals was to bring “female glamor” into the film, including lavish and detailed sets and costumes that could give feminine viewers more to look at on screen. This makes The Love Witch the best film to watch at a “Galantines” celebration.
Check out our review of The Love Witch
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
While this may seem like a typical boy-meets-girl story on the surface, Edgar Wright’s 2010 film thoroughly examines emotional baggage and the fear of embarking on a new relationship. Scott Pilgrim is an aimless bass player in an indie garage band whose world is turned upside down by his new girlfriend, Ramona Flowers. In order to continue date her, Scott must defeat her seven evil ex-boyfriends in an over-the-top video game-style duel. The premise may seem silly, but Edgar Wright’s coming-of-age tale demonstrates the complexities of adult relationships and how actions can affect other people. With its quick wit and action-packed pace, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World would be a hit at any Valentine’s Day screening event.
Check out our review of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World