From The Straits Times    |

Valentine’s Day weekend is creeping up on us, and whether you be a single lady doing your own fabulous thing or loved up with an adoring bae, there’s sure to be a point this weekend when you’ll want to ‘Netflix and chill’ (literally, not euphemistically)! When that urge strikes, just make sure you’re stocked up on popcorn, snacks and rocking your comfiest (but still on point) loungewear. Now settle in and map out your binge session from this cherry-picked list:

For the rom com lovers:

Crazy, Stupid, Love

This right here is a modern classic! A must-watch if it hasn’t yet graced your screen. Apart from that moment when Ryan Gosling takes his shirt off, (seriously, it’s quite epic) the plot is a twist on your average rom-com and Emma Stone’s performance is pitch-perfect for the modern woman. We love.

Morning Glory
With a stellar cast including Rachel McAdams, Diane Keaton and Harrison Ford, this quirky rom-com is a must for lovers of The Devil Wears Prada (by the same screenwriter) and Notting Hill (also directed by Roger Michell). A fun watch for romantics of all ages

Roman Holiday

One of the original romcoms, maybe before the phrase rom-com was used, this Audrey Hepburn classic is a great initiator into the world of old-school movies, or a favourite to return to if you’re already a huge Audrey or Breakfast at Tiffany’s fan! If only for the clothes alone, Roman Holiday is a lesson in style, grace and poise.

Guess Who

I love this movie for an alternative spin on the classic rom-com, as it explores the challenges and beauty of inter-racial relationships and stars the stunning Zoe Saldana (pre-Avatar and Oscar days) and Ashton Kutcher. A must for those yearning for a modern, relatable love story. 

Kate and Leopold

Starring a young and ever-handsome Hugh Jackman and one of our favourite rom com actresses – Meg Ryan, this love story spans centuries with Kate living in 2001 and Leopold way back in the 1800s. As you can imagine, a tumultuous and hilarious story evolves. A perfect pick if you like your movies light and frothy!

If you’re still searching: Ella Enchanted (a fairy tale romp with Anne Hathaway), Chasing Amy (starring a young Ben Affleck and with an 88% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes), Bride Wars (Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson battle is out in this hilarious bridezilla warring movie). 

Turn up the heat:

If you’re looking to turn things up a notch during your Netflix session, take inspiration from these sexy and addictive movies!

The Girl Next Door

If you’re a fan of the American Pie franchise, you’ll likethis rather slapstick and dirty joke-filled movie! Featuring the stunning Elisha Cuthbert and Olivia Wilde, this is a real frat-boy kind of film and ensures laughs!

Sex and the City: The Movie

Ahhh, SATC, the TV series which marked a pivotal moment in women’s empowerment, especially when it came to owning their sexuality. And, I mean, if it’s all done wearing Choos and with a Dior tulle skirt to add to the drama, isn’t it all the more divine? This movie had me hooked at first glance of Carrie & co. strutting down the New York streets in all their couture glory en route from brunch. A must for a night in with the girls, or to review with your man what not to do when it comes to weddings (ahem, Mr.Big). 

Love and Other Drugs

Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway’s chemistry and realness in this heartwarming romantic drama are pitch-perfect. A reminder of the power of love and its many forms. A must if you’re a fan of movies like Friends with Benefits and No Strings Attached. 

Heart-warming and bittersweet:

The Notebook

You knew it would be on here! A true modern classic, The Notebook errs on the side of serious sentimentality, not usual rom com fluff. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ chemistry is just so palpable in this film, I’ve known more than one male friend admitting to holding a soft spot for this movie, so take that as a tidbit to share with your boyfriend or hubby or guy BFF if they’re still not convinced!

Serendipity

Eek! I must admit this movie is one of my favourites. It’s particularly perfect around Christmas time to put you in a festive spirit, but just as wonderful curled up under a blanket with hot Milo and your favourite snuggle partner (even if that’s your feline or doggy friend). The name says it all! And Kate Beckinsale’s performance is sure to have you wanting to visit Serendipity ice cream parlour next time you’re in New York city!

Like Crazy 

Okay, this indie movie may not be available on Netflix yet, but it’s too good not to make the list. If you’re in an LDR (long distance relationship) this is one you should watch with your partner over Skype. Intimate, raw and beautifully acted, this is a one-of-a-kind piece of film-making. There’s no scripted dialogue for the movie and the majority of the scenes were improvised, the results are incredibly dynamic and real!

Cosy up to your partner:

How to Get Away with Murder

Oh Shonda Rhimes, what can’t you turn to gold? The Queen of Thursday night television in the US, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and Private Practice just happens to produce this insanely addictive primetime show too. We love it for it’s “whodunnit” elements, strong female lead and for allowing us to delve deeper into characters than the usual 2-D ones that can appear in hit dramas. A must-start-to-watch if you haven’t already. 

 

Scream

One of the most beloved slasher films, this is perfect if you’re a lover of movies that thrill. Perfect to cosy up with (or hide behind) the one you love this Valentine’s Day!

Red Riding Hood

The Gothic fairy tale and children’s classic is brought to life in this beautiful adaptation starring an ethereal Amanda Seyfried. Perfect to help you revisit a childhood favourite through a darker, more adult fantastical lens. 

The Fall

A British and Irish-produced crime series set in Northern Ireland. This is perfect for couples who love psychological thrillers and investigative crime dramas which you can really get your teeth into, plus, Jamie Dornan stars (yes, him of Fifty Shades fame). 

For you and your BFFS:

These picks are perfect for group hangs or just a cosy twosome of you and your bestie. 

Monte Carlo

A total guilty pleasure, Monte Carlo is an unashamed chick-flick and not afraid to work it! Starring Selena Gomez and Leighton Meester going on a summer vacay to Paris, it’s all fun and frolics in the French sunshine. 

Grease

It just never gets old. From the catchy tunes to John Travolta’s moves to the iconic fashion moments, this high-school classic is just about our favourite musical-movie ever!

TV Series to binge-watch:

Grab yourself a box of chocolates (no significant other is just an added bonus when it’s just you and all the dark, milk and white you want.) 

Pretty Little Liars (Seasons 1-5)

Frustratingly good, Pretty Little Liars will have you questioning “who is A?” from the very first episode. Warning: Dangerously addictive, and we’re sure you’ll fall as hard in love with gorgeous and talented Pan-Asian actress Shay Mitchell as we did!

Image: Courtesy of Netflix, Marvel’s Jessica Jones

Marvel’s Jessica Jones

A Netflix original series, Marvel superheroine Jessica Jones is all our feminist goals come to life. Perfect for fans of Doctor Who’s David Tennant. 

Jane The Virgin

I actually stumbled across this incredible gem when Netflix-ing in socially conscious Singapore nail salon The Nail Social (they have iPads set up so you can literally Netflix and chill whilst having your nails done, ingenious)! I was quite sceptical due to the slightly silly sounding title, however the acting, characters and zero-cliche plot lines will have you in love with this telenovela comedy in no time. It’s my new favourite show!

 

Gossip Girl

An old favourite, Gossip Girl may have faltered slightly in its latter series, but there’s no denying the first few seasons had us hooked. From the utterly fabulous wardrobe to the slightly terrifying realisation that you’re falling in love with fictional character Chuck Bass (and the real life Ed Westwick), GG will have you longing for more Blair and Serena in-fighting after the final XOXO!

Image: Netflix, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

See more shows we’re loving on Netflix here, including the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt!