From The Straits Times    |

This Valentine’s Day, sit back with your partner and turn on the telly for some good and entertaining shows that will make you laugh, cry and everything in between. Whether your eyes stay on the screen is another matter, but we give you 10 titles (from Netflix and other avenues) to keep the mood going.

1. No Strings Attached

Boy meets girl. They fall in lust and try to navigate their whole relationship by trying not to fall in love with for each other. In Gen-Z slang, they are the perfect example of a “situationship”. On top of both Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman being an insanely good looking couple, they also have excellent chemistry. That’s the recipe for success in any rom-com right?

This role was also a nice change for Natalie Portman as she’s always in serious roles, so you get to see another side of her as an actress. And yes, because she’s such an excellent actress, her comedic timing is pretty spot on.

2. The Notebook

Photo: Instagram/ the_notebook

No, this is not a story about a laptop, you screen junkie. What you’ll find instead, is a tender and touching story of two young lovers pulled apart by war and class differences.

This age-old case of separation tugs at the heartstrings with an engaging script, and played to perfection by its good-looking leads Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams (who went on to date for years after the 2004 film was released). It gets the tear ducts going good, so be ready with those tissues.

3. Always Be My Maybe

Starring Randall Park and Ali Wong, the film is about two Asian American characters from two Asian American families who have sex, fall in love, break up, date other people and then find each other again.

It’s a hilarious and really sweet, unconventional love story. But the icing on the cake is definitely Keanu Reeves. Watch it and thanks us later.

4. Irreplaceable You 

Photo: Netflix

What’s romance without the heartbreak?

Settle in for an emotional ride as you follow Abbie and Sam, who’ve been high school sweethearts and each other’s soulmates. Everything’s a fairytale until Abbie is diagnosed with cancer. In an effort to make sure Sam moves on, she’s set on finding a future girlfriend for him, someone who’s clueless to dating.

Follow this heartfelt journey and watch what happens what true love is put to the test.

Tip: Have tissues ready. Lots of them.

5. Maid in Manhattan

In this modern Cinderella love story, Marisa Ventura who is played by Jennifer Lopez, a maid who works in a hotel in Manhattan, “accidentally tricks” Ralph Fiennes’s character Christopher Marshall, into falling in love with her.

At the very heart of it, this story is unrealistic so much so it feels like a fairy tale. But hey, that’s why we watch movies right? So if you’re a dreamer, this one’s for you.

6. Set It Up

Photo: Set It Up

If you’re looking for something lighter, this feel-good rom-com will definitely do the trick.

Two bone-tired secretaries devise a plan to set up their uptight, demanding bosses in efforts to make their work-life a little easier. You can guess the rest.

It’s cute, happy and best watched on Valentine’s Day! We suggest pairing some chocolate, snuggles and champagne while you’re at it.

7. Crash Landing On You

Photo: Instagram / h.dzung

When a South Korean heiress accidentally drops in North Korea due to a paragliding accident, her life changes forever. She meets North Korea soldier (the ever-so-handsome Hyun Bin), who decides to help her.

Squeal-worthy and definitely filled with romance, there’s no better day to watch this than Valentine’s Day.

8. Reply 1988

Photo: Netflix

One of my personal favourites, the Reply series is one of the most-loved dramas of all time. They all have the same concept, childhood friends growing up in the 90’s, filled with heartbreak, family squabbles and love.

Switching back and fro from the future, you’re left guessing which of her childhood friends she marries in the end. You’ll be hooked, invested in each of the five families, you won’t want it to end.

Love is so much more than just romance, and this series will show you exactly how love, friendship and family are one of the most powerful things you could have.

9. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)

Photo: Goblin’s official Facebook

Starring Gong Yoo (do I need to say more) as a lonely, powerful Goblin who’s waiting for death. What happens when the only one who can give him release, is the one person he wants to be with forever?

One of the most well-known Korean dramas, this series will grip you and leave you in tears of joy and leave you swooning all at once.

10. Marriage Story

Nominated for an Academy Award, I’m sure you’ve heard of the film starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johanson. Guess what, now you can catch it on Netflix in the comfort of your own home.

I know, seeing a marriage fall apart isn’t the ideal on Valentine’s Day but the film is so much more than that. It’s a compassionate, insightful and relatable story of love and family, and what it means to be there for the ones you love.