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By the time Valentine’s Day rolls around, we’re sure you have your assorted romance films and rom coms sorted and ready to watch. But maybe this is the year you try something a bit more eclectic? Among the classic romances and beloved rom coms that go hand-in-hand with Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of off-beat love stories worth telling, and we rounded eight of them just for your viewing pleasure.
If you’re in the mood for something different this Valentine’s Day (emphasis on how much work the word different is doing here) have we got the film for you. Yorgos Lanthimos’ Oscar-nominated 2015 film The Lobster might just be one of the strangest and most poignant movies about romantic love from the last 10 years. It’s set in a dystopian world where characters who’ve been single for too long are taken to a hotel and given 45 days to find a romantic partner or be turned into an animal. We know it might not be your first (or even second) choice for Valentine’s Day, but trust us when we say it’s worth the watch.
If you’re looking for something a bit more bright and cheery, Moonrise Kingdom is the sweet little off-beat romance for you. The 2012 Wes Anderson film follows two young lovebirds who flee their New England town, causing a search party to seek them out. As ever, Moonrise Kingdom is full of Anderson’s idiosyncratic visual style. It’s sweet and thoughtful, even if a bit unconventional for Valentine’s Day.
Still in search of more? Check out more off-beat romantic movies perfect for Valentine’s Day with our round-up!
‘The Lobster’
The Lobster stars Colin Farrell as David, who lives in a dystopian future where, according to the laws of The City, he is obliged to be taken to The Hotel where he and other singletons like him must find a romantic partner or be turned into an animal set loose in the woods.
Watch on HBO Max.
‘Moonrise Kingdom’
In a quaint New England town, two kids fall in love with one another and resolve to run away together. Unfortunately for them, this causes quite a stir and a maddening search party is sent out to find them in Wes Anderson’s precious and colorful 2012 picture, Moonrise Kingdom.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Only Lovers Left Alive’
If you like a dash of the macabre in your Valentine’s Day fare, then Only Lovers Left Alive is perfect for you. Vampires Adam (Tom Hiddleston) and Eve (Tilda Swinton) reunite and rekindle their romance, but matters get a bit more complicated when Eve’s little sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska) arrives in town.
Watch on HBO Max.
‘Her’
Her takes place in the not-so-distant future, where lonely writer Theodore (Joaquin Phoenix) develops a romantic bond with his operating system, Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). Spike Jonze’s film is a subtle meditation on the connections we make and break in life. It’s visually striking, adorned with an achingly vulnerable performance by Phoenix.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Punch-Drunk Love’
We know Adam Sandler can hold his own in a romantic comedy, but if you haven’t seen Punch-Drunk Love, you haven’t seen the best of his work. Sandler stars as Barry, who off-handedly calls a phone-sex line to ease some of his social frustrations, ultimately finding himself in trouble and potentially jeopardizing his burgeoning romance with Lena (Emily Watson).
Watch on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Amélie’
We doubt you’ll ever meet someone quite like Amélie. The 2001 Oscar-nominated French film follows a young woman living in Paris who can’t help herself when it comes to helping those around her, even if they don’t think they need it. But during one of her justice-driven escapades she falls in love with a mysterious man who’s been searching for her too.
Watch on Disney+.
‘Harold and Maude’
Harold and Maude might just be the most unlikely love story you’ll ever see. Harold (Bud Cort) is a rich young man who’s inextricably obsessed with death. When he meets Maude (Ruth Gordon) at a funeral, the rich boy and septuagenarian form an attachment defined by their unique approach to love.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video.
‘Lars and the Real Girl’
Lars and the Real Girlis as unconventional as it gets when it comes to romantic comedies. Lars Lindstrom (Ryan Gosling) shocks everyone when he finally starts dating someone. There’s only one thing — his girlfriend, Bianaca, is a doll he found on the internet. The film weaves through Lars, his family, friends, and acquaintances supporting his relationship, and hoping he’ll break out of his shell.
Watch on Amazon Prime Video.
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