Who needs a Valentine when you have a watchlist?

Valentine's Day falling on a Friday this year is great news for couples who don't have to wait until after work hours for their obligatory date. It's also great news for singles who prefer to avoid the sight of lovebirds filling up every restaurant in the city.  

If you fall into the latter category, it's normal to feel a little heartbroken on this capitalist holiday designed to sell more flowers and candy under the guise of romance. 

But instead of dwelling on it, how about taking things slow this year? Treat yourself to a day in which the only company you need is a good streaming lineup and your favourite snacks.  

Maybe someone broke your heart. Maybe you've been single since the time sneezing in public was a health caution. Maybe long term exclusive commitment just isn't your thing. Whatever the reason, being single comes in all forms, and sometimes, you should shut off reality and focus on the world of fiction.  

Keep a good rom-com, a comforting meal, and a fun drink on your Friday's agenda. Also, let's leave the outdated idea behind that rom-coms are just "for girls." It's 2025—rom-coms are for everyone. There's no shame in enjoying a genre just because society slapped a pink label on it.  

When we think of rom-coms, certain early 2000s classics immediately come to mind—'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,' 'Clueless,' 'A Cinderella Story,' and 'She's the Man,' to name a few. And rightfully so, Hollywood in the early 2000s gave us some of the best comfort movies to revisit.  

But this Valentine's Day, let's mix things up. Here's a list of five rom-coms that blend classics with underrated gems.

Amélie (2001)

Stream on Prime Video 

In 2020, when all I did was watch movies, I stumbled upon a goldmine—and Amélie was one of its brightest treasures. This isn't a film you watch just once. You must rewatch it, peeling back its layers to truly understand how our protagonist's intricate inner world operates.

The film lets you get lost in France with Amélia on more than just a whimsical journey through Paris. Through its dreamlike cinematography and intimate moments, the movie reminds us that life's greatest romance begins with celebrating our own quirks. 

Whether it's Amélie's pleasure in small sensations - like dipping her hand into grain or cracking caramel with a spoon - or her gradual journey toward letting herself be loved, the film whispers a crucial truth: we can't fully love others until we accept and cherish ourselves.

Our Times (2015)

Stream on Youtube 

I was sceptical about watching Our Times when East Asian content was still relatively new to our region, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. This film had me laughing out loud countless times. The playful comedy and the effortless chemistry between the leads make it a joy to watch.

Our Times perfectly captures the fleeting magic of high school life in 1990s Taiwan, where pagers beep with secret codes and 'Andy Lau' posters grace bedroom walls. The film's authenticity shines through details like the iconic yellow payphones, cassette tapes passed between friends, and unmistakable school uniforms that defined an era.

At its heart lies the beautifully messy story of Lin Zhen Xin and Xu Tai Yu, whose relationship blooms from a forced alliance into something unexpectedly real. 

The film's brilliance lies in its connection between the past and the present, suggesting that while time moves forward, some feelings remain unchanged. Framing the story through adult Lin Zhen Xin's memories, it explores how our high school experiences shape who we become, even as life takes unexpected turns.

Frances Ha (2012)

Stream on Prime Video

As far as rom-coms go, Frances Ha is not everyone's cup of tea. It might be slow-paced for some and the comedy is more of dry humour. But if you are in your 20s and a bit confused about where life is going this piece of media might just be for you.

Frances Ha perfectly captures the messy, uncertain journey of self-discovery through its protagonist Frances (Greta Gerwig) — a 27-year-old aspiring dancer whose life seems to entangle rather than come together. The film's black-and-white cinematography perfectly mirrors Frances's state of being: caught between the stark realities of adulthood and her dreamy aspirations.

The beauty of Frances's story lies in how she eventually finds herself not through some grand epiphany, but through small acceptances and adjustments. She learns to redefine success on her terms, understanding that growing up doesn't mean abandoning your dreams, but finding new ways to pursue them. It's a love letter to everyone who's ever felt 'unemployable,' and 'undateable' yet keeps moving on with life anyway.

I love you, Man (2009)

Stream on Netflix

I love you, Man is an ode to brotherhood. The highlight of this film lies in the incredible chemistry between Jason Segel and Paul Rudd, who turns what could have been a simple bromantic comedy into something genuinely endearing. 

The memorable quotes from this movie are "totes magotes" and "laters on the menjay" by Rudd and what makes these lines even more memorable is his delivery - that mix of hesitation and forced confidence that makes you both cringe and laugh. His character's failed attempts at casual slang become running jokes throughout the film, highlighting how hard he's trying to fit into this new world of male bonding.

Meanwhile, Jason Segel is much more naturally cool, with his quotable moments like "You sound like a leprechaun" in response to Peter's forced slang. The contrast between Sydney's genuine confidence and Peter's manufactured attempts at coolness is what makes their dynamic so entertaining.

13 Going on 30, (2004)

Stream on Netflix

If you are lucky enough to watch the 13 going on 30 around your teenage years, it's the perfect time to rewatch it again in your 30s. 

It is a heartwarming romantic comedy that follows 13-year-old Jenna Rink played by Jennifer Garner, who wishes to be 'thirty, flirty, and thriving' after facing rejection at her own birthday party. She is then magically transported into her 30-year-old self's life, she discovers that adulthood isn't as glamorous as she imagined. 

Through Jenna's journey, the film underlines the significance of making the right friends. As a teenager, she longs for popularity and pushes away her loyal best friend, Matt played by Mark Ruffalo. 

When she wakes up in her adult life, she realises that she has become shallow and deceitful, surrounded by people who don't care about her. Her reconnection with Matt reminds her that genuine friendships are built on trust and kindness and not dense popularity.