Culture & Living

What to stream this Valentine's Day on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, based on your relationship status

Whether you're single, taken or confused, we have just the right movies for you to consider this weekend

"Get back in your pyjamas, go to bed, eat nothing but gallons of ice cream and tons of pizza, don't take a shower or shave your legs or put on any kind of makeup at all and just sit in the dark and watch a really sad movie and have a good long cry and just wallow. You need to wallow." If you've just broken up, you won't hear truer words than Lorelai Gilmore's this Valentine's Day. And as far as the movie is concerned, we've got a recommendation for you (it may not be as sad as your favourite cool mom intended it to be, but, believe us, it's just what you'll need this weekend). In case your relationship status is just the opposite of this—ie, if you've met someone recently and falling in love, inchmeal—then our suggested film will fill you in on all the things you definitely need not do to make this work with your fresh admirer. And that's not all. We understand that a few of you must also not know what your relationship with someone means right now—or whether you can even call it a relationship yet. In short, whatever the status of your love life currently, we know just what you should hit play on this weekend. Scroll down for our clued-up recommendations.

If you're single

Holidate (2020)

You're single. Whether you're happy about it or not, the fact (probably) won't change by the upcoming weekend. While you might love playing solo, the repetitive, where's-your-date comments are what makes the water choppy around Valentine's Day. Take inspiration from Sloane and Jackson, and shush everyone around you by sticking with a 'holidate'. A 2020 romcom starring Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey, Holidate will introduce you to the concept of taking a person, who is suitable for your family dinners, friend hangouts, and every other celebration where you're expected to bring a date. No strings attached. You meet strictly during the given events—unless, of course, you want to take things further.

Streaming on Netflix

If you're in a situationship

A Lot Like Love (2005)

What Emily and Oliver share in A Lot Like Love is not a relationship. It's a situationship. What they experience is not love, but whatever it is, it's a lot like it. In case you're in the same boat, you'll find solace in watching the relatable duo drift in and out of each other's life over a period of seven years. They meet on an airplane, and three years later, Emily calls Oliver in a desperate attempt to not spend New Year's Eve alone. From there on begins their journey as an almost-couple.

Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video

If you've just started dating

How to lose a guy in 10 days (2003)

No, we're not asking you to lose them in less than two weeks. But if you've just started dating, the time is ripe for you to brush up on the rules and know exactly what you mustn't do right now. Think, getting them knocked out by someone, ruining their poker night or hurriedly moving your things in their apartment. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days shows Andie—a writer at a women's magazine—deciding to publish an article on the classic slip-ups that lead someone out of your life, by living the experience herself. She meets Ben and embarks on the deliberately annoying journey.

Streaming on Netflix

If you're committed

The Notebook (2004)

"So it’s not gonna be easy. It’s going to be really hard; we’re gonna have to work at this everyday, but I want to do that because I want you. I want all of you, forever, everyday," Noah tells his teenage love Allie in the iconic romantic drama. If you're committed to a person, you already know that a relationship is not a bed of roses. There are crests and troughs. There are moments when you feel you've found the one, and there are times you question it all. This romantic adaptation is just what you need to watch with your partner this Valentine's Day to celebrate all that you've been through together. Plus, it features many steamy scenes between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams which are perfect if you're in a frisky mood. 

Streaming on Netflix

If you're married

Jab We Met (2007)

While things do take surprising turns, it's likely that you'll spend the rest of your life with the same person now that you're married to them. So this weekend, all you need is some adrenaline rush, spontaneity, and young romance, which you can experience vicariously through the Kareena Kapoor Khan-and Shahid Kapoor-starrer Jab We Met. Always a great idea to add some cheer and spark to your love life, isn't it?

Streaming on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video

If you're in a long-distance relationship

Going the distance (2010)

Zoom calls and virtual dates may seem normal during a pandemic, but when you have to constantly rely on them during a long-distance relationship, the situation is not all hunky-dory. However, unless you're visiting your beau this weekend, or vice versa, you have no choice but to take to them. Press play (at the same time) on Going the Distance, and find a reflection of your situation in Erin and Garrett's life. In case you were hoping for a recommendation that will help you escape reality, what amends can a 90-minute film make, anyway?

Available to buy on Amazon Prime Video

If you've just broken up

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

You've just broken up. You're not sure if it's permanent, or if you'll be back together before the end of the month. But what you can be sure of is that it's always good to indulge in some jovial travel to take a break from them. At least that's what Peter does when his five-year-long relationship comes crumbling down after an abrupt breakup. He takes a trip to Hawaii, enjoys the days of surf and sand, meets people—before an adventurous twist comes his way. But the most important part? The plot involves the beach, the summer sun and, in fact, moving on.

Streaming on Netflix

Also read:

7 movies that celebrate singledom, to watch on Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar and YouTube this Valentine’s Day

The 73 best romantic comedies of all time

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