Are you unsure about what to watch with your other half on Valentine’s Day?
A new poll from Paired found that there is a good chance that you will gravitate toward one of six well-known romantic comedy films, including When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Love Actually (2003).
To explore which movies hold a special place in people’s hearts, the relationship app Paired surveyed 1,700 people for Newsweek, revealing the top romantic comedies favored for Valentine’s Day.
Paired, an app designed to help couples strengthen their relationship through interactive tools like games, quizzes, and exercises, launched the poll as part of its mission to encourage deeper conversations about love and intimacy.
“We all want to watch movies that remind us of what is possible in love,” said Aly Bullock, a licensed therapist who serves as Paired’s head of relationships, told Newsweek.
Bullock said that the results reflect not just general cinematic preferences but also the realities and fantasies that resonate with people’s lived experiences.
“The primary demographic of respondents—mostly straight, millennial women with children—are in a period of life where escaping the mundanity of parenting routines and scheduled sex sounds delightful,” Bullock said.
The poll found that The Notebook (2004) was the clear winner, with 350 respondents naming it as their “go-to Valentine’s Day film.”
Photo Illustration by Newsweek/Getty Images
Bullock weighed in on the film’s enduring popularity, especially among millennial women, who are drawn to the movie’s passionate depiction of love overcoming challenges.
“I am not surprised to see The Notebook in the number one slot because, as a straight, millennial woman, I claimed it as my favorite movie for years, too,” Bullock said.
However, she added that the film’s depiction of relationships, when viewed through a modern lens, raises questions about its romanticized portrayal of toxicity.
“When you rewatch it as an adult, you will likely see a young couple bordering on verbal and physical abuse, someone committing to love for all the wrong reasons, and a toxic affair romanticizing a past partner,” Bullock added.
Despite this, she acknowledged the undeniable allure of Ryan Gosling’s character, adding: “Let’s be honest, you cannot deny Noah Calhoun’s rustic sexiness.”
The second-place spot went to 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), with 219 votes; followed by Pretty Woman (1990) with 97 votes; and Love Actually (2003) with 75 votes.
Films such as When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Notting Hill (1999) also garnered loyal followings, while 635 respondents confessed to skipping romantic movies altogether on Valentine’s Day.
Bullock said these films strike a delicate balance between escapist fantasy and relatable humor.
“Intense, passionate stories like The Notebook and 10 Things I Hate About You remind us of a world where sneaking around to make out was our highest priority,” Bullock added. “Love stories with emotional depth and humor like Love Actually and When Harry Met Sally balance relatability with fantasy and resonate with viewers who face obstacles in love and are juggling the challenges of relationships, parenting, and everyday life.”
Of the 1,700 respondents, 80 percent identified as straight, and most were between the ages of 25 and 44, with many indicating they have children. The remaining respondents were a mix of men, nonbinary individuals, and those who self-described their identities.
A notable 239 participants chose “other” as their favorite romantic comedy, suggesting a broader spectrum of love stories that resonate with modern audiences beyond mainstream “chick-flicks.”
For those looking to refresh their Valentine’s Day movie list, Bullock offered some of her own recommendations.
Paired’s head of relationships suggested giving the relatively new We Live in Time starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield a go, calling it a “beautifully raw exploration of love and loss.”
Bullock added that The Big Sick (2017) was a heartfelt, true story of love overcoming adversity. She also praised classic movies like The Princess Bride (1987) for its “wit and charm,” which transcends the typical romantic comedy formula.
Ultimately, the survey sheds light on the enduring power of romantic comedies to capture our imagination and offer comfort, laughter, and a reminder of the possibilities of love—even as life’s challenges continue to evolve.
