Valentine's Day has arrived once again, and if you are not immersed in the sentimental, romantic traditions, there are numerous alternative ways to spend your evening. For those opting to stay indoors and avoid the affectionate couples outside, television offers an excellent escape route. After all, Valentine's Day does not have to centre solely on romance. If you have grown weary of formulaic and predictable romantic films, here are some brilliant alternatives that will rekindle your appreciation for close relationships and personal joy.
Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging (2008)
For anyone curious about the life of a British teenage girl in the late 2000s, Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging strikes a remarkably familiar chord. At some point, we have all found ourselves relating to Georgia's perspective, however misguided it might be, as reported by the Express. Adapted from Louise Rennison's bestselling book series, the film follows 14-year-old Georgia Nicholson, portrayed by Georgia Groome, as she navigates adolescence while pining for the new boy in town, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson in a breakthrough role. Throughout her quest to secure a boyfriend and organise an extravagant 15th birthday party at a nightclub, viewers witness the inner workings of the teenage mind through hilarious and cringe-worthy antics.
From shaving off an eyebrow to faking a cat's disappearance for sympathy, and donning oversized granny pants, the film is packed with memorable moments. While it focuses on Georgia's romantic pursuits, beneath the surface lies a tender coming-of-age story exploring insecurity, platonic bonds, and the quintessential teenage feeling that everything is a disaster. Additionally, it features one of cinema's finest original songs, guaranteed to transport you back to nostalgic days. Planning to celebrate Valentine's Day with friends? This gem is a must-watch, having defined British cinema for younger audiences and providing cultural references that endure today.
Wild Child (2008)
The year 2008 marked a peak in teen cinema, with Wild Child offering a contrasting portrayal to Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging. This film follows Emma Roberts as Poppy Moore, a spoiled Malibu teenager sent to an all-girls boarding school in the English countryside after her reckless behaviour. As a genuine fish out of water, Poppy clashes with the seemingly prudish and eccentric students at Abbey Mount, leading to exaggerated but entertaining depictions of boarding school life.
Gradually, the crisp English climate softens Poppy's defences as she forms authentic bonds with her roommates, including Kate, Josie, Kiki, and Jennifer "Drippy" Logan. While there is a love interest and a sworn enemy, the heart of the film lies in the mischief and warmth of newfound friendships. Poppy undergoes a transformation, discovering a missing piece of herself through real mates who accept her for who she is. Though not universally relatable, Wild Child taps into the universal yearning for school adventures and marks one of Natasha Richardson's final performances as headmistress Mrs Kingsley before her tragic passing in 2009.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
The Breakfast Club stands as one of the most iconic coming-of-age films ever made, featuring a memorable closing sequence and exit track. This comedy-drama follows a group of outsiders from different social circles who spend a Saturday detention together. Tasked with writing a thousand-word essay on "who you think you are" by a harsh vice principal, the teenagers engage in rebellious antics while exploring deeper themes like peer pressure, abuse, neglect, and suicide.
Despite their differences, the group realises they share similar struggles and form connections, reminding viewers that surface appearances can be deceptive. As detention ends, they acknowledge their bonds may not last but vow to see each other differently. The film concludes with a powerful message to the vice principal, declaring, "Each one of us is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal," accompanied by Judd Nelson's fist raise and Simple Minds' 'Don't You Forget About Me'.
Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (1997)
There is something uniquely satisfying about a 1990s comedy, and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion delivers on all fronts. The film follows underachieving best friends Romy, played by Mira Sorvino, and Michele, portrayed by Lisa Kudrow, as they reinvent themselves with fake careers to impress former classmates at their ten-year high school reunion. Starting with their prom in 1987, where they face bullying from cheerleaders, the story fast-forwards to their lacklustre adult lives.
Invited to the reunion by a high school tormentor, the duo embarks on a cross-country journey filled with pretence and hilarity. After a catastrophic falling-out, they separate, only to reunite in a madcap, light-hearted plot full of clichés that guarantee laughter. Featuring Lisa Kudrow's comedic talent, this film is perfect for a good giggle, offering a nostalgic escape from Valentine's Day romance.
Frances Ha (2012)
While Greta Gerwig is now renowned as a director, she shines equally as an actress in Frances Ha. The film stars Gerwig as a struggling dancer in New York, grappling with the uncertainties of her twenties alongside her best friend Sophie, played by Mickey Sumner. Your twenties are often portrayed as the best years, but in reality, they involve figuring out identity and place in the world.
Viewers can relate to the unpredictability of life, from moving between flats to settling for unfulfilling jobs and watching friendships evolve. Set in the Big Apple, the film captures the complexity and unease of urban life, blending comedy, drama, and emotion to paint an authentic portrait of young adulthood. In 2025, Frances Ha ranked 90th on The New York Times' list of "The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century," praised for its relatable depiction of this bewildering life stage.
These five films provide a perfect alternative to romantic clichés this Valentine's Day, offering nostalgia, laughter, and heartfelt moments for solo viewers or friends. Available on various streaming platforms, they ensure an uplifting and entertaining evening without the need for romance.
