Polly Katherine Hilton
It’s that inevitable time of year again. Sometime between the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve and the first flurries of snow in January, the world starts to break out in hearts…they are everywhere and they are unavoidable. For those of us ladies who are stuck living perpetually single lives, the awareness that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner dawns with the magical materialization of teddy bears, roses, and boxes of chocolate. Greeting card companies cash in on the idea that you can show a significant other, friend or family member how much they are loved by the size of the Valentine you painstakingly select for them (don’t be fooled - size always matters!)
 
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This obsession does not stop with storefronts, however. The Internet is quickly overrun with offers for virtual bouquets, iTunes “best love song” playlists, and forums offering advice on the picture-perfect, cookie-cutter Valentine’s Day date – all hoping to show you how to find love.
 
Now while I may be coming off as a cynic, the truth is I love the sentiments surrounding Valentine’s Day. I am not bitter about the prospects of lifelong love, sometimes loss, and magical meet-cutes. But typically I am content to spend the holiday in question treating myself and spending time with near and dear friends, rather than obsessing over how to find love, simply to ensure I have a date for the 14th of February.
 
But one of the silver linings of this commercially soaked holiday, for single and tied-down ladies alike, is that Netflix loads up and blatantly advertises romantic movies for online streaming. As a self-proclaimed entertainment junkie, I am all about spending a few nights in February with a couple of friends watching a good movie or two and celebrating the ideas of romance, loss, or simply how to find love - like I said, I’m no cynic to the sentiments!
 
My recommendations for how to find love on Netflix: 

Upside Down

This movie physically illustrates the idea that love knows no boundaries. While Upside Down was short-lived at the box office, this sci-fi tale of two gravitationally challenged individuals utilizes a unique artistic style to tell the story of two would-be soul mates struggling to find balance in a two-sided world. While the plot is riddled with holes, leaving some things to the imagination, the movie is unique, sweet and a must-watch.

Penelope

I’m a sucker for an unconventional fairytale, and this beauty-based heart-warmer takes the cake as my favorite live-action fable. Centering on the implication that true beauty is found within, and that everyone is capable of finding love, this movie is a perfect fit for the whole family. With its kid-friendly narrative style, its hilarious cameo performance from Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage, and the swoon-worthy James McAvoy singing “You Are My Sunshine” multiple times throughout the movie, Penelope is a romantic tale everyone can enjoy!

The Deep Blue Sea

Break out the tissues for this tearjerker. While a short and seemingly simple film of love and loss, The Deep Blue Sea exhibits some of the strongest acting I have seen on screen to date, and is not to be missed. While not recommended for a younger audience, this film takes viewers on the journey of two doomed lovers, from initial meeting to final farewell. Starring the sensational Tom Hiddleston and the breathtaking Rachel Weisz, The Deep Blue Sea is a realist’s dream, and a messy and moving film. 

Waiting for Forever

In this tale of patience and persistence is a precious reminder that life is short, and finding love can happen at any age. While Rachel Bilson’s acting leaves something to be desired (I really have never gotten over her gaudy Magnum Ice Cream ad campaign), this movie is delightful to watch, ends happily, and is easy for audiences to relate to, making it a go-to RomCom for this time of year. 

What Maisie Knew

While not suitable for young audiences, What Maisie Knew is a touching and tear-jerking film about recognizing unconventional family models and accepting love from unexpected places. While the plot is heavy, and sometimes too real for comfort, the overwhelmingly positive themes and adorable performance from the 6-year-old leading lady make it a definite pick for your instantplay!

Shakespeare In Love

Admit it; you forget how absolutely sexy Shakespeare can be! While this star-studded, Oscar-winning film gained lots of critical acclaim at the time of its release, often the title alone and the prospect of heightened text scares away would-be viewers. Don’t be fooled. This leather-clad, loose interpretation of how to find love is one of the most iconic love stories of all time, and will leave you speechless and starry-eyed!

Whether this February you find yourself sexy and single, happily hitched, or somewhere in between, be sure to check out these 6 underrated romantic movies now streaming on Netflix!

 

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