The best anti–Valentine’s Day movies to watch if you’re currently single

Directed by: Michael Lehmann

Cast: Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, Shannen Doherty, Kim Walker, Glenn Shadix, Patrick Labyorteaux, Phill Lewis

Packed with sarcasm and biting humour, Michael Lehmann’s cult favourite, Heathers, may just be the perfect anti-Valentine’s Day movie. The story revolves around a nonconformist high school girl named Veronica Sawyer (played by a brilliantly sardonic Winona Ryder) who gets involved with a mysterious fellow student (Christian Slater). When she discovers his murderous tendencies, she realises she’s better off without him and comes up with an equally twisted plan to resolve the situation. Known for its memorable one-liners, iconic 80s outfits, and satisfying climax, it’s a must-watch.

Directed by: Hugh Wilson

Cast: Goldie Hawn, Diane Keaton, Sarah Jessica Parker, Stockard Channing, Stephen Collins, Maggie Smith

The First Wives Club, a comedic gem from the mid-90s, continues to entertain audiences with its sharp wit and engaging storyline. Perfectly crafted for a relaxed Galentine’s Day movie night, this film is a testament to the power of friendship and the spirit of resilience. The film is an adaptation of Olivia Goldsmith’s novel of the same title, which has been transformed into a laugh-out-loud comedy. It follows the lives of three divorced women who, after being left by their husbands for younger women, decide to unite and devise a plan to seek their well-deserved revenge. With its compelling narrative and dynamic performances, The First Wives Club provides not just entertainment, but also a refreshing take on the themes of love, betrayal, and retribution.

Directed by: Robert Luketic

Cast: Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Jennifer Coolidge, Victor Garber, Holland Taylor

The timeless cinematic jewel, Legally Blonde, is not just eagerly awaiting its third sequel, but also beckoning for a nostalgic rewatch in its original rendition. While it might not squarely fall into the vengeance category, its protagonist triumphantly outmaneuvers her detractors by the film’s climax.

Reese Witherspoon effortlessly embodies the role of Elle Woods, the sorority queen who transforms the hallowed halls of Harvard Law School into her own proving ground, all to show her ex-boyfriend her true caliber. Along her journey, she acquires wisdom that transcends the academic realm, learning invaluable life lessons. Additionally, her camaraderie with the eccentric and endearing character of Paulette, brought to life by Jennifer Coolidge, adds a vibrant hue to the film’s narrative.

Directed by: Mike Nichols

Cast: Natalie Portman, Jude Law, Clive Owen, Julia Roberts, Nick Hobbs, Colin Stinton

Closer, graced by a star-studded cast featuring Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen, is a tragic romantic drama. The film, a contemporary rendition of Mozart’s opera Cosi Fan Tutte, delves into themes of love, desire, and loss.

The narrative revolves around the four main characters who end up betraying each other, leading to a convoluted love square, not merely a triangle. The story is a melancholy tale with a disastrous conclusion, making it the complete antithesis of a love story.

Directed by: Peyton Reed

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Vince Vaughn, Jon Favreau, Joey Lauren Adams, Cole Hauser, Jason Bateman, Judy Davis, Justin Long

The title itself hints at why this film is a great choice for anti-Valentine’s Day. Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn portray a couple who choose to part ways. However, they encounter a problem: Neither wishes to leave their shared condominium, leading to the awkward situation of them living as roommates. Initially, they try their best to steer clear of each other, but they soon resort to intentionally irritating the other in a tit-for-tat response to their breakup.

The story illustrates the complexity of love and how it’s possible to lose sight of the value of a person by failing to appreciate them. Occasionally, a realisation of this nature can lead to a happy ending, but it does not always result in the desired outcome.

Directed by: Derek Cianfrance

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, John Doman, Faith Wladyka, Mike Vogel, Ben Shenkman

Blue Valentine, directed by Derek Cianfrance, presents a heartrending narrative about a couple’s journey from a passionate romance to a relationship in disarray. It stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, who initially embody youthful bliss and spontaneity before the unraveling of their relationship.

Gosling takes on the role of Dean, a house painter who has settled in Pennsylvania, while Williams plays Cindy, a nurse striving to make ends meet. The film’s close-up shots capture the couple’s escalating disputes, which become even more poignant when juxtaposed against flashbacks of their earlier, carefree romance.

Directed by: Noah Baumbach

Cast: Greta Gerwig, Mickey Sumner, Adam Driver, Michael Zegen, Michael Esper, Charlotte d’Amboise

Frances Ha, directed by Noah Baumbach, is a film that celebrates female friendships more than romantic relationships, making it an ideal choice for anti-Valentine’s Day viewing. The film’s lead, played by Greta Gerwig, is a dancer who experiences a crisis in her mid-twenties when her best friend, portrayed by Mickey Sumner, moves out of their shared apartment.

To cope with the void left by her friend’s departure, she visits her family and takes a spontaneous solo trip to Paris. However, the most emotionally stirring moment in the film is her reunion with her friend, which is more touching than any impassioned proclamation of love. Shot in beautiful black and white and filled with nods to the French New Wave cinema, Frances Ha is a refreshing departure from conventional love stories.

Directed by: Spike Jonze

Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara, Chris Pratt, Olivia Wilde, Gabe Gomez

In the thought-provoking film, Her, directed by Spike Jonze, we are plunged into an avant-garde exploration of love and companionship. The protagonist is a socially isolated man, brought to life by Joaquin Phoenix’s heartfelt performance, who forges an unconventional relationship with an artificial intelligence system. As he immerses himself in this digital interaction, he starts to perceive the AI as a genuine woman with whom he shares a profound emotional connection.

This film serves as a compelling commentary on the evolving nature of love in our increasingly digitised world. It boldly veers away from the well-trodden path of traditional romance, making it an intriguing choice for those seeking a less conventional cinematic experience this Valentine’s Day.

Directed by: David Fincher

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Neil Patrick Harris, Tyler Perry, Carrie Coon, Kim Dickens, Patrick Fugit, Emily Ratajkowski

Gone Girl, a suspense-filled psychological thriller, is a cinematic masterpiece directed by David Fincher in 2014. The film’s intriguing storyline is adapted from a novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn. The plot delves into the harrowing aftermath of the sudden and mysterious disappearance of Amy (Rosamund Pike), who is the wife of the protagonist, Nick (Ben Affleck).

As the case of Amy’s baffling disappearance starts to unravel and the investigation proceeds, it reveals shocking twists and turns. The public’s perception of their life, which was once believed to be a picture of perfection and marital bliss, begins to crumble. The intricate details of their once-idyllic marriage are exposed, casting a shadow of suspicion and doubt. The film successfully holds the audience in suspense as it peels back the layers of their seemingly perfect life, exposing the chilling truth beneath.

Directed by: Jordan Peele

Cast: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Bradley Whitford, Catherine Keener, Caleb Landry Jones, LaKeith Stanfield

Jordan Peele’s Get Out serves as the ultimate anti-Valentine’s Day film. This isn’t your typical romantic movie but a chilling horror film with deep psychological undertones. It deviates dramatically from the standard Valentine’s Day fare which usually revolves around predictable romantic narratives.

Moreover, the film’s central relationship is far from rosy—it’s fraught with sinister undercurrents right from the start. It certainly doesn’t promote an optimistic view of love.

Directed by: Greta Gerwig

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh, Eliza Scanlen, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Laura Dern

Greta Gerwig breathes fresh life into Louisa May Alcott’s enduring classic, Little Women, painting a vivid picture of the trials and tribulations of 19th-century womanhood, with a particular emphasis on their economic challenges. The story unfolds through the eyes of Jo, brought to life by Saoirse Ronan, as she navigates the world of New York’s literary scene, peddling her short stories. Meanwhile, a parallel narrative unfolds back in the family home, where Meg, embodied by Emma Watson, wrestles with the gnawing concern of monetary issues. Concurrently, their sister Amy, portrayed with conviction by Florence Pugh, ponders over the practicality of marriage as a potential financial lifeline.

The story seamlessly weaves between their present struggles and nostalgic glimpses into a more carefree past. The one constant throughout the shifting narrative is Jo’s undying love for literature, culminating in the birth of her very own novel.

Directed by: Joanna Hogg

Cast: Tilda Swinton, Honor Swinton Byrne, James Spencer Ashworth, Alice McMillan, Ariane Labed, Charlie Heaton

In Joanna Hogg’s continuation of her two-part narrative about coming of age, we reconnect with Julie. Played by Honor Swinton Byrne, Julie is a young student and budding filmmaker who was previously involved with an older man with significant personal issues.

In this captivating sequel, we observe her growth and development as she navigates the aftermath of that relationship, improving her directing skills, and transforming her emotional distress into art. One particularly moving scene towards the film’s end features Julie at her birthday party, alone but seemingly happier than ever before amidst her friends.