Valentine’s Day proves to be a good excuse to binge some Netflix
Valentine’s Day is here and whether you celebrate it or not, it’s difficult to choose the right thing to watch that fits your mood. There are always romantic comedy classics like “10 Things I Hate About You” or “Clueless,” but sometimes you just want to try something different. Here are my top five must-watch TV shows and movies for Valentine’s Day.
1. “Chewing Gum”
This E4 original series, currently streaming on Netflix, follows Tracey Gordon (Michaela Coel), an eccentric 24-year-old as she leaves her comfort zone and explores her true identity. “Chewing Gum” is all parts raunchy, heartfelt and down-right hilarious. With her childlike, know-it-all demeanor, Gordon captivates the audience as she finds herself in strange situations pertaining to religion, friendship and sex each episode. Binge-watching this show is a perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day whether you are spending it alone, with friends or someone special.
2. “Life Partners”
When your bestfriend is also your platonic soulmate, it’s difficult to watch her fall in love with someone else while you stay alone. Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs play two BFFs who find themselves in this situation as Paige (Jacobs) settles down while Sasha (Meester) feels the distance and cannot seem to find love. This bittersweet film tells a story that many best friends have lived through before.
3. “Penelope”
In this fantasy romance movie, Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci) is born with pig features due to a family curse. Embarrassed of what people may think, Penelope’s mom fakes her death and secretly raises her. The problem? She must find true love to break the curse. After Penelope grows tired of the potential suitors her mom brings who run away in fear, she escapes home and explores New York City.
This coming-of-age tale is all about self-love and self-acceptance. While it is a romcom, the romance becomes secondary as Penelope learns more about herself and the real world outside of her house.
4. “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”
From constantly checking a crush’s Twitter account to casually hanging out at their workplace in hopes of purposely, on-accident running into them, the series is a musical comedy take on modern love. The songs are clever, funny and catchy. This show will have you singing along and laughing at all times.
While the title can make the show sound demeaning, the dark comedy actually addresses issues with the perception of a “crazy ex-girlfriend” as early as the title sequence. It is the perfect show to watch wrapped in a blanket with a bowl of your favorite ice cream.
5. “Instructions Not Included”
Okay, so this one is not a romance, but it is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. “Instructions Not Included” tells the story of a father and daughter living in L.A. where he works as a stuntman. What’s better than family love?
While you will find yourself laughing throughout, this movie is guaranteed to make you cry. Watch it on your own, with friends or with a significant other — just make sure you have tissues.
