We may be biased, but we think the best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is with a movie! The options are endless, but you can’t go wrong with these eight films recommended by The Picture House staff.  

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Only Lovers Left Alive

Especially fun for art and music lovers, this critically acclaimed film, directed by Jim Jarmusch, is sophisticated, sexy, and timeless. Open up a good bottle of red (they are vampires after all), light a candle, and enjoy the angsty chemistry between Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston. 

Francile Albright, Director of Education

She’s Gotta Have It

She’s Gotta Have It is one of the first ‘indie’ movies I ever saw. I loved the story and the empowerment of a woman being in the driver’s seat of not only one relationship but three separate relationships and struggling to choose (or not) between the three men. You could tell that Spike Lee was going be a game changer for not only Black film but just film in general.

Clayton Bushong, Director of Programming

Silver Linings Playbook

A fun and realistic view of how love and mental health challenges can sometimes go hand in hand.

Jamal Pedro, Theater Manager 

Moonlight

Not your classic romantic movie, but so beautifully told and cinematically lush. It’s about so many different kinds of love and family – simultaneously devastating and uplifting. 

Laura deBuys, President and Executive Director

The Sound of Music

Love of family, love of country, first love, unrequited love, unexpected love – full of heartbreak and hope – with the late, great Christopher Plummer in an iconic role next to the endlessly charming Julie Andrews, and set to a soundtrack for the ages. What’s NOT to love about The Sound of Music? Plus, with the pressure off to go out this Valentine’s Day you can take the time (it’s long) to revisit this classic. 

Amy Cole, Director of Communications 

Moonstruck

I always enjoy the lightheartedness and feel-good ending of romantic comedies.  Moonstruck had so many laugh out loud moments and Cher’s performance, along with the rest of the characters, was so memorable! Filmed in the Brooklyn neighborhood where I grew up.  

Victoria Sunko, Controller 

Like Water for Chocolate

I like the tension in the unrequited love and its portrayal in Tita’s cooking. As one critic summarized, the heat of boiling water is precise unlike the heat-filled emotions of envy, frustration, and amore.

Claire Allen, Membership Director 

Princess Bride

A family-friendly fairy tale about a beautiful young woman and her one true love. On their hilarious journey to their happily ever after they overcome screaming eels, swamp fires, an evil prince, and more. Warning: It’s a kissing movie!

Andrea Gottfried, Communications and Development Manager