Valentine’s Day is a prime opportunity for cozying up with your significant other, a bowl of buttery popcorn, and a romantically charged movie that sets the perfect mood. But beware—not every movie with a love story or mushy trailer is a good idea for this occasion. Some films might leave you awkwardly checking the clock, nervously shifting on the couch, or even questioning your relationship (yikes!).

To make sure your Valentine’s movie night stays sweet and romantic, we’ve compiled a list of movies you should probably avoid—and some excellent alternatives to keep the vibe just right.

1. Avoid Movies with Tragic Endings

Nothing kills the Valentine’s spirit like spending two hours invested in a couple’s love story only to end up in a puddle of tears. Heartbreak stories are beautiful in their own right, but there’s a time and place for them. Hint: a romantic holiday isn’t it.

Movie to Skip: Blue Valentine

Oh boy, where do we start with Blue Valentine? While Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams deliver stunning performances, this movie is an emotional marathon of a relationship falling apart. It toggles between the couple’s hopeful beginning and their bitter, disastrous end. By the end, you’re left questioning if love is even real—talk about a romance buzzkill.

What to Watch Instead: The Notebook

If you still want your Ryan Gosling fix, turn to The Notebook. Sure, it’ll tug at your heartstrings, but it does so with sweeping romance instead of cold despair. You’ll laugh, cry, and wrap up the evening feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Movie to Skip: A Star is Born

Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s chemistry? Unmatched. The ending? Devastating. While the “Shallow” duet might woo you, the tearful finale will have you wishing you’d chosen something a little... lighter.

What to Watch Instead: La La Land

La La Land gives you breathtaking musical moments, a bittersweet yet hopeful ending, and the same star-crossed lovers theme—just without the debilitating heartache.

2. Avoid Suspenseful or Toxic Relationship Dramas

Romance with a side of murder, deceit, or general toxicity? Not exactly Cupid’s idea of a good time. These kinds of movies might be exciting for another day—but on Valentine’s, they’re not the vibe.

Movie to Skip: Gone Girl

Sure, Gone Girl starts innocently enough with a husband-and-wife premise, but it quickly spirals into dark territory that might make you side-eye your partner. Between the twisted lies, manipulation, and sociopathic tendencies (hello, Amy), this is the ultimate dose of “trust issues.” Unless you want a round of “Would you frame me for murder?” pillow talk, steer clear.

What to Watch Instead: Crazy, Stupid, Love

Swap the murder mysteries for comedy gold. This ensemble romantic comedy has quirky love stories, laugh-out-loud moments, and—you guessed it—Ryan Gosling. It’s complex but charmingly so.

Movie to Skip: Revolutionary Road

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet reunite in this movie, but if you’re here expecting Titanic vibes, don’t. This is a deep—and sad—exploration of dissatisfaction in marriage, regret, and suffocating dreams. It’s perfect for an existential crisis, but not exactly a mood-lifter for Valentine’s Day.

What to Watch Instead: Titanic

Yes, the ending is tragic. But the sweeping, epic love story between Jack and Rose is so enchanting, it’s worth it. Plus, there’s plenty of swoon-worthy romance to enjoy before we “never let go.”

3. Avoid Action-Packed or Over-the-Top Blockbusters

Sometimes, big-budget, high-octane action movies try to sneak romance into their plots—but end up overshadowing it completely. Explosions, convoluted action sequences, and end-of-the-world stakes? Fun for movie night, but not when you’re feeling the Valentine’s vibes.

Movie to Skip: Mr. & Mrs. Smith

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may bring the heat, but the constant bullet-flying chaos and marital combat don’t exactly scream romance. Sure, there are some steamy moments, but by the end, you’re left with a love story drowned in explosions and espionage.

What to Watch Instead: Knight and Day

If you’re in the mood for action but want to keep it breezy, go for Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in Knight and Day. It’s light-hearted fun with spy antics, globe-trotting, and a will-they-or-won’t-they romance that keeps the excitement alive.

Movie to Skip: Mad Max: Fury Road

This cinematic masterpiece has a lot going for it—but a fuzzy, romantic love story isn’t one of them. Dirt, dystopia, and destruction just don’t set the Valentine’s mood (kind of surprising, right?).

What to Watch Instead: The Princess Bride

If you’re itching for an adventure, The Princess Bride offers romance, comedy, and enough action to keep you entertained—without all the car crashes and post-apocalyptic terror.

4. Avoid “Therapy Session” Movies

Movies that make you question life, love, and everything in between can be powerful and meaningful... but they're also a heavy choice for Valentine's Day. Save the soul-crushing realizations for another day.

Movie to Skip: Marriage Story

A masterclass in acting? Yes. Valentine’s Day material? Absolutely not. Watching Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver dissect their crumbling marriage (with monologues that could fill a psychology textbook) is emotionally draining.

What to Watch Instead: When Harry Met Sally

If you want a “realistic” look at relationships but with charm, humor, and plenty of romance, pick When Harry Met Sally. The witty banter and timeless story of friendship turned love is pure relationship goals.

Movie to Skip: Her

Joaquin Phoenix falling in love with an operating system may sound artsy and intriguing, but it’s also painfully lonely. Valentine’s Day deserves human connection—literally.

What to Watch Instead: You’ve Got Mail

Keep the tech element, but make it romantic! You’ve Got Mail has the same modern love angle but replaces the existential longing with adorable email banter and an unforgettable love story.

5. Avoid Horror Films

This should go without saying, but unless you’re the kind of couple that thrives on jump scares and adrenaline, horror films kill the romantic vibe quicker than you can say, “Don’t open that door!”

Movie to Skip: Midsommar

If you think you’re walking into a cute European getaway romance, think again. Midsommar takes “toxic relationships” to another level. From disturbing rituals to emotional trauma, there’s nothing even remotely romantic here.

What to Watch Instead: Warm Bodies

If you want to keep a slightly offbeat vibe, give Warm Bodies a try. It’s a quirky zombie love story that oddly works. It’s sweet, a little weird, but still full of heart.

Movie to Skip: The Babadook

This horror classic is excellent for psychological suspense, but it has about zero elements of romance, and the tense atmosphere will keep you too on edge to celebrate love.

What to Watch Instead: Ghost

It’s romantic, it’s supernatural, it’s iconic. Whether it’s the pottery wheel scene or the enduring love story, Ghost is a much safer bet if you want a touch of the “unusual” without scaring yourself silly.

Your Valentine’s Day movie selection plays a big role in setting the tone for the evening. While some films might be masterpieces in their own right, their heavy themes, tragic endings, or outright awkward storylines can drain the romance right out of the room.

Instead, stick with feel-good romantic comedies, uplifting love stories, or lighthearted adventures that leave you and your partner smiling. After all, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating love—and your movie night should reflect that.