Valentine’s Day is universally thought of as the day for romance. But not everyone really likes the holiday or the romance of it all. Some reject the commercialism of being told when and how they should be romantic with their chosen partners. Others want to be romantic on their own time. And others want to focus on all kinds of connections, like friendship.
So, while some people want to spend February 14th watching rom-coms or getting wined and dined, others want to forget about the holiday and dive into a little horror, comedy, or revenge. And that’s as valid a feeling as any other. So, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 movies to watch if you hate Valentine’s, from Do Revenge to Legally Blonde and even The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants.
1
Someone Great
Starring Gina Rodriguez as Jenny, Someone Great is about love and loss, but more importantly, about how through all the ups and downs, it’s truly friendships that get you through the hardships of life.
2
Us
Starring Lupita Nyong’o, Us is a psychological horror film that follows Adelaide Wilson and her family, who are attacked by a group of doppelgängers, called the Tethered. But the movie is much deeper than that, as it’s actually a social exploration of America.
3
Do Revenge
Starring Camila Mendes, Do Revenge is a dark comedy about two teenage misfits teaming up to take down each other’s bullies, fulfilling every revenge fantasy. It’s got nothing to do with romance, and that’s what makes it work.
4
Legally Blonde
Elle Woods doesn’t need anyone to be fabulous – or a lawyer. She’s got both under control. Legally Blonde is a female empowerment movie that’s also just a lot of fun and has a lot of killer outfits to boot.
5
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Starring newly Oscar-nominated America Ferrera, The Sister of the Traveling Pants sees four friends stay connected through the magic of a pair of jeans that just so happen to fit them all perfectly. Don’t question the jeans. Stay for the friendship.
6
Little Women
A story about sisterhood, Little Women is also about how there are different ways to be a woman, and they are all perfectly acceptable. A very good message on a holiday that tries to put people in a box.
7
Scream VI
Nothing says anti-Valentine like horror, and nothing says horror like the iconic Scream franchise. Starring Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega, Scream VI is also the last chance to see these two in the franchise, as they will not return for Scream VII.
8
Kill Bill
The ultimate revenge movie, Kill Bill is just what the title says, a story about an unnamed woman who could very well be us – looking for revenge on the man who wronged her.
9
Eternals
Starring Salma Hayek, this Marvel superhero movie is about literal eternal beings tasked with protecting the Earth. Want to not think about romance at all? Worry about supervillains and the endurance of friendship over many millennia in Eternals.
10
Birds of Prey
Starring a cast that includes Rosie Perez, Birds of Prey puts friendship, delicious egg sandwiches, and unapologetic women front and center. There’s also something fun about a team of superheroes, who end up being antiheroes, especially when they’re all women.