What to Watch, Read, and Listen to This Valentine’s Day, No Matter Your Relationship Status
Valentine’s Day: love it or hate it, it’s coming. Whether you’re single, healing from heartbreak, navigating a situationship, or in a long-term love story, February 14th will inevitably roll around. If you’re looking for something to distract, entertain, or even inspire you, we’ve got the perfect lineup of movies, books, and podcasts. From empowering stories to laugh-out-loud podcasts and binge-worthy series, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Here’s what to watch, read, and listen to this Valentine’s Day—no matter your relationship status.
Single and Thriving
Watch: Celebrate the beauty of independence and sisterhood with Firefly Lane on Netflix. This heartfelt series follows the lifelong friendship of two women through all of life’s ups and downs—from love and heartbreak to loss and loyalty. Feeling nostalgic? Revisit the infectious joy of Mamma Mia! with its ABBA-packed soundtrack and feel-good vibes that are perfect for a dance party. And for a throwback, Clueless is the ultimate rom-com classic that blends witty humor with nostalgic charm as Cher navigates friendship, matchmaking, and a little self-discovery.
Read: Friends Like These by Meg Rosoff is a sharp, witty celebration of friendship and all its messy, wonderful complexities. It’s a reminder of how fulfilling platonic love can be, especially when romance takes a back seat. Or dive into the glamor and scandal of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This captivating novel about Hollywood’s golden era will transport you into Evelyn’s glitzy yet heartbreaking world, where fame comes at a cost.
Listen: The Call Your Girlfriend podcast is a must-listen for celebrating female friendships, long-distance love, and honest conversations about life. Hosts Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman keep it real with weekly chats about everything from work to love, guaranteed to make you laugh and feel seen. For a dose of empowerment, tune into Girls Gotta Eat, where the hosts break down modern dating dilemmas with humor and relatable insights—perfect for anyone thriving in their single era.
Healing Heartbreak
Watch: Post-breakup, few things are as empowering as Legally Blonde. Elle Woods proves that heartbreak is no match for ambition, self-love, and killer outfits. For a fun revenge fantasy, John Tucker Must Die sees ex-girlfriends teaming up to take down a serial cheater—an ideal watch if you’re channeling your inner baddie. And if you want something entirely non-romantic, dive into The Last of Us, a gripping series that blends action and heart for the ultimate distraction.
Read: If you’re in the mood for something deeply empathetic and comforting, try Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed. This heartfelt collection of advice columns from the author of Wild offers clarity and perspective for anyone navigating heartbreak. If you’d rather escape into fiction, The Pisces by Melissa Broder, a surreal and darkly funny story about heartbreak, healing, and self-acceptance.
Listen: Heartbreak calls for the perfect soundtrack. Try Driver’s License and Traitor by Olivia Rodrigo for emotional lyrics that hit deep. For a softer vibe, Someone Like You by Adele or Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko offers comfort and reflection. These tracks will help you process, cry, and rebuild stronger.
Drink: A necessity for post break-up healing. Sometimes, a delicious drink is just what the heart ordered. Shake up a classic Cosmopolitan with vodka, cranberry juice, lime, and a splash of triple sec for a chic and refreshing sip.
Situationship Shuffle
Watch: Navigating the rollercoaster of undefined connections? When Harry Met Sally is a classic exploration of the blurry lines between friendship and romance, reminding us that sometimes, love grows in unexpected ways. Need more clarity? He’s Just Not That Into You is a fun and eye-opening film that unpacks the often-mixed signals of modern dating. And if you need comfort and a few laughs, rewatch New Girl and enjoy the quirky charm of Jess and her crew.
Read: Sally Rooney’s Normal People dives into the intense and often complicated dynamic of an undefined relationship. It’s as relatable as it is beautifully written. For something equally thought-provoking, Cleo McDougal Regrets Nothing by Allison Winn Scotch offers a powerful look at ambition, love, and self-acceptance, perfect for anyone in a situationship trying to navigate their priorities.
Listen: If dating feels like a maze of mixed signals and “What are we?” moments, U Up? with Jordana Abraham and Jared Freid is your go-to for laughs and seriously good advice. Need something a little more heartfelt? We Met at Acme with Lindsey Metselaar dishes out thoughtful chats on love, commitment, and figuring out what you really deserve.
Long-Term Lovebirds
Watch: Cozy up with your partner and dive into the romantic drama The Notebook, a timeless tale of enduring love that’s sure to tug at your heartstrings. For something lighthearted and fun, Crazy, Stupid, Love delivers laughs and heartfelt moments as it explores the messiness and beauty of relationships.
Read: Rekindle the romance with The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman, a transformative guide to understanding and deepening your connection. For a more intimate and thought-provoking read, The Art of Loving by Erich Fromm offers timeless wisdom on the nature of love and how to nurture it in a long-term relationship.
Listen: Tune into Couples Therapy with Candice and Casey for relatable, real-life insights into navigating the ups and downs of relationships. For something more reflective, How’s Work? by Esther Perel offers fascinating discussions on balancing love, work, and partnership.
No matter where you are in your relationship journey, there’s something for everyone this Valentine’s Day. Grab your popcorn, cozy up with a good book, or hit play on a podcast that speaks to you. Here’s to love in all its forms! 💖