Valentine’s Day offers singles a chance to skip the romance and dive into fun, nostalgic films instead. These five movies deliver laughs, friendship, and coming-of-age stories perfect for solo viewing or time with friends. Ditch the predictable rom-coms for these feel-good picks that celebrate life beyond couples.
Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging
This British teen comedy captures the chaos of adolescence in late-2000s UK. Georgia Nicholson, played by Georgia Groome, navigates crushes, insecurities, and wild schemes like shaving an eyebrow or faking a lost pet for attention. Based on Louise Rennison’s book series, it stars a young Aaron Taylor-Johnson as her love interest. Underneath the humor lies a heartfelt tale of friendships and growing up. The soundtrack features a standout original song that evokes pure nostalgia. Georgia Groome recently recreated the iconic olive costume in a cameo for Maisie Peters’ album ‘Florescence.’ Watch on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV.
Wild Child
In this 2008 hit, spoiled Poppy Moore (Emma Roberts) lands at a strict English boarding school after a rebellious stunt. She clashes with her quirky roommates—Kate (Kimberley Nixon), Josie (Linzey Cocker), Kiki (Sophie Wu), and Drippy (Juno Temple)—but forms real bonds amid pranks and rivalries, including a foe played by Georgia King and a crush with Alex Pettyfer. The story highlights friendship’s power to transform. It marks one of Natasha Richardson’s final roles as the headmistress. Stream on Netflix.
The Breakfast Club
John Hughes’ classic follows five high school stereotypes trapped in Saturday detention: a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. They confront peer pressure, family issues, and personal struggles, realizing shared experiences unite them. The group pens a letter to their vice principal (Paul Gleason): “Each one of us is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.” It ends with Judd Nelson’s fist pump and Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You (Forget About Me).’ Available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and NOW TV.
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion
This 1990s gem stars Mira Sorvino and Lisa Kudrow as underachieving best friends who fake glamorous lives for their 10-year reunion. Flashbacks show their prom bullying, leading to a cross-country road trip filled with mishaps and a friendship fallout. The over-the-top comedy delivers non-stop laughs and celebrates reinventing oneself. Stream on Disney+.
Frances Ha
Greta Gerwig shines as aspiring dancer Frances, grappling with New York life in her twenties alongside best friend Sophie (Mickey Sumner). The film blends comedy and drama to depict flat-hopping, dead-end jobs, and fading friendships. It captures young adulthood’s instability. In 2025, it ranked No. 90 on The New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century. Yasmin Omar wrote for Harper’s Bazaar: “Frances Ha has become a cult classic thanks to its relatable portrait of the bewildering life stage that is young adulthood.” Find it on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV.
