Valentine’s Day isn’t always about candy hearts and roses. For those who prefer a love story that strays from the norm, unconventional romances and offbeat films offer something different.
Less fairy tale, more real life — messy, imperfect, but somehow more honest than the typical, picture-perfect love story.
Time Travelers & Alternate Realities
‘The Time Travelers Wife’
What it is about: Henry De Tamble (Eric Bana), afflicted with a rare genetic disorder that causes him to uncontrollably travel through time, falls in love during one of his unpredictable journeys.
As his new romance deepens, it must endure the relentless challenges of time and travel itself.
Where can I watch: Max
What is it rated: PG-13
‘The Map of Tiny Perfect Things’
What it is about: Two teenagers find themselves stuck living the same day over and over. They decide to make the most of their endless day by creating a map of life’s fleeting, perfect moments.
Where can I watch: Prime Video
What is it rated: PG-13
Love across cultures
‘Brooklyn’
What it is about: A young Irish immigrant navigates life in 1950s New York. Torn between her new life in America and her family back home, she faces love, loss and self-discovery.
Where can I watch: Prime Video
What is it rated: PG-13
‘Roman Holiday’
What it is about: A runaway princess finds a breath of fresh air and freedom in Rome when she meets an American journalist. The two unlikely pair explore the city together while experiencing a blossoming romance.
However, their reality and identities set in and begin to challenge the enlightening relationship.
Where can I watch: MGM+
What is it rated: Not rated
Quirky romances
‘A Rainy Day in New York’
What it is about: A young college couple visit NYC for a weekend escape.
As a series of quirky encounters unfold, the couple discovers they might not have as much in common as they thought, despite the romantic charm of Manhattan’s rainy streets.
Where can I watch: Prime Video, Peacock
What is it rated: PG-13
‘Moonrise Kingdom’
What it is about: Two misfits run away together, sparking a search party of adults searching for the pair in a 1960’s coastal town.
The child romantic adventure leads to new discoveries of love and belonging.
Where can I watch: Prime Video
What is it rated: PG-13
Emotional dimensions
‘Stranger Than Fiction’
What it is about: An ordinary man discovers his life is being narrated by an author.
As his reality of a mundane life sinks in, he seeks to change his story’s ending.
Where can I watch: Rent or buy on Amazon
What is it rated: PG-13
‘Lars and the Real Girl’
What it is about: A socially awkward man forms a unique bond with a life-sized doll he has come to believe is real.
Surrounded by compassionate family and friends, he is able to find healing and self-discovery in the midst of love.
Where can I watch: Prime Video
What is it rated: PG-13
Love and loss
‘Amour’
What it is about: An elderly couple is making the most of the challenges that come with age when the wife suffers from a stroke.
Their love and devotion for each other is tested as the husband commits to caring for her despite his own struggles. The film is a raw feature of life and love.
Where can I watch: Prime Video
What is it rated: PG-13
‘Like Crazy’
What it is about: Two college students fall deeply in love, only to find themselves separated by immigration issues.
As time and circumstances strain their relationship, they face the realities of fighting for love.
Where can I watch: Paramount+
What is it rated: PG-13