VALENTINE'S DAY CAN be just as much about staying in as it can be about going out. Whether you’re snuggling with your special someone, feeding each other those chalky, disgusting candy hearts that suddenly appear in every Walgreens across America during the month of February, or complaining bitterly to your compatriots about the woes of love and cursing the name of St. Valentine, a good movie about the multifaceted phenomenon that is love can be the perfect companion. So here is a list, in no particular order, of some of our all-time favorite romantic comedies, the genre we find most suitable for a Valentine’s Day celebration. Anna wrote the recommendations for “When Harry Met Sally,” “Down With Love,” “John Tucker Must Die,” and “Pride and Prejudice.” Erika recommended “Ever After,” “The Princess Bride,” “Love Actually,” and “Bridget Jones's Diary.”

“When Harry Met Sally”
Rated R, Dir. Rob Reiner, 1989
As far as romantic comedies starring Meg Ryan go, “When Harry Met Sally” takes the cake. This movie charts the relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) over 12 tumultuous years full of chance meetings that bloom into a close friendship full of dinner dates and late-night conversations that dangerously toes the line between camaraderie and romance. One couldn’t ask for a movie with more wit or charm. This story of undeniable love, laced with biting cynicism and unforgettable scenes will definitely make you laugh and may quite possibly moisten your tear ducts. Whether you’re looking for a movie to enjoy with a sweetheart or to laugh at with friends, “When Harry Met Sally” is a surefire bet.

“Down With Love”
Rated PG-13, Dir. Peyton Reed, 2003
“Down With Love” is a movie full of fast-talking, city-slicker characters running around New York’s journalistic scene in 1962. A young, spiffy journalist by the name of Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor) and an up-and-coming author, Barbara Novak (Renée Zellweger), who supplies the women of the Big Apple with feminist advice, play cat and mouse in this playful love story. Novak feigns a lack of interest in Block, whose reputation as a playboy proves a charmingly distasteful obstacle in their relationship. The plot is full of twists and turns with a surprise ending that turns the story on its head and is sure to clutch the heart of anyone with giddy delight.

“John Tucker Must Die”
Rated PG-13, Dir. Betty Thomas, 2006
I can’t resist adding a quintessentially teen movie to my list, and while “10 Things I Hate About You” would most likely be my next pick, the recent and tragic death of Heath Ledger makes that bright, love-ridden teen flick too emotionally stressful to handle. In replacement, I recommend “John Tucker Must Die,” the ultimate teen movie for every revenge-seeking ex. This film is about the three ex-girlfriends (Ashanti, Sophia Bush, and Arielle Kebbel) of the popular, hot, and talented John Tucker (Jesse Metcalf), who discover that they were simultaneously played and eventually dumped by their hotheaded boyfriend. The girls decide it’s payback time. With the mantra “Don’t get mad, get even,” the three girls set up John with a new girl in town planning to watch as they dangle love in front of his face and brutally rip it away. “John Tucker Must Die” will lend its share of laughs to brighten a gloomy Valentine’s Day.

“Pride and Prejudice”
Rated PG, Dir. Joe Wright, 2005
No one can weave a romantic story with the intricacy and passion of Jane Austen. If you are looking for a more sophisticated plot and enjoy ardent, fiery quibbles in beautifully structured English, “Pride and Prejudice” is the movie to watch. “Pride and Prejudice” is the story of life and love among English gentility. The timeless tale of the love that blossoms between the fabulously witty, strong-headed Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) and the unbearably snobbish yet dashingly handsome Mr. Darcy (Matthew MacFadyen) is the definitive love story complete with rejection, confession, undying adoration, and zealous kisses in the rain. Though this movie doesn’t quite fulfill the comedic quota of a romantic-comedy, it is an artful masterpiece with sarcastic and romantic dialogue enough to satiate any palate on Valentine’s Day.

“Ever After”
Rated PG, Dir. Andy Tennant, 1998
This film adaptation of “Cinderella,” starring Drew Barrymore, is a realistic version of the classic tale and is the perfect way to get into the Valentine's Day spirit. Set in Renaissance France, the movie follows Danielle de Barbarac, played by Barrymore, who after the death of her father is made a servant in her own home by her stepmother (Anjelica Huston). Danielle also lives with her two stepsisters, Marguerite (Megan Dodds) and Jacqueline (Melanie Lynskey), but surprisingly Jacqueline treats Danielle with kindness and they eventually become friends. After catching the eye of the French Prince Henry, who is trying to get away from his arranged marriage, the two fall in love but are up against Danielle’s stepmother and Marguerite, who is determined to be Henry’s bride. Danielle is equipped, however, to deal with these challenges with the backing of her fellow servants, Jacqueline, and her “fairy godmother,” Leonardo da Vinci (Patrick Godfrey).

“The Princess Bride”
Rated PG, Dir. Rob Reiner, 1987
A classic tale of true love is read by a grandfather (Peter Falk) to his sick grandson (Fred Savage). The grandson is immediately enchanted with the story of Buttercup (Robin Wright Penn), who is kidnapped on the eve of her wedding to Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). Buttercup is rescued from her kidnappers by her first love, Westley (Cary Elwes), whom she thought was dead. After Buttercup and Westley have re-established their love, they find themselves against Prince Humperdinck’s evil forces that threaten to break them up. Viewers of this movie will be just as enchanted with this story as the grandson is.

“Love Actually”
Rated R, Dir. Richard Curtis, 2003
If you happen to be looking for a love-filled Valentine’s Day, then it would be wise to watch “Love Actually.” Love is in the air in this film of eight different people’s love stories. With characters from different social levels and different ages (characters include the prime minister of England, a housemaid, and a rock star), love is the underlying theme in this movie. Despite the fact that Hugh Grant does not seem to be a very convincing prime minister, all the different stories make up for this with their realistic portrayals of love that everyone will be touched by.

“Bridget Jones's Diary”
Rated R, Dir. Sharon Maguire, 2001
Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), an average woman who has just as many imperfections as the rest of us, decides to take control of her life with a New Year’s resolution to start a diary in which she will tell the complete truth. Bridget’s attempts at trying to fix her less notable qualities and her efforts to find herself a man are comically entertaining and can provide almost everyone with a good laugh. Based on Helen Fielding’s novel, this film — filled with awkward and hilarious situations that you secretly hope never to happen to you — is a perfect pick for a fun, lighthearted Valentine’s Day celebration.