Valentine’s Day can get expensive pretty quickly. With the cost of gifts and dinners, why spend $20 at the movie theater when you can get quality cinematic entertainment for free? Look no further than Hulu’s collection of movies. While there’s a whole lot of bad ones — they are free movies after all — there are a few gems ready to be streamed right in the comfort of your own home. If you’re looking for a romantic film for two or just want to watch a mushy, feel-good movie on your own, here are the 10 best movies on Hulu to put you in the Valentine’s Day spirit.
1. Beauty and the Briefcase
Aspiring journalist Lane Daniels (Hilary Duff) is looking for her “magic man” who has all the characteristics on her checklist. Lane, who is basically Lizzie McGuire all grown up, hopes to land her dream job at Cosmopolitan by going undercover at a financial magazine to write about office romances. It may be cheesy (it is an ABC Family Original Movie with Hilary Duff in it, mind you), but this care-free chick flick will surely make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Beauty and the Briefcase is perfect for all those girls — and maybe even guys — who might not have a Valentine. This film will give them the hope and confidence to go out and find one for next year.
2. Charade
This classic 1963 film stars Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn. Reggie (Hepburn) and Peter (Grant) search for Reggie’s late husband’s hidden money. This is one of the movies I can’t believe is free to watch on Hulu. Hepburn and Grant are as charismatic as ever. Charade has a lot of action and mystery, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. With Paris as its backdrop, Charade will give you and your Valentine a romantic adventure.
3. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
From Lasse Hollström, the director of The Cider House Rules and Chocolat, comes an inspiring film based on a true story about unconditional love. Professor Parker Wilson (Richard Gere) finds an abandoned dog at a train station. He brings the dog home with him, intending to return him to his original owner. After no one claims the dog, Parker names the dog Hachiko and forms an indelible bond with his new furry friend. Hachi: A Dog’s Tale may not be what you typically think of as a Valentine’s Day movie, but its message of undying devotion will comfort anyone on this day dedicated to love.
4. His Girl Friday
You can never get enough Cary Grant, right? In His Girl Friday, Grant plays Walter Burns, a newspaper editor who tries to keep his ex-wife and former ace reporter Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell) from remarrying. This film shows how far a man will go to win back the woman he loves. This quintessential journalism movie has fast, biting dialogue, perfect for the couple with a sense of humor. You’ve got to be tough to handle these wise-cracking reporters. His Girl Friday will give an edge to your romantic evening.
5. Jersey Girl
Before Snooki, there was Toby, 1992’s version of the Jersey girl. Starring Jami Gertz as Toby and Dylan McDermott as her love interest Sal, this film does the wrong-side-of-the-tracks romance Jersey style. Jersey Girl is not a great movie, but it is entertaining nevertheless. You’ll laugh at the opening credits, complete with a rap about Jersey girls. Even in the ’90s, there was something so fascinating about the stereotypical Jersey culture. Good or bad, you can’t look away. Jersey Girl will give you something to laugh at, but the romance between Toby and Sal is sweet, too. It gives me hope that Ronnie and Sammi may one day get back together.
6. The Millionairess
Loosely-based on a 1936 George Bernard Shaw play of the same name, The Millionairess is a 1960 London-set romantic comedy starring Italian actress Sophia Loren and British funnyman Peter Sellers. Epifania Parerga (Loren) becomes the world’s richest woman after her father dies. Epifania is determined to win the heart of Dr. Ahmed el Kabir (Sellers), who isn’t interested in her at all. The Millionairess is a silly, sometimes over-the-top film, but it will bring some light-hearted romance to your evening.
7. Perfect Opposites
The temptations of Hollywood nightlife test Drew (Martin Henderson) and Julia’s (Piper Perabo) relationship in this romantic drama. The film sometimes relies too heavily on male and female stereotypes within romantic relationships, but there is heart underneath it all. For the couples who may be in a bit of a rough patch, Perfect Opposites will give them the inspiration to move past it.
8. Robin and Marian
We always see Robin Hood in his prime. But aren’t you curious to find out what happened to Robin and Maid Marian a few years down the road? This 1976 film stars Sean Connery and Audrey Hepburn in the title roles and shows how love can transcend time. Like any movie about Robin Hood, Robin and Marian is full of action, but also shows the softer side of this legendary hero. This film will inspire you to rekindle a relationship or rediscover an old love.
9. The Treatment
After recently breaking up with his girlfriend, Jake (Chris Eigeman) decides to see a psychiatrist, and soon meets Allegra (Famke Janssen), a widow. His psychiatrist becomes convinced that Allegra is using Jake to retain custody of her child, and he advises Jake to seduce Allegra without becoming emotionally-involved. As you may be able to guess, this proves to be easier said than done. Jake is a bit whiny and his psychiatrist is a bit creepy, but The Treatment approaches the romantic comedy from a new perspective. For those looking to get back into the game, this movie will teach them how to learn to love again.
10. Wristcutters: A Love Story
It may start out as the most morbid movie of the bunch, but Wristcutters: A Love Story is no less romantic. Two lovers end up in the afterlife after committing suicide. Joined by a Russian rocker, Eugene (Shea Wigham), and a tourist, Mikal (Shannyn Sossamon), Zia (Patrick Fugit) sets out on a journey to find his former lover. Suicide is obviously a serious issue, so this movie is not for the faint of heart. But it’s also not as depressing as it sounds. This movie may start out with suicide, but it’s all about love and living life in the end. Wristcutters: A Love Story is for the offbeat couple who isn’t afraid to stray away from the typical Valentine’s Day movie, but still wants to feel the love.