From Bromance to Romance: 5 Essential Films for Your Valentine’s Day
Happy Valentine’s Day, Folks! Whether you’re flying solo or snuggled up with a special someone, we’re here to wish you a love-filled day! At heart, we’re all hopeless romantics, and thanks to the progress we’ve made in the film landscape (a tad slow, but we digress), now we have a lot of films we can recommend to spice up your Valentine’s Day. So let’s start with the gents, these bromance to romance films are everything we all wanted and then some. So, cozy up, grab your favorite snacks, and get ready for a rainbow-like binge-party with our top picks.
In a world where love knows no boundaries, the silver screen has become a canvas for portraying diverse and authentic LGBTQ+ relationships. From heartwarming coming-of-age tales to steamy romances, these films offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of queer love stories. So whether you’re seeking a classic bromance to romance with a modern twist or an unconventional journey of self-discovery, we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy this Valentine’s Day.
1. Alex Strangelove (2018)
High school senior Alex Truelove’s (Daniel Doheny) plan to lose his virginity to his girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein) goes awry when he meets Elliot (Antonio Marziale), a charming and openly gay teen who forces him to confront his own sexuality. As Alex navigates the complexities of his feelings for both Elliot and his girlfriend, he must ultimately choose between societal expectations and his true desires.
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Love, Simon (2018)
Meet Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a high schooler who’s got a big secret: he’s gay, but he hasn’t come out yet. When a classmate (Logan Miller) threatens to reveal his truth, Simon embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the ups and downs of love, friendship, and self-acceptance. But it’s his anonymous online romance with “Blue” (Keiynan Lonsdale) that truly steals the show, as Simon tries to uncover the identity of his mystery crush while juggling the complexities of high school life. With the support of his friends and family, Simon embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns that love knows no labels.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Star+, Disney+ (depends on the region)
3. The Thing About Harry (2020)
High school enemies turned unexpected road trip companions, Sam (Jake Borelli) and Harry (Niko Terho), find themselves reassessing their feelings for each other as they embark on a journey that challenges their assumptions about love and friendship. Along the way, they confront their pasts and societal expectations and discover that sometimes love can be found in the most unexpected places.
Where to Watch: Freeform, Star+, Disney+, Apple TV (depends on the region)
4. Fire Island (2022)
Join a group of LGBTQ+ friends as they head to picturesque beach paradise Fire Island for a weekend getaway filled with sun, fun, and drama. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, friendships are tested and new connections are formed. Amidst the sandy shores and breathtaking landscapes, the film delves into the main romance between Noah (Joel Kim Booster) and Will (Conrad Ricamora), exploring the intricacies of their relationship against the backdrop of a vibrant queer community.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Star+, Disney+ (depends on the region)
5. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
When Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar-Perez), the First Son of the United States, falls into a public feud with Prince Henry of Wales (Nicholas Galitzine), their animosity turns into a secret romance that could jeopardize Alex’s mother’s reelection campaign (Uma Thurman). As they navigate the complexities of their forbidden love, Alex and Henry must confront their own fears and prejudices to embrace their happily ever after.
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
There you have it folks! 5 Bromance to romance movies that we think you all will absolutely love! So grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic celebration of love, laughter, and LGBTQ+ representation this Valentine’s Day!
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Featured image: Images courtesy of Amazon Studios, Hulu, Freeform, 20th Century Fox, Netflix
