SATURDAY is fast approaching and if you do not want to do anything mainstream like an expensive dinner or chocolate, here is an idea — rent a movie. Snuggle up with your partner comfortably in your pyjamas, snacking on your favourite snacks and be able to take toilet breaks or maybe in this case, crying breaks in peace. 

live it! has found some romantic movies to choose from. Some of them do not necessarily have happy endings but they would certainly have you reaching for the tissues and perchance restore your faith in love or inspire you to court your significant other and keep the romance alive.

Love Actually
A collection of interconnected “love stories” of nine couples under various situations and circumstances that, as the narrator observes, somehow begins at the Heathrow Airport. Ensemble include Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, Laura Linney and Keira Knightley. 

10 Things I Hate About You
This 1999 romantic comedy (romcom) is loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with a modern interpretation that takes place in a high school environment. The leads are Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. 

The Sound of Music
The 1965 production of the Broadway-turned-musical drama is about a young nun postulant sent to be a governess to a naval captain’s seven children. The 174-minute classic includes seven song sequences. It stars the dashing Christopher Plummer and vocally blessed Julie Andrews.

The Time Traveller’s Wife
An adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s novel of the same name is about a man who inherits a rare genetic disorder trying to have and maintain a romantic relationship. It features stellar performances by Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams.

Gone with the Wind
The epic Civil War drama follows the story of a southern belle surviving the tragedies of a war — and the stormy love affairs that she gets entangled in. The legendary Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh are the two main leads for this movie. 

Shakespeare in Love
A witty romantic comedy set in the 1590 of the young Shakespeare who is facing a writer’s bloc and out of cash — and meets a young woman who inspires him to write one of his most famous plays. The young Shakespeare is played by Joseph Fiennes and his love interest is Gwyneth Paltrow. 

Singing in the Rain
This 1952 production explores how jealousy affects relationships in the wake of change and evolution. Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor are the stars of the film. 

Casablanca
Dubbed as the most romantic motion picture of all time, the story revolves around a freedom fighter who now owns a nightclub located in Casablanca. All is well until a past flame reappears to open old wounds and rekindle past emotions. The iconic Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman and Paul Henreid are the stars of this film.

This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on February 12, 2015.