Whether you’re head-over-heels, happily flying solo, or firmly in the “it’s complicated” camp, Valentine’s Day always brings a certain… expectancy. But don’t let the pressure of the perfect date get you down. As always, the best way to navigate the matters of the heart is through the magic of the silver screen.
From award-winning South Korean dramas to blood-soaked slashers and the return of everyone’s favorite diary-keeper, there’s a cinematic match for every mood this February. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and let’s find your perfect V-Day viewing on DStv Stream and Showmax.
1. For the Mid-Life Renaissance: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax
Bridget is back, and honestly, she’s never been more relatable. Now navigating her 50s as a single mother, Renée Zellweger delivers a masterclass that already snagged her a 2026 Critics Choice Award. Caught between the charming Leo Woodall and the dependable Chiwetel Ejiofor – with the return of Hugh Grant’s Daniel Cleaver—it’s a delightful reminder that love doesn’t have an expiry date.
2. For the Faithful Romantic: Not My Type
Where to watch: Showmax
Local is lekker and deeply moving in this South African gem. Directed by SAFTA winner Siyabonga Mkhize, it follows Letsatsi (Lorraine Moropa), a wedding dress designer whose own “happily ever after” seems to be stuck in transit. It was Showmax’s most popular local film last year for a reason: it’s a heartfelt exploration of patience, faith, and the pressure of expectations.
3. For the “Let’s Just Be Friends” Crowd: Sweethearts
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax
Not every Valentine’s story is about staying together. Kiernan Shipka and Nico Hiraga star in this “break-up comedy” about two college freshmen trying to end their high school relationships on the night before Thanksgiving. It’s witty, modern, and refreshingly honest about the messy boundaries of co-dependent friendships.
4. For the Thrill-Seekers: Heart Eyes
Where to watch: Showmax (From 14 February)
If you prefer your romance with a side of adrenaline, this is your pick. A #1 US box office hit, it blends slasher horror with romcom charm. While the “Heart Eyes Killer” stalks couples on Valentine’s Day, you’ll find yourself swooning and squirming in equal measure. It’s Scream meets When Harry Met Sally.
5. For the Family Gathering: A Nice Indian Boy
Where to watch: Showmax
Executive produced by Mindy Kaling, this is one of the funniest and most sincere romcoms in years. When Naveen (Karan Soni) brings his fiancé Jay (Jonathan Groff) home to meet his traditional Indian family, the results are pure magic. Boasting a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s a beautiful celebration of modern love and cultural tradition.
6. For the Action Addicts: The Fall Guy
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt have chemistry that could power a small city. Directed by David Leitch, this tribute to stunt performers is a high-octane blast. It’s funny, romantic, and packed with world-class action—the ultimate “date night” movie for those who find explosions more romantic than roses.
7. For a Good, Honest Cry: We Live in Time
Where to watch: Showmax
Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are simply transcendent in this decade-spanning romance. It’s a “weepie” in the best sense of the word—real, honest, and deeply moving. It doesn’t shy away from the fragility of life, making the romance feel all the more precious. Keep the tissues close for this one.
8. For the Soul-Searchers: Touch
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax
This Icelandic Oscar entry is a stunning journey of the spirit. A widower travels across the globe to find his first love, who vanished 50 years prior. It’s a poetic, humane film about rebounding from loss and choosing courage over grief. Truly a “uniquely powerful” cinematic experience.
9. For the “What If?” Thinkers: Past Lives
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax
Greta Lee and Teo Yoo anchor this pitch-perfect romance about destiny and the choices that define us. When childhood friends reunite in New York after two decades, the result is a quiet, devastatingly beautiful exploration of love. It was MetaCritic’s best-reviewed film of its year for a reason—it’s a masterpiece.
10. For Pure Sensuality: The Photograph
Where to watch: Showmax
Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield star in what The Observer calls a “luxuriantly sensual” romance. Moving between the past and present, it’s a sophisticated look at how our parents’ secrets shape our own capacity for love. It’s unashamedly romantic and visually stunning.
11. For the Grand Spectacle: Crazy Rich Asians
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax (Also on M-Net Movies 2, 14 Feb at 16:50)
A true romcom milestone. From the lavish Singapore settings to the powerhouse performance of Michelle Yeoh, this film is “crazy good.” It’s the ultimate Cinderella story for the modern age, proving that sometimes love is worth the pressure of a formidable mother-in-law.
12. For the Reunion Vibes: The Best Man Holiday
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax (Also on M-Net Movies 2, 14 Feb at 22:30)
Old rivalries and long-forgotten romances reignite when this star-studded cast reunites. Featuring Taye Diggs, Nia Long, and Regina Hall, it’s a soulful, funny look at how friendship evolves over time.
13. For the All-Time Classic: The Notebook
Where to watch: DStv Stream (Showmax from 12 Feb | M-Net Movies 2, 14 Feb at 12:35)
Is it even Valentine’s Day without Noah and Allie? The quintessential “kiss in the rain” movie remains required viewing. Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams’ chemistry is legendary, making this Nicholas Sparks adaptation the gold standard for cinematic romance.
14. For the Literary Lover: Shakespeare in Love
Where to watch: DStv Stream & Showmax
Seven Oscars, iambic pentameter, and a red-hot romance. Watch a young Will Shakespeare find his muse in Viola (Gwyneth Paltrow) as he writes the world’s greatest love story. It’s witty, period-perfect, and speaks the language of love with hot-blooded delight.