Valentine's Day is only six days away, and if you'd like nothing better than to have a romantic dinner and snuggle up to a movie at home, then you need to listen up. Because choosing the right movie can be the difference between romantic heartache and a throbbing headache.

Having trouble convincing your man to choose a movie other than the latest Michael Bay explode-o-rama? Is your special day usually commemorated by Vin Diesel and a rocket launcher? Does Steve-O and the rest of his Jackasses come between you and your night of romance? Well, here at CinemaSpy, we feel it is our civic duty to play cupid and offer up some amenable alternatives to tying up your lover and gagging his mouth.

He may huff and pout at the beginning, but these films offer more than wet smooches on a windy cliff. You might even find him enjoying himself despite the initial struggling and handcuff chafing...

In descending order of syllables...beginning with Mary & Harry:


There's Something About Mary (1998)
This one's probably the easiest one to get him to agree to as it was directed by the Farrelly brothers (Dumb and Dumber), filmmakers not known for subtlety or distinguished taste. However, it is effective as a romantic comedy despite its gross-out factor, providing you can stomach it, too... You have been warned.



When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Probably the most well-known of romantic comedies on the list is also one of the best. It has some of the most insightful observations on relationships disguised as wickedly sharp humor. Your guy may actually learn something without realizing it.




The Princess Bride (1987)
Before Pirates of the Caribbean, this was the period costume movie of choice. Thinly disguised as a fairy-tale, The Princess Bride is a hilarious romp with "fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles"...something for everybody.




Shall We Dansu? (1996)
For you more adventurous types, here's a comedy that will suck you in from the first minute. If you can get your man past the dancing theme, you're home free. You might even get him to agree to those dance lessons you've been nagging him to take with you... (Oh, and it's in Japanese.)




City Lights (1931)
I had this tied with another Chaplin film, The Gold Rush, both of which are wonderful examples of the comedian at his most romantic. Get over the fact that it is a silent film, and you will find yourself more emotionally moved than most modern movies.




All of Me (1984)
Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin are a most unlikely couple, and the result is pure hilarity. Tomlin plays a terminally ill millionaire who hires a Tibetan swami to transfer her soul to that of a young healthy woman. Unfortunately all does not go as planned and her soul is plopped into Steve Martin's body instead. Awkward...



Splash! (1984)
A sentimental favorite starring a very young unlucky-in-love Tom Hanks, and Daryl Hannah as a mermaid. Supporting cast includes the very funny John Candy and Eugene Levy, who both very nearly steal the show.




Amélie (2001)
The French are well-known for being romantics, and this film is a big fat cartoon love letter to romanticism. Director Jean-Pierre Jeunet introduces us to Amelie, a young woman who sees the world through rose-colored glasses, and touches all those around her. Infectiously zany.




Wall-E (2008)
You read it right, Wall-E. The last two films on this list are animated (I promise I will not make any reference to your significant other's intellectual maturity). Like the Chaplin films mentioned above, Wall-E is largely a silent movie, yet it manages to be one of the most romantic fables ever committed to film.



Up (2009)
Finally, Up, which is not exactly a romantic comedy per se, but the flashback scenes of old man Fredricksen and his deceased wife are some of the most brilliantly sentimental and touching I have ever seen.