Some of our greatest love songs come from legendary romantic films over the years. We assembled the perfect companion soundtrack for your Valentine’s Day movie date.
Valentine’s Day is synonymous with getting cozy, and what better way to get close and set the mood than with a curated playlist of timeless movie love songs? Romantic films are the sources of some of the greatest love songs ever. They give us visual images of evocative words and bring romantic music to life. From classics like Elvis Presley to rock ‘n roll anthems, this list of movie love songs can soundtrack your Valentine’s Day.
1. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Celine Dion‘s powerful rendition of this ballad from the 1997 classic Titanic has become a symbol of enduring love. The song’s emotional depth and Dion’s soulful delivery earned it an Academy Award and secured its place in the hearts of romantics worldwide. With lyrics like “Near, far, wherever you are / I believe that the heart does go on (why does the heart go on?),” how can you not immediately reach for your special person?
2. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston‘s cover of this Dolly Parton classic in The Bodyguard (1992) remains one of the most poignant romance songs from movies. The track’s soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics contributed to the overwhelming success of the film’s soundtrack. What’s more, this song earned Houston a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and went on to become the best-selling single of all time by a female solo artist.
3. “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers
Next up, a favorite among Valentine’s Day songs. The Righteous Brothers‘ 1965 rendition of “Unchained Melody,” featured prominently in Ghost, has an enduring charm that transcends generations. The song’s inclusion in the famous pottery wheel scene solidified its status as a quintessential love ballad. Fun fact: the song is one of the most recorded tracks of the 20th century, with more than 1,500 recordings in various languages made by 650+ artists.
4. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley‘s timeless classic, featured in the movie Blue Hawaii from 1961, captures the essence of romantic serenity and, to this day, continues to be a top love song. Originally written by Hugo Peretti, Luigi Creatore, and George David Weiss, the song’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt simplicity. Also, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” was featured in the closing credits of the animated film Lilo & Stitch, introducing the classic to a new generation and cementing its place in pop culture history.
5. “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)” by Bryan Adams
Bryan Adams‘ soul-stirring ballad from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) is one of the most emotional romantic songs to grace the airwaves and a testament to the lengths one would go to for love. With lyrics like “Oh, I would fight for you, yeah, I’d lie for you / Walk the wire for you, yeah, I’d die for you,” the song not only earned Adams a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or for Television, but also became one of the best-selling singles of all time. The track’s impact extends beyond its chart-topping success, making it a timeless anthem for lovers around the world.
6. “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri
Christina Perri‘s 2011 single “A Thousand Years,” featured in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1: The Score, captures the essence of eternal love with lyrics like “Darling, don’t be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years / I’ll love you for a thousand more.” The song’s emotive lyrics and Perri’s haunting vocals make it a contemporary classic for romantic occasions and Twilight fans everywhere.
7. “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes‘ dynamic duet from the classic 1987 film Dirty Dancing remains a romantic music icon. The song’s high-energy tempo and association with the film’s legendary dance scene (that iconic lift performed by Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey is unforgettable!) make it a go-to choice among songs for Valentine’s Day. Just make sure you do your stretches before trying that famous lift!
8. “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift‘s 2008 country-pop “Love Story” is a modern-day ode to classic romance, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” and featured in the 2010 movie Letters to Juliet. The music video, which features Swift in a stunning period costume, attracted attention for its beautiful visuals that perfectly complement the song’s timeless narrative. Over a decade later, “Love Story” remains a beloved anthem, reflecting both Swift’s evolution as an artist and her ability to craft enduring tales of love and heartbreak.
9. “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer
Sixpence None The Richer gained fame with “Kiss Me,” featured in the 1999 teen romantic comedy movie She’s All That. The song not only catapulted the band to mainstream success but also became synonymous with the film’s iconic pool scene. With its infectious melody and memorable lyrics, “Kiss Me” remains a timeless piece of musical nostalgia, conjuring images of high school dances and the whimsical charm of late ’90s love stories. The song’s dreamy quality makes it a nostalgic addition to any love-themed playlist.
10. “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith
Aerosmith surprised audiences with the power ballad “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” in the movie Armageddon. Penned by Diane Warren, the song captures the intensity of love amidst impending catastrophe, earning it lasting popularity and a Grammy nomination for Best Original Song. Released in 1998, the power ballad marked Aerosmith’s first and only song to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Get Ready to Get Cozy
Whether you’re cuddling on the couch or sharing a dance, listen to these movie love songs for a night filled with love and cinematic magic. From timeless classics to contemporary hits and modern love stories, each song brings its own unique charm to your romantic soundtrack. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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