By ,
Published January 14, 2015
Calling all hopeless romantics, Molly Ringwald fans, and anyone who needs convincing that fairy tales do happen. (Disclaimer: most of us will not be lucky enough to swap houses with Jude Law’s fictional sister and then fall instantly in love.) This Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to gather the girls and be transported to a mullet-astic ‘80s high school dance, a penthouse balcony with Richard Gere, and a starry-eyed boat ride with Ryan Gosling. It’s not Feb. 14th without a chick flick fest featuring movies you could recite the lines to in your sleep.
Sixteen Candles
As a child of the 80’s, I know every scene, word, outfit, and awkward moment from this film. I wanted nothing more than to be Samantha Baker—an angst filled red headed teen with her own phone line, a closet full of off the shoulder sweatshirts, and a diet consisting of carrots. Sure, this movie is full of cringe-worthy stereotypes (Long Duk Dong), but Sixteen Candles set the precedent for all teen love stories that followed. From the beefy jocks to the painfully gawky nerds—to the popular girls and the drunken house parties—this movie stirs up nostalgic memories (good and bad) from your high school days. No matter how many times you’ve seen it; your heart will still drop when Jake Ryan shows up to whisk Samantha away from her sister’s wedding in his Porsche. And then there’s that last scene (spoiler alert) ... when they’re sitting on the dining room table with the birthday cake, and Jake says, “Happy Birthday, Samantha. Make a wish.” And then she says, “It already came true.” I’m tearing as I type … really.
More High School Sagas:
Pretty in Pink, Some Kind of Wonderful, The Breakfast Club, Dance ‘til Dawn
iPod Worthy:
If You Were Here, Thompson Twins
True, Spandau Ballet
Group Discussion:
How did anyone survive high school without cell phones and Facebook?
Pretty Woman
Prostitution never seemed so endearing! Yes, this movie is on TBS every weekend, but admit it … it gets you every time. Cheer Vivian on as she trades in her life on the streets (eating cocktail garnishes for dinner at the Blue Banana) for escargot, sophisticated suits, and the penthouse suite at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel with dashing (yet sensitive) millionaire Edward Lewis. I still think Barney Thompson made table etiquette a bit too complicated for Viv, but I’ll let that slide.
Pretty Similar:
Runaway Bride, America’s Sweethearts, Mystic Pizza, My Best Friend's Wedding
iPod Worthy:
King of Wishful Thinking, Go West
It Must Have Been Love, Roxette
Movie Trivia:
Richard Gere improvised the part when he snapped the necklace down on Julia Roberts’ fingers, and Roberts’ laughter was completely natural. The filmmakers liked it so much, they left it in.
Group Discussion:
Do you think Vivian would have made more money had she not worn the hideous blond bob wig?
The Notebook:
I think I cried through this entire movie … mainly because I was jealous of Rachel McAdams. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, this romantic tearjerker is a more serious chick flick. You’ll be clutching the tissue box as you travel through the passionate romance of Noah and Allie. While it starts as innocent young love, the film proves that geographical separation, meddling parents, and even another engagement can’t stop soulmates. Sigh…
Other Noteworthy Rentals:
The Bridges of Madison County, Fried Green Tomatoes
iPod Worthy:
I'll Be Seeing You, Billie Holiday
Always and Always, Benny Goodman
Movie Trivia:
Rachel McAdams beat many people for the role of Allie, including Britney Spears.
Group Discussion:
Rachel McAdams is rumored to be dating actor Josh Lucas, who looks oddly similar to ex Ryan Gosling. Thoughts?
Save it for a Rainy Day
6-7 hours of super girly movies is definitely enough for one sitting. So, next time you need a chick flick fix, try these other rent-worthy faves.
•When Harry Met Sally: Watch adorable Meg Ryan before those crazy lip injections.
•Dirty Dancing: Nobody puts Baby in a corner ... you know that!
•The Holiday: Do NOT let this movie convince you to do a house swap.
•She’s All That: Great all-star cast before they made it big (Usher, Anna Paquin, Paul Walker, Kieran Culkin, and of course, Freddie Prinze Jr. in his prime).
•Can’t Buy Me Love: Patrick Dempsey pre Grey's Anatomy, 'nuff said.
•Little Women: You may find Winona Ryder's accent a bit annoying, but this truly is a great movie for a cozy afternoon on the couch.
iMag Staff Favorites:
•Sleepless In Seattle
•Never Been Kissed
•Shag
•Legally Blond
•Ghost
•Say Anything
•Something's Gotta Give
•The Girl Next Door
•A League of Their Own
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https://www.foxnews.com/story/girls-night-in-your-chick-flick-fest