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Single on Valentine’s Day? Skip the predictable romance films and celebrate with these nostalgic, feel-good movies to lift your spirits

Valentine’s Day has come round once more, and if you’re not getting caught up in all the soppy, romantic nonsense, there’s loads of other ways you can spend your evening. If you’re staying in and swerving all the loved-up couples out there, telly is an excellent means of escape.

Valentine’s Day needn’t revolve around romance, after all. If you’ve had your fill of formulaic, predictable romantic flicks, here are some brilliant alternatives that’ll rekindle your appreciation for those nearest and dearest.

So whether you fancy a giggle on your own or with mates, ditch those rom-coms for some feel-good nostalgia this Valentine’s Day.

Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging (2008)

For anyone wanting to grasp what life was like as a British teenage girl in the late noughties, Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging hits frighteningly close to home. At some stage, we’ve all caught ourselves relating to Georgia’s worldview, however misguided it might be, reports the Express.

Adapted from Louise Rennison’s bestselling book series, we follow 14-year-old Georgia Nicholson (Georgia Groome) as she tries to navigate adolescence whilst pining after the new lad in town – a breakthrough performance from Aaron Taylor-Johnson. Throughout her mission to bag a boyfriend and organise a spectacular 15th birthday bash at a nightclub, we witness the inner workings of the teenage brain manifesting in reality through some absolutely hilarious and toe-curling antics.

Shaving off an eyebrow? Absolutely. Faking the disappearance of a beloved moggy for sympathy? Naturally. A massive pair of granny pants? Without question.

Whilst this flick might centre on Georgia’s romantic pursuits, beneath the surface lies a tender coming-of-age tale exploring insecurity, platonic bonds, and that distinctly teenage sensation that everything is utterly catastrophic. Plus, it boasts what’s arguably one of cinema’s finest original songs, guaranteed to transport you straight back to those nostalgic days.

Planning to mark Valentine’s Day with your mates this year? Nobody’s turning down this gem. Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging proved a defining British picture for younger audiences back then, and continues to supply countless cultural touchstones we reference today.

In fact, Georgia Groome recently resurrected that legendary olive outfit for a cameo appearance in the reveal video for Maisie Peters’ latest album ‘Florescence’. Nearly two decades on and that immortal line still echoes: “Boys don’t like girls for funniness”.

The film is available to stream on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

Wild Child (2008)

The year 2008 was evidently peak teen cinema. On one side sits Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging, offering a relatively authentic portrayal of adolescent life for girls during the noughties, whilst on the other stands Emma Roberts ‘ Wild Child.

What do you do with a spoilt, glamorous Malibu Barbie teenager who leaps off cliffs into the ocean? Simple – pack them off to an all-girls boarding school deep in the English countryside.

A genuine fish out of water, Emma Roberts’ Poppy Moore couldn’t be more different from the seemingly prudish, eccentric pupils she encounters at Abbey Mount. It’s quite the exaggerated portrayal of boarding school life, but that’s rather the point – to knock the protagonist down a peg or two.

Gradually, the crisp English climate begins breaking down Poppy’s defences as she develops authentic bonds with her roommates – Kate (Kimberley Nixon), Josie (Linzey Cocker), Kiki (Sophie Wu), and Jennifer “Drippy” Logan (Juno Temple). Naturally there’s a love interest (Alex Pettyfer) and a sworn enemy (Georgia King) determined to see her fail, though that’s really beside the point when there’s such entertaining mischief afoot.

Beneath the rebellious and entitled façade lies genuine warmth, drawn out through the connections she forges. Ultimately, Poppy emerges transformed – having discovered a missing piece of herself through real mates who embrace her for who she truly is, whilst wreaking havoc around campus. Whilst Wild Child might not be the most universally relatable picture, there’s something in all of us that yearns for that kind of school adventure.

The film also marks one of Natasha Richardson’s final performances (as headmistress Mrs Kingsley) prior to her tragic passing in 2009.

Wild Child is available to stream on Netflix.

The Breakfast Club (1985)

This film boasts what’s arguably one of cinema’s most iconic closing sequences and exit tracks. The Breakfast Club, a coming-of-age comedy-drama, follows a group of outsiders whiling away the hours together during an all-day Saturday detention.

Each teenager belongs to a different social circle within the school, and their paths would ordinarily never cross in daily life. They’re set the task of penning a thousand-word essay on “who you think you are” by their notoriously harsh vice principal (Paul Gleason).

Alongside the usual rebellious teenage shenanigans and storylines, the film explores the realities lurking beneath the stereotypes presented on screen. It tackles themes including peer pressure, abuse, neglect, troubled relationships, and suicide in a manner that resonates with its audience, rendering the characters relatable to viewers.

Despite their contrasts, the group discover they’re all grappling with comparable struggles and form connections with one another. It serves as a reminder that surface appearances can be deceiving.

Whilst the group suspect their newly-formed bonds will dissolve once detention wraps up, they acknowledge they’ll view their classmates through fresh eyes going forward. As the film reaches its conclusion, we hear their moving message to their vice principal, declaring: “Each one of us is a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.

“Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club.”

Cue Judd Nelson’s fist raise and Simple Minds’ ‘Don’t You Forget About Me’.

The Breakfast Club can be watched via Netflix, Amazon Prime and NOW TV.

Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion (1997)

There’s something about a 90s comedy that hits all of the right spots, something the 2020s can learn from. The film follows underachieving best friends Romy (Mira Sorvino) and Michele ( Lisa Kudrow ) who decide to reinvent themselves with fake careers to impress their former classmates at their ten-year high school reunion.

The film kicks off with the drama of the girls’ prom in 1987, where they find themselves targeted by bullying from the high school cheerleader clique. Some stroppy behaviour leads the girls to do the classic slow dance together.

Fast forward, the duo don’t appear to have achieved much success since leaving school, stuck in dead-end jobs – or jobless – living a life lacking in some sort of purpose. They’re fine, totally fine.

It’s the invitation from one of their high school tormentors to their high school reunion that makes them pull their socks up, but only in the pretence sense. It’s your typical American movie that takes you on a journey, both literally and figuratively.

Following a catastrophic falling out over their friendship, the pair go their separate ways after their drive cross-country to the reunion. Or do they?

The film is madcap, light-hearted, and chock-full of clichés, but sometimes that’s just the ticket. Let’s face it, we all need a good giggle now and then, and anything featuring Lisa Kudrow is guaranteed to leave you in fits of laughter.

You can catch this film on Disney+.

Frances Ha (2012)

Whilst we’re accustomed to seeing Greta Gerwig behind the lens, she’s equally at home in front of it. The film stars Gerwig as a struggling dancer in New York, grappling with the rollercoaster ride of her twenties alongside her best mate, Sophie (Mickey Sumner).

They say your twenties are meant to be the time of your life, but in truth, you’re still figuring out who you are and where you fit into the world. We can all identify with the unpredictability of existence; flitting from one flat to another, settling for jobs you don’t really fancy, and witnessing friendships fade as they form new relationships.

Life in the Big Apple can be complex and unsettling, regardless of which side of the Atlantic you hail from. The trials and tribulations of everyday life can weigh heavily, with Frances battling to make her mark on New York.

The film masterfully blends comedy, drama and emotion to paint an authentic picture of struggling twenty-somethings.

In 2025, Frances Ha secured the 90th spot on The New York Times’ list of “The 100 Best Movies of the 21st Century”. Writing for Harper’s Bazaar, Yasmin Omar noted: “Frances Ha has become a cult classic thanks to its relatable portrait of the bewildering life stage that is young adulthood.”

Frances Ha is available on Netflix, Amazon Prime and Apple TV.

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What do we know about Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to Israel? We talk with Craig Mokhiber, who spent decades inside the UN system, about what millions of newly released files reveal about Epstein’s effort to reshape the Middle East in Israel’s favor, why this story remains underreported, and what it means for how power operates globally.

In this episode: 

• Craig Mokhiber (@craigmokhiber), Human Rights Lawyer and Former UN Official

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé, Chloe K. Li, and Tamara Khandaker, with Melanie Marich, Maya Hamadeh, Tuleen Barakat, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The picturesque village has one single road running through it and is home to a beloved country restaurant with rave reviews — ideal to spend a day in the countryside.

A charming Lancashire village featuring just one street and boasting a highly-rated country restaurant offers the perfect destination for your next family day out or catch-up with mates.

This distinctive linear village lies next to the renowned Pendle Hill, which provides a breathtaking backdrop to this peaceful hamlet.

Tucked away in the Ribble Valley district, east of the bustling market town of Clitheroe, this compact village serves as an ideal location for a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty.

Its solitary road runs through the settlement before narrowing to a single-track lane leading to neighbouring Downham.

Despite the conservation village of Worston being relatively under the radar, it provides plenty of attractions for a fulfilling day trip.

A serene haven away from urban hustle and bustle, Worston boasts a fascinating and layered past. Back in 1778, workmen broadening the village road to Chatburn discovered 1,000 Roman coins (Denarii) in this modest settlement.

There’s also a prehistoric burial site located on Worsaw Hill, reports Lancs Live.

Located a stone’s throw from the village, Worsaw Hill is a Bronze Age burial mound displaying faint earthworks at its peak, potentially revealing traces of an ancient community from bygone times.

A cavern near the hill’s base enhances its enigmatic appeal, whilst the rocky outcrops and gentler slopes of Worsaw Hill prove excellent territory for fossil enthusiasts.

This tranquil single-track hamlet boasts numerous historical connections, featuring three Grade II Listed structures: the 17th-century Crow Hill Cottage, the 19th-century Worston Old Hall, and the Wall surrounding Worston Old Hall.

Remarkably, Worston Old Hall contains pieces of the historic Sawley Abbey embedded within its construction.

Tucked away beyond the village’s solitary main thoroughfare lies the remarkably intact remnants of an old bull ring, hidden within a compact meadow.

The stone and bronze tethering ring used during the bull-baiting period remains perfectly preserved on the village green.

This bull ring is thought to have been the epicentre of village activity in bygone days.

After the bull-baiting tradition faded, legend has it that anyone seeking confrontation would approach the bronze ring and rattle it vigorously to provoke a duel on the village green.

Charming countryside restaurant worth a visit

At the centre of tranquil Worston sits a much-loved rural restaurant and pub, treasured by locals and tourists alike.

The Calf’s Head ranks as Worston’s premier venue, earning an impressive 4.1 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor. It stands as the village’s sole dining and drinking destination.

With stunning vistas across Pendle Hill, the Calf’s Head serves authentic ales and an impressive wine collection, alongside a comprehensive menu featuring freshly prepared dishes showcasing locally sourced ingredients. Its sprawling, well-kept gardens and outdoor dining space offer guests the opportunity to savour meals in the fresh air whilst taking in breathtaking views across the Lancashire countryside.

Diners have heaped praise on the food at Calf’s Head, with one guest sharing on Tripadvisor: “We were holidaying in the area and decided to try the Calf’s Head for an evening meal.

“We were not disappointed, the food was plentiful and tasty and it was so good to see some traditional meals on the menu. I loved the homely atmosphere in the restaurant, it was a dark November evening when we visited and it felt very cosy. We will return when we’re next in the area.”

Another glowing review says: “Just had the most amazing afternoon tea in celebration of family birthdays. Soup to start, unlimited tea, varied sandwiches, delicious cakes and scones with jam and cream.

“The staff were friendly, the views were stunning and we loved every part of it. Amazing value at £22.50 per person. Thank you so much.”

Meanwhile, another satisfied visitor said: “We stayed for two nights, having both breakfast and evening meal both days. Delicious food and great service on each occasion, despite the fact they were incredibly busy on Sunday. (Judging by the food, I’m not surprised – our lamb burgers with goat’s cheese and caramelised onions were superb, as was the lasagne.)

“The setting is perfect – in a lovely walled garden by a stream, in a pretty little village. Add in a comfy bed, tea and coffee-making facilities and piping hot water; we couldn’t have asked for more. Thank you!”

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MILLIE Mackintosh got in contact with her ex-husband Professor Green before splitting from Hugo Taylor, the rapper has revealed.

Yesterday, it was reported that Millie, 36, and her husband Hugo Taylor have split following seven years of marriage.

While it’s been a decade since their split, Professor Green – real name Stephen Manderson – admitted that the pair have recently been in contact.

Appearing on Jamie Laing’s Great Company podcast in October, he dubbed Millie “beautiful” while sharing that the pair have bonded over both being diagnosed with ADHD in recent years.

“It was really recently that we spoke actually about our mutual diagnosis and, you know, our kids,” said the music star, 42.

He added that the pair were toxic for one another at the time of their marriage, describing it as a “trauma bond”.

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Back in October, a source told The Sun that Millie and her ex were on good terms, sharing: “They have started speaking again, and they are on better terms than they have been in a decade.

“Both being parents has played a huge part, and they have both grown up a lot. They have also both given up booze, which was a huge issue when they were together.”

Millie shares two daughters with Hugo; Sienna and Aurelia.

Professor Green has been single since he split from fiancée Karima McAdams in 2024 after welcoming son Slimane three years prior.

The rapper is set to appear on this year’s Celebs Go Dating alongside the likes of Coleen Nolan and Love Island’s Gabby Allen.

Millie married Professor Green in 2013 after a failed relationship with Hugo.

But, following their divorce in 2016, Millie and Hugo got back together before tying the knot themselves two years later.

According to the Daily Mail, Millie and Hugo, 39, went their separate ways after a series of discussions in the New Year.

An insider told the publication: “Millie and Hugo are currently going through a separation and have sadly decided to split. 

“They have known each other for many years, and in recent weeks, have had serious conversations about their future, ultimately deciding it’s better for them both to part ways.

“Their main priority remains their children and family life, and separating is not something they ever hoped would happen.

“At present, they are considering what living apart might look like and how they plan to navigate co-parenting their young children.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult start to the year, and one they hope to continue managing in private.”

NEWLY single Jesy Nelson today joked that she’s “not always a haggard mum” as she revealed her glam makeover.

The former Little Mix star, 34, has had a tough time lately after she split from her fiance Zion Foster, and also having her twin daughters being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1.

But today the mum-of-two showed off her glam makeover, as she enjoyed some pamper time after a gruelling month.

Jesy looked incredible in the photo, which she posted on her Instagram.

The singer had her trademark curly hair styled to perfection, and her make-up had been expertly applied.

The star completed her sexy look with a lowcut black crop top.

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Jesy captioned her post: “Not always a haggard old Mum thanks to my @zoejamesmakeup.”

TOUGH TIME

Jesy treated herself to the glam makeover after enduring an incredibly tough time lately.

This includes her break-up with fiance Zion, after only getting engaged four months ago.

When news of their split emerged, a source told The Sun: “Jesy and Zion remain friends and are fully focused on their daughters.”

The insider added that the former couple are “united in co-parenting”, Zion and Jesy have been focusing on the wellbeing of their twins.

The new parents have been coming to terms with their two daughters, Ocean and Story, being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 — the most severe form of a rare disease affecting muscle strength and movement.

Jesy and Zion have been told it is unlikely the girls will ever walk, and may face serious breathing and swallowing difficulties.

Symptoms of SMA depend on which type of condition, but the most common include floppy or weak arms and legs, as well as swallowing and breathing problems.

If untreated, the life expectancy of a baby with SMA Type 1 is two years.

Early intervention is ­considered critical in limiting long-term impacts.

If the twins had been tested and treated in time, there is a chance they would have avoided disability.

It is now unlikely they will regain their neck strength after the disease caused nerve cells to die, leading to progressive muscle weakness.

Ocean and Story are under the care of Great Ormond Street Hospital in ­central London and have received treatment, including a one-off gene-therapy infusion approved by the NHS.

‘TRAUMATIC MOMENTS’

Meanwhile, in the wake of their split, Jesy’s ex Zion shared a candid post about “traumatic moments” and “stress”.

It came following the release of the first trailer for the singer’s new Amazon Prime docu-series; Jesy Nelson: Life After Little Mix, Zion has shared an insight into what went on behind the cameras.

Sharing the trailer, Zion wrote: “It’s finally here, coming to your screens via @primevideouk & @navybee.tv.

“The past year and a half has been a rollercoaster. When @jesynelson and I started this project we couldn’t see the road ahead, but to see how it all played out and having it filmed simply feels like God’s plan. The show is raw, authentic and honest.”

Continuing to reference their daughters Ocean Jade and Story Munroe’s diagnosis, Zion admitted it has been a “traumatic” time.

He said: “As a new family we were under immense pressure and stress. Alot of traumatic moments but nonetheless we made it here today. I believe this is only the beginning of our journey.

“Praying for clarity, peace and growth so we can continue to navigate the challenges we face; and give Ocean and Story the best support system possible. God’s in control”.

The new Rauchmühle bridge in Innsbruck, Austria, was built close to its final location to keep disruption to a minimum. Engineers then began lifting the structure more than five metres off the ground using hydraulic presses.

A massive 1,400-tonne bridge has been transported nearly 100 metres through the heart of Innsbruck, Austria without requiring a single crane.

Austria’s state-owned railway operator, ÖBB, accomplished the feat at the weekend as part of a major overhaul of the city’s rail infrastructure. The new Rauchmühle bridge had been constructed near its ultimate destination to minimise disruption. Once completed, engineers began raising the structure more than five metres above ground level using hydraulic presses.

This phase required careful execution to maintain the bridge’s stability, reports the Express. On Sunday morning, the bridge began its slow journey. Rather than cranes, the team used heavy-duty platforms typically found at industrial facilities.

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A total of 12 units were deployed, featuring 56 axles and 112 wheels. They travelled at approximately 1-2 km/h, providing precise control as the bridge rolled into position over Hallerstraße. The structure was also rotated roughly 90 degrees before being lowered onto its new supports.

Engineers stated the approach was safer and more precise than hoisting the bridge with cranes, particularly in a densely populated urban environment. Construction on the scheme continues.

Over the coming days, teams will install bearings, complete the supports, fit railway equipment and prepare the line for reopening. Rail services between Rum and Innsbruck Central Station remain suspended until January 29, with replacement buses running instead. The new bridge replaces a metal structure that had been in service for more than 60 years. Around 270 trains crossed it every day, and a combination of heavy use and harsh Alpine weather meant it had reached the end of its technical life.

The replacement is made from concrete, offers a longer lifespan, reduces noise and should provide a smoother ride for passengers. ÖBB released several figures showing the scale of the operation:

Engineers described the relocation as one of the most complex moves carried out on an Austrian railway site in recent years. The bridge is expected to come into full use once the remaining work is completed later this month.

Meanwhile, those who wish to sample the delights of Denmark and Sweden can visit both in just one day, thanks to a striking ‘disappearing bridge’.

With many of us eyeing up quirky travel destinations this summer, this intriguing construction is a bit of a must-see. Remember, however, it has a different name depending on what side of the crossing you’re on – Øresund in Danish and Öresund in Swedish.

What’s striking about this structure is that, while it begins as a bridge, it cleverly plunges into the ocean, transforming into a tube tunnel in such a way that makes it appear as though it simply vanishes beneath the surface. Completed in 2000, following a grand opening ceremony jointly hosted by Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Øresund connects the two great cities of Copenhagen and Malmö.

All in all, the structure is approximately 16km in length, and cost £2.3 billion (£4.8 billion in today’s money) to build over a period of five years. Project designers opted to incorporate a tunnel over fears that a complete bridge could well interfere with radio signals from nearby Copenhagen Airport. This design also means a readily available shipping channel, whatever the weather.

More than a quarter of a century on since it was first unveiled, Øresund is regarded as a roaring success, helping to improve economic prospects for both Denmark and Sweden, and is credited with helping to build a trading region of some 4.2 million people, known on the world stage as the Øresund Region.

A recipient of the prestigious IABSE Outstanding Structure Award, Øresund is also immortalised in popular culture, being a key setting for the Swedish/Danish TV crime drama The Bridge. Seaon one, which first aired in 2011, kicked off with the discovery of a body on the bridge, located just between the two countries.