Valentine’s Week is here, and whether you’re spending it with a Valentine or a Galentine, a movie night is always a great idea! While Valentine’s Day is all about romance, its fun-loving cousin Galentine’s Day (February 13) celebrates friendship—giving you the perfect excuse for a cozy watch party with your BFFs. Last year brought some of the best new films, and this weekend is the perfect time to catch up. From the romantic-comedy ‘Anora’ and the road comedy-drama ‘A Real Pain‘ to thrillers like ‘Babygirl‘ and Lily-Rose Depp-starring horror gems like ‘Nosferatu‘ and Demi Moore’s ‘The Substance‘, here are 7 must-see new movies to stream with your someone special!

1. Anora

Acclaimed as one of the best films of 2024, Anora is a bold and poignant romantic comedy that follows the unconventional love story between a young sex worker and the privileged son of a Russian oligarch. Directed by Sean Baker, the film skilfully explores themes of vulnerability, societal expectations, and self-discovery, set against an unpredictable and often unforgiving world. Featuring standout performances from Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yuriy Borisov, and others, Anora blends humour with raw emotion, offering a deeply moving exploration of love’s complexities.

2. A Real Pain

If you’re looking for a film that blends humour and emotion, A Real Pain is the perfect pick for you and your Valentine. Described as powerfully funny and heartbreakingly beautiful, it takes an ordinary family trip and turns it into something extraordinary. When the grandmother of estranged cousins, David (Eisenberg) and Benji (Culkin), passes away, they reunite to honour their heritage with a trip to Poland. Their clashing personalities lead to comedic and poignant moments, making it a perfect watch for those who appreciate a mix of wit, warmth, and heart. Eisenberg’s direction and Culkin’s standout performance create a winning combination, balancing the solemn history with moments of levity. Though it appears as a buddy comedy, A Real Pain packs a real emotional punch.

3. Babygirl

One of the most buzzed-about films of this year’s awards season, Babygirl stars Nicole Kidman as a powerful CEO who takes a risky plunge into an affair with her much younger intern. While it’s far from a family-friendly choice, the film has garnered praise for its raw exploration of complex emotions and unapologetic boldness. Kidman delivers a standout performance as a driven, obsessed lover. Babygirl may not be for everyone, but those who do watch will find plenty to discuss long after the credits roll.

4. Nosferatu

In a fresh spin on a classic story, Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu introduces a chilling vampire determined to capture the heart of a tormented young woman. With its eerie atmosphere and a stellar cast featuring Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult, Bill Skarsgård, and Willem Dafoe, this remake is already earning rave reviews. Prepare to “succumb to darkness” and brace yourself for some spine-tingling jump scares.

5. The Substance (2024)

Demi Moore delivers a striking performance as Elisabeth Sparkle, a washed-up Hollywood star desperate to reclaim her youth in The Substance—a film that delves deep into society’s obsession with beauty, fame, and staying forever young. Turning to a mysterious black-market drug, Elisabeth creates a younger, revitalised version of herself, Sue (played by Margaret Qualley). But there’s a catch: the two must share one existence, switching bodies every other week. As Sue’s star rises and Elisabeth’s control slips away, their uneasy arrangement spirals into a chilling battle for identity, power, and survival. With haunting visuals, standout performances, and razor-sharp social critique, The Substance is an unsettling yet gripping watch—even for those usually wary of body horror.

6. Emilia Pérez

Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez is a genre-bending musical crime thriller that expertly blends crime, family drama, and personal identity, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The film follows four distinct women in Mexico, each navigating their own complex world, from familial ties to cartel dealings. What makes Emilia Pérez so special is its ability to weave together these interconnected stories, creating a rich and thought-provoking narrative that will stay with you long after the credits roll. With its blend of camp and depth, this fever dream of a film challenges your expectations and leaves you reflecting on its layers long after watching. A must-see for anyone looking for a truly one-of-a-kind movie.

7. We Live in Time

Two of the most prominent actors of their generation, Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, lead We Live in Time, a deeply moving film that’s bound to pull at your heartstrings. Presented in a nonlinear narrative, the beautifully crafted story follows Almut and Tobias through the highs and lows of their relationship, capturing both the beauty and complexity of their love. We Live in Time will make you laugh, cry, and reflect, leaving you pondering love, time, and the choices that define our lives.

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