Movies to get you in the mood for Valentine's Day

Looking for a good movie to watch on Valentine's Day, one that is not overly sappy or just cheap jokes? Fortunately, there are a lot of great movies out there for everyone. These nine movies are perfect for a date or an afternoon hanging out with friends.

"10 Things I Hate About You"
In the seven years since it was produced, "10 Things I Hate About You" has become the modern image of a chick-flick. Despite this stereotype, the film's dynamic cast and witty humor makes it one of the best Valentines Day movies. A retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," "10 Things I Hate About You" accounts the tumultuous relationship between Patrick and Kat, as well as the rest of their friends. With typical drama and a predicable ending, the sarcastic and witty humor carries the film. "10 Things I Hate About You" is the type of Valentine's movie that will have you listing way more than ten things that you love about it by the end.

"Dirty Dancing"
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze are the epitome of spark and chemistry in "Dirty Dancing." In the movie, Baby (Grey) goes to a resort one summer with her upper-middle class family. There she falls in love with hunky dance instructor Johnny (Swayze) and ends up learning a lot more than just how to dance. Baby discovers the reality of how the poor live and in the process, finds out a great deal about herself and her family.

"Fried Green Tomatoes"
Produced in 1991, this bittersweet story about two friends brought together by tragedy coincides with an uplifting deep-south feminist story. Told in two eras, "Fried Green Tomatoes" recounts the struggles of Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison in the south during the Depression as they struggle to keep their diner running. Sixty years later, Evelyn is a housewife suffering searching for change. At a nursing home she meets Ninny, whose tale of Idgie and Ruth inspires her. Unlike most chick-flicks, "Fried Green Tomatoes" focuses on the love of two close friends, rather than a clichéd romance. Even the most stubborn viewer will enjoy the amusing drama, bittersweet friendships and uplifting ending.

"A Knight's Tale"
One of the few good medieval romances in Hollywood, "A Knight's Tale" will amuse both guys and girls. Full of historical references, "A Knight's Tale" describes the struggles that peasant William Thatcher faces as he learns to joust. Along the way, he is hindered by Count Adhemar and must learn to conquer his growing affection for Lady Jocelyn. While the jousting, fighting and humor will amuse most guys, the perfectly toned romance and excellent actors should entertain the other half of the couples.

"Love & Basketball"
"Love and Basketball" is the perfect chick flick for Valentines Day: upbeat, not too sappily romantic and with enough sports action to keep the fellas (and ladies) thoroughly entertained. A unique format, a hot soundtrack and the shining performances of Sanaa Latham and Omar Epps keep this movie from being a typical coming-of-age story.

"The Notebook"
Admittedly, "The Notebook" is a hardcore romance. The movie oozes sappiness. Still, "The Notebook" manages to be genuine and fresh. When Rachel McAdams is forced to choose between two men she deeply loves, viewers will feel heart-wrenching sympathy. Be forewarned of tears and "awws" if you opt for this touching film.

"The Princess Bride"
No Valentine's Day is complete without having seen Westly battle massive rodents, Inigo avenge his father and Miracle Max bring back the dead. A classic 80s film, "The Princess Bride" combines all these elements, and more, in a whirlwind adventure of true love, revenge and miracles. Told by a cynical grandfather to his ill grandson, "The Princess Bride" tells the story of Westly's undying love for the beautiful Buttercup and how they defy all odds, even death, to be together. A new twist on fairy tales, "The Princess Bride" is a perfect choice for a lighthearted Valentine's day.

"Titanic"
True, "Titanic" is long, depressing and involves a lot of death - probably not the first thing that comes to mind when looking for a Valentines Day flick. Yet, the gloominess of "Titanic" makes it a brilliant Valentine's Day choice. What could encourage cuddling better than the classic love story of Jack and Rose (Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, respectively), who find solace in each other despite their differences in social class?

"Tristan and Isolde"
If you and your date are planning to go to the theater instead of staying in, "Tristan and Isolde" is a surprisingly good choice. Based off of the classic French romance tale, "Tristan and Isolde" describes the tormented romance of Irish princess Isolde (Sophia Myles), who is betrothed to the king of an English knight, Tristan (James Franco). Their romance spurs one of the greatest battles between the Irish and English, proving that love can survive all odds. The numerous battle sequences make "Tristan and Isolde" different from normal romances, creating parts that both guys and girls will enjoy.