Stream these Valentine’s rom-coms today

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Showmax has added more romantic-comedies to enjoy, and a few sad love stories for those who aren’t feeling the Valentine’s spirit.

The Big Sick (2017)

Pakistan-born comedian Kumail (Emmy nominee Kumail Nanjiani from The Twilight Zone and Silicon Valley) and grad student Emily (Emmy nominee Zoe Kazan from Olive Kitteridge) fall in love but struggle as their cultures clash. When Emily contracts a mysterious illness, Kumail finds himself forced to face her feisty parents, his family’s expectations, and his true feelings.

Nanjiani wrote this classic with his real-life wife Emily V. Gordon, based on their own love story. “A classic boy-meets-girl, girl-falls-into-coma, boy-and-girl-write-Oscar-nominated-movie-about-it rom-com, in other words,” according to Rolling Stone, who included this “true tale of true love” in their roundup of the 50 best romantic comedies of all time.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Native New Yorker Rachel Chu, an economics professor, travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend Nick’s family, but soon discovers they’re preposterously wealthy, with strong opinions about the ’class’ of person they’d like to see Nick dating.

Based on the bestselling 2013 novel by Kevin Kwan, this fairy tale romcom stars Constance Wu (Hustlers) in a Golden Globe-nominated role alongside Henry Golding (A Simple Favour) and Awkwafina (Ocean’s 8), who were both nominated for Teen Choice Awards for this film. BAFTA nominee Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) and Jemma Chan (Captain Marvel) co-star.

As Rotten Tomatoes’ critics consensus put it, “With a terrific cast and a surfeit of visual razzle dazzle, Crazy Rich Asians takes a satisfying step forward for screen representation while deftly drawing inspiration from the classic – and still effective – rom-com formula.”

It’s also the highest-grossing romantic comedy in a decade, so it’s worth checking out.

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

After a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.

Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Actress Oscar and Golden Globe as Tiffany, Bradley Cooper was nominated for Best Actor at both as Pat, and Robert de Niro and Jacki Weaver were up for Best Supporting Actor and Actress Oscars respectively as Pat’s parents – making it “one of only a handful of flicks to ever receive Oscar nominations in every acting category,” according to Decider. Two-time MTV Movie Award winners Julia Stiles (Save the Last Dance, 10 Things I Hate About You) and Chris Tucker (Rush Hour) co-star.

Silver Linings Playbook is written and directed by five-time Oscar nominee David O. Russell (American Hustle, Joy), based on Matthew Quick’s bestselling novel.

Visit the next page to read about more films that are available to stream on Showmax.

Bridesmaids (2011)

Annie is an out-of-work pastry chef, who agrees to be the maid of honour for her lifetime best friend Lillian. Though lovelorn and broke, she bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals, determined to show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.

As Annie, Kristen Wiig was nominated for a Golden Globe, while Melissa McCarthy earned her first Oscar nomination as Megan, another bridesmaid. Three-time Emmy nominee Maya Rudolph (The Good Place) plays Lillian,  while Golden Globe nominee Rose Byrne (Damages), Emmy nominee Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Critics Choice nominee Wendi McLendon-Covey (The Goldbergs) co-star as the other bridesmaids. Look out for Golden Globe winner Jon Hamm (Mad Men) and Emmy winner Chris O’Dowd (State of the Union) as Annie’s love interests.

Trainwreck (2015)

Having thought that monogamy was unrealistic, a commitment-phobic career woman may have to face her fears when she meets a good guy.

In the lead role of Amy, Amy Schumer was nominated for a Golden Globe and four MTV Movie Awards, and won a Critics Choice Award. The all-star cast includes three-time Emmy winner Bill Hader (Barry) and Teen and People’s Choice nominee John Cena (Bumblebee) as very different love interests; Oscar winners Brie Larson (Room, Captain Marvel), Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton) and Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny); basketball legend LeBron James in a hilarious cameo as himself; and even People’s Choice winner Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) as a dog walker.