I was mulling making several anti-Valentine’s posts. The first of which is a playlist of sorta angry and bitter movies for the single ladies (and gentlemen). I listed down movies. Drafted several other movie playlists and I ended up with this: my Anti-Valentines Movie Marathon Playlist. Not necessarily for single ladies. Definitely not just for the sad and bitter. But for anybody who simply wants to enjoy a good movie marathon.

I have watched most of these more than once in the past. And majority of these I have re-watched in the past few weeks just to be sure these movies fit into what I consider as “Anti-Valentines Movies.”

What is an Anti-Valentines Movie Marathon?

Most of these are my favorites. Other than me loving each one, I carefully chose every movie to make sure it fits my anti-Valentine’s sentiments.

First, most of the movies in my list are female-driven or have female leads.

Second, these films do not have romance or romantic relationships as a major plot point. Mind you, the leads are not necessarily loveless or single . Just that their love relationships are not at the center of these films.

Finally, the list has something for everybody. There’s comedy. A little bit of drama. Some action and adventure. There are even animated films. The list covers a wide range of topics including food (of course), medieval history, and even witchcraft. And yes, there are documentaries here, as well. Plus, a few non-American films which I absolutely love.

Now and Then

Gather you best girl friends and watch this heartwarming coming of age film.

“Now and Then” is light drama about growing up and the importance of friendships. It stars the biggest teen and adult stars of the 1990s. Whether you are watching it alone or with your girl gang, you are sure to enjoy this flick. And maybe shed a few tears, as well.

Not to mention it has an awesome soundtrack. Sugar… oh honey, honey.

Also watch: Girls’ Trip, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

Haute Cuisine

My one true love is probably food. If you thought, “SAMEDT,” well then, watch “Haute Cuisine.”

This French film is originally titled “Les Saveurs dus Palais.” Among the films in this list, this is the hardest one for me to pick because I love sooo many food films. (Will definitely share my fave food films list soon.) I specifically chose “Haute Cuisine” because it has a strong single female lead with no hints or subplots about love or romance.

It is all about food and cuisine. The film is based on the story of Chef Danièle Mazet-Delpeuch. It focuses on the two years that she was served as the private chef for French President François Mitterrand.

Also watch: Chocolat (French), Tampopo (Japanese)

Kill Bill Volume 1 and Volume 2

“Revenge is never a straight line.”

From Uma Thurman as “The Bride” to my favorite Lucy Liu as O-Ren Ishii, this two volume film has no shortage of bad-ass women.

Both Kill Bill films are bloody and gory. But also definitely entertaining. And loads of fun to watch. The fight scenes are still some of the best even after 17 years. Any Anti-Valentines Movies list should include the two Kill Bill Volumes.

Also watch: Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Battle Royale (Japanese)

The September Issue

Looking for style inspiration?

Much as I love “The Devil Wears Prada,” I love “The September Issue” even more. Watch both, why not? This documentary is an inside look into how Vogue produces their biggest issue. Get to know how fashion shoots are conceptualized, done, and published. Plus, insights into the publishing and fashion industries.

I find Anna Wintour and Vogue fascinating. And you will too. I promise.

After all, the best anti-Valentines movies celebrate the strong women of the world. Especially, the real life ones.

Also watch: The Devil Wears Prada, Iris, Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorfs

Chicago

I do love me a great musical and Chicago is perfect for my Anti-Valentines Movies list.

The Cell Block Tango is exquisite. And I could watch it over and over again. It never gets old.

Musical Movie to Watch: Ang Larawan

Captain Marvel

Ok, this is a new one but I really love it and I want to include a superhero film. Watch my spoiler-free review:

It is one of my favorite MCU films and I find it an enjoyable film to watch. Over and over again.

Also watch: The Last Jedi, Rogue One, Wonder Woman

Joy Luck Club

If you want to cry… and I mean CRY, include “The Joy Luck Club” in your playlist queue.

This films weaves the many stories of women. It might seem foreign to some but I believe that there are pieces of each one of us in the characters of this beloved film. It tells of mothers and daughters, friends and rivals. Loves and careers. Tradition and modern values.

Any and every women can definitely relate to this film. Warning: Prepare to cry.

Also watch: Eat, Drink, Man, Woman (China), Madrasta (Filipino), Anak (Filipino)

Troop Beverly Hills

Here is another favorite from the 1980s.

“Troop Beverly Hills” is fun, funny, and definitely OUTRAGEOUS. It is the perfect film to watch after a heavy drama or a gory action film during your Anti-Valentines Movie Marathon.

Also watch: Legally Blonde, Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, Bring It On

The Craft

How about a film about witchcraft?

This was one of the edgier movies during the teen movies wave of the 1990s. This is not for all, for sure. But I recommend you check it out, nonetheless.

Also watch: Practical Magic, Death Becomes Her, The Witches

Beauty in a Bottle

Ever wonder where this hilarious Angelica Panganiban clip comes from?

It is from “Beauty in a Bottle,” an Antoinette Jadaone film. Unlike most other Filipino comedies, this is a smart film. And romance and love is not at the center of this movie. It is about women confronting society’s standards of beauty. The film has perfect casting: Angelica Panganiban, Assunta da Rossi, and Angeline Quinto.

It is a must-watch Filipino film.

Also watch: Ang Babae sa Septic Tank (Filipino), Booba (Filipino),

Elizabeth

And if you want to be inspired by strong women in history, watch “Elizabeth“ and “Elizabeth: The Golden Age.“

Cate Blanchett is FLAWLESS. That’s it. It is the only reason I love this. JK. I am fascinated by medieval times and everything about ancient history. So I watch this film and the sequal over and over again.

Also watch: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great Series (Netflix), Hidden Figures

BuyBust

And here is another kick-ass woman kicking ass.

Who would have though Anne Curtis can do such a film? I could never. But this is brilliant. Action-packed. Well-executed. And timely. Watch it.

Also watch: Alien, Mad Max: Fury Road, Charlie’s Angels, Ocean’s 9, Crouching Tigger, Hidden Dragon

Frozen

To complete my Anti-Valentines Movies List, here are Anna and Elsa.

End your movie marathon with a feel good Disney movie. We all know Elsa’s “Let It Go” is the anthem we love. Single or not, it is a song we all sing to with gusto and so much feels.

Also watch: Moana, Mulan, Brave

Watch these in the order I listed or in the order you prefer. Just know I listed these films to have a good flow of light and heavy, a balance of comedy and drama. I suggest starting with something light like Now and Then and ending with something fun like Frozen. Just as I listed.

But you know… you do you.

What’s next?

Making this list has been interesting. And made me realize I have so much more to watch and learn. I did a bit of research on more female-led or female-driven films in various genres and topics and I found A LOT.

Here are a few that are now queued up on my list:

• Kamikazee Girls (Japanese)
• League of their Own
• Bend It Like Beckham
• Hua Mulan (Chinese)
• Roma (Mexican)
• Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Spanish)
• Sister Stella L (Filipino)
• Amelie (French)
• Wanda
• Frances Ha
• Queen of Katwe
• Girlhood
• Tallulah
• Seeing Allred
• Annihilation
• Mustang (Turkish)
• Whale Rider (NZ)
• Mother (Korean)
• 212 Warrior (Indonesian)
• Yes, Madam (HK)
• Muen and Rid (Thai)
• When a Woman Ascends the Stairs (Japanese)
• Furie (Vietnamese)
• Dreamgirls
• Hustlers
• Chocolate (Thai)
• The Villainess (Korean)
• Azumi (Japanese)
• We are the Best (Swedish)
• Carol

Quite a lot, yes? Coincidentally, Women’s Month is next month so I will try to make a movie playlist for that.

So grab that popcorn. Get your drinks ready. And queue up those films. Happy watching!

Let me know if you have recommendations. And do not hesitate to leave your requests, as well.

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