I always feel a little sad when Christmas is over. So I personally love having Valentine’s Day to look forward to! While it can feel like another holiday for parents to stress over, I’m here to remind you that you don’t have to go all out to make your kids feel loved. Spending quality time together is what matters most — even if you are just at home watching Valentines Day movies, baking Valentine treats together, or reading Valentine’s Day books.
In general, I feel like holidays take on a new meaning once you have kids since you are seeing it through their eyes and teaching them your family traditions and values. While getting gifts is always fun, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures and special memories that matter more.
I also think of it as a time to remind kids what the holiday is really about. For Valentine’s Day, that means showing your friends, family, and community that you care about them. And that it is equally important to love yourself!
Whether you have little kids or big big kids, these Valentines Day movies can help introduce these heartfelt topics. Plus they’re just fun to watch and a cute way to celebrate the holiday together.
How Valentine’s Day Movies Help Kids
Ali's Pro Tip: Before watching a new movie or show with your kids, I always recommend checking out reviews on Common Sense Media. I use my best judgement before sitting down to watch a movie with my own kids, as I hate to be surprised by content that is not age appropriate for them.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps me continue sharing helpful parenting tips with you!
How Valentine’s Day Movies Help Kids
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Teach them what Valentine’s Day is about. Movies and TV shows with relatable characters and storylines can show kids how to celebrate the holiday. They can also help them learn what it means to love someone (and feel loved in return).
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Show them different types of love. You can help kids broaden their understanding of love with movies that focus on different ways to show affection. For example, how do parents show they love each other? How do you show love for a friend? Or toward yourself?
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Help them navigate complex feelings. Movies can teach kids that it’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions and learn how to deal with them. They can also help kids to see different perspectives and encourage them to have empathy for others.
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Build understanding and compassion. Movies like Elemental can help kids to see different perspectives and encourage them to have empathy for others. Many of these movies also show that there is more to someone than their appearance.
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Encourage thoughtful conversations. Movies can bring up a lot of important concepts, topics, and feelings for kids. Watching Valentine’s Day movies with them can help you answer any questions they may have about love, romance, and friendship. You can also use it as a starting point for a larger conversation.
Valentine’s Day Movies & TV episodes for Toddlers and Preschoolers
This list includes a mix of Valentines Day movies and TV episodes for varying attention spans. While not all of them focus on the actual holiday, they all deal with the topic of love in its many forms and how to share that you care about someone. They can also help little kids learn how to manage different emotions.
Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Apple TV
A 30-minute special with themes of empathy, optimism, and dealing with disappointment.
Lady and the Tramp
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
This heartwarming movie very sweetly captures the friendship, affection, and loyalty between two dogs from very different worlds.
Finding Nemo
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
I love this movie for Valentine's Day because it shows the unconditional love of a parent for their child — as well as the importance of a supportive friend who will stand by your side, no matter what.
Winnie the Pooh: A Valentine for You
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Disney+
Pooh and his friends are worried about losing Christopher Robin to a new girl, but eventually realize that love isn’t finite and he has enough room in his heart for everyone.
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: "It's Love Day" (season 2, episode 8)
Rating: G | Where to Watch: PBS Kids, Apple TV
Daniel and his friends celebrate Valentine’s Day with handmade cards, dances, and songs. Kids will learn there are different ways to show you care and say I love you.
Bluey: "Sleepytime" (season 2, episode 26) or “Fancy Restaurant” (season 2, episode 17
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Disney+, Apple TV
Sleepytime beautifully captures how a parent’s love for their child can support and reassure them, even if they aren’t right there next to them. Fancy Restaurant is a funny episode that shows a more realistic side of romance — and how parents can still find a way to connect through small, thoughtful gestures.
Paw Patrol: Pups Save Friendship Day (Season 3, Episode 6)
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Paramount+
The pups must save Friendship Day when Mayor Humdinger attempts to ruin the celebrations. This episode shows the importance of friendship and working together to solve problems.
Valentine’s Day Movies for Kids
These Valentines Day movies are perfect for kids six and older. Many of the titles in this list are also some of my own favorites as an adult!
The Parent Trap
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
Two girls meet at summer camp and instantly hate each other — until they discover they're actually identical twins separated at birth! They hatch a brilliant plan to switch places and meet the parent they've never known, then scheme to reunite their mom and dad before he marries the wrong woman.
The Princess Diaries
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
Mia feels invisible in high school — until she finds out she’s a princess! When the queen shows up to give her princess lessons, Mia starts to form a bond with her estranged grandmother and must decide if she’s going to remain a regular kid or step up as the heir to the throne of Genovia.
Spoiler alert: The second movie shows princess Mia returning to Genovia after graduating college, only to find out some more big news. She must get married within 30 days — otherwise, the crown goes to her rival heir, Nicholas.
Enchanted
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
This movie starts off like most animated fairytales — a princess is frolicking in the woods with her animal friends and meets a prince. They quickly fall in love, but the prince’s evil step-mother ruins their plans to marry by sending the princess to the real world where there are no “happily ever afters.” As she befriends a cynical divorce lawyer and explores life in New York as a human, everyone’s idea of love changes.
Cinderella (2015)
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
A modern twist on a classic favorite. This movie follows the original storyline while expanding more on the stepmother’s motivations, the prince’s life, and Cinderella’s backstory. Cinderella is also more independent and resourceful in this version — and lives by her mother’s motto of “have courage and be kind.”
The Princess and the Frog
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
Set in New Orleans during the 1920s, Tiana is a hardworking waitress with big ambitions of opening her own restaurant. After attending a ball in a fancy gown, prince Naveen — who’s been turned into a frog — mistakes her for a princess. He’s sure that a kiss will break the spell and offers her money to open her restaurant in exchange for a kiss. But she turns into a frog instead!
Shrek
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Peacock, Hulu
An ogre rescues a princess from a dragon-guarded tower, but this isn't your typical fairy tale! Shrek and Princess Fiona discover that true love doesn't always look like you'd expect, and being yourself is better than being perfect.
Ella Enchanted
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Ella’s fairy godmother unintentionally curses her at birth by giving her the gift of obedience. Finally fed up with always doing what others tell her to do, she goes on a journey to find her fairy godmother and reverse the spell. This is a cute and clever modern re-telling of Cinderella — with elves, ogres, and, of course, a prince.
Tangled
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
This movie adaptation is a family-friendly version of a classic fairytale. Rapunzel is a princess with magical hair that keeps the witch young. Her journey begins when she meets Flynn — a thief on the run — ties him up, and makes him guide her outside of the tower to see the floating lanterns that always mysteriously appear on her birthday.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
The live-action version expands on the original story by providing more backstory, featuring new characters, and adding new songs. There’s also a lot more depth to Belle and the Beast — and there’s a twist to the curse!
The Princess Bride
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
A classic movie that’s charming, witty, and nostalgic. The Princess Bride does a great job of blending different genres into one movie that’s fun for both kids and adults to watch (or re-watch!).
Frozen
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
A mix of magic, powerful female characters, and catchy songs. I love Valentines Day movies that go against the classic romance fairytale trope. Instead, it focuses on the love between two sisters and how their individual strengths and sisterly bond help them overcome challenges.
Elemental
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
Inspired by the director’s own immigrant story, this movie is about two characters (a water element and a fire element) living in a divided world among the Fire, Water, Earth, and Air elements. Their relationship challenges social norms as they discover they have much more in common than they do differences.
Gnomeo & Juliet
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
This kid-friendly version of Romeo and Juliet follows two feuding families — the red hats and the blue hats — from rival gardens. Of course everything changes once Gnomeo meets Juliet. This lighthearted take on Shakespeare’s story is a fun watch and has a much more positive ending.
Valentine’s Day Movies for Tweens
While two of these movies are rated PG-13, I find they’re tame enough for kids close to their teenage years. But always use your own discretion!
A Cinderella Story
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
I could sit and watch this movie over and over again with my girls! Sam and Austin come from two different social groups in high school. But when they meet online, they connect on a deeper level over their dreams for the future. Their relationship shows that there is more to someone than their appearance and everyone is worthy of happiness.
Father of the Bride
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Max
A heartwarming and hilarious movie about a Dad who’s struggling with the idea of his daughter growing up and getting married. While perfectly highlighting the emotional journey of planning a wedding, it also captures the bittersweet experience of being a parent.
Ever After
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
This might be my all-time favorite movie! If you’re looking for Valentines Day movies that contain fairytale elements but are more grounded in reality, I highly recommend Ever After. Instead of instant attraction between Danielle and the prince, their feelings develop over time through intellectual conversation and shared values.
The Prince and Me
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
A pre-med student falls for her lab partner, not realizing he’s the Crown Prince of Denmark. This is a feel-good story that’s fun to watch in celebration of Valentine’s Day. I also love watching these more modern-day fairytale stories that showcase an independent and ambitious woman.
She’s The Man
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Viola sets out to prove that girls can do anything boys can do. While disguised as her twin brother, she joins the boys’ soccer team and ends up falling for another player. Filled with lots of slapstick comedy, this movie challenges gender stereotypes and is a refreshing take on the typical rom-com.
Letters to Juliet
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Inspired by a real tradition in Verona, Italy, where “secretaries” reply to love letters left for Shakespeare’s Juliet, a writer finds a 50 year-old unanswered letter and goes on a journey to help the author track down her long-lost love. This is a great Valentine’s Day movie because it features a new and exciting romance alongside an old love that has lasted throughout the years.
High School Musical series
Rating: G | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+
Popular high school athlete meets nerdy theater kid in this relatable story about trying to fit in, following your passion, and figuring out who you are while falling in love. Plus it has fun choreography and music to sing along to! While the movie is rated G, it’s more appropriate for tweens who can connect with the characters’ experiences.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants
Rating: PG | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Max, Hulu
Love isn't always about romance! This movie is all about the unwavering support, love, and loyalty between female friends as they deal with real-life issues. My girls love watching these four best friends face their own challenges while staying connected through the traveling pants.
Valentine's Day Movies for Teens (Ages 13+)
My tweens have watched all of these Valentines Day movies and loved them. But there are definitely some scenes that are better for older kids! If you’re watching with tweens, you may want to preview these movies ahead of time for scenes you want to skip.
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix, Paramount+
A “how-to” columnist has to drive away a guy in 10 days and write about it. Little does she know, the guy has to make her fall in love with him. While both characters hope to win the bet in order to advance their careers, they realize there may be a lot more to lose as they start to genuinely fall for each other.
10 Things I Hate About You
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Disney+, Hulu
This movie is a modern re-telling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. I love that it features two sisters who couldn’t be more opposite — one is headstrong and cynical while the other is sweet and hopeful. It’s also filled with funny, witty lines and genuine, vulnerable moments that will make you fall in love with each of the main characters.
A Walk to Remember
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
A rebellious teen gets in trouble and is forced to do community service with the reverend's daughter. This movie shows how a self-less love can change you and continue long after someone is gone. Keep the tissue box close though because it may make you cry by the end!
The Proposal
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Peacock
This movie is the perfect blend of romance and comedy. Facing deportation back to Canada, Margaret pretends she’s engaged to her assistant who loathes her. When forced to go on a trip to Alaska to see his family, they start to see different sides of each other and ultimately fall in love.
13 Going on 30
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu
On Jenna’s 13th birthday, she makes a wish to be 30 so she can skip her awkward teen years and go right to being cool and successful. But she soon realizes that her life isn’t exactly going as planned. With the help of her longtime best friend, she re-discovers who she is and what really matters — while finding love along the way.
27 Dresses
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock
Forever a bridesmaid, Jane is a hopeless romantic who always puts the needs of others first. Her life begins to unravel when the guy she secretly loves proposes to her sister — and the wedding announcement writer she admires turns out to hate weddings. This movie has all the classic rom-com elements, and I love that the lead learns to stand up for herself and find her own happiness.
You've Got Mail
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix
Neighborhood bookstore rivals unknowingly email each other and begin to develop a friendship that turns into something more. This is a feel-good, nostalgic movie with plenty of thoughtful dialogue and sweet moments. Similar to other Valentines Day movies listed here, I like that it focuses on building a deeper connection as the precursor to a good relationship.
Hitch
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime, Starz, Hulu
Hitch is a pro at helping others connect and find love, except when it comes to himself! Watching him mess up as he tries to charm Sarah — while building Albert up to be a confident romantic partner — is both funny and endearing. By the end, Hitch realizes that being authentically yourself is more important than any of his dating rules.
Leap Year
Rating: PG-13 | Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Inspired by an Irish folk tradition, Anna plans to travel to Dublin, Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day. When her plans are derailed, she meets a cynical, yet charming, innkeeper and offers him money to drive her to Dublin. This movie includes lots of funny travel mishaps and witty banter — with the overall message of following your heart.
Q&A: Valentines Day Movies
What’s a good Valentine’s Day movie for kids?
It really depends on their age and what they’re interested in. If you need a movie to satisfy a mix of ages, I would pick an animated film, like Frozen, Shrek, or Tangled.
What about Valentine’s Day movies for galentines?
I’d choose movies that focus on female friendships and female empowerment, like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Parent Trap, or Ever After. Otherwise, classic rom-coms, like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 27 Dresses, or Hitch are the perfect choice.
How do you choose the right Valentines Day movies for kids?
I always look at age ratings and movie ratings when selecting movies for kids to watch. You can also get more insight by looking at Common Sense Media and reading a few reviews from parents. Remember, you can always pick a movie that focuses more on the love for a friend or sibling, too.
Do these movies work for family movie night?
Absolutely! All of these Valentine’s Day picks are family-friendly movies (just keep the age rating in mind). For more ideas, take a look at my list of non-animated family movies.
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More Ideas for Valentine’s Day
I’m all about spreading love, joy, and support — especially to other parents! If you want more fun ideas for Valentine’s Day, check out my other posts here:
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Easy Valentine Treats: Get yummy recipes and simple shortcuts to make baking easier
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Valentine’s Day Books: Discover heartwarming stories for babies, preschoolers, and older kids
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Cute Kids Valentines: Be prepared for classroom card exchanges
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Valentines Day Gifts: Find meaningful gifts, practical ideas, and more (for kids and adults!)
I’d love to hear how you celebrate Valentine’s Day, or if there are any kid-friendly movies you think deserve to be in this list! Share with me in the comments below.
