As Valentine’s Day approaches, many Grand Valley State University students are looking for the perfect films to watch.
While it may be easy to default to familiar romantic comedies or love stories, film professors say Valentine’s Day movies do not have to be traditionally romantic to fit the holiday. Instead, film professors at GVSU encourage students to explore films that approach love and connection in less expected ways, from horror to animated shorts.
Film Professor Joel Potrykus said Valentine’s Day films are not usually his preference.
“There are very few films that deal with Valentine’s Day that I connect with,” Potrykus said. “At my core, I’m not very romantic.”
Rather than recommending a romantic comedy, Potrykus highlights the 1981 Canadian slasher film “My Bloody Valentine.” Set in a mining town in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, the film follows a killer terrorizing residents with a pickaxe.
According to Potrykus, the movie stands out from many horror films of its era for its strong visual style and atmosphere.
“The original transcends the genre, with a strong vision throughout,” Potrykus said. “Unlike most schlocky horror films of its time, ‘My Bloody Valentine’ takes its time with compositions and light, and understands how tension works.”
When “My Bloody Valentine” was released, it was largely dismissed as another imitation of “Halloween.” The film also sparked controversy after receiving partial funding from the Canadian Film Development Corporation. Chicago Tribune critic Gene Siskel criticized the Canadian government for supporting what he called a “dismal and depressing horror film.”
Despite early criticism, the film has since gained a cult following. Potrykus noted that the UK shoegaze band “My Bloody Valentine” took its name from the film, and director Quentin Tarantino has cited it as his favorite slasher movie.
While Potrykus’ recommendation leans toward horror, another film professor, Julie Goldstein, suggested a quieter option for Valentine’s Day viewing.
Around the holiday, Goldstein often recommends “Paperman” (2012), a black-and-white animated short produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios.
“In just a few minutes, ‘Paperman’ distills romance to its essence — chance, vulnerability and longing — without excess or spectacle,” Goldstein said.
Goldstein said the short format allows the film to rely on visual storytelling rather than dialogue or a complex plot.
“What ‘Paperman’ gets right is that love doesn’t require explanation,” Goldstein said. “It allows love to exist in hesitation, missed timing and small acts of courage.”
Goldstein first saw “Paperman” when it premiered alongside “Wreck-It Ralph.” The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. From a teaching perspective, Goldstein highlighted the film’s hybrid animation style and its use of visual metaphor, including the paper airplanes that represent connection and persistence.
“I wouldn’t describe ‘Paperman’ as a traditional romance,” Goldstein said. “I think of it as an urban fairytale or a poetic encounter.”
The professors’ recommendations highlight that the perfect Valentine’s Day movie date doesn’t need to be a blockbuster rom-com. From horror to animation, these picks show that Valentine’s Day films can explore love and connection while expanding into more genres than just your typical romance.
