Valentine’s Day is here, and with romance in the air, what better way to celebrate than diving into films that embrace what the holiday is all about — or not.

The formulaic nature of a romantic comedy can make it a popular choice for movie lovers this time of year. Two people meet, there’s an instant connection, but some conflict keeps them apart. Throw in a quirky best friend for the lead to confide in, and you’ve got a movie.

However, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, says Vincent Georgie, marketing faculty at the Odette School of Business and executive director and chief programmer of the Windsor International Film Festival.

“Valentine’s Day can easily engage a cross-section of people who celebrate. Thus, audiences may turn to a romantic comedy just as much as they might lean on a romantic tragedy, or even delve into horror films or raunchier fare,” Dr. Georgie says. “Beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder for this ever-expanding and evolving holiday.”

And if you’re really not feeling the love this holiday, Georgie says Feb. 14 offers plenty of counter-programming.

“What famed Oscar winner opened in theatres on Feb. 14, 1991? Nothing less than the cannibal thriller The Silence of the Lambs,” he notes.

For those looking to embrace the romance of the holiday, Georgie has some recommendations:

• Love Affair (1939)
• The Way We Were (1973)
• My Girl (1991)
• Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
• Shall We Dance? (1996, Japanese version)
• Paradise (1997)
• The Object of My Affection (1998)
• How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
• 13 Going on 30 (2004)
• Imagine Me & You (2005)
• Ghost (2010)
• Southside with You (2016)
• Love, Simon (2018)