Valentine's Day Films for a Single Friends' Movie Marathon

You see the heart-shaped candy boxes, balloon bouquets, and goofy message hearts everywhere you look for at least a month before Valentine's Day arrives. There's a clear message: love should be celebrated in the cheesiest way possible for proper enjoyment of the holiday. You don't have to be in a romantic relationship to enjoy the beauty and fun of Valentine's Day, though. Grab a few great movies and even greater friends; have a Valentine's Day movie marathon that celebrates all kinds of love, especially the friendship kind.

Consider going for romantic comedies that aren't traditionally focused on a relationship. "My Best Friend's Wedding" is a top choice for friendship movie marathons. Yes, it may seem like a typical romantic comedy at first, but it's one that twists and turns in ways that you won't expect. You don't have to be a devoted fan of her winning smile to appreciate the fun films of Julia Roberts. Also add "Eat Pray Love" and "Something to Talk About" for a Julia marathon.

"I'm telling you there's a lot of nobodies," says Selena in "Dolores Claiborne" when her mother asks if she's dating, capturing the way many may feel when left alone on February 14. Go a little darker if Valentine's Day really gets your group of friends down. Perhaps one of the best male writers of women, Stephen King, is a great way to theme a marathon. Stream or rent such films as "Dolores Claiborne," "Carrie," "It," and "The Shining." They're all based on King novels, and they will keep your mind far from temporary dating woes.

Get some strange initial looks from your friends when your movie marathon is themed to all holidays except Valentine's Day. Choose a great Christmas movie, such as "It's a Wonderful Life," which can be enjoyed year-round. Opt for "The Worst Witch" and "The Outside Chance of Maximilian Glick." The former is a Halloween movie, and the latter includes Hanukkah; both movies star Fairuza Balk. Include "Easter Parade," a classic starring Judy Garland, for an Easter movie. "Meet Me In St. Louis" follows a family through the whole year, and it's also appropriate to include. (It skips mentioning Valentine's Day.)

Be creative when it comes to your marathon theme. Go as far inside or outside the box as you want. If you want to watch your favorite love stories and dream of a better Valentine's Day next year, go for it. If you want to watch horror movies in which all lovers are the first to go, that's easy to do, too. Your only limitation is your own cinematic imagination.