IF you don’t fancy splurging your well-earned cash on an over-priced meal or coming face to face with the inevitable and nauseating public displays of affection that come hand in hand with Valentine’s Day then why not plan a quiet night in and and watch one of our all-time favourite romantic films.

These movies promise to make you laugh but also make you cry. So why not cuddle up of the couch, stock up on some snacks and sit back and relax.

Notting Hill

Starring:  Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts

Favourite quote: ‘I'm also just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her’

What happens: Many have dreamed of the day that their favourite Hollywood star would come walking into their lives.

This comes true for floppy-haired William Thacker (Grant) when the world’s most famous actress (Roberts) enters his life and his heart.

It is an unlikely romance but one that provides hope for all those wannabe Mrs Ryan Goslings out there.

Dirty Dancing

Starring: Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey

Favourite quote: ‘Nobody puts Baby in the corner’

What happens: Dirty Dancing tells the tale of a privileged teenager (Gray) who dreams of falling in love and finds it while at a holiday resort with her family. 

After succumbing to the irresistible charms of her dance instructor (Swayze), the new-found romance is met with disapproval from her judgemental family. 

The film was a surprise box-office hit when it hit the silver screen in 1987, but the biggest success was its soundtrack, which will leave you unwittingly serenading those around you.

The Notebook

Starring: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams

Favourite quote: ‘I think our love can do anything we want it to’

What happens: Tears will flow if you decide your heart is strong enough to watch The Notebook.
This romantic story follows the lives of a young couple who fall in love in the 1940s.

Their lives lead them down different paths but their love is too strong to keep them apart with fate bringing them back together.

Without wanting to ruin the ending, tissues must be easily accessible and in plentiful supply.

P.S. I Love You

Starring: Hilary Swank and Gerard Butler

Favourite quote: P.S. I will always love you.

What happens: Fans of author Cecelia Ahern will know this will inevitably trigger an outpouring of tears.

As grieving widow (Swank) tries to come to terms with the death of her husband (Butler), she discovers he has planned ahead and had left her a series of messages to help her get through the heartbreak of losing the person she loves most in the world.

When Harry Met Sally

Starring: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan

Favourite quote: "I came here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible."

What happens: Throughout the film you will be asking yourself repeatedly the same question – are they just friends or is it something more than that?

Harry (Crystal) meets Sally (Ryan) at college but part ways after deciding a man and a woman can’t be friends without feelings getting in the way.

Their paths continue to cross as the film chronicles the ultimate dilemma – will they or won’t they?

And the romantic films with a difference...

The Shrek franchise

Starring: The voice of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz

Favourite quote: Bachelorette number two is Snow White. She may live with seven men but she ain't easy.

What happens: It’s a fairytale romance with a twist. 

Enchanted princess locked in a tower, guarded by a fire-breathing dragon. Check. A prince who wants to marry the princess. Check. 

This animated hit has all the makings of a the perfect fairytale but this time the hero comes in the huge shape of a big, green ogre who lives happily alone in a swamp until his world his turned upside down.

All of the Shrek films are certain to make you laugh from start to finish.

Do you agree with our list? Are there any others that should be included? Let us know by posting your comments below.