12 Disney Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day

Introduction

Valentine’s Day often brings a pressure to perform—to book the most expensive restaurant, buy the largest bouquet, or plan a grand gesture that rivals a royal proposal. But as we settle into 2025, the trend for "cozy romance" is taking over. Couples and hopeless romantics alike are trading crowded venues for the comfort of their own living rooms, rediscovering the simple joy of a shared story. And when it comes to storytelling that tugs at the heartstrings, nobody does it quite like Disney.

Disney films are not just for children; they are the original blueprints for our understanding of romance. They taught us that love can break spells, cross oceans, and even transcend time. Whether you are looking for the nostalgia of a hand-drawn classic or the visual spectacle of a modern Pixar masterpiece, the Disney+ library is a treasure trove of romantic inspiration. This year, social media trends have seen a resurgence of "Disney Date Nights," with couples recreating iconic spaghetti dinners or setting up "lantern festival" living rooms.

Below, we have curated a list of 12 Disney movies that are perfect for Valentine's Day. These aren't just cartoons; they are masterclasses in emotional connection, vulnerability, and the enduring power of love.

Listen to That Love Podcast: Before we dim the lights and start the movie marathon, if you want real-life love stories and relationship advice to accompany your evening, tune into our latest episodes here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes

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12. Lady and the Tramp (1955)

The Vibe: Vintage charm, candlelight, and the most iconic dinner date in cinema history.

The Story: Lady, a refined Cocker Spaniel from an upscale neighborhood, finds her life turned upside down when her owners have a baby. She meets Tramp, a street-smart mutt with a heart of gold and a disdain for collars. Despite their different backgrounds, they embark on an adventure through the city that leads to a blossoming romance.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: It is the ultimate "opposites attract" story. Lady and the Tramp reminds us that love isn't about status or pedigree; it's about connection. The famous spaghetti scene at Tony’s Restaurant is the gold standard for romantic gestures. Watching it in 2025 feels like a warm hug of nostalgia. It encourages us to step out of our comfort zones and see the world through our partner's eyes.

Call to Action: Stream Lady and the Tramp on Disney+

11. Elemental (2023)

The Vibe: Visually stunning, modern, and metaphorically rich. A story about chemistry—literally.

The Story: In Element City, residents of Fire, Water, Land, and Air live together but generally stay apart. Ember Lumen, a tough, quick-witted Fire woman, meets Wade Ripple, a go-with-the-flow Water guy. Their relationship challenges the city’s strict social norms and forces Ember to question everything she thought she knew about her own future and family obligations.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: Elemental has quickly become a favorite for modern couples because it tackles real-world relationship hurdles: cultural differences, family expectations, and the fear of vulnerability. The visual representation of their love—creating steam when they touch—is incredibly romantic. It’s a beautiful reminder that sometimes the person who is "bad" for you on paper is actually the one who balances you out perfectly.

If you are navigating your own complex relationship dynamics, our Relationship Advice section offers great tips on bridging differences.

Call to Action: Watch Elemental on Disney+

10. Tangled (2010)

The Vibe: Adventurous, funny, and radiant. The lantern scene alone makes it a top contender.

The Story: Rapunzel, a spirited teen with magical hair, has been locked in a tower her entire life. When the charming thief Flynn Rider stumbles into her prison, she strikes a deal with him to act as her guide to see the floating lanterns that appear every year on her birthday. What starts as a transactional partnership evolves into deep mutual respect and love.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: Flynn and Rapunzel have arguably the healthiest relationship dynamic in the Disney canon. They get to know each other as friends first. They challenge each other, protect each other, and share their dreams. The sequence where they sing "I See the Light" surrounded by thousands of lanterns is widely cited on TikTok as the "perfect date." It is a movie that makes you believe in finding your "new dream."

For more ideas on creating your own magical evening, check out our Date Night Tips.

Call to Action: Stream Tangled on Disney+

9. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

The Vibe: 90s nostalgia, teen angst, and Heath Ledger singing on bleachers.

The Story: A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this live-action classic features Kat Stratford, an abrasive, intelligent teen who refuses to date. Her younger sister, Bianca, isn't allowed to date until Kat does. This leads to a convoluted scheme where the school bad boy, Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), is paid to woo Kat. Naturally, real feelings get in the way.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: While technically a Touchstone Pictures film, it lives on Disney+ and is a Valentine's staple. It captures the terrifying vulnerability of opening your heart when you are used to keeping your guard up. The poem reading at the end is a cathartic release for anyone who has ever loved someone they probably shouldn't. It’s witty, sharp, and undeniably romantic.

If you are struggling to find the right words for your crush, try using one of our 50 Flirty Texts to Kickstart a Conversation.

Call to Action: Watch 10 Things I Hate About You on Disney+

8. The Princess and the Frog (2009)

The Vibe: Jazz, bayous, and the romance of shared ambition.

The Story: Tiana is a hardworking waitress in 1920s New Orleans who dreams of opening her own restaurant. Prince Naveen is a lazy, disinherited royal looking for a rich wife. Through a voodoo mishap, both are turned into frogs and must journey through the bayou to break the spell. Along the way, Tiana teaches Naveen the value of work, and Naveen teaches Tiana how to have fun.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: This serves as a great reminder that a partner should support your dreams. Tiana and Naveen make each other better people before they ever become a couple. Their love is earned through shared struggle and mutual growth. Plus, Ray the firefly’s love for Evangeline (the star) is the most poignant subplot in Disney history.

Call to Action: Stream The Princess and the Frog on Disney+

7. Wall-E (2008)

The Vibe: Quiet, cosmic, and profoundly touching. Dialogue is optional when love is this strong.

The Story: In a distant future where Earth has been abandoned, a lonely waste-collecting robot named Wall-E spends his days compacting trash. When EVE, a sleek probe droid, arrives to scan for life, Wall-E falls hopelessly in love. He follows her across the galaxy, sparking a revolution that saves humanity, simply because he wants to hold her hand.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: Wall-E is a masterpiece of visual storytelling. It strips romance down to its purest elements: devotion, care, and the desire to be near someone. Watching Wall-E try to impress EVE with his collection of trinkets is adorable and relatable. It’s a movie that says love can literally bring life back to a dead world.

This film often inspires viewers to appreciate the little things. You can read more about appreciating your partner in our article on 10 Ways to Celebrate and Appreciate Each Other Daily.

Call to Action: Watch Wall-E on Disney+

[Promotional Interlude] Enjoying these recommendations? We discuss the best romantic movies and more on the That Love Podcast. Listen to our latest episodes here: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes

6. Beauty and the Beast (1991)

The Vibe: Grand, operatic, and timeless. The definition of a fairytale romance.

The Story: Belle, a bright young woman who longs for adventure, sacrifices her freedom to save her father, becoming a prisoner in the castle of a fearsome Beast. As she lives in the enchanted castle, she looks past the Beast’s exterior to find the kind heart and soul of the human prince within.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: "Tale as old as time" isn't just a lyric; it’s a promise. The ballroom scene is perhaps the most romantic sequence in animation history. It teaches us that love requires looking beneath the surface and that people are capable of change. Whether you prefer the animated original or the 2017 live-action version, both are perfect for a dress-up date night at home.

Call to Action: Stream Beauty and the Beast on Disney+

5. Hercules (1997)

The Vibe: Mythological, soulful, and surprisingly cynical about dating until it isn't.

The Story: Hercules, the son of Zeus, must prove himself a true hero to return to Mount Olympus. He meets Megara, a cynical woman with a broken heart who has sworn off love ("I'm a damsel, I'm in distress, I can handle this. Have a nice day"). Despite her reluctance and her deal with the villain Hades, she falls for Hercules’ genuine goodness.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: Megara is the patron saint of anyone who has been burned by love before. Her song, "I Won't Say (I'm in Love)," is an anthem for the guarded heart. Watching her learn to trust again is deeply satisfying. The movie balances high-octane action with a very grounded, realistic take on how scary it is to fall in love.

If you love movies with a strong romantic arc, check out our Movie Recommendations for more curated lists.

Call to Action: Watch Hercules on Disney+

4. Up (2009)

The Vibe: Heartbreakingly beautiful. It will make you cry, but in a good way.

The Story: Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old balloon salesman, ties thousands of balloons to his house to fly to South America, fulfilling a promise he made to his late wife, Ellie. He is inadvertently joined by an overenthusiastic Boy Scout named Russell. While the movie is an adventure, the opening montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together is a short film about love in itself.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: The first 10 minutes of Up are a testament to enduring love—the kind that lasts through joy, loss, and the mundane everyday. It sets the stakes for the rest of the film. It reminds us that "adventure is out there," but the biggest adventure is the life you build with someone you love. It is a powerful watch for long-term couples.

For those in long-term relationships looking to keep the spark alive, our guide on 10 Ways to Rekindle Romance in a Long-Term Marriage is a must-read.

Call to Action: Stream Up on Disney+

3. Enchanted (2007)

The Vibe: Self-aware, joyful, and a bridge between fantasy and reality.

The Story: Giselle, an animated princess-to-be, is banished by an evil queen to the harsh, live-action reality of modern-day New York City. She meets Robert, a cynical divorce lawyer who doesn't believe in "happily ever after." As Giselle brings magic into his life, she learns that real-world love is more complex—and more rewarding—than the storybook version.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: It perfectly deconstructs the Disney tropes while still celebrating them. It asks the question: "How do you know you love him?" and answers it with "That's How You Know," a massive musical number in Central Park. It’s perfect for couples who might be a mix of a cynic and a romantic.

If you enjoy cozy movies like this, you might also like our list of 10 Movies to Watch If You Love The Holiday.

Call to Action: Watch Enchanted on Disney+

2. The Little Mermaid (1989)

The Vibe: Musical, vibrant, and driven by longing. The blueprint for the Disney Renaissance.

The Story: Ariel, a mermaid princess, is fascinated by the human world and falls for Prince Eric after saving him from a shipwreck. She makes a dangerous deal with the sea witch Ursula to become human for three days. She must get Eric to kiss her—not just any kiss, but the kiss of true love—before the sun sets on the third day.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: The scene where Sebastian sets the mood with "Kiss the Girl" is iconic. It captures that specific tension of wanting to make the first move. Ariel’s determination to be with the person she loves, even if it means changing her world, is a powerful metaphor for the sacrifices we make for connection.

Call to Action: Stream The Little Mermaid on Disney+

1. Cinderella (1950 or 2015)

The Vibe: The ultimate classic. A story of hope, kindness, and destiny.

The Story: After her father's death, Cinderella is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Despite her hardships, she maintains her kindness. With the help of her Fairy Godmother, she attends the royal ball, meets the Prince, and leaves behind a glass slipper that changes her fate forever.

Why It’s a V-Day Watch: Whether you watch the animated original or the sumptuous 2015 live-action remake (which focuses heavily on the mantra "Have courage and be kind"), Cinderella is the foundation of romantic fantasy. It validates the hope that goodness is rewarded and that there is someone out there who will recognize your worth when others don't. It is pure, undiluted magic.

If you are looking for winter-specific romance ideas to pair with this movie, check out our 60 Cozy & Affordable Winter Date Night Ideas.

Call to Action: Watch Cinderella on Disney+

Conclusion

This Valentine's Day, let the magic of Disney transport you. These 12 movies offer more than just entertainment; they offer a vision of love that is resilient, transformative, and full of wonder. Whether you are sobbing over the opening scene of Up or singing along to Hercules, these stories remind us that love is the greatest adventure of all.

So, grab your popcorn, cuddle up under a blanket, and let the "Happily Ever After" begin. And remember, if you want to explore more about love in the real world, That Love Podcast is here for you.

Listen to our latest episodes: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes

Support the Podcast: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/donate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most romantic Disney movie of all time? While subjective, Beauty and the Beast is often cited as the most romantic due to its focus on emotional connection and the famous ballroom scene. Lady and the Tramp is also a top contender for its iconic dinner date.

2. Are there any romantic Disney movies for adults? Yes, movies like 10 Things I Hate About You, Splash, and Enchanted appeal more to adult sensibilities while still retaining Disney magic. Up also deals with mature themes of grief and long-term marriage.

3. Does Disney+ have a Valentine's Day collection? Yes, Disney+ typically curates a "Valentine's Day" or "Romance" collection every February, featuring love stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

4. Is The Princess Bride on Disney+? In many regions, yes, The Princess Bride is available on Disney+. It is a cult classic that blends romance, fantasy, and comedy perfectly.

5. Which Pixar movie has the best love story? Wall-E and Up are widely considered to have the best Pixar love stories. Elemental is a newer addition that focuses almost entirely on a romantic relationship.

6. Are there any Disney movies about self-love for Valentine's Day? Frozen and Brave are excellent choices if you want to celebrate self-love and familial love rather than romantic love this Valentine's Day.

7. Can I watch La La Land on Disney+? No, La La Land is a Lionsgate film and is not typically available on Disney+. However, The Greatest Showman is often available and offers a similar musical romance vibe.

8. What is a good short film to watch on Disney+ for Valentine's Day? Paperman and Lava are two incredibly romantic Disney short films available on the platform that are perfect for a quick dose of love.

9. Is Avatar considered a romantic movie? Yes, James Cameron’s Avatar features a central romance between Jake Sully and Neytiri that drives the plot, making it a great sci-fi romance option.

10. What snacks pair well with a Disney movie marathon? Themed snacks enhance the experience! Try spaghetti and meatballs for Lady and the Tramp, beignets for The Princess and the Frog, or grey stuff (cookies and cream mousse) for Beauty and the Beast.