Admit Two : Valentine's Day Marathon

It's no secret that I'm a hopeless romantic, about the movies that is; I'm a closet romantic in reality. Starting roughly in December, I even do something I like to call "Oscar hunting," when I deliberately watch films I think might score a nod (pre-announcement by the Academy) or those that have, and form my own conclusions of snubs, shocks and surefire successes.

But I'll only say this much about it: Owen Wilson was clearly forgotten in Paris. Play ball, Jonah Hill! And The Artist had better take it all.

Aside from indulging in all the award season drama, however, this particular time in February is also when I enjoy a marathon of my favorite love stories in cinema. It's the one date that never disappoints.

Whether you've got a Valentine, a galantine, a bromantine, or no "tine" at all, this store-bought holiday can be as bittersweet an award show as any other. But I refuse to sulk along that red carpet.

Instead, I choose to celebrate it. Perhaps because of the hapless yet brilliant Bridget Jones-like being inside of me, I've subconsciously been writing an ever evolving list of movies to chain watch during Valentines Day (week/weekend) since I was at least 12.

I thought the current list, without ranking I might add, might do you all some good. It never fails to keep my spirits in check, sans Cupid's sting.

When Harry Met Sally will always keep me at bay no matter how many times I watch it. Sensitively humorous, it's as honest as love stories get.

Roman Holiday is my escape to a time when films were short and sweet. Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck bring stunning color to a black and white classic that makes me wish there were more to this timeless tale every time.

A Walk to Remember is the one that clearly made the list when I first read and then saw the movie at age 12. But it still wins me over at 21.

The Notebook settles it. Nicholas Sparks can really write ‘em, and this one's in the books for the greatest love story of my generation. Well, after Titanic, which is obviously on the list if I can stand the anxiety past the iceberg scene.

Little Manhattan is as innocent and genuine as childhood romances can be. It seems to inspires the thought that we really knew ourselves best as young children.

Love Me if You Dare is another favorite from my youth. It's an imperfect story about the gamble two take on life, but isn't love always? P.S. it's in French.

Once is by far the most sentimental of these to me. Starring and featuring original music by Glen Handsard and Marketa Irglova, it's a beautiful story told through music and lyrics, and the one I'm most in love with.

There's obviously more to the list. The indie picks, the silly or passionate ones and the foreign ones too. So, keep reading to see the rest. And leave comments about which you'd nix or add and why. Because everyone is a critic, especially around this holiday...

Before Sunrise is one of the most beautifully written tales of missed connections. Who doesn't wish they had that quintessential Julie Delpy-Ethan Hawke meet cute on every train ride, if only every train ride were through Vienna? As a teenager, I sure did, and as an adult, I still do.

Before Sunset answers all the "what if's?" remaining from the first, and the answers heal as much as they hurt.

Cinema Paradiso is likely my favorite film, ever. People always say how hard it is to choose their favorite, and I do too, but I saw this one about a rural Italian love lost and rekindled when I was maybe seven, and it shaped the way I saw life forever: in filmstrips. 

Edward Scissorhands closely follows Paradiso, for reasons I can't explain, but its eccentricity is what makes it so appealingto me. And I still think that Edward exists whenever it snows. Silly, but true.

500 Days of Summer reminds me that not all stories of "boy meets girl" have happy endings, yet it always picks me up like that Ryan Adams song intended.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind also highlights the bittersweet parts of a complicated relationship. While far fetched and strange, it somehow hits home too.

50 First Dates is the one I laugh and sigh with as I mouth "Nothing beats the first kiss" with Drew Barrymore countless times. 311's " Love Song" in the soundtrack also makes it all the sweeter.

Serendipity is as lighthearted, comical and romantic as they come. I tend to believe in signs and fate, a little too much, but I think this one was destined to make the list.

Elizabethtown is the kind of movie that makes me wish to go on a road trip along the United States with just three things, a good playlist, a map and the man of my dreams. In this case, you feel like you're along for the ride with Orlando Bloom and you're not missing a thing.

City of Angels isn't the sweetest of these, but it's certainly up there for me as a memorable love story. And, it features "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls. Need I say more?

Sweet November is just as endearing as it is heart wrenching, and I cant help but repeatedly tune in for it.