According to Wikipedia, Saint Valentine was a priest who was killed after refusing to renounce his faith. The History Channel says that it’s also possible that St. Valentine was killed for helping Christians escape Roman prisons.
But, don’t fret, there is also a much more romantic origin story for the legendary Saint Valentine. As told by the BBC, St. Valentine was a Roman priest. Then-Emperor Claudius II banned marriage, fearing that married men made bad soldiers (would love to hear the reasoning on that), but St. Valentine completely disagreed.
So, he thought, “take your law, and shove it,” and helped soldiers marry their sweethearts on the low.
Emperor Claudius eventually found out what St. Valentine was up to and was definitely not happy about it. He threw Valentine in jail and sentenced him to death.
And it was in jail that St. Valentine would find a love of his own when he became smitten with the jailer’s daughter.
On February 14, before departing his cell to his imminent death, and knowing that him and his boo would not be granted a happy ending, he sent his love one last letter, which he signed “from your Valentine.” And that, my friends, is the inspiration for the holiday we celebrate today. (That, and the greeting card and heart-shaped chocolate box industries.)
Inspired by Saint Valentine’s dedication to love, I’ve brainstormed great movies to watch on Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re celebrating with your love, your friends, or with yourself, I hope you enjoy February 14 to the fullest.
Best Movies to Watch with a Date on Valentine’s Day
The Wedding Singer
Brown Sugar
Always Be My Maybe
Set it Up
Love and Basketball
Hitch
There’s Something About Mary
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Best Movies to Watch with Your Friends on Valentine’s Day
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Bridesmaids
Girl’s Trip
The Break-Up
He’s Just Not That Into You
Crazy Rich Asians
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days