Romantic films have never gone out of style because they have a special way of touching our hearts, most especially when a day like Valentine’s Day is on the horizon.

When it comes to love stories, there’s something timeless about them that keeps us coming back for more. Beyond the classic rom-com, the genre of love stories has blossomed into a more diverse one which celebrates the full spectrum of love’s expression. It’s not just about romantic love anymore; it’s about friendship, family, and self-love, too. So even if you’re not in a romantic relationship right now, you can still enjoy these films with your homegirls/boys and have a great time.

Plus, we’ve got picks for nearly every streaming platform, from Netflix and Amazon Prime to Showmax.

1. Dead Serious

Scheduled for a nationwide cinema release on February 9, 2024, Dead Serious explores the complexities of love between two lovers played by Sharon Ooja and Sabinus.

 

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It’s always interesting when there are obstacles to overcome in a love story and in this film, Ooja’s father, portrayed by veteran actor Nkem Owoh, provides the conflict as he disapproves of Sabinus due to his socioecoomic status. The father’s affluent and youthful boss, played by Deyemi Okanlawon, starts expressing interest in Ooja, throwing in another hurdle.

Under the direction of Moses Inwang and produced by David Rukeme, Dead Serious features a talented cast including Warri Girl, Lillian Afegbai, Funky Mallam, Emem Inwang, and Ryonne Razaq.

2. Flawsome (Season 2)

The film, set to debut on February 12 on the new Showmax app, stars Bisola Aiyeola as Ifeyinwa, facing challenges as a new company head, and Ini Dima-Okojie as Rhamat, navigating a difficult divorce. Sharon Ooja and Enado Odigie portray supportive friends, rallying behind them through thick and thin.

Flawsome does present a genuine romance for its characters that connects, but the movie is just as concerned about the importance of female friendships. But it does well to not prioritize romantic fulfillment over the bonds of true friendship.

The series stars Gabriel Afolayan, John Dumelo, Iretiola Doyle, Toyin Abraham, Chris Attoh, Ali Nuhu, Joselyn Dumas and more.

3. Cheta’M

Adanna and Nnanna’s love story begins in a traditional manner, but life throws several wrenches into their plans.

Produced and directed by James Omokwe, the 130-episode series sees the two lovers battle to navigate a world where tension between the kingdoms of Mgberi and Ajaani has reached critical levels. Cheta M will commence streaming on Showmax from February 12, 2024, with new episodes showing weekly on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

4. All’s Fair in Love

The movie All’s Fair in Love tells the story of two Nigerian business partners who also happen to be friends. They both fall deeply in love with the same woman and find themselves in a romantic rivalry.

It is produced by Deyemi Okanlawon, Esse Akwawa, and Gloria Obichukwu, in collaboration with Film One Studios, Accelerate TV, and Covenant Entertainment. The cast includes a talented lineup of actors like Samuels, Ireti Doyle, Juliet Ibrahim, Adedimeji Lateef, and more. 

This is a definite Valentine’s Day treat because All’s Fair in Love will debut in cinemas on February 14, 2024.

5. Big Love

Sometimes romantic comedies need to reinvent the wheel to engage with their audience and breathe new life into the genre, but the opposite can also be true. Magnetic chemistry is ultimately more important than any wild premise. Big Love stars Timini Egbuson and Bimbo Ademoye. The heartwarming romcom revolves around an independent woman’s journey to self-improvement, entangled with the unexpected twists of love.

These two vulnerable individuals bare their souls to each other, which is what makes the movie such a successful celebration of the little details that make individuals who they are. A natural script, thought-provoking dialogue, and natural chemistry all make Big Love significantly more powerful than it deserves to be. If you haven’t seen it yet, this one should surely make it to your to-watch list. It is available to stream on Prime Video.

⁠6. Love and Life

Perfect for a Galentine’s Day, Love and Life introduces us to a trio of characters whose bond of friendship is unbreakable.

The film follows the intertwined lives of three women named Abike (Rita Dominic), Ivy (Michelle Dede) and Osas (Nse Ikpe-Etim) in a bustling city as they thread through friendship, grief, and the ups and downs of love.

Love and Life is available on Prime Video.

7. Love in a showroom

Love in a Showroom fosters an unexpected love connection between an unlikely pair who find themselves assistants, played by Broda Shaggi and Nancy Isime.

Trapped in a building, they must break down the social class barriers that separate them while simultaneously battling armed robbers for survival. They gradually wind up in their own love story as they enter one another’s orbits. The film combines humour and romance as the characters try to break free from their sticky situation. 

Love in a Showroom is available on Prime Video.

8. The Silent Intruder

The Silent Intruder is an intriguing film that revolves around a couple facing challenges in their relationship. Uche Montana and Onyekachi Nnochiri portray the couple on the verge of separation due to sexual issues. But here’s the twist: the wife refuses to give up and is determined to fix things, even if it means going to extreme lengths. However, things take a messy turn when the therapist they seek help from develops an unhealthy desire for the wife.

Directed by Uyoyou Adia, The Silent Intruder accommodates a talented cast including Venita Akpofure, Pere Egbi, Lucy Francesca Ameh, Dotun Oloniyo, and Lydia Achebe. It will make its debut in cinemas nationwide on February 9, 2024.