Stereotypes are stereotypes. Boys like to play with toy soldiers, and girls like to dress up dolls. Right? Valentine's Day is often that holiday when couples, holding hands, watch the same movies about love triangles, love torments, love intrigues, and generally lo-o-ove.

Especially for those who want to spend the evening of February 14 with their significant other but are tired of "The Notebook," "La La Land," and "P.S. I Love You" - here is our selection that should appeal to both him and her.

Bridesmaids

Let's start our list with something light and easy. Annie (Kristen Wiig) faces a difficult task – as the maid of honor, she must help her best friend Lillian (Maya Rudolph) organize a wedding, while constantly fending off Lillian's richer and more successful acquaintance, Helen (Rose Byrne), who is vying for Annie's place next to Lillian.

Despite the presence of below-the-belt humor and Melissa McCarthy (who, oh, is far from everyone's cup of tea), the film is full of funny situations, and the intensity of the emotions between the main characters feels genuine.

What makes the film good?

First, Kristen Wiig can be funny when she wants to. Second, Jon Hamm can be simply hilarious when he wants to.

Why is it suitable for the holiday?

Although it's not the main focus, the film has a romantic storyline, and a rather heartfelt one at that (Chris O'Dowd might not be the first person that comes to mind when you think of the main character's love interest, but he fits in perfectly). Plus, the wedding preparation theme and the main characters in pink dresses on the poster practically beg to be watched on February 14.

Bad Times at the El Royale

We continue the list with an adventurous thriller that could have easily come from Tarantino's pen – and no one would have been particularly surprised. Several strangers cross paths at a hotel located on the border of two states (Nevada and California). The motives for their arrival, as well as the hotel's secrets, gradually come to light and will soon turn each of their lives upside down.

What makes the film good?

Great characters, sharp dialogues, unexpected twists, and tension that builds towards the climax. Jeff Bridges is as magnificent as always, and the film's color palette makes it incredibly vibrant and memorable. Oh, and... Yes, Jon Hamm can be simply hilarious when he wants to.

Why is it suitable for the holiday?

Men will be drawn to the criminal underpinnings of the plot, as well as the presence of blood, firearms, and government secrets. And for women, the film features a stunningly handsome Chris Hemsworth, who spends his entire screen time in an open shirt with a torso pumped up like a Norse god.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire

If any other Disney animated film (like "Beauty and the Beast" or "Snow White") might easily come to mind for viewing on this romantic day, then "Atlantis" is a very non-obvious choice. A journey of a young linguist, Milo Thatch (Michael J. Fox), as part of a motley crew of specialists in archaeology, aiming to find the lost continent of Atlantis? Yes, it's a strange option, but...

What makes the film good?

During that period, Disney was actively trying to move away from the formula that governed all of the studio's animated films, so "Atlantis" can safely be considered a risky experiment. You'll find an ideal blend of action, comedy, and drama, with underwater monsters, ancient peoples, and even fire-hazardous fireflies.

One downside – no Jon Hamm.

Why is it suitable for the holiday?

Once again, we have a non-obvious but undeniable love story that allows "Atlantis" to pass the February 14 test. Plus, animation can captivate representatives of both genders.

Everything Will Be Fine!

Well, what if you decide to stand out with particular originality and choose a domestic film? "Everything Will Be Fine!" is a parable-like film that connects several separate storylines and ultimately brings them together for a common message that matches the film's title.

What makes the film good?

We all need a bit of optimism, faith that not everything in life ends badly. This optimism was especially needed during the perestroika era, which was so unstable and frightening.

Why is it suitable for the holiday?

Of all the films in our selection, this one most resembles a standard Valentine's Day movie. It seems to be about love, but then again it isn't – you might remember one of the secondary dormitory stories much more vividly. Therefore, while we can't call "Everything Will Be Fine!" a fully romantic film, we recommend it, especially on such a day.

Gattaca

And to completely polish off our unusual selection – here's some sci-fi. The science of the future has advanced so far that now you can choose the best possible combination of genes for your children – but the main character, Vincent (Ethan Hawke), was unlucky enough to be born naturally, so now he must overcome many obstacles and avoid genetic discrimination to achieve his dream – to go into space.

What makes the film good?

An amazingly subtle analysis of human prejudices under unusual circumstances. The film allows you to breathe and enjoy the frames it constructs, while not slowing down the pace of the narrative. And it's a pleasure to watch young Ethan Hawke and Jude Law.

Why is it suitable for the holiday?

The calm and measured development of the relationship between Uma Thurman's character and Hawke's character is one of the gems of this film, even if it's not the main focus. And in general, so many beautiful young actors playing with vivid emotions behind a facade of calm and self-confidence is a wonderful substitute for purely romantic cinema.