You and Netflix already had your meet-cute ages ago, so why not kick back with a romantic movie or three? From rom-coms to period pieces, we have all the best romantic movies on Netflix right now organized into a handy list, so you can spend more time watching and less time searching.
Layla Majnun (2021): A Modern Take on a Classic Love Story
While teaching abroad, Layla (Acha Septriasa) meets Samir (Reza Rahadian), who is a big fan of her writing. The two fall in love, but there’s just one problem: Layla already has an arranged marriage back in her home country of Indonesia.
IMDb Rating: 6.0/10
Layla Majnun is based on the Arabic poem “Layla and Majnun.” It’s a classic story of forbidden romance that can be found in all cultures. The cast does a phenomenal job of bringing new life to ancient tropes.
Violet Evergarden: The Movie (2020)–Most Beautiful Sci-Fi Anime Robot Romance
Violet Evergarden was born to fight, so in a time of peace, she’s left without a purpose. As the world heals from the wounds of war, Violet searches desperately for Major Gilbert Bougainvillea, the only person who ever told her, “I love you.”
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
You can also watch the Violet Evergarden animated series on Netflix. In fact, the movie picks up where the show leaves off, so you might want to binge the series first. It’s only 13 episodes.
Loving (2016): Best Historical Romantic Drama About Civil Rights
In 1958, interracial marriage was illegal in Virginia, so Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter took a road trip to Washington, D.C. to tie the knot. Upon returning home, the couple was arrested and forced to choose between serving jail time or leaving the state. Their case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately struck down anti-miscegenation laws across the country.
IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
While upsetting to watch at many points, Loving should be essential viewing for every American because it reminds us that the freedoms we take for granted were not secured without a fight. It has a happy ending, so the payoff is worth it if you can get through the sad moments.
Sweet & Sour (2021): Cutest Korean Rom-Com for Teens
Like many young couples, Jang Hyeok (Jang Ki-Yong) and Jung Da-Eun (Chae Soo-Bin) enjoy an idyllic romance until they have to get careers and become adults. In addition to the stresses of work, Jung Da-Eun also has to worry about competing with Jang Hyeok’s co-worker Han Bo-Yeong (Krystal Jung).
IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Underneath the surface, Sweet & Sour is a critique of contemporary society and the strains it puts on relationships. First and foremost, it’s a very traditional Korean romantic comedy aimed at younger audiences.
All the Bright Places (2020): Best Teen Romance Movie
While taking a jog, Theodore (Justice Smith) sees Violet (Elle Fanning) seemingly about to jump off a bridge. After talking her away from the ledge, Theodore learns that Violet’s sister was killed in a car accident on the same bridge. As Violet begins to open up, the two form a deep bond, but Theodore is holding back his own secrets.
IMDb Rating: 6.5/10
All the Bright Places adequately explores the complexities of teenage mental health. However, it may not be appropriate for someone who is currently experiencing mental health issues. Although the movie is about a teen romance, it’s not intended for younger audiences.
Ophelia (2018): Best Feminist Reimaging of Hamlet
In Ophelia, Shakespeare’s masterpiece is retold through the eyes of Hamlet’s love interest. A servant to Queen Gertrude (Naomi Watts), Ophelia (Daisy Ridley) begins a tryst with the handsome prince as political turmoil wrecks the royal family and all of Denmark.
IMDb rating: 6.6/10
Ophelia drifts pretty far from Shakespeare’s source material, but considering how many adaptations of “Hamlet” already exist, the fresh take is welcome. Even if you don’t like every turn the story takes, you’ll be riveted by the stunning sets and costumes.
I Lost My Body (2019): Most Surreal Animated Love Story
I Lost My Body, or J’ai perdu mon corps in French, is a surrealist animated film about a hand in search of a body. The hand belongs to Naoufel (Hakim Faris), a young immigrant who is hopelessly in love with a woman named Gabrielle (Victoire Du Bois) although the two have never met.
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
I Lost My Body definitely isn’t a traditional love story. Instead, it explores themes of longing, loss, and isolation. Debuting to international praise from critics, the film even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.
Resort to Love (2021): Best Family-Friendly Rom-Com
While trying to salvage her floundering music career, Erica (Christina Milian) takes a job as a wedding singer at a ritzy resort. At first, it seems like a great gig, until she learns that the groom is her ex-fiancé Jason (Jay Pharoah).
IMDb Rating: 5.7/10
Resort to Love is a standard Netflix movie, which means that it’s well-acted, well-directed, and overall well-produced. The plot is a little predictable, but if you’re looking for a cute rom-com to watch with your family, Resort to Love is a safe bet.
After We Fell (2021): Most Intense Conclusion to a Romance Trilogy
Tessa (Josephine Langford) is ready for a new beginning in Seattle, but drama with her boyfriend Hardin (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin) reaches a peak when a family secret emerges. Is it time to go their separate ways?
IMDb Rating: 4.7/10
After We Fell is a follow-up to After and After We Collided, the latter of which is also available on Netflix. Familiar faces from the previous films return, giving an appropriate end to the trilogy.
Rebecca (2020): Best Remake of an Alfred Hitchcock Classic
Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer) never quite recovered from the loss of his first wife, Rebecca, but that doesn’t stop him from marrying another woman after a weekend rendezvous. The new Mrs. de Winter (Lily James) quickly starts to regret their nuptials once she realizes that Rebecca still haunts her new home.
In the eyes of film critics, the remake couldn’t possibly compete with Hitchcock’s original. Still, this version may be more palatable for modern audiences. If you like Rebecca, be sure to check out the original movie, as well as the 1938 novel it’s based on.
The Kissing Booth 3 (2021): Hottest Summer Break Rom-Com
The Kissing Booth film series became a hit on Netflix by following a tried-and-true formula: It’s all about teen romance and the challenges of growing up. If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. That said, if you’re a fan of the first two movies, The Kissing Booth 3 is right up your alley.
IMDb Rating: 5.0/10
Elle (Joey King) and Noah (Jacob Elordi) are on their way to college, but they have one last summer vacation to enjoy with their friends. As emotions run high, so does the romantic tension. Despite the suggestive title, The Kissing Booth 3 is tame enough for young teens.
Love Hard (2021): Oddest Online Dating Experience
Natalie (Nina Dobrev) thinks she has met the guy of her dreams, but instead, she’s been catfished into flying across the country to meet an absolute stranger. To avoid embarrassment, she pretends like nothing is wrong. Where is this going?
IMDb Rating: 6.3/10
As with most holiday rom-coms, critics were largely indifferent to Love Hard, but fans of the genre were gleefully satisfied. It’s a little different, but it hits the appropriate heartwarming notes.
Five Feet Apart (2019): Sweetest Social Distancing Love Story
In this timely teen romance, young cystic fibrosis patients Stella (Haley Lu Richardson) and Will (Cole Sprouse) must navigate their budding relationship within the restrictions of a hospital. As they grow closer emotionally, it becomes harder to keep their hands off each other.
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Five Feet Apart came out months before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it now seems strangely prescient since we’ve all become accustomed to keeping our distance. The story is still unique, but it now has universal resonance.
He’s All That (2021): Cutest Remake of a Teenage Classic
Tanner Buchanan of Kobra Kai fame stars in this remake of the beloved teen rom-com She’s All That. In a reverse of the original plot, popular girl Padgett (Addison Rae) gets dared to turn an introverted boy named Cameron (Buchanan) into the prom king. The experiment goes surprisingly well until Cameron discovers Padgett’s true intentions.
IMDb Rating: 4.3/10
As long as you don’t come into He’s All That expecting anything original, you probably won’t be disappointed. It’s a typical teen movie that sticks to the original formula, which was already quite successful.
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