In a world that is often chaotic, something is reassuring about cuddling up with a romance film that sweeps you off your feet. Netflix has an abundance of The Best Romantic Movies, which are great for watching on a rainy day or taking on a date. We’ve compiled a list of the finest romantic films now available on Netflix, all of which are sure to pull at your heartstrings and reawaken your love of romance.
February is a month dedicated to lovers, which may explain why it is so short. Netflix has some of the greatest romantic films available, so viewers may feel some of the feelings of love and epic romance even if they don’t get to experience them in real life. This month has brought an especially strong crop of films, featuring three romantic dramas, The Vow, The Other Boleyn Girl, and The Great Gatsby, as well as the classic rom-com It Could Happen To You.
There are many more alternatives for drama and comedy fans in our comprehensive list of the best romantic movies on Netflix. Whatever your romantic or lonely movie-watching preferences may be, these are the ideal flicks to enjoy together.
The Best Romantic Movies Streaming on Netflix
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
Jane Austen’s beloved novel receives a stunning cinematic adaptation in “Pride & Prejudice,” directed by Joe Wright. This historical romance, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen, enchants audiences with its beautiful costumes, breathtaking cinematography, and enduring story of love triumphing over societal obstacles. With its swoon-worthy romance and great performances, “Pride & Prejudice” is a sensory feast.
The Vow (2012)
It’s difficult enough to win someone’s heart the first time. The Vow shows that the second attempt is much more challenging. Paige and Leo Collins, played by Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum, are the main characters. Despite their undying love at the beginning of the film, Paige is utterly bereft of any recollection of the years before her near-death experience. And her spouse is completely unknown to her.
Bill (Sam Neill) and Rita Thornton (Jessica Lange), Paige’s estranged parents, re-enter her life via her memory loss and push Leo away. Jeremy, Paige’s ex-fiancé (Scott Speedman), thinks her illness is an opportunity for them to make up. The only thing Leo can do is express his love for Paige and hope that she will rekindle their passion before they drift away forever.
The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
The Other Boleyn Girl, directed by Justin Chadwick, is an enthralling love story set in the past. The script, based on Philippa Gregory’s 2001 book of the same name, is a fictionalised story of 16th-century nobility. The plot focuses on two beautiful sisters, Anne and Mary Boleyn, who are propelled by their family’s unwavering desire. They both vie for the affections of the mighty but erratic King Henry VIII.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
“Always Be My Maybe” presents a delightful narrative where Ali Wong and Randall Park shine as they portray two childhood companions who drift apart following a youthful romance gone awry, only to find their paths crossing again as adults. Though the premise might echo typical romantic comedy themes, the execution is anything but ordinary. The film’s charm and laid-back approach ensure that it feels fresh and enjoyable, rather than like a mere repetition of familiar tropes. Additionally, viewers should be on the lookout for an unforgettable cameo by Keanu Reeves that truly takes the spotlight.”
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
In the 1980s, within the embrace of an Italian villa, Timothée Chalamet experiences a profound personal awakening amidst the luscious landscapes of Lombardy, Italy. Directed by Luca Guadagnino, this film unravels the journey of queer exploration against a radiant countryside backdrop. Its treatment of delicate themes of discovery is both poignant and elegantly portrayed, capturing the essence of a nostalgic, yet sharply vivid childhood recollection.
The Half of It (2020)
“Alice Wu’s “The Half of It” revives the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story with a refreshing and contemporary twist by incorporating a queer narrative and focusing on a protagonist who is a first-generation Chinese-American teenager.
This innovative angle, paired with an engaging plot about a solitary high school student who conspires with a jock to win over a girl’s heart, only to find herself developing feelings for the same person, cleverly blends humor and intelligence. Ultimately, the film shifts its focus towards a journey of self-discovery and the importance of self-love over seeking affirmation from others, embedding a deeply romantic notion within its framework.”
La La Land (2016)
In “La La Land,” a film from 2016 that almost clinched the Best Picture award for a fleeting moment, Damien Chazelle manages to turn the dreary experience of being stuck in LA’s notorious traffic into something akin to a whimsical fantasy. This enchanting musical, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues of Jacques Demy’s work, brings the gleam of old Hollywood into the contemporary Los Angeles setting.
Despite the common aversion some may have towards musicals, it’s remarkably challenging not to be captivated by this film. Much of its appeal can be attributed to the performances of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, who portray two dreamers in Los Angeles. Their characters, both embroiled in the pursuit of personal aspirations, find themselves irresistibly drawn to one another amidst the backdrop of their shared struggles to achieve success.
Atlantics (2019)
Mati Diop, in her remarkable directorial debut from Senegal, melds elements of romance, the supernatural, and a sharp sociopolitical commentary into a film with an almost hypnotic allure that is likely, unlike anything you’ve seen before. Set against the backdrop of a village haunted by the spirits of exploited laborers, the narrative focuses on the women who remain, tasked with resolving the unfinished matters of the deceased. This context provides a unique cinematic experience, drawing viewers into its distinctive storyline.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Netflix has undertaken the task of revitalizing the romantic comedy genre with varying degrees of success, and “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” stands out as one of its more successful ventures in this area. The film embraces certain clichés, like the clumsy yet charming girl and the most desirable boy in school entering into a pretend relationship, only to genuinely fall in love, yet its core concept manages to be both innovative and easy to connect with.
The casting choices are also top-notch, with Lana Condor delivering a standout performance as the main character, Lara Jean, and Noah Centineo perfectly embodying the archetype of a teenage dreamboat. The movie proved to be so popular that it led to the creation of a trilogy, with sequels “PS: I Still Love You” and the recently released “Always and Forever,” queuing up for fans to binge-watch. Long Shot (2019)
This film might seem to present the tired narrative where an unremarkable man miraculously attracts a beautiful, high-achieving woman seemingly beyond his reach, and to a degree, that’s precisely its plot. Here, a presidential hopeful (played by Charlize Theron) brings on a journalist (portrayed by Seth Rogen), whom she used to babysit, to be her speechwriter, only to find herself falling for him.
Rogen manages to bring a certain charm to these familiar scenarios, while Theron lends enough credibility to the unlikely romance to make it seem conceivable. Surprisingly, the movie is far more humorous and charming than one might expect. Notably, its MDMA sequence stands out as exceptionally memorable.
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
“The Incredible Jessica James” doesn’t have much going for it besides the undeniable spark between its main characters. Yet, Jessica Williams and Chris O’Dowd manage to captivate with their intense connection alone. Both portray individuals freshly out of relationships and not quite ready to let go, they stumble into a blind date with each other. Remarkably, they discover a deep bond through their mutual experiences of heartache. Its simplicity is exactly what makes it so compelling and ultimately, a true success.”
