The 20 best romantic movies on Netflix
Ideal for your next cosy night in
With the weather outside getting increasingly miserable, and Christmas party season just round the corner, now is the time to enjoy the cold and cosy nights by lighting a candle, wrapping yourself up warm with some cosy knitwear, and perusing what's on TV.
If drama films, horror movies, or thrillers aren't exactly what you had in mind to settle down with after a hectic day in the office, then look no further than our round-up of the best 20 romantic movies that you can stream right now on Netflix.
The beauty of Netflix lies in the breadth of its options—find everything from beloved classics such as Notting Hill to cheesy teen rom-coms like To All the Boys I've Loved Before. If you're in the mood for something a little more sexy, then maybe Lady Chatterley's Lover will keep you enticed. Or, if you're searching for a story that will leave you heartbroken, then breakup films like Someone Great or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind might satisfy your masochistic cravings.
Whatever kind of movie you're looking for, trust that the following 20 offerings will have you swooning.
Set It Up (2018)
It's true that Glen Powell could have chemistry with a brick wall if he wanted to, but it's perhaps truer that his chemistry is at its peak when he's paired onscreen with Zoey Deutch. The duo are thrilling to watch together in Set It Up, where they play Charlie Young and Harper Moore, two overworked assistants determine to hook up their bosses in order to alleviate their respective workloads.
First Daughter (2004)
If you thought being president of the United States was a hard job, then try being his daughter. A fresh-faced Katie Holmes stars as Samantha MacKenzie, a sheltered freshman looking forward to experiencing plenty of firsts as she starts college—including her first taste of freedom as the only child of President John MacKenzie. She soon attracts the attention of fellow student and dorm RA James Lansome (Marc Blucas), who is determined that she experience everything that she normally wouldn't outside of the White House. But, when a date goes awry, Samantha discovers that not all is as it seems.
Notting Hill (1999)
A classic of the rom-com genre, Hugh Grant is at his most charming as travel bookshop owner William Thacker, who finds his life turned upside down when he accidentally spills orange juice over the most famous actress in the world, Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). The two begin an unlikely but endearing love affair, which becomes increasingly hampered by paparazzi, Scott's filming schedule, and Thacker's own awkwardness. Many romance tropes are present throughout - there's even a car chase to 'get the girl' towards the latter end of the film - but Notting Hill is so charming, funny and heartwarming that you'll forgive it's reliance on stock characters. It's Richard Curtis's writing at its very finest.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
It's possible that the To All the Boys franchise is solely responsible for revitalising the contemporary rom-com genre. Adapted from Jenny Han's best-selling young adult book series, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a stellar first installment that puts the butterfly-inducing chemistry of its two young costars front and centre. Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) is a hopeless romantic who has a habit of writing passionate love letters to boys who have stolen her heart. But, when her little sister mails out these letters, Lara Jean's entire world is turned upside down. To throw her crush (and her sister's ex-boyfriend) off her scent, she hatches a fake-dating scheme with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). But the lines between what's real and what isn't are quickly blurred.
About Time 2013
Domhnall Gleeson does his best Hugh Grant impression in Richard Curtis's About Time. Gleeson plays Tim, a lawyer who discovers via his father (the ever-excellent Bill Nighy) that all the men in his family have a secret - they can travel backwards through time. Tim uses his powers to woo Mary (a charming turn by Rachel McAdams), but even with time travel at his fingertips, Tim's path to true love is still just as rocky as it was before. While the heart of this film is Mary and Tim's love story, About Time also shows love in many of its guises - love for your siblings, and the importance of a strong father-son bond. The ending will see you reaching for your tissues.
Bridget Jones's Diary 2001
In the role she will arguably be best-known for, Renée Zellweger pulls up her granny pants as everyone's favourite single thirty-something, Bridget Jones. In the first of the trilogy, bored publishing assistant Bridget sees some harmless office flirting with boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant is every inch the scoundrel as the floppy-haired 'emotional f***wit') turn into something more - but she also finds herself being wooed by high-powered human rights lawyer Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). A long-awaited fourth film is due for release in 2025.
Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022)
Adapted from D.H. Lawrence's 1928 novel of the same name, Lady Chatterley's Lover follows a torrid love affair between Constance “Connie” Reid (Emma Corrin), a noble lady trapped in a cold and controlling marriage, and Oliver Mellors (Jack O'Connell), the gamekeeper who works for Connie's husband. There is an instant connection between Connie and Oliver, but love isn't enough to sustain their relationship. The two must confront external barriers—including the social judgments and biases of the day—in order to truly be together.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A blend between sci-fi, magical realism, and romantic comedy, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is a romance film like no other. Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet play Joel and Clementine, two exes who were so devastated by their breakup that they both decided to undergo a brain procedure that completely wipes out any memory of their relationship. But, as Joel falls back through time during his operation, he realises that the memory of losing love is far better than having never loved Clementine at all.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is a journalist at Composure magazine, who spends her days writing 'How To' lists but longs to write more serious topics. Elsewhere, cocky Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) wagers he can make any woman fall in love with him in just 10 days. Of course, he sets his sights on Andie - who is unaware she has her own agenda. Sure, it's a little predictable, but it's fun, it's light and you can't fault the sizzling chemistry between the two leads.
Friends With Benefits (2011)
High-flying Jamie Rellis (Mila Kunis) is an executive headhunter in New York City tasked with luring Dylan Harper (Justin Timberlake on good form) to take a job at a prestigious magazine. While the pair quickly become fast friends, the dire dating scene sees them decide to become 'friends with benefits' - only, as to be expected, feelings quickly develop which they continue to deny to each other (and themselves). Both Kunis and Timberlake are charming, giving the film with a rather tawdry premise significantly more heart.
Someone Great (2019)
After landing her dream job at a music magazine, Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) should be celebrating—but, instead, she's spiralling out of control after getting dumped by her boyfriend of nine years, Nate (Lakeith Stanfield). In an attempt to get out of this slump, Jenny recruits her two best friends for one final hurrah before she makes her cross-country move to San Francisco for work. But, New York City is littered with memories of her ex that she just can't seem to shake, no matter how hard she tries.
Sex and the City (2008)
Effectively a feature-length episode of the much-loved sitcom, the first Sex and the City movie sees Carrie Bradshaw's (Sarah Jessica Parker) life go awry when her relationship fails to survive the next Big step. Elsewhere, Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) is left shaken when her beloved Steve (David Eigenberg) admits to cheating. As always, Sex and the City may focus on Carrie and co's fledgling relationships, but the true love story is between the four fourty-something women at the brunch table, who are always there for each other during the good times and the bad. The second film was not as well-received as the first, but nearly 30 years on from the original iterations of the Sex and the City TV show, fans are still obsessed with Carrie and her friendships - sequel TV series And Just Like That will return for a third season next year.
This Time Next Year (2024)
If you adored One Day, you will be equally enthralled by This Time Next Year, based on the book of the same name by Sophie Cousens. Minnie (Sophie Cookson) and Quinn (Emily in Paris star Lucien Laviscount) are thrown together at a New Year's party, and discover that they were born on the same day, in the same year, at the same time in the same London hospital. Though life has certainly taken them in entirely different directions, fate somehow keeps drawing them back together. Both cheesy and charming in equal measure.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) were next-door neighbors and childhood best friends with an unbreakable bond—that is, until an explosive fight left them on not-speaking terms for 15 years. When Sasha eventually moves back to their hometown to open a restaurant, she and Marcus reconnect. As adults, they must now confront how past hurts have impeded their ability to move on if they truly want a chance at being together again.
Through My Window (2022)
This Spanish-language Netflix original is definitely worth turning on your subtitles for. Through My Window follows Raquel, a shy and imaginative high schooler who has harboured a crush on her neighbour, Ares, for years. While their paths rarely cross, the pair are thrown together and begin an intense love affair. Through My Window distills the essence of teenage first loves, but it is by no means a child-friendly watch. Expect things to get steamy quickly - and if this film takes your fancy, two sequels are also available to watch online.
Failure to Launch (2006)
Kit (Matthew McConaughey) is a 35-year-old man still living with his long-suffering parents. Desperate to get their older son to move out the family home, they hire expert Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker) to 'date' Kit and give him the 'confidence' they think he needs to find his own place. However, as to be expected, genuine feelings start to bloom between the two.
Wedding Season (2022)
After breaking off her engagement and leaving her cushy Wall Street job, Asha (Pallavi Sharda) has no time for dating—but that won't stop her parents from creating a dating profile for her. To get them off her back, she agrees to go on a date with one match, the handsome and wealthy Ravi (Suraj Sharma). With wedding season incoming, she ends up taking things a step further by convincing Ravi to pretend to date her in order to keep nosy relatives at bay.
The Kissing Booth (2018)
Audiences today might be most familiar with Jacob Elordi from his critically-acclaimed work in Euphoria, Saltburn, and Priscilla. But, before he transformed into Elvis Presley, he was the tall heartthrob in The Kissing Booth trilogy. Starring opposite Joey King, Elordi plays high school bad boy Noah, who has long been the object of shy high schooler Elle's desires. Unfortunately for Elle, Noah is strictly off-limits, as he is the older brother of her best friend. But, when Elle decides to run a kissing booth at a school fundraiser and Noah pops by, she must make a choice between love or friendship.
Holidate (2020)
Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) are both unlucky-in-love singles. After meeting each other at a store's return counter, the two strangers decide to make a pact to be each other's dates for every major holiday. Over New Year's, Valentine's Day, Independence Day, and Halloween, the two develop a closer friendship that turns out to be stronger than any romantic connection they've harboured before.
Love Hard (2021)
Netflix continued their rollout of delightfully festive rom-com movies with Love Hard, starring Nina Dobrev and Jimmy O. Yang. Natalie (Dobrev) hasn't had much luck with dating, but when she matches with the handsome Tag on a dating app, she thinks she's finally hit the jackpot. Throwing caution to the wind, she decides to hop on an airplane and surprise Tag for Christmas—but, to her disappointment, she finds that she has been catfished by Josh (Yang), Tag's childhood best friend. The two strike a deal: if Natalie pretends to be Josh's girlfriend for Christmas, Josh will set up Natalie with the real-life Tag.
