What Are The Best Romance Movies On Netflix?
Romance movies on Netflix come in a variety of genres and sub-genres, from traditional love stories and period dramas to romantic comedies and emotional thrillers. Whether you’re looking for a heartfelt story or something more lighthearted, these selections are the perfect way to spread some love. Here are some of the best romance movies currently streaming on Netflix.
One of the best romance movies available on Netflix is Blue is the Warmest Color (2013). This French coming-of-age drama follows the plight of high school student Adèle, played by a sublime Adèle Exarchopoulos. Adèle’s story slowly evolves into an honest and powerful expression of love and self-discovery after she meets and falls in love with ambitious painter Emma, who is played by Léa Seydoux. Topping off this beautiful story is an overwhelming, Oscar-nominated soundtrack.
Another great option for romance fans is To All The Boys: Always and Forever (2020). This third installment of the wildly popular Netflix original To All The Boys series, starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, follows protagonist Lara Jean as she embarks on her senior year of high school. As she gets ready to graduate, she must make the difficult decision of either staying close to home with the ones she loves or taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to leave her comfort zone and follow her heart.
For those looking for a nostalgic, heightened take on romantic movies, Clueless (1995) is the perfect choice. This classic coming-of-age teen comedy, starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash and Brittany Murphy, follows the life of wealthy Beverly Hills high school student and fashionista Cher Horowitz. She seems to have it all but finds her world flipped upside down when she meets charming transfer student, and love interest, Josh.
Romance and comedy come together perfectly in Love, Guaranteed (2020). In this romantic comedy, Rachael Leigh Cook plays a chronically single Seattle lawyer tasked with saving a dating website. Her opponent? A charming and handsome regular Joe, played by Damon Wayans Jr., who is suing the website for not matching him with a suitable romantic partner. The witty banter between the two leads has the viewers rooting for love to triumph in the end.
For those looking for something a bit more dramatic, try The Notebook (2004), starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. The movie follows the story of two young lovers, in a passionate and deeply romantic relationship, who are separated by social differences. The dialogue and intense scenes are sure to bring chills and tears, as viewers experience the couple’s heart-wrenching moments of despair, joy and reunion.
Finally, one of the most iconic romantic films, Romeo + Juliet (1996) is a must see for those streaming on Netflix. Directed by Baz Luhrmann, this adaptation of William Shakespeare’s tragedy stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the star-crossed lovers. The film perfectly blends the play’s original dialogue with modern elements, creating an intoxicating mix of romance and tragedy.
Romance Movies Adapted From Books
Romantic movies adapted from books provide an immersive experience, allowing many viewers to escape into fantastical worlds. One of the most beloved adaptations is The Fault in Our Stars (2014) based on the novel by John Green. The film follows two teenage cancer patients, Hazel and Augustus, as they fall in love and find solace for their struggles through their newfound relationship.
If you’re looking for something a bit nostalgic, watch Belle (2013), which is based on the book by M.K. Gilroy. This movie which is set in the 18th century tells the story of Belle, an African-British girl who endures the struggles of the aristocratic system and finds love in the most unexpected places.
Another contemporary take on classic fairy tales is A Cinderella Story (2004). This romantic comedy follows high school student Sam who, after being tormented by popular cheerleader Shelby, falls in love with her elder brother Austin during a fateful Halloween dance.
Romance fans also won’t be disappointed with Pride and Prejudice (2005) based on the novel by Jane Austen. This movie follows the brilliant, strong-minded Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the tumultuous, yet utterly romantic, world of the English upper class society.
Finally, the 2013 Norwegian novel and movie The Hundred-Foot Journey shows that love is not limited to romantic relationships. In this charming film, two aspiring cooks from different countries, an Indian and a French, must collaborate to make their respective dreams come true.
Romantic Movies Based On True Stories
Some of the best romance movies are those that stem from true stories. Ida (2013) is a Polish-Danish co-production based on the life of Anne Marie McNamara, a retired nurse with a history of depression and suicidal tendencies. After meeting her husband, the two set out to restore Ida’s lost family history, which results in a beautiful journey of love and understanding.
For a touching and moving tale of love, watch The Danish Girl (2015) based on the true story of Einar and Gerda Wegener. The film follows the story of Einar, a transgender man, who, throughout his research as a painter, discovers his newfound identity and strives for acceptance. Along the way, he finds love and support in his loyal wife Gerda, played by Alicia Vikander.
Aneesh Chaganty’s 2018 thriller Searching is also based on the true stories of people across the world and their experiences with the internet. The movie follows the emotional story of David (John Cho) as he desperately searches for his missing daughter Margot. For a unique and gripping take on love and family, this movie is a must watch.
Dev Patel stars in Lion (2016), based on the true story of Saroo Brierley who, at five years old, gets lost on a train away from his home in India and embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery and reunion. The story, which is movingly portrayed, touches upon the power of love, identity and family.
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale (2009) is the perfect choice for animal-loving romance fans. This film is inspired by the true story of a college professor’s bond with his dog, Hachi, who waits for his master every single day at the same spot, for over ten years, until his heartbreaking end.
Romantic Movies From Other Countries
Foreign language romance movies can be immensely refreshing and rewarding in their unique take on the genre. Les Intouchables (2011), subtitled in English, is a must-watch. This French film follows an unusual friendship between an aristocrat and a young man from the wrong side of the tracks, and is a wonderfully nuanced story of respect and love.
Veronica (2017) is one of the best horror-romance hybrids from Spain. The movie follows the story of teenage girl, who after playing a ouija board at a school party, must battle with paranormal events that await her and her friends in her home.
Taiwanese director Edward Yang’s Yi Yi (2000) is a remarkable progressive take on the genre. The movie follows the lives of three generations of the same family, and their journeys of love, alienation and reconciliation.
Miyazaki Hayao’s Spirited Away (2001) combines fantasy and romance in a unique and inspiring way. This Oscar-winning movie follows young Chihiro and her parents as they enter the mysterious realms of a spirit world and find unexpected encounters and troubling secrets.
Other great romantic picks from abroad include The Illusionist (2010), an animated French feature, and Cyrano de Bergerac (1990), a classic French romantic film starring Gérard Depardieu.
Romantic Movies Based On Short Stories
Short story adaptations are an excellent way of bringing the romance genre to life. One of the most heartwarming stories is Sun Dog (2021). This movie is based on the short story by Emma Jane Unsworth and follows the coming of age story of an introverted teenager and his heroic search for true love.
The Slaughter Rule (2002) based on the novel by Frank Marshall, follows the story of youngRy, who is struggling to find his way in a small town. He joins a high school American football team, which he discovers is much more than a game.
For a unique take on the genre, try Maple Syrup (2012) based on the short story by Andre Dubus III. The Canadian-American movie follows a war veteran, who after meeting a young woman at a roadside diner, takes it upon himself to help her father save his failing maple syrup business.
Yasujiro Ozu’s Late Spring (1949) is also based on a short story and follows the story of a young woman who is reluctant to marry and leave home, much to the disappointment of her father. The movie conveys the beautiful and bittersweet nature of young love, and is sure to move many viewers.
Finally, The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005) is another great adaptation, which stars Daniel Day-Lewis and tells the story of a father and daughter living an isolated, off-the-grid life and the romantic relationship that develops between them.
