In a world that is often chaotic, something is reassuring about cuddling up with a romance film that sweeps you off your feet. Netflix offers a plethora of options for lovebirds and solo viewers alike, with its collection of the “Best Romantic Movies 2024” ideal for cozying up on a rainy day or setting the mood for a memorable date night. We’ve compiled a list of the best romantic movies 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 best romantic movies 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 greatest romantic films on Netflix. Whatever you’re romantic or lonely movie-watching preferences may be, these are the ideal flicks to enjoy together.
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Pride and Prejudice (2005)
In his film “Pride & Prejudice,” Joe Wright gives Jane Austen’s well-known book a stunning cinematic adaptation. 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)
For those looking for historical romance and captivating narratives, Justin Chadwick’s “The Other Boleyn Girl” stands out among the Best Romantic Movies on Netflix. The script, based on Philippa Gregory’s 2001 book of the same name, is a fictionalised story of 16th-century nobility. Two stunning sisters named Anne and Mary Boleyn are the main characters of the story, and their family’s unwavering desire drives them. 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. Furthermore, keep an eye out for an unforgettable cameo by Keanu Reeves that steals the spotlight, adding an extra layer of excitement for those watching movies on Netflix.
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. This Luca Guadagnino-directed film explores the journey of queer exploration against a beautiful 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, making it a standout among the Best Romantic Movies on Netflix, as it incorporates a queer narrative and centers around 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 nearly clinched the Best Picture award, Damien Chazelle transforms the mundane experience of being stuck in LA’s notorious traffic into a whimsical fantasy, cementing its status as one of the Best Romantic Movies with its enchanting storytelling.
This enchanting musical, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues of Jacques Demy’s work, brings the gleam of old Hollywood into a 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 taken on 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 into this area, solidifying its place among the Best Romantic Movies on the platform. 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 candidate (Charlize Theron) hires a journalist (Seth Rogen) whom she used to babysit to write her speech, only to discover that she has fallen in love with 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, making it a delightful addition to the lineup of Best Romantic Movies on Netflix. 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.”
