If you’re pining for the best romantic movies on Netflix, you’ve come to the right place. Maybe you’re looking for a sweet and predictable tale, some seriously steamy scenes, or a love story that’s slightly unhinged but honestly still relatable. (Or perhaps you just want something on-brand to watch for inspiration as you simultaneously scroll through dating apps for someone to play the love interest in your story.)
Listen, we’re not here to judge your taste in streamable rom-coms; we’re just here to help you decide what to watch next, so that an hour from now you can be deeply engrossed in one of the best romantic comedy movies on Netflix instead of still scrolling through titles and watching a dozen trailers.
We scoured Netflix for the top romantic movies and settled on these 29 films—from classics like She’s Gotta Have It to more recent romance movies like Love in the Villa. There are some familiar favorites and a few you may have never heard of before. And yes, there’s a feel-good holiday love story or two, because how could we not? Obviously this isn’t an exhaustive list of every sappy movie on the platform, but we’re pretty confident that our choices for the best romantic movies on Netflix won’t disappoint. You might laugh, you may cry, and you’ll probably swoon over some of the lead characters.
So whether you’re gearing up for a movie night with your friends, your partner, or yourself, grab your favorite snacks and get in your comfiest loungewear, because it’s time for a marathon of the best romantic comedies on Netflix (plus some romantic dramas thrown in for good measure). If you’ve already worked your way through this list (impressive!) and you’re still looking for more romance to stream, check out our recommendations for the sexiest movies on Hulu and cute Christmas movies on Hulu.
1. Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
Emma Corrin shines as an aristocratic newlywed woman who enters an affair with a gamekeeper (Jack O’Connell) after her war-traumatized husband urges her to seek a sperm donor. Netflix’s spin on D.H. Lawrence’s steamy novel delivers big time on the “hot sex scenes” front as we watch the two grow closer—and get more and more naked—onscreen, and the gorgeous English countryside setting is romantic in and of itself.
2. Last Letter from Your Lover (2021)
Not sure whether you’re in the mood for a period drama or more of a modern rom-com vibe? You’ll get both in this adaption of a Jojo Moyes novel. Jennifer (Shailene Woodley) is a woman in the 1960s with an awful husband (Joe Alwyn). She ends up falling in love with a reporter (Callum Turner), and, decades later, present-day journalist Ellie (Felicity Jones) tracks the mystery of the lovebirds’ torrid letters with help from her cute coworker (Nabhaan Rizwan).
3. Love in the Villa (2022)
When a freshly-dumped Minneapolis woman (Kat Graham) goes on the Italian vacation she’d planned with her ex, she finds that her lodging was also rented to a gruff British lad (Tom Hopper). Does Love in the Villa follow the typical beats of a Lifetime-esque movie? Sure, but watching these two extremely hot, charismatic people develop crushes on each other—in Verona, no less!—goes down smoother than a fine glass of Barolo if you’re in the mood for a comfort watch.
4. Single All the Way (2021)
Peter (Michael Urie) can’t wait to finally bring someone home to meet his family for Christmas, and then he finds out the guy he’s been dating has a wife. Ugh. So he brings home his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) instead. His mom is set on setting him up with a local trainer, but the rest of his family has their eyes on Nick. It’s a lot of festive family meddling with an ensemble cast (um, hello, Jennifer Coolidge and Kathy Najimy), plus a fantastic musical number. In other words, we think this is one of the best rom-coms on Netflix.
5. Really Love (2020)
If Really Love was just a 90-minute excuse to stare at Kofi Siriboe, that would be completely fine. But this story of a DC painter (Siriboe) and Georgetown law student (Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing), who fall in love as their careers pull them in different directions, is reminiscent of ’90s indie romantic dramas in the best way. The movie is also something of a valentine to Black Washington, DC—from kisses outside of Ben’s Chili Bowl to a DC go-go performance.
6. A Secret Love (2020)
This documentary might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to romantic movies, but trust us: Terry and Pat’s story is a testament to the power of true, lasting love. The lesbian couple stayed in closet for more than 60 years until they felt people and—most important—their family would finally support their relationship. Unflinchingly honest interviews with their loved ones, and the film’s reminders of how oppressive anti-LGBTQ viewpoints can be, keep Terry and Pat’s sweet tale very, very real.
7. Love Hard (2021)
Dating columnist Natalie (Nina Dobrev) flies to Lake Placid to surprise a guy she met on an app—only to learn she’s been catfished by Josh (Jimmy O. Yang). She eventually agrees to pose as his girlfriend for Christmas with his family if he sets her up with the hot guy from the dating-app photos (Darren Barnet), and a love triangle ensues. If it weren’t for Josh’s sweet, normal parents (whom he lives with) or his kind face and insecure demeanor, this story would be more creepy than endearing. But if you can suspend your disbelief (we assume you can if you’re reading this list), the holiday rom-com is a cut above many in the genre: Yang’s comic timing and charm sell Josh’s appeal, and the reimagined, less problematic version of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” is an instant-classic scene.
8. Rumor Has It (2005)
If you thought your family had drama, just wait. When Sarah (Jennifer Aniston) and her boyfriend Jeff (Mark Ruffalo) go home for her younger sister’s wedding, Sarah picks up on a rumor that her family was the inspiration for The Graduate—specifically, that her late mom had a fling with a man named Beau Burroughs (Kevin Costner), who also had an affair with her grandmother (Shirley MacLaine). Sarah goes searching for answers and ends up tempted by Beau herself, making her realize just how supremely messed up her family is and how hard it is to know what you really want in a relationship.
9. Desperados (2020)
Wesley (Nasim Pedrad) is justifiably pissed after she’s ghosted by Jared (Robbie Amell), a seemingly perfect guy she’s been dating. So she sends a truly unhinged email telling him off—and then gets a call that he’s actually in a hospital in Mexico. Naturally, Wesley drags her friends with her to Mexico to try to delete the email before he gets out of the hospital (as one does). It’s a funny, ridiculous, and at times even touching look at what we’ll do when we’re very very ready for love.
10. Holidate (2020)
Yup, we got another holiday romance movie on the list. In this one, Sloane (Emma Roberts) meets the similarly not-interested-in-dating-at-the-moment Jackson (Luke Bracey) and they agree to be each other’s non-sexual plus-ones for the holidays. But as the year goes on, it gets predictably messier to find the line between fake date and real date. Also, Kristin Chenoweth stars as the awesomely single aunt, which is reason enough to tune in.
11. The Half of It (2020)
Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) lives with her widowed father in a remote town. She’s approached by Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer), a typical high school jock, to write love letters to his crush, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire)—whom Ellie is secretly in love with. Friendships are tested and love triangles are formed in this LGBTQ coming-of-age story.
12. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
In this Netflix original, Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) writes secret love letters—which she never sends—to her most major past and present loves. One night her younger sister discovers them and mails them out. Lara Jean’s life goes haywire as she’s suddenly confronted by her crushes. Unexpectedly, Lara Jean gets closer to one—Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo)—and it might actually work out. This is the first of three movies, so you may want to prepare for a full movie marathon.
13. Someone Great (2019)
Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez) and Nate Davis (Lakeith Stanfield) have been in a relationship for nine years. But when Jenny gets a job in San Francisco, they break up. Jenny deals with her heartbreak by surrounding herself with her friends for one final girls’ night out in New York City.
14. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) are childhood best friends who date in their teens. Sixteen years after their breakup, Sasha is a successful chef and engaged, while Marcus is in an amateur band and still living with his dad. But when Sasha breaks up with her fiancé, she finds herself growing closer to Marcus. (There’s also an LOL-funny cameo by Keanu Reeves, in which he plays a ridiculous version of himself.)
15. The Lovebirds (2020)
Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are on the brink of breaking up. And to make the situation worse, they’re suddenly thrown into a chaotic murder mystery. As they figure out the case, they have to also figure out how they—and their relationship—can survive. It’s equal parts funny, heartwarming, and action-packed.
16. All the Bright Places (2020)
This coming-of-age film follows Theodore Finch (Justice Smith), who is dealing with mental illness, and Violet Markey (Elle Fanning), who is coping with her sister’s death. The two must learn how to make their relationship work without letting the scars of their past get in the way of their love.
17. Set It Up (2018)
Harper Moore (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie Young (Glen Powell) are two assistants with workaholic bosses (played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs). In an attempt to get their bosses off their backs, Harper and Charlie set them up. And wouldn’t you know, the assistants start to fall in love with each other too.
18. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) can’t decide what kind of man to date, so she does what any sensible person would do and dates three men at the same time. But what happens when the three men find out about each other? This Spike Lee–directed film, which feels apt for the online dating generation, was certainly ahead of its time. (After you’ve streamed the film, watch the 2017 Netflix series for an updated version of the classic.)
19. Marriage Story (2019)
This Academy Award–nominated film involves theater director Charlie Barber (Adam Driver) and his wife, Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), who’s an actress. The movie depicts their divorce and accompanying emotions such as anger, denial, and grief. You might think it a strange choice to be on our list of best romantic movies on Netflix, but its realistic portrayal of long-term love, divorce, and tender moments makes it a satisfying film.
20. Irreplaceable You (2018)
Abbie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Sam (Michiel Huisman) are childhood friends who grew up to fall in love and get engaged. But when Abbie is diagnosed with cancer, she sets out to find a new love for Sam. She also forms friendships with other patients who teach her how to focus on living, even in the midst of a terminal illness.
21. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Jessica James (Jessica Williams) is a fiercely independent struggling playwright in New York City trying to get over her ex in the age of social media. She’s set up on a blind date with Boone (Chris O’Dowd), who is also struggling after a breakup. The two hit it off and attempt to figure out what love looks like after heartbreak.
22. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018)
In post-WWII London, novelist Juliet Ashton (Lily James) receives a fan letter from a book club based in Guernsey, an island located off the Normandy coast. Juliet leaves the city (and her fiancé) to meet Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman), the main letter writer, and the rest of the book club. Once there, Juliet becomes close with the island’s quirky residents and grows particularly fond of Dawsey (if you know what we mean).
23. Juanita (2019)
Juanita (Alfre Woodard) feels mentally exhausted from life. Between the long days at work, babysitting her granddaughter at night, and visiting her son in prison, Juanita has no time for herself. So she leaves Ohio to spend some alone time in Butte, Montana. There, Juanita is finally free to focus on her needs, make new friends, and even find romance.
24. Work It (2020)
High schooler Quinn Ackerman (Sabrina Carpenter) really wants to go to Duke University. In an attempt to diversify her college application, Quinn creates a new dance team at school. There is one big problem with her plan: Quinn just isn’t a great dancer. She seeks out former high school dance champion Jake Taylor (Jordan Fisher) for extra lessons, and sparks fly between the two.
25. Love, Guaranteed (2020)
Despite going on nearly 1,000 dates using the Love, Guaranteed dating service, Nick (Damon Wayans Jr.) is still single. Disgruntled by what he perceives as false advertising, Nick sues the company, but his claim becomes shaky as he grows closer to his lawyer (Rachel Leigh Cook). You can expect plenty of witty banter and a predictably sweet ending in this feel-good movie.
26. Feel the Beat (2020)
April (Sofia Carson) is an aspiring New York City dancer who returns to her small hometown after having a very embarrassing Broadway audition. She starts teaching ballet at her old studio in an attempt to coach her students into a dance competition that will hopefully revive her career. April isn’t always the most likable person, but you can’t help but hope that her dreams of Broadway and her budding romance with Nick (Wolfgang Novogratz) work out.
27. Lingua Franca (2019)
Olivia (Isabel Sandoval) is a transgender Filipina who hopes to get married and get her green card so she can stay in America. She works as a live-in caregiver for an older woman in Brooklyn and soon finds love with the woman’s grandson, Alex (Eamon Farren). The two develop a sweet relationship, which they try to make work amid their own personal challenges with immigration, alcoholism, and anxiety.
28. Mr. Right (2015)
Reeling from a breakup, Martha McKay (Anna Kendrick) reluctantly agrees to go on a date with Francis (Sam Rockwell), who picks her up at a convenience store. Their first date goes pretty well, until Francis confesses that he’s actually a hitman who targets the people who hire him. Predictably, Martha gets swept up in Francis’s drama and has to determine whether their relationship is worth the danger.
29. Love Wedding Repeat (2020)
When visiting his sister Hayley (Eleanor Tomlinson) in Italy, Jack (Sam Claflin) nearly kisses Dina (Olivia Munn). The moment is interrupted, but the two reconnect several years later at Hayley’s wedding, where they admit they’ve harbored a crush on each other the whole time. The film shows different scenarios about how things could play out, and you’ll have to watch to see if Dina and Jack ultimately end up together.
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