The Best Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now (October 2021)

You and Netflix already had your meet-cute ages ago, so why not kick back with a romantic movie or three? From rom-coms to period pieces, we have all the best romantic movies on Netflix right now organized into a handy list, so you can spend more time watching and less time searching.

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He's All That (2021): Cutest Remake of a Teenage Classic

Addison Rae and Tanner Buchanan in He's All That — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 4.3/10

Genre: Drama, Comedy, Family

Starring: Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis

Director: Mark Waters

Motion Picture Rating: TV-14

Running Time: 1 hour, 28 minutes

Tanner Buchanan of Kobra Kai fame stars in this remake of the beloved teen rom-com She's All That. In a reverse of the original plot, popular girl Padgett (Addison Rae) gets dared to turn an introverted boy named Cameron (Buchanan) into the prom king. The experiment goes surprisingly well until Cameron discovers Padgett's true intentions.

As long as you don't come into He's All That expecting anything original, you probably won't be disappointed. It's a typical teen movie that sticks to the original formula, which was already quite successful.

Watch 'He's All That' Now

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Naked (2017): Raunchiest Rom-Com From the Mind of Marlon Wayans

IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Starring: Marlon Wayans, Regina Hall, Dennis Haysbert

Director: Michael Tiddes

Motion Picture Rating: TV-14

Running Time: 1 hour, 36 minutes

Being naked in public is a dream we've all had, but imagine it's your wedding day and you can't wake up. That's the premise of Naked. In this obvious ode to Groundhog Day, Benny (Marlon Wayans) is trapped in a recurring nudity nightmare.

Critics weren't kind to Naked when it came out, but the film obviously isn't intended to win any Oscars. Instead, it delivers a solidly entertaining hour-and-a-half of gags. Needless to say, Naked isn't for kids, but the humor is mild enough for teens.

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Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse in Five Feet Apart — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Genre: Romance, Drama

Starring: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias

Director: Justin Baldoni

TV Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes

In this timely teen romance, young cystic fibrosis patients Stella (Haley Lu Richardson) and Will (Cole Sprouse) must navigate their budding relationship within the restrictions of a hospital. As they grow closer emotionally, it becomes harder to keep their hands off of each other.

Five Feet Apart came out months before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it now seems strangely prescient since we've all become accustomed to keeping our distance. The story is still unique, but it now has universal resonance.

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The Kissing Booth 3 (2021): Hottest Summer Break Rom-Com

The cast of The Kissing Booth 3 — Netlifx

IMDb Rating: 5.0/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Joey King, Joel Courtney, Jacob Elordi

Director: Vince Marcello

TV Rating: TV-14

Running Time: 1 hour, 52 minutes

The Kissing Booth film series became a hit on Netflix by following a tried-and-true formula: It's all about teen romance and the challenges of growing up. If you've seen one, you've seen them all. That said, if you're a fan of the first two movies, The Kissing Booth 3 is right up your alley.

Elle (Joey King) and Noah (Jacob Elordi) are on their way to college, but they have one last summer vacation to enjoy with their friends. As emotions run high, so does the romantic tension. Despite the suggestive title, The Kissing Booth 3 is tame enough for young teens.

Watch 'The Kissing Booth 3' Now

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The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021): A Mystery Romance for the Ages

The cast of The Last Letter from Your Lover — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Shailene Woodley, Joe Alwyn, Wendy Nottingham

Director: Augustine Frizzell

TV Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Recently single Ellie (Shailene Woodley) comes across a cache of love letters written years ago from "Boot" to "J." Fed up with her own love life, Ellie becomes obsessed with a decades-old romance between people she's never met. Her investigation into the identifies of mysterious lovers uncovers an affair that began in the 1960s and might still exist to this day.

The story jumps between different time periods and places from the mid-century French Riviera to modern London, giving the movie an adventurous vibe. Fans of the mystery-romance genre may also want to check out the book it's based on by Jojo Moyes.

Watch 'The Last Letter from Your Lover' Now

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Good on Paper (2021): Wittiest Rom-Com Based on a Stand-up Routine

Iliza Shlesinger and Ryan Hansen in Good on Paper — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 5.6/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Iliza Shlesinger, Ryan Hansen, Margaret Cho

Director: Kimmy Gatewood

Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes

Iliza Shlesinger stars in this side-splitting romantic comedy about a comedian who falls for a hedge fund manager named Dennis (Ryan Hansen) who seems to have it all. However, her friend Margot (Margaret Cho) thinks Dennis is hiding something, so the women decide to do some amateur detective work.

The premise of Good on Paper comes from one of Iliza Shlesinger's stand-up routines, and it definitely shows. The gags come in rapid succession, so expect more comedy than romance.

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Juanita (2019): Best Romance Movie About Self-Love and Self-Care

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

Genre: Drama

Starring: Alfre Woodard, Adam Beach, Jordan Nia Elizabeth

Director: Clark Johnson

Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Seeking to reinvent herself, Juanita (Alfre Woodard) leaves everyone and everything she knows in Ohio for Montana, where she finds love in an unlikely place: a French restaurant owned by a handsome Native American named Jess (Adam Beach). In other words, it's a quintessentially American story of self-actualization.

This Netflix exclusive is an adaptation of the Sheila Williams book Dancing on the Edge of the Roof. Like the novel it's based on, Juanita is best paired with a chocolate croissant and a glass of Chardonnay.

Watch 'Juanita' Now

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2 Hearts (2020): Two Love Stories in One Rom-Com

Jacob Elordi and Tiera Skovbye in 2 Hearts — Netflix

IMDb rating: 6.0/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Jacob Elordi, Tiera Skovbye, Adan Canto

Director: Lance Hool

Motion Picture Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

In the mid 20th century, a Cuban immigrant named Jorge (Adan Canto) fell madly in love with a flight attendant named Leslie (Radha Mitchell). In modern times, a college student named Chris (Jacob Elordi) has a crush on a girl named Sam (Tiera Skovbye). How do these stories overlap? You have to watch 2Hearts to find out.

Based on the real-life romance of Leslie and Jorge Bacardi and Christopher Gregory, 2 Hearts will probably hit the spot if a light-hearted rom-com is what you need.

Watch '2 Hearts' Now

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Flipped (2010): Best Adaptation of a Teen Romance Novel

Madeline Carroll and Callan McAuliffe in Flipped — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Starring: Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay

Director: Rob Reiner

Motion Picture Rating: PG

Running Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Juli (Madeline Carroll) has been in love with her neighbor Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) since second grade, but as they grow into teenagers, her affections are beginning to wane. At the same time, Bryce begins to develop feelings for Juli, thus reversing their childhood roles.

Flipped is a delightfully cute coming-of-age story that parents can enjoy with their kids. If you like the movie, be sure to check out the book it's based on.

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Kasanova (2019): Funniest Nollywood Romance

Toyin Abraham and Iretiola Doyle in Kasanova — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 6.6/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Wale Ojo, Iretiola Doyle, Alvin Abayomi

Director: Oluseyi Asurf

TV Rating: TV-14

Running Time: 1 hour, 55 minutes

Following the death of his wife, single dad Femi (Wale Ojo) has become a womanizer with little actual respect for women. However, he meets his match in his son's music teacher, Ms. Jessica (Iretiola Doyle), who has no tolerance for Femi's misogyny. Things get more complicated when Femi's son, Jason (Alvin Abayomi), falls for Jessica's daughter.

One of the most successful Nollywood films of 2019, Kasanova was a huge hit in Nigeria, and international audiences can now enjoy it in English on Netflix. The entire cast has perfect comedic timing, turning what could have been a potentially bland rom-com into a surprisingly witty love story.

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Handsome Devil (2016): Best High School Gay Coming-Out Story

Fionn O’Shea and Nicholas Galitzine in Handsome Devil — Treasure Entertainment

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Starring: Fionn O'Shea, Ardal O'Hanlon, Amy Huberman

Director: John Butler

Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 hour, 35 minutes

At an Irish boarding school where sports is like a religion, awkward teen Ned (Fionn O'Shea) is at firest intimidated when he finds himself rooming with the hunky star of the rugby team, Conner (Nicholas Galitzine). As the two start to grow closer, intimidation soon gives way to infatuation.

Handsome Devil is an enjoyable coming-of-age movie about overcoming homophobia and accepting people for who they are. Although it's rated TV-MA for language, the movie is otherwise pretty tame. As far as feel-good films about coming-out go, Handsome Devil is top of the line.

Watch 'Handsome Devil' Now

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I Lost My Body (2019): Most Surreal Animated Love Story

Naoufel and Gabrielle in I Lost My Body — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy

Starring: Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, Patrick d'Assumçao

Director: Jérémy Clapin

Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes

I Lost My Body, or J'ai perdu mon corps in French, is a surrealist animated film about a hand in search of a body. The hand belongs to Naoufel (Hakim Faris), a young immigrant who is hopelessly in love with a woman named Gabrielle (Victoire Du Bois) although the two have never met.

I Lost My Body definitely isn't a traditional love story. Instead, it explores themes of longing, loss, and isolation. Debuting to international praise from critics, the film even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature.

Watch 'I Lost My Body' Now

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Loving (2016): Best Historical Romantic Drama About Civil Rights

Ruth Negga and Joel Edgerton in Loving 2016 — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.0/10

Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance

Starring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton

Director: Jeff Nichols

Motion Picture Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes

In 1958, interracial marriage was illegal in Virginia, so Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter took a road trip to Washington, D.C., to tie the knot. Upon returning home, the couple was arrested and forced to choose between serving jail time or leaving the state. Their case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ultimately struck down anti-miscegenation laws across the country.

While upsetting to watch at many points, Loving should be essential viewing for every American because it reminds us that the freedoms we take for granted were not secured without a fight. It has a happy ending, so the payoff is worth it if you can get through the sad moments.

Watch 'Loving' Now

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Ajeeb Daastaans (2021): Best Anthology of Romantic Shorts

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Fatima Sana Shaikh, Jaideep Ahlawat, Nushrat Bharucha

Director: Shashank Khaitan, Raj Mehta, Neeraj Ghaywan, Kayoze Irani

Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 2 hours, 22 minutes

Ajeeb Daastaans is an anthology of four short stories about love, each from a different director. From unhappy marriages to forbidden affairs, the common throughline is the emotional messiness of romance.

Netflix has a healthy selection of Hindi-language movies, and Ajeeb Daastaans is a welcome new addition to the genre. If you enjoy these types of anthology films, check out Paava Kadhaigal, or Ghost Stories if you're into horror.

Watch 'Ajeeb Daastaans' Now

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Always Be My Maybe (2019): Best Love Story About Immigrants

Ali Wong and Randall Park in Always Be My Maybe (2019) — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Starring: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito

Director: Nahnatchka Khan

Motion Picture Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes

Marcus (Randall Park) and Sasha (Ali Wong) haven't seen each other since they dated as teenagers. Years later, Sasha is a celebrity chef, and Marcus is in a band that performs only in his neighborhood. When Sasha moves back to San Francisco to open a restaurant, old feelings unexpectedly resurface between childhood friends.

Always Be My Maybe is a touching romantic comedy about immigrant communities in San Francisco. For her performance, Ali Wong was nominated for Comedy Movie Star of 2019 at the People's Choice Awards. Randall Park won the 2019 Chicago Indie Award for Best Original Song for the song I Punched Keanu Reeves.

Watch 'Always Be My Maybe' Now

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All the Bright Places (2020): Best Teen Romance Movie

Elle Fanning and Justice Smith in All the Bright Places — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Alexandra Shipp

Director: Brett Haley

Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA

Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

While taking a jog, Theodore (Justice Smith) sees Violet (Elle Fanning) seemingly about to jump off a bridge. After talking her away from the ledge, Theodore learns that Violet's sister was killed in a car accident on the same bridge. As Violet begins to open up, the two form a deep bond, but Theodore is holding back his own secrets.

All the Bright Places adequately explores the complexities of teenage mental health. However, it may not be appropriate for someone who is currently experiencing mental health issues. Although the movie is about a teen romance, it's not intended for younger audiences.

Watch 'All the Bright Places' Now

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Love Jones (1997): Most Underrated Romantic Cult Classic

Larenz Tate and Nia Long in Love Jones — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Genre: Drama, Romance

Starring: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington

Director: Theodore Witcher

Motion Picture Rating: R

Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes

After hitting it off at a Chicago nightclub, a writer named Darius (Larenz Tate) and a photographer named Nina (Nia Long) begin a romantic tryst. Out of nowhere, Nina announces that she wants to fix her relationship with her ex-fiancé, devastating Darius and throwing the future of their relationship into limbo.

Love Jones was well-received by movie critics, but unfortunately, few people paid to see it in theaters. In the following decades, the film has developed a fanbase for its subversion of traditional rom-com tropes.

Watch 'Love Jones' Now

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Rebecca (2020): Best Remake of an Alfred Hitchcock Classic

Lily James and Armie Hammer in Rebecca 2020 — Netflix

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance

Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas

Director: Ben Wheatley

Motion Picture Rating: PG-13

Running Time: 2 hours, 1 minute

Maxim de Winter (Armie Hammer) never quite recovered from the loss of his first wife, Rebecca, but that doesn't stop him from marrying another woman after a weekend rendezvous. The new Mrs. de Winter (Lily James) quickly starts to regret their nuptials once she realizes that Rebecca still haunts her new home.

In the eyes of film critics, the remake couldn't possibly compete with Hitchcock's original. Still, this version may be more palatable for modern audiences. If you like Rebecca, be sure to check out the original movie, as well as the 1938 novel it's based on.

Watch 'Rebecca' Now

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