Streaming Streaming TV, Movies, & More 26 26 people found this article helpful The 18 Best Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now (July 2021) Netflix and chill with some of the most romantic flicks around by Jeremy Laukkonen Writer Jeremy Laukkonen is tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications. our editorial process Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Jeremy Laukkonen Updated on July 01, 2021 Tweet Share Email Streaming TV, Movies, & More Netflix Hulu Disney+ Prime Video Apple TV+ Favorite Events 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. 01 of 18 2 Hearts (2020): Two Love Stories in One Rom-Com Netflix IMDb rating: 6.0 Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Jacob Elordi, Tiera Skovbye, Adan Canto Director: Lance Hool Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 101 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 02 of 18 Flipped (2010): Best Adaptation of a Teen Romance Novel Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.7 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Starring: Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe, Rebecca De Mornay Director: Rob Reiner Motion Picture Rating: PG Running Time: 90 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. Watch Flipped Now 03 of 18 Love Jones (1997): Most Underrated Romantic Cult Classic Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.4 Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Isaiah Washington Director: Theodore Witcher Motion Picture Rating: R Running Time: 104 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 04 of 18 Ajeeb Daastaans (2021): Best Anthology of Romantic Shorts Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.7 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: 142 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 05 of 18 The Discovery (2017): Best Sci-Fi Romantic Thriller Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.3 Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi Starring: Rooney Mara, Jason Segal, Robert Redford Director: Charlie McDowell Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 102 minutes Dr. Thomas Harbor (Robert Redford) shocks the world when he unveils definitive proof of an afterlife, leading Ilsa (Rooney Mara) and millions of others to prematurely embrace the great beyond. Devastated by the effects of his father's research, Harbor's son Will (Jason Segal) tries to save Ilsa and put an end to the doctor's work. The Discovery ultimately leaves audiences with few answers, which is the entire point of the film: to make the viewer question what they would do with knowledge of an afterlife, and how far they would go to know more. Watch The Discovery Now 06 of 18 I Lost My Body (2019): Most Surreal Animated Love Story Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.6 Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy Starring: Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, Patrick d'Assumçao Director: Jérémy Clapin Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 81 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 07 of 18 Kasanova (2019): Funniest Nollywood Romance Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.6 Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Wale Ojo, Iretiola Doyle, Alvin Abayomi Director: Oluseyi Asurf TV Rating: TV-14 Running Time: 115 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. Watch Kasanova Now 08 of 18 Malcolm & Marie (2021): Best Romantic Thriller About Life Imitating Art Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.7 Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: John David Washington, Zendaya Director: Sam Levinson Motion Picture Rating: R Running Time: 106 minutes As director Malcolm (John David Washington) awaits critics' response to his latest film, his girlfriend Marie (Zendaya) is already giving it a scathing review. Offended that his movie seems to take inspiration from her own life, Marie begins to question Malcolm's motivations. Filmed entirely in a single house, Malcolm & Marie was the first major Hollywood film to be produced from start to finish during the COVID-19 pandemic. Following a short theatrical run, Malcolm & Marie was the most streamed movie the weekend it debuted on Netflix. Watch Malcolm & Marie Now 09 of 18 To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021) Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.3 Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama Starring: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel Parrish Director: Michael Fimognari TV Rating: TV-14 Running Time: 109 minutes In the third and final installment of the To All the Boys series, Lara Jean (Lana Condor) heads into senior year with no idea of what her life will look like after high school. Can her relationship with Peter (Noah Centineo) survive if they get accepted to different colleges? The decisions just keep getting harder as she gets older. If you want to get caught up on Lara Jean's story before watching the last film in the trilogy, Netflix also has the first two movies, To All the Boys I've Loved Before and To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You. If you enjoyed these films, you should also check out the book series they are based on. Watch To All the Boys: Always and Forever Now 10 of 18 Straight Up (2019): Most Subversive LGBT Rom-Com Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.8 Genre: Comedy, Romance, LGBT Starring: James Sweeney, Omar Guazzelli, Brendan Scannell Director: James Sweeney Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 95 minutes Todd (James Sweeney) knows he's attracted to men, but his OCD always gets in the way of physical intimacy. As an experiment, he begins dating an actress named Rory (Katie Findlay). Although she suspects Todd is gay, they both decide to see where the relationship takes them. Certainly one of the more creative rom-coms of the past few years, Straight Up asks some uncomfortable questions about love and attraction. That said, director and lead actor James Sweeney doesn't take himself too seriously, so you'll likely laugh through any discomfort. Watch Straight Up Now 11 of 18 Handsome Devil (2016): Best High School Gay Coming-Out Story Treasure Entertainment IMDb Rating: 7.1 Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Starring: Fionn O'Shea, Ardal O'Hanlon, Amy Huberman Director: John Butler Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 95 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 12 of 18 The Lovebirds (2020): Best Rom-Com Murder Mystery Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.1 Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime Starring: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Sparks Director: Michael Showalter Motion Picture Rating: R Running Time: 86 minutes Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani's (Issa Rae) relationship is on ice, and so is the man they just hit with their car. Although the man survives, he is immediately killed by someone else right in front of the couple's eyes. Convinced that they'll be blamed if they go to the police, they decide to investigate the murder on their own first. The Lovebirds is pretty standard fare for a made-for-Netflix movie, but the chemistry between the lead actors is enough to carry this untraditional romantic comedy through its short runtime. It's a lighthearted joyride that you may soon forget, but it's still a fun way to spend an hour-and-a-half. Watch The Lovebirds Now 13 of 18 The Lost Husband (2020): Best Story About Love, Loss, and Finding Love Again Netlix IMDb Rating: 6.0 Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Leslie Bibb, Josh Duhamel, Herizen F. Guardiola Director: Vicky Wight Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 109 minutes Libby (Leslie Bibb) loses everything when her husband passes away, forcing her to move to a farm with relatives. As she goes through the stages of grief, Libby learns how to milk goats and bonds with a handsome farmhand, James O'Conner (Josh Duhamel). However, living with family brings up conflicts that prevent her from going forward. Director Vicky Wight's adaptation of Katherine Center's novel could have easily been a milk-toast romantic comedy that focuses primarily on the fish-out-of-water element of a city girl adapting to country life. However, thanks to clever writing and exceptional performances by Bibb and Duhamel, The Lost Husband is better than your average clone of The Notebook. Watch The Lost Husband Now 14 of 18 Rebecca (2020): Best Remake of an Alfred Hitchcock Classic Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.0 Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas Director: Ben Wheatley Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 121 minutes 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 15 of 18 All the Bright Places (2020): Best Teen Romance Movie Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5 Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Alexandra Shipp Director: Brett Haley Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 107 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 16 of 18 Loving (2016): Best Historical Romantic Drama About Civil Rights Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.0 Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance Starring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton Director: Jeff Nichols Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 123 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 17 of 18 The Incredible Jessica James (2017): Most Original Rom-Com About Dating in the Digital Age Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5 Genre: Comedy Starring: Jessica Williams, Chris O'Dowd, LaKeith Stanfield Director: Jim Strouse Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 85 minutes Comedian and Daily Show correspondent Jessica Williams stars as Jessica James, a recently single woman who isn't quite over her ex. After going on a blind date with Boone (Chris O'Dowd), who also misses his ex-wife, they decide to follow each other's exes' on social media. As Boone and Jessica continue meeting up to talk about their exes, they start to fall for one another. The Incredible Jessica James premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2017 and was met with positive feedback from audiences and critics. The story isn't groundbreaking, but the laughs are omnipresent, and the chemistry between the lead actors is palpable. Watch The Incredible Jessica James Now 18 of 18 Always Be My Maybe (2019): Best Love Story About Immigrants Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.8 Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James Saito Director: Nahnatchka Khan Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 101 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! 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