Streaming Streaming TV, Movies, & More The 18 Best Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now (February 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 February 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 The Lovebirds (2020): Best Rom-Com Murder Mystery Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.1Genre: Action, Comedy, CrimeStarring: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul SparksDirector: Michael ShowalterMotion Picture Rating: RRunning 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 02 of 18 The Lost Husband (2020): Best Story About Love, Loss, and Finding Love Again Netlix IMDb Rating: 6.0Genre: Drama, RomanceStarring: Leslie Bibb, Josh Duhamel, Herizen F. Guardiola Director: Vicky WightMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Running 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 03 of 18 Desperados (2020): Best Female-Empowerment Roadtrip Movie Netflix IMDb Rating: 5.1Genre: Comedy, RomanceStarring: Nasim Pedrad, Anna Camp, Lamorne MorrisDirector: LPMotion Picture Rating: TV-MARunning Time: 105 minutes Ever written an email in the middle of the night that you regret sending? Have you ever driven to another country to prevent someone from reading said email? That's the setup to Desperados, a road-trip movie about a group of women who cross the border to intercept a drunken email message. Desperados seems like a throwback to late-90s and early 2000s films like Clueless and Bridget Jones's Diary. It's not very original, and the humor is juvenile, but if you're in the mood for a mindless rom-com, Desperados delivers. Watch Desperados Now 04 of 18 Rebecca (2020): Best Remake of an Alfred Hitchcock Classic Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.0Genre: Drama, Mystery, RomanceStarring: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas Director: Ben Wheatley Motion Picture Rating: PG-13Running 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 05 of 18 All the Bright Places (2020): Best Teen Romance Movie Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5Genre: Drama, RomanceStarring: Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Alexandra ShippDirector: Brett HaleyMotion Picture Rating: TV-MARunning 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 06 of 18 Loving (2016): Best Historical Romantic Drama About Civil Rights Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.0Genre: Biography, Drama, RomanceStarring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will DaltonDirector: Jeff NicholsMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Running 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 07 of 18 After (2019): Best Young Adult Love Triangle Story Netflix IMDb Rating: 5.3Genre: Drama, RomanceStarring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Khadijha Red Thunder Director: Jenny Gage Motion Picture Rating: PG-13Running Time: 105 minutes Based on a 2014 romance novel of the same name, After is about a young woman named Tessa (Josephine Langford) who goes to college and falls for the resident bad boy, Hardin (Hero Fiennes Tiffin). This wouldn't be a problem if Tessa didn't already have a boyfriend back home. Then again, does she really have to choose between the two? After was met with mixed reviews by critics, but fans of the book will no doubt be pleased with the adaptation. The strong cast and excellent cinematography should be enough to keep casual viewers watching. Watch After Now 08 of 18 The Incredible Jessica James (2017): Most Original Rom-Com About Dating in the Digital Age Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5Genre: ComedyStarring: Jessica Williams, Chris O'Dowd, LaKeith Stanfield Director: Jim Strouse Motion Picture Rating: TV-MARunning 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 09 of 18 Always Be My Maybe (2019): Best Love Story About Immigrants Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.8Genre: Comedy, RomanceStarring: Ali Wong, Randall Park, James SaitoDirector: Nahnatchka Khan Motion Picture Rating: PG-13Running 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 10 of 18 To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018): Most 'Embarrassing Meet-Cute' Movie, Ever Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.1Genre: Romance, Comedy, DramaStarring: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Janel ParrishDirector: Susan JohnsonTV Rating: TV-14Running Time: 99 minutes Based on a popular young adult book series, To All the Boys I've Loved Before tells the story of Lara Jean (Condor), whose trove of unsent and secret love letters are mailed to her crushes. Lara's dating life is thrown into chaos as the recipients of her letters start confronting her one by one. The sequel, To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You, is on Netflix too. Watch To All the Boys I've Loved Before Now 11 of 18 Set It Up (2018): Best Accidental Romance Netflix IMDb Rating: 6.5Genre: Comedy, RomanceStarring: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye DiggsDirector: Katie SilbermanTV Rating: TV-MARunning Time: 105 minutes Set It Up is a bit of a two for one, with a clever setup and a great payoff. Two assistants (Deutch and Powell) of two domineering bosses (Liu and Diggs) conspire to spark a romantic relationship between their employers. The intent is that their bosses might let up a little if they have something else to focus on, but somewhere along the way, the assistants start falling for each other as well. Watch Set it Up Now 12 of 18 Silver Linings Playbook (2012): Best Off-Kilter Romance Netflix IMDb rating: 7.7Genre: Comedy, Drama, RomanceStarring: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De NiroDirector: David O. RussellMotion Picture Rating: RRunning Time: 122 minutes Director David O. Russell takes a stab at the romance genre with this slightly askew love story about a man with bipolar disorder (Bradley Cooper) who moves back in with his family after a stint in a mental institution. Initially intent on reuniting with his estranged wife, romance ends up sparking instead with his dance competition rival (Jennifer Lawrence). Watch Silver Linings Playbook Now 13 of 18 Marriage Story (2019): Realest Destruction of a Marriage Kick in the Emotions Netflix IMDb Rating: 8.0Genre: Comedy, Drama, RomanceStarring: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Julia Greer Director: Noah BaumbachMotion Picture Rating: RRunning Time: 137 minutes Marriage Story is the emotionally crushing tale of playwright Charlie (Adam Driver) and actress Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), as their suddenly bi-coastal marriage falls apart. An amicable split, with their son in mind, soon becomes anything but. This isn't your flick if you want a paint by the numbers romance, but it's the perfect pick if you're looking to get kicked straight in the emotions. Watch Marriage Story Now 14 of 18 Stardust (2007): A Swashbuckling Fairy-Tale Romantic Fantasy Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.6Genre: Adventure, Family, Fantasy Starring: Charlie Cox, Claire Danes, Sienna Miller Director: Matthew VaughnMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Running Time: 127 minutes Stardust is a modern fairy tale from the mind of Neil Gaiman with a romantic core at its heart. Young Tristan (Charlie Cox) promises to retrieve a fallen star for the woman he loves, but romance blooms with traveling companion Yvain (Claire Danes) during his journey. Framed as a fantasy adventure, and it is that as well, the connection between Tristan and Yvain is the string that ties the story together. Watch Stardust Now 15 of 18 About Time (2013): Best Use of Limited Time Travel for Romance Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.8Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy Starring: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy Director: Richard CurtisMotion Picture Rating: RRunning Time: 123 minutes Looking for a romance flick to watch with your significant other, but they're more into science fiction? About Time is a rom-com through and through, but with a nice little sci-fi twist: protagonist Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) learns that the men in his family have the ability to travel back in time. He uses this power to relive the past in pursuit of Mary (Rachel McAdams) but learns that altering the past can have unintended consequences. Watch About Time Now 16 of 18 The Notebook (2004): Best Girl Can't Make Up Her Mind Romance Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.8Genre: Drama, RomanceStarring: Ryan Gosling, Rachel McAdams Director: Nick CassavetesMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Running Time: 123 minutes Told through the framing device of an elderly man in a nursing home reading a notebook to another patient, The Notebook follows the romance of star-crossed lovers Allie (Rachel McAdams) and Noah (Ryan Gosling). Noah is a poor lumber mill worker, while Allie is an heiress, but their love story spans decades despite all odds. Watch The Notebook Now 17 of 18 Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020): Best Romance With Hints of Icelandic Gnomes Netflix IMDb rating: 6.5Genre: Comedy, MusicStarring: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Dan StevensDirector: David DobkinMotion Picture Rating: PG-13Running Time: 123 minutes This Will Ferrell comedy about an Icelandic music group might not be the most likely candidate for a fantastic romance, but Ferrell and Rachel McAdams make for a surprisingly good pairing. Eurovision definitely goes heavy on the laughs, but there's a strikingly resonant romantic core here, with moments of real tenderness, that make this Netflix Original a must-watch if you're a fan of comedy with a side of romance. Watch Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Now 18 of 18 Pride and Prejudice (2005): Most Romantic but Independent Female Lead Romance Netflix IMDb Rating: 7.8Genre: Drama, RomanceStarring: Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Brenda Blethyn Director: Joe WrightMotion Picture Rating: PGRunning Time: 129 minutes Pride and Prejudice, based on the Jane Austen novel of the same name, comes very close to perfection in the world of romantic period dramas. Set in the 18th century, and with fantastic sets and wardrobe to match, this film follows Elizabeth (Keira Knightley) in her hot-and-cold courtship with the fascinating Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen). Every aspect of this movie is just about pitch-perfect, but the chemistry between Knightley and Macfadyen is off the charts. Watch Pride and Prejudice Now Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Email Address Sign up There was an error. Please try again. You're in! Thanks for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. Thank you for signing up. Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit