Could you use a little romance right now? (Who couldn’t?). Well, you’ve landed in the perfect spot! There’s truly no better way to infuse your life with a dash of love than by diving into a romantic movie. And guess what? Netflix has a treasure trove waiting for you! Whether you're drawn to swoon-worthy adaptations of timeless literature, teen flicks that explore young love blossoming into something profound, heartbreaking dramas showcasing tragic romances, quirky rom-coms filled with laughter on their way to happy endings, or stories of forbidden love that sweep the unsuspecting lovers off their feet, this delightful list has something special in store for everyone, such as these 12 romantic movies on Netflix.
So if you've been searching for love in all the wrong places, why not turn your gaze to your very own streaming device?
You’re bound to discover it nestled right within these 12 charming romantic movies on Netflix.
- Players
- 13 Going on 30
- A Walk to Remember
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
- Love and Monsters
- Always Be My Maybe
- Lady Chatterley's Lover
- 20th Century Girl
- Alex Strangelove
- Carol
- The Perfect Find
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Players
If you think dating apps are the pinnacle of gamified romance, prepare to be amazed by this crew! Trish Sie’s 2024 romantic comedy (streaming on Feb. 14, of course) features Gina Rodriguez and Damon Wayans Jr. as two Brooklyn best friends who navigate their love lives using an elaborate playbook of original pickup strategies. But when Rodriguez’s Mackenzie realizes she craves more than just casual flings, she enlists her friends to orchestrate the ultimate play—snagging a real relationship.
13 Going on 30
Grab some Razzles and settle in for a delightful watch of Gary Winick’s charming 2004 fantasy rom-com. When 13-year-old Jenna Rink wishes upon wishing dust to become “30, flirty, and thriving,” she wakes up the next day living in a chic New York City apartment with a trendy mid-aughts magazine job—and looking just like Jennifer Garner! In her flirty new life, Jenna discovers that some things she took for granted were lost in her wish (like her best friend, now played by Mark Ruffalo), and she sets out to rectify her youthful mistake.
A Walk to Remember
In need of a tearjerker? Mandy Moore is here for you! The actress stars in Adam Shankman’s 2002 drama (an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel) as Jamie, a smart high school girl who unexpectedly falls for her rebellious classmate Landon (Shane West). Their good girl-bad boy romance faces challenges not just from their differences but also from a heartbreaking secret Jamie has kept hidden. Be sure to have tissues at the ready!
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Try saying that five times fast! Or better yet, just sit back and enjoy this charming period romance directed by Mike Newell, based on the 2008 novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Set shortly after World War II, the 2018 film follows a writer (Lily James) who travels to Guernsey Island for research. There, she bonds with the locals—including the kind-hearted Dawsey (Michiel Huisman)—and learns about their experiences during the occupation.
Love and Monsters
Two daunting prospects in the title, yet one brave hero faces them both! Dylan O’Brien stars in Michael Matthews’ 2020 adventure film set in a monster apocalypse. Seven years after the catastrophe, Joel (O’Brien) emerges from his underground bunker to reunite with his former girlfriend (Jessica Henwick), battling terrifying monsters along the perilous journey back to her.
Always Be My Maybe
Drawing inspiration from rom-com classics like When Harry Met Sally (and yes, Mariah Carey), 2019’s Always Be My Maybe is a refreshing addition to the genre. Ali Wong and Randall Park star as childhood friends who reconnect as adults in San Francisco. As they navigate their vastly changed lives, they ponder whether their bond can withstand the test of time. Oh! And Keanu Reeves plays himself!
Lady Chatterley's Lover
Once banned for obscenity, D.H. Lawrence’s novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover shocked readers upon its release in 1929. Thankfully, contemporary audiences are more open-minded about its explicit content, making its 2022 adaptation by Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre available on Netflix. Emma Corrin stars as Lady Chatterley, a wealthy married woman who embarks on an affair with her gamekeeper, played by Jack O’Connell.
20th Century Girl
Travel back to the late '90s with Bang Woo-ri’s heartfelt teen romance! Set in South Korea in 1999, this film follows Na Bo-ra (Kim Yoo-jung), a teenager tasked with keeping tabs on her best friend's crush while she's abroad. In her quest, Bo-ra grows closer to the crush's best friend, Poong Woon-ho (Byeon Woo-seok), igniting feelings of her own.
Alex Strangelove
As exhilarating as it is inspiring, first love can be quite strange! Craig Johnson’s 2018 romantic comedy Alex Strangelove captures how this feeling can turn an unsuspecting teenager's world upside down. Daniel Doheny stars as Alex Truelove, who is happily dating his best friend (Madeline Weinstein) until he meets Elliot (Antonio Marziale), sparking unexpected chemistry and attraction.
Carol
Featuring breathtaking performances at its core, Todd Haynes’ stunning adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s The Price of Salt is an unmissable period drama set in the '50s. Cate Blanchett shines as Carol, a sophisticated woman embroiled in a contentious divorce who secretly falls for Therese (Rooney Mara), an aspiring photographer. Haynes’ portrayal of their forbidden romance garnered six Oscar nominations, including nods for both leading actors.
The Perfect Find
If you're on the hunt for a delightful new rom-com, your search ends with Numa Perrier's The Perfect Find! This 2023 gem features Gabrielle Union as Jenna, a fashion editor aiming for a fresh start both personally and professionally at a chic magazine. After a fun night out with friends, she unexpectedly kisses a dashing younger man (played by Keith Powers), only to discover he's her colleague—and the son of her boss!
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Among the teen rom-coms that emerged from the late-2010s genre renaissance, Susan Johnson’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, adapted from Jenny Han's novel, stands out as one of the most charming. Lana Condor shines as Lara Jean Covey, a bashful and imaginative teen whose secret crushes are revealed to their targets, compelling her to step outside her comfort zone in surprising ways—like entering into a faux romance with a popular jock (Noah Centineo). Don’t forget to continue the journey with the sequels: 2020’s P.S. I Still Love You and 2021’s Always and Forever!