Top 30 Best Netflix Romance Movies

Top 30 Best Netflix Romance Movies

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the best of what Netflix has to offer in the romance department. In the interest of keeping things centered, we’ll only be considering the streaming service’s original content.

#30: “The Knight Before Christmas” (2019)

A melding of Christmas and fantasy? Yes, please. Vanessa Hudgens and Josh Whitehouse excel in their roles as a modern-day teacher and a medieval knight. This movie employs all the right rom-com clichés, with its endearing observations of the modern world making it a step up from your typical holiday Hallmark movie. While it’s reinventing any movie wheels, it sets out to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside and certainly delivers. For those of us not yet ready to give up the daydream of being rescued by a knight in shining armor, tonight, we feast!

#29: “Irreplaceable You” (2018)

If you’re looking for a feel-good pick-me-up, this probably isn’t the one for you. For the rest of us who like a good cry-fest, this movie certainly delivers. We’ve got childhood friends-to-lovers, an engagement, and a story about what it means to live with a terminal illness. The ending is spoiled within the first few minutes, so the film spends the rest of its time taking us through the motions. Though some felt certain plot points and the overarching message could have been expanded on and handled better, “Irreplaceable You” takes an oddly pleasant approach to an otherwise timeworn plot.

#28: “A Perfect Pairing” (2022)

With Victoria Justice at the helm, “A Perfect Pairing” hits all the rom-com beats but, fear not, it’s more naturally acted than your typical Hallmark tv movie. We’re whisked away to Australia where Lola tries to prove herself to a potential client in order to financially secure her start-up. Amid the journey, she meets Max, the station boss on her client’s sheep farm, who she begins to work with. “A Perfect Pairing” is as cheesy as they come, so it’s a great watch if you’re needing something easy and comforting to curl up on the couch to.

#27: “I Am Not an Easy Man” (2018)

This French film flips the patriarchy inside-out and it’s incredible. Damian is chauvinistic, obnoxious, and a total womanizer, so he’s the perfect candidate to find himself in an alternate world where women have dominance over pretty much everything. Stereotypical gender roles are definitely played up for laughs and nearly every facet of the movie is pushed to the extreme, but that’s what makes it so great. Beyond the big feminist theme at its center and how eye-opening it is, the love story between Damian and Alexandra is super fun to watch.

#26: “Love Wedding Repeat” (2020)

Despite lackluster reviews from some critics, “Love Wedding Repeat” does exactly what it promises. It’s lighthearted, laugh-out-loud funny, and hopeful, everything we want out of a rom-com. Even though they totally hit it off when they first meet, Jack and his sister’s friend, Dina, don’t do anything about it for three years. Forced proximity at Jack’s sister’s wedding has them rekindling, albeit not without some champagne-induced hiccups along the way. Among hysterical what-if scenarios, witty voice over, and a couple we love to root for, a lot of this movie’s magic comes from the unbridled talent of the cast.

#25: “Candy Jar” (2018)

A charming coming-of-age story, “Candy Jar” follows Lona and Bennett as they compete for the presidency of their two-person debate club. They’re forced to face just how evenly-matched they are, and not just when it comes to debate and scholarly ambition. It’s the typical ‘rivals finding out they have a lot in common’ storyline, but the movie’s clever writing, brilliant acting, and big twist give it a lot of merit. Captivating simplicity is “Candy Jar’s” secret sauce, with the superb chemistry between actors Sami Gayle and Jacob Latimore winning us over every time.

#24: “Love Per Square Foot” (2018)

Praised for its groundedness and believability, “Love Per Square Foot” tells the story of Sanjay Kumar Chaturvedi and Kareena D’Souza as they enter a joint housing scheme, and do the whole love thing backwards. This Indian Hindi-language film excels on several fronts including pace, direction, and score. Director Anand Tiwari said his goal was to showcase today’s India and focus on the idea of “whether ‘home’ is more important than ‘house’”. The major strong suit in this film has to be its dialogue. It’s wonderfully natural and effortlessly delivered by every performer.

#23: “Love at First Sight” (2023)

Hadley Sullivan and Oliver Jones meet by complete fluke at an airport after Hadley misses her flight. The initial spark alone is entrancing enough but their initial exchanges afterward makes it clear it’s not just about physical attraction. Despite being polar opposite Type A and Type B personalities, they get on really well and, wouldn’t you know it, end up sat next to each other on the plane. These kinds of connections are rare enough so when Hadley accidentally loses his contact, the two spend the rest of the movie trying to find each other again. Narrated by Jameela Jamil, this take on trying for something so uncertain totally grips us from the get-go.

#22: “The Kissing Booth” franchise (2018-21)

It’s impossible to construct a list of the best Netflix romances without talking about the phenomenon that were these movies. Is it the most refined piece of media around? Definitely not. But there’s something so enticing about Elle and Noah’s relationship progression throughout the series. We get all our favorite clichés and tropes in the first movie alone, and it’s enough to keep us hooked – well, that, and all the drama. Call it a guilty pleasure but “The Kissing Booth” is all mindless fun and hot make-outs, and we’re here for it.

#21: “A Jazzman’s Blues” (2022)

While this movie is about so much more than romantic love, the connection between Bayou and Leanne definitely makes a lasting impression. From the paper plane through his window to the simplicity of the way these two look at each other, their love is sweet and gentle, and true. Even across time and space, and despite impossible circumstances, Leanne and Bayou’s feelings remain strong and you start to think that, no matter what, they’ll always find each other. “A Jazzman’s Blues” is not the easiest film to watch but it’s a touching tale rooted in horrifying reality.

#20: “The Half of It” (2020)

It’s always gratifying when romance movies show just how messy love can be – even young love. High schooler Ellie is roped into helping popular boy Paul win over his crush, Aster. The big problem? Aster is also Ellie’s crush. This love triangle moves in so many different ways as the characters come to know each other better and form close bonds. “The Half of It” feels rooted in reality as it explores themes of grief, poverty, identity, and tolerance. Aptly casted and well-written, this one’s a breath of fresh air in a sea of mush and gush.

#19: “Nappily Ever After” (2018)

Based on the novel by Trisha R. Thomas, “Nappily Ever After” focuses on Violet, a young black woman who has always had a complicated relationship with her hair. Her perfectionist mother always encouraged her to straighten it, despite how much work it took, and she continued these practices into adulthood. But an incident at a hair salon and the fact that her boyfriend doesn’t propose when she expects him to cause her to reevaluate everything. This movie uses Violet’s hair as a representation of her inner self and brings us along on her journey to acceptance.

#18: “Falling Inn Love” (2019)

If what you’re in the market for is a rom com with a comforting and predictable plot, look no further than 2019’s “Falling Inn Love”. It doesn’t try to buck convention or reinvent the wheel, but it gives us a classic romantic comedy plot with a fun twist. Gabriela unexpectedly finds herself the new owner of an inn in New Zealand that needs a little TLC. She’s a fish out of water in the charming small town setting, and quickly meets Jake, a contractor who she ends up partnering with despite their confrontational beginnings. This story goes exactly where you expect it to, but hey that’s not always a bad thing.

#17: "All the Bright Places" (2020)

Some teen romance movies are frothy and fun, but "All the Bright Places", which is based on the novel of the same name, takes a look at some of the darker themes that are present in the lives of teenagers today. Addressing mental health issues as well as suicide, you definitely have to be ready for the emotional punch that this movie is packing. Following the love story of Violet and Theodore through a turbulent moment in both of their lives, this film might be heavy but it’s also beautiful and reminds us to appreciate every moment.

#16: “The Incredible Jessica James” (2017)

Considering the positive reviews that this 2017 film received, we’re genuinely surprised it doesn’t have more widespread popularity. “The Incredible Jessica James”, starring Jessica Williams, tells the oh so relatable story about two people who come together but who still aren’t over their exes. Featuring some familiar faces and situations that every millennial has encountered, you can’t help but love it. The titular character of this quirky modern rom-com is magnetic, and leaves you wishing this were a half hour TV show rather than a one-off film so you could just keep binging to your heart’s content.

#15: “Happy Anniversary” (2018)

You may recognize Noël Wells as the primary love interest from the first season of “Master of None”, but more recently she was starring in this film. With an engaging premise and a distinctly indie vibe, “Happy Anniversary” takes a look at a couple three years into their relationship who are deciding whether they should stick it out or call it quits. The film features a series of flashbacks so that viewers get to experience their relationship right along with them as they decide how to move forward.

#14: “Let It Snow” (2019)

Released just in time for the 2019 holiday season, “Let It Snow” is a delightful Christmas movie that feels like “Love Actually” for a modern teen audience. Featuring a diverse ensemble cast and multiple interweaving storylines, there’s no reason this shouldn’t become a December classic. There’s something for everyone here since the romantic subplots all vary widely, with other prominent stories about friendship and family included as well. The book that this flick is based on was a collaboration between some of the biggest names in YA literature: Maureen Johnson, John Green, and Lauren Myracle).

#13: “When We First Met” (2018)

We love a rom com with a unique and compelling premise. In this film, Noah (played by Adam DeVine) has a one night stand with a girl who he totally falls for, but she wants them to just be friends after their initial tryst. Years later, she’s engaged to another guy, but he’s still harboring feelings for her. He wants to figure out how he managed to mess things up, so he uses time travel to relive their night together over and over again in an attempt to get her to see him differently.

#12: “Ali's Wedding” (2017)

Osamah Sami wrote and stars in this film that he calls “ the first Muslim rom-com”, which debuted on Netflix in 2017. “Ali’s Wedding” tells the story of a young Muslim man living in Australia who faces extreme pressure from his family to live up to their high expectations and marry the woman who they think is the right match for him. Unfortunately though, the heart wants what it wants, so even though he’s betrothed, he strikes up a romance with someone else. It’s a movie unlike anything you’ve seen before, and offers up some diverse representation.

#11: “The Princess Switch” (2018)

Netflix has kind of cornered the market on schmaltzy holiday movies, and we’re not complaining. With all of the hardships we’re facing in the world today, sometimes you just want a rom com that you know is going to end with a happily ever after. In “The Princess Switch”, a champion baker goes to the small (fictional) country of Belgravia. She realizes that she looks identical to the Duchess of Montenaro who is slated to marry Crown Prince Edward of Belgravia. The two end up switching places, which gives us not one but two adorable love stories to follow.

#10: “A Christmas Prince” (2017)

If you were on the internet in the holiday season of 2017, you undoubtedly heard of this movie. “A Christmas Prince” was the subject of countless articles and blog posts, because of its potential to become a cult favorite despite the fact that it was...well...pretty terrible. It seems that the creators of this movie were going for a “so bad it’s good” concept, and they totally pulled it off. If you already saw this one but want to get in the holiday spirit all over again, try “Christmas Inheritance” which has a similar vibe.

#9: “Tramps” (2016)

This definitely isn’t your typical romance movie, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth seeing. “Tramps” has 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and for good reason: it manages to take the story of a crime gone wrong and turn it into a touching romance. Danny and Ellie are both involved in a botched briefcase swap, and spend the day together trying to rectify their mistake. They don’t expect things to take a romantic turn (and neither does the viewer!) but the end result will surprise you with how affective it is.

#8: "Dumplin'" (2018)

When it was released on Netflix in 2018, "Dumplin'" was an unexpected delight to viewers. With a mix of Dolly Parton, drag queens and Jennifer Aniston, what more could you want? The plot revolves around Willowdean Dickson, who has been given the nickname Dumplin’, and her quest to compete in a beauty pageant in her Texas town despite the fact that she’s plus sized. Her mom (played by Aniston) is a former beauty queen herself, and Willowdean has to contend with her mother’s lack of belief in her.

#7: "Someone Great" (2019)

One of the best recent films to be created by Netflix is “Someone Great”, starring Gina Rodriguez and Lakeith Stanfield. This dramedy feels fresh and modern, taking well-worn tropes of romantic movies and turning them on their heads. The plot takes unexpected twists and turns as the protagonist, Jenny, tries to get over her longtime boyfriend breaking up with her. She’s got two friends with storylines of their own to help her along the way. The tone of this flick shifts quickly from over the top comedy to something more contemplative, and that’s what makes it truly something great.

#6: “Us and Them” (2018)

This high concept Chinese film earned a perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, and will pique your interest as soon as you’re introduced to the premise. A young man and woman meet by chance on a train, and viewers watch their relationship ebb and flow over a ten year period. They are sometimes together and sometimes apart, but regardless of the nature of their relationship, each scene is emotionally evocative and beautifully shot. Yes, you’ll have to read some subtitles, but it’s totally worth it.

#5: “Our Souls at Night” (2017)

Jane Fonda and Robert Redford star in the Netflix adaptation of Kent Haruf’s novel, “Our Souls at Night”, which tells the story of two elderly people who have lost their spouses. They decide to try an arrangement where they share a bed to keep each other company, but don’t necessarily “sleep together” if you know what we mean. Their unconventional relationship is inevitably questioned by those around them, but viewers get to see the tender and unique bond that these two share.

#4: “Always Be My Maybe” (2019)

Sasha and Marcus were best friends as kids growing up in San Francisco, but when they were teenagers they decided to have sex and it ruined their relationship. They are unexpectedly reunited as adults when Sasha has become a famous and super successful chef while Marcus is still playing in the same band and working with his dad. They seem as though they couldn’t be more poorly matched, but there’s still chemistry there and they both feel it. If nothing else, watch this movie for the Keanu Reeves cameo, which was one of the best things to happen in 2019.

#3: “Set It Up” (2018)

Sometimes you just want a good old fashioned romantic comedy, with all the meet cutes, witty repartee and totally predictable scenarios that the genre has to offer. “Set It Up” will scratch that itch. Starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell in the lead roles and Taye Diggs and Lucy Liu in the supporting roles, you know it’s going to be charming from the cast alone. The premise is that two overworked assistants want to set up their bosses in order to make their lives easier, but obviously not everything goes as planned. You probably know how this one ends, but that’s really not what matters.

#2: “Alex Strangelove” (2018)

We’re honestly shocked that more people weren’t talking about this teen rom com when it hit Netflix in 2018. It takes a concept that may feel overdone and gives it the modern twist that it needs to cater to current teenage audiences. At first, the premise seems simple: two longtime besties decide that they want to lose their virginities together. But Alex begins to question his sexuality after meeting the openly gayl Elliot, who is obviously into him. The movie follows Alex as he comes to terms with what he really wants, and it’s entertaining every step of the way.

#1:“To All the Boys I've Loved Before” (2018)

You probably could have guessed what our number one pick was going to be, but we don’t mind being a little bit predictable when it comes to supporting a film like this one. “To All the Boys I've Loved Before” was the talk of the internet upon its release, and the more views it gets, the more fans it amasses. Based on a novel by Jenny Han, this story is about a girl named Lara Jean whose secret love letters are unintentionally sent to the boys she wrote them about. What results is one of the most endearing movies to be released in recent years. Luckily, fans got to see more of Peter and Lara Jean when a sequel was released in 2020 called “P.S. I Still Love You”.

Which movie restored your faith in love? Let us know in the comments.