Every Single Anticipated Romance Movie of 2021
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VOICE OVER: Phoebe de Jeu
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
Pucker up for every single anticipated romance movie of 2021. Our countdown includes "In the Heights," "The Kissing Booth 3," "Cinderella," and more!
Script written by Nick Spake
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Every Single Anticipated Romance Movie of 2021.
For this list, we’ll be looking at love stories, rom-coms, and films with significant romance subplots that are slated for 2021 releases. Keep in mind that these release dates are tentative and subject to change
Which romance movie are you ready to fall in love with? Let us know in the comments.
#9: “In the Heights”
We’re all familiar with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical “Hamilton,” but it was the Tony-winning “In the Heights” that launched him into mainstream recognition. This musical isn’t specifically a romance, as it’s more about community, culture, and change, not to mention the American Dream. That said, there are a couple of significant romantic subplots between Benny and Nina and Usnavi and Vanessa. Jon M. Chu previously directed “Crazy Rich Asians” and two “Step Up” sequels. Given his background in love stories and choreography-heavy productions, we think he can pull off something special with songs like “Benny’s Dispatch,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” and “Blackout,” all of which have romantic elements. If you missed it on Broadway, prepare to fall head over heels.
#8: “Redeeming Love”
This Christian love story is based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Francine Rivers, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director D. J. Caruso. While it takes place in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush, the narrative is largely inspired by the Book of Hosea from the Bible. The story centers on Angel, a prostitute who turns her life around through Christianity and a farmer named Michael Hosea. In addition to the romance between Angel and Michael, “Redeeming Love” is about learning to accept God’s love and learning to love oneself. The novel was a bestseller with more than three million copies sold and received multiple accolades, including the ECPA Gold Book award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
#7: “What About Love”
“What About Love” was originally slated to hit theaters in February 2020. It may have been delayed almost a year, but this romantic drama should still be released just in time for Valentine’s Day. Directed and co-written by Klaus Menzel, the film stars Marielle Jaffe and Miguel Ángel Muñoz as Tanner and Christian, respectively. The two spend their summer in Europe making a movie about love and, in due course, fall in love themselves. In addition to these rising stars, the film stars Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia as two parents brought together when tragedy occurs. Through this incident, Stone and Garcia find the power in themselves to love again. The plot sounds equally tear-jerking and heartwarming, hopefully making it worth the wait.
#6: “Little Fish”
This sci-fi love story takes place against the backdrop of a pandemic, although not exactly the kind that we’ve experienced throughout 2020. In “Little Fish,” a widespread virus causes people to lose their memories. Olivia Cooke and Jack O’Connell star as two newlyweds who attempt to hold onto their romance as this strange virus takes its toll. The movie was supposed to make its debut at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, which was ironically cancelled due to an actual pandemic. Since we’ve all been distanced from a loved one due to COVID, “Little Fish” should not only be a creative romance movie, but a relevant one as well. Arianna Bocco of IFC Films calls it “the love story for this moment,” suggesting audiences “bring tissues.”
#5: “Marry Me”
Another Valentine’s Day release, “Marry Me” stars Jennifer Lopez, whose previous romcom credits include “The Wedding Planner,” “Maid in Manhattan,” and various others. In this adaptation of Bobby Crosby’s graphic novel, Lopez plays a pop star (of course) who believes that her on-stage partner has been cheating on her. On a whim at one of her concerts, she decides instead to marry a stranger holding a sign in the crowd, played by resident Wedding Crasher Owen Wilson. Working in reverse, the two get to know each other after tying the knot. It might not be the most realistic premise, but that’s always been part of the fun in Lopez’s romantic comedies. The film will also include original songs by Lopez and Colombian singer Maluma.
#4: “The Kissing Booth 3”
The first two “Kissing Booth” movies weren’t exactly what you’d call critical successes, but they nonetheless exploded into some of the most popular teen romantic comedies on Netflix. The first film proved so successful that its two sequels were shot back-to-back. “The Kissing Booth 3” sees the return of Joey King as Elle Evans, who was left with a life-altering decision at the end of the second film. Will she continue her relationship with Noah at Harvard or follow rule #19 and go to Berkeley with best friend Lee? Aside from being torn between the two brothers, Marco is also returning for the sequel, which may create further issues. Whatever path Elle chooses, we’re ready to pucker up for one last kiss.
#3: “To All the Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean”
Like “The Kissing Booth,” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” started as a young adult novel that inspired a romance trilogy on Netflix. Unlike “The Kissing Booth,” though, the first two “To All the Boys” movies both garnered critical acclaim. Hopefully the third film in this series can maintain that high quality. Based on the third book in Jenny Han’s series, “Always and Forever, Lara Jean” naturally brings back Lana Condor as the titular heroine. In the book, Lara Jean finds herself at a crossroads when she is accepted into the College of William & Mary while boyfriend Peter is bound for the University of Virginia. Although their relationship has overcome many hurdles, will Lara Jean be forced to write Peter a Dear John letter?
#2: “Cinderella”
Few rags to riches romances are more timeless than “Cinderella,” which may explain why we’ve gotten so many versions. The latest one sees Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello assume the role of fairy tale icon while Nicholas Galitzine stars as her prince. The production is full of inspired casting choices, including Billy Porter as Cinderella’s fairy godparent and Idina Menzel as her stepmother. In addition to having a supporting role, James Corden serves as a producer and contributed to the story. The film is being directed and written by Kay Cannon, who previously worked on the “Pitch Perfect” trilogy. Based on the talent involved, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this is a musical, which should put a fresh spin on the classic love story.
#1: “West Side Story”
Like a few other films on this list, “West Side Story” was delayed due to the pandemic. As a matter of fact, this was also our #1 pick for the Most Anticipated Romance Movie of 2020! Director Steven Spielberg has a tough act to follow, as the 1961 adaptation of “West Side Story” remains one of cinema’s greatest love stories of all time. Of course, the 1961 film not only came out on the heels of a hit stage musical, but countless other interpretations of “Romeo and Juliet.” Nevertheless, director Robert Wise put his own unique signature on that Best Picture winner. We believe that Spielberg can do the same, especially with a cast that includes Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria.
Every Single Anticipated Romance Movie of 2021
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Every Single Anticipated Romance Movie of 2021.
For this list, we’ll be looking at love stories, rom-coms, and films with significant romance subplots that are slated for 2021 releases. Keep in mind that these release dates are tentative and subject to change
Which romance movie are you ready to fall in love with? Let us know in the comments.
#9: “In the Heights”
Release Date: June 18th, 2021 [U.S.]
We’re all familiar with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s blockbuster musical “Hamilton,” but it was the Tony-winning “In the Heights” that launched him into mainstream recognition. This musical isn’t specifically a romance, as it’s more about community, culture, and change, not to mention the American Dream. That said, there are a couple of significant romantic subplots between Benny and Nina and Usnavi and Vanessa. Jon M. Chu previously directed “Crazy Rich Asians” and two “Step Up” sequels. Given his background in love stories and choreography-heavy productions, we think he can pull off something special with songs like “Benny’s Dispatch,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” and “Blackout,” all of which have romantic elements. If you missed it on Broadway, prepare to fall head over heels.
#8: “Redeeming Love”
Release Date: TBA 2021
This Christian love story is based on the 1991 novel of the same name by Francine Rivers, who also co-wrote the screenplay with director D. J. Caruso. While it takes place in the 1850s during the California Gold Rush, the narrative is largely inspired by the Book of Hosea from the Bible. The story centers on Angel, a prostitute who turns her life around through Christianity and a farmer named Michael Hosea. In addition to the romance between Angel and Michael, “Redeeming Love” is about learning to accept God’s love and learning to love oneself. The novel was a bestseller with more than three million copies sold and received multiple accolades, including the ECPA Gold Book award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association.
#7: “What About Love”
Release Date: February 12th, 2021 [U.S.]
“What About Love” was originally slated to hit theaters in February 2020. It may have been delayed almost a year, but this romantic drama should still be released just in time for Valentine’s Day. Directed and co-written by Klaus Menzel, the film stars Marielle Jaffe and Miguel Ángel Muñoz as Tanner and Christian, respectively. The two spend their summer in Europe making a movie about love and, in due course, fall in love themselves. In addition to these rising stars, the film stars Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia as two parents brought together when tragedy occurs. Through this incident, Stone and Garcia find the power in themselves to love again. The plot sounds equally tear-jerking and heartwarming, hopefully making it worth the wait.
#6: “Little Fish”
Release Date: February 5th, 2021 [U.S]
This sci-fi love story takes place against the backdrop of a pandemic, although not exactly the kind that we’ve experienced throughout 2020. In “Little Fish,” a widespread virus causes people to lose their memories. Olivia Cooke and Jack O’Connell star as two newlyweds who attempt to hold onto their romance as this strange virus takes its toll. The movie was supposed to make its debut at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, which was ironically cancelled due to an actual pandemic. Since we’ve all been distanced from a loved one due to COVID, “Little Fish” should not only be a creative romance movie, but a relevant one as well. Arianna Bocco of IFC Films calls it “the love story for this moment,” suggesting audiences “bring tissues.”
#5: “Marry Me”
Release Date: February 12th, 2021 [U.S.]
Another Valentine’s Day release, “Marry Me” stars Jennifer Lopez, whose previous romcom credits include “The Wedding Planner,” “Maid in Manhattan,” and various others. In this adaptation of Bobby Crosby’s graphic novel, Lopez plays a pop star (of course) who believes that her on-stage partner has been cheating on her. On a whim at one of her concerts, she decides instead to marry a stranger holding a sign in the crowd, played by resident Wedding Crasher Owen Wilson. Working in reverse, the two get to know each other after tying the knot. It might not be the most realistic premise, but that’s always been part of the fun in Lopez’s romantic comedies. The film will also include original songs by Lopez and Colombian singer Maluma.
#4: “The Kissing Booth 3”
Release Date: TBA 2021
The first two “Kissing Booth” movies weren’t exactly what you’d call critical successes, but they nonetheless exploded into some of the most popular teen romantic comedies on Netflix. The first film proved so successful that its two sequels were shot back-to-back. “The Kissing Booth 3” sees the return of Joey King as Elle Evans, who was left with a life-altering decision at the end of the second film. Will she continue her relationship with Noah at Harvard or follow rule #19 and go to Berkeley with best friend Lee? Aside from being torn between the two brothers, Marco is also returning for the sequel, which may create further issues. Whatever path Elle chooses, we’re ready to pucker up for one last kiss.
#3: “To All the Boys: Always and Forever, Lara Jean”
Release Date: TBA
Like “The Kissing Booth,” “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” started as a young adult novel that inspired a romance trilogy on Netflix. Unlike “The Kissing Booth,” though, the first two “To All the Boys” movies both garnered critical acclaim. Hopefully the third film in this series can maintain that high quality. Based on the third book in Jenny Han’s series, “Always and Forever, Lara Jean” naturally brings back Lana Condor as the titular heroine. In the book, Lara Jean finds herself at a crossroads when she is accepted into the College of William & Mary while boyfriend Peter is bound for the University of Virginia. Although their relationship has overcome many hurdles, will Lara Jean be forced to write Peter a Dear John letter?
#2: “Cinderella”
Release Date: February 5th, 2021 [U.S.]
Few rags to riches romances are more timeless than “Cinderella,” which may explain why we’ve gotten so many versions. The latest one sees Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello assume the role of fairy tale icon while Nicholas Galitzine stars as her prince. The production is full of inspired casting choices, including Billy Porter as Cinderella’s fairy godparent and Idina Menzel as her stepmother. In addition to having a supporting role, James Corden serves as a producer and contributed to the story. The film is being directed and written by Kay Cannon, who previously worked on the “Pitch Perfect” trilogy. Based on the talent involved, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that this is a musical, which should put a fresh spin on the classic love story.
#1: “West Side Story”
Release Date: December 10th, 2021 [U.S.]
Like a few other films on this list, “West Side Story” was delayed due to the pandemic. As a matter of fact, this was also our #1 pick for the Most Anticipated Romance Movie of 2020! Director Steven Spielberg has a tough act to follow, as the 1961 adaptation of “West Side Story” remains one of cinema’s greatest love stories of all time. Of course, the 1961 film not only came out on the heels of a hit stage musical, but countless other interpretations of “Romeo and Juliet.” Nevertheless, director Robert Wise put his own unique signature on that Best Picture winner. We believe that Spielberg can do the same, especially with a cast that includes Ansel Elgort as Tony and Rachel Zegler as Maria.
