Top 10 Online Dating Romance Movies

Struggling writer Sam has a crush on his local barista, Birdie. Seeing an ex-girlfriend inspires him to make a move. Though their interaction happens in real life, Sam uses Birdie’s Facebook profile to note all of her interests, and pretends that he shares them – from French cuisine to ballroom dancing and pedicures. It’s simultaneously entertaining and cringey to watch. It shows us that he doesn’t really like himself as he’s afraid to show Birdie the real him. He realizes soon, however, that his pretense is not sustainable. We may have all looked up our crush online, but this movie shows that whatever we learn, honesty is still the best policy!

This coming-of-age movie was controversial when it came out. When dreamboat Jamey texts Sierra, mistaking her for the stunning Veronica, Sierra doesn’t correct him. As she plays along, they develop a text-based relationship, pushing Sierra deeper into the trap she’s built herself. Jamey is enchanted by Sierra’s intelligence and wit, but is in for a surprise should he find out the truth. Sierra gets the guy in the end, but her actions are super questionable throughout: catfishing, cyberbullying, and a non-consensual kiss. All in all, the movie is a great example of how misleading relationships over text can be.

Reminiscent of “Eurotrip”, this 2008 comedy is about 18-year old Ian, who travels all the way from Illinois to Tennessee to meet his online crush, Ms. Tasty. Naturally, he ends up getting way more than he bargained for. His best friends accompany him on a road trip full of adventures, obstacles, and life lessons. It’s a movie that explores both the excitement and perils of online dating. While Ms. Tasty IS a real person, Ian ends up questioning if she’s really the one for him. If you’re a fan of raunchy teen humor, “Sex Drive” is the movie for you.

Dating apps come with a lot of promises. An app called “Love, Guaranteed” should at least … well, guarantee love, right? That’s what Nick Evans thinks, and after going on a thousand unsuccessful dates, he decides to sue. His lawyer, Susan Whitaker, is dedicated to justice, but often works pro bono and struggles to make ends meet - so she agrees to take on Nick’s case. Well, you’ve probably guessed the twist - after a rocky start, they begin to fall for one another. This jeopardises their legal case, since technically they met because of the app! “Love, Guaranteed” is a perfect feel-good movie for an evening after a busy day.

Megan has been in a slump that only gets worse when she runs into her ex-fiance outside of a club. So she takes her roommate’s advice and uses a dating app, swiping right to find a one-night stand. Because of a snowstorm, however, Megan finds herself stuck at his place. The problem is, they don’t get along! Luckily, they take this opportunity to have open communication and learn from each other in order to become better lovers. It’s fun to watch Megan step out of her comfort zone, as well as their dynamic as they’re forced to get to know each other. It’s a movie that shows that, yes, dating apps can be shallow, but they can also lead to real connections.

Jean Hamilton is so determined in her search for the perfect man that she’s willing to embarrass her teenage daughter, Holly, at a PTA meeting. After seeing her mom go through failure after failure, Holly decides to take matters into her own hands. She invents a fictional man based on her new friend’s uncle, Ben (whom we better know as Mr. Big!), and writes letters to her mother pretending to be him. What could go wrong? “The Perfect Man” is another movie about online subterfuge, with Hilary Duff’s Holly pulling the strings. Nonetheless, it’s a lighthearted rom-com that’s fun family viewing.

When Martin and Gabi find each other through a dating app, they’re just aiming for casual sex - but their search for a one-night stand turns into an intense romance. Things take a twist, however, when they open up their relationship to other people. “Newness” makes us face real-life questions about monogamy, love, sexual exploration, and compromise. It also reinforces the importance of open communication and honesty. In an age of apps and casual romance, that’s perhaps more important than ever. Throw in two gorgeous leads, and you’ve got a riveting portrayal of contemporary romance.

This rom com sees Diane Keaton playing a meddling mom who sets up an online dating profile for her single daughter Milly, played by Mandy Moore. Down to two candidates, Milly ends up in a love triangle, where she’s torn between the adorable Johnny and the very eligible Jason. In addition to Milly’s romantic dilemmas, “Because I Said So” also explores the relationship between mother and daughter. As usual, a seasoned actress like Keaton is an absolute delight in any role; and the charming and lovely Moore makes a perfect Milly.

Dating can be draining, especially online. Preschool teacher and divorcee Sarah discovers this and more when her sister sets up an online dating profile for her. What follows is a series of disastrous, extremely cringeworthy dates. She finally meets leading man Jake, who’s borrowed a dog from someone to demonstrate that he’s fond of canines. Needless to say, their first meeting is far from perfect. And naturally, a slew of unfortunate events and misunderstandings are still to come. But ultimately, Sarah’s foray into online dating does actually lead to love. “Must Love Dogs” has several hilarious scenes, and of course, we get to see some cute dogs which is always a plus.

Online dating was still a new development in the late 90s. But “You’ve Got Mail” showed how it could be both just as romantic and troubled! Of course, its success was in no small part thanks to charismatic leads Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Joe and Kathleen are rival business owners who, without realizing it, have two parallel relationships: a romantic one online, and a competitive one in real life. Sure, looking back, Joe’s behaviour is more than a little problematic. But the movie is still fun to watch thanks to the chemistry between Hanks and Ryan. “You’ve Got Mail” remains the most definitive story of online romance blossoming into something beautiful in real life.