10 Great Romance Movies on Netflix
Sometimes, too many options can be paralyzing instead of freeing. Netflix has a plethora of movies to choose from, and yet, when you’re sitting in front of your cooling dinner desperately trying to find a movie to watch, its wide variety can seem oh so small. To help you stave off that indecision, here are 10 great romance movie recommendations, all of which are available to watch on Netflix. Enjoy!
The Perfect Date
Let’s kickstart the list with a highly-entertaining and easy-going rom-com taking place in high school. Protagonist Brooks Rattigan, played by Noah Centineo, is determined to attend his dream college, and through the help of his friend, earns money by dating girls who pick his clothes and persona. Throughout the story, Rattigan weighs the meaning of status, wealth, and love while managing his relationships and ambitions. The film is well-paced with witty dialogue, and delivers its themes without leaving the audience wanting more.He’s All That
A contemporary take on the famous 1999 movie She’s All That, the film is about social media celebrity Padgett Sawyer, played by TikTok star Addison Rae, caught in the world of high-school intrigue, deceit, and manipulation. Sawyer bets her popular friends that she can makeover the biggest “loser” Cameron Kweller, played by Tanner Buchanan, in time for prom. The movie addresses the notions of love and romance in the midst of social media’s superficial perceptions, as well as its subcultures’ influences on the relationships formed by youth. If you’re looking for straightforward entertainment and watching famous internet stars playing archetypal and heart-warming roles, He’s All That is just it.Nothing to Hide
Straying from the high-school drama, Nothing to Hide is a French movie detailing the intimate lives of four couples over dinner. Placing all phones on the table, any messages received must be read aloud, challenging the supposed honesty of marriage. The subtle, witty, and fast-paced dialogue adds to the charm and subterfuge of the characters, serving as a thin layer covering any secrets lurking beneath. Exposing the banalities that enhance or sink a marriage, the movie is a story of love and effort, deceit and redemption. A mature and unexpectedly endearing film, Nothing to Hide grants the audience conflict without action, but through the accumulations of everyday life and love.
Our Souls at Night
A touching, tender, and deeply romantic film, Our Souls at Night follows the story of widower Louis Waters (Robert Redford) and widow Addie Moore (Jane Fonda), who have been living as neighbors. To counteract their increasing loneliness, Waters and Moore begin sleeping in the same bed. Over time, their relationship turns into love, conflicted by family strife and complications. Both protagonists are extremely well-developed with sensical backstories and good pacing. The audience is left rooting for their love, as the film appeals to the more pure and warmhearted aspects of love. Its critical acclaim is unsurprising and well-deserved.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
A high-school romance with a unique old-school, Victorian approach, this Netflix hit (based off of a book) tells of teenager Lara Jean, played by Lana Condor, and her collection of unsent letters each addressing her successive crushes. Drama ensues when they are released, resulting in love, controversy, and self-discovery. The characters, including her family members, love interests, and friends, are well-written and developed, leaving none appearing one-dimensional. Not driven by the clichés characteristic of rom-coms, the plot is intriguing with an appropriate pace. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before has been very well received, and for good reason. If you’re curious about what coming-of-age teenage romances can really achieve, this is it.
Tall Girl
A tale of insecurity and its consequences, Tall Girl addresses the common struggles of, well, a tall girl. Navigating her high-school life and feeling overshadowed by her more conventionally attractive and successful older sister, Jodi, played by Ava Michelle, seeks what self-acceptance implies. Caught in a love triangle, Jodi learns what affection means beneath mere appearance. This film makes some interesting choices: at times, romance is made subordinate to ego. But if you need to pass the time and find comedy in some odd places, Tall Girl is it.Falling Inn Love
A charming sunny-side romance, Falling Inn Love follows the journey of Gabriela, played by Christina Milian, as she navigates life in New Zealand, her refuge from the disappointments of life as a high-powered American businesswoman. Building various relationships with the locals, Gabriela finds herself working and gradually falling for dashing carpenter Jake, played by Adam Demos. A simple and engaging story with light conflict, Falling Inn Love paints an uncomplicated and direct picture of love.
A Perfect Pairing
Its simplicity parallels the format of Falling Inn Love, recalling the male love interest played by Adam Demos. Protagonist Lola, played by Victoria Justice, is another American businesswoman leaving for Australia. Working in the countryside, she becomes accustomed to hardship and physical toil. The dialogue sufficiently progresses the plot, and there are some funny, quirky moments. A standard, uncontroversial romance, it can definitely keep you entertained.
Titanic
A classic, Titanic contains a story of pure, star-crossed love reaching across social strata. Knowing their fate, we’re nonetheless left to share the delight of Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet) in moments of unbridled love. It’s Titanic, what more is there to say?
Can You Keep a Secret?
A more low-key and chill romance, Can You Keep a Secret? begins with protagonist Emma Corrigan’s (Alexandra Daddario) mundane struggles in her love and work life. While onboard a plane undergoing turbulence, she spills her feelings to a complete stranger, who turns out to be Jack Harper (Tyler Hoechlin), the CEO of her company. The movie details their romance, as well as modern dating culture, with a few side characters embodying its stereotypes. The most meaningfully developed characters are Emma and Jack, as the former attempts to achieve her potential while the latter grapples with intimacy and personal truths. The pacing is admittedly iffy at times and there are some superfluous aspects, but Can You Keep a Secret? is a fulfilling feel-good movie.
