If you’re looking up the best romantic movies on Netflix, chances are you’re stumped for date night or you’re getting ready for a serious self-care night. These 21 picks, from classics like The Notebook to Netflix originals like Always Be My Maybe, will fill the rom-com sized hole in your heart. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably swoon over some of the lead characters. Check on the status of your takeout order, grab your coziest weighted blanket, and settle into the couch you’ve been sitting on every day since March, because it’s time for a romance marathon.
The Half of It (2020)
Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) lives with her widowed father in the remote town of Squahamish. She’s approached by Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer), a typical high school jock, to write love letters to his crush, Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire)—who Ellie is secretly in love with. Friendships are tested and love triangles are formed in this LGBTQ coming-of-age story.
The Notebook (2004)
Ah, a classic. The movie, which is based on the Nicholas Sparks novel, is based in the 1940s and follows Allie Hamilton (Rachel McAdams) and Noah Calhoun (Ryan Gosling), who meet at the town fair and quickly fall in love, despite their relationship—which crosses class lines—being forbidden by Allie’s family. The sweeping love story takes place over decades, and the ending will undoubtedly bring tears to your eyes.
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
In the 2005 adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel, Elizabeth Bennett (Keira Knightley) faces pressure to marry, as she’s the oldest of five sisters. She’s introduced to Mr. Darcy (Matthew McFayden), an upper-class prospect with whom she quickly develops chemistry. There’s pining, fabulous British accents, and so much letter-writing.
Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
Adele (Adèle Exarchopoulos) is a high school student figuring out her sexuality. After meeting—and being instantly attracted to—Emma (Léa Seydoux) at a bar, Adele forms an intense connection with her. The film is sexy, intense, and will have you feeling all the feels.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) writes secret love letters—which she never sends—to all her past and present loves. One night, her younger sister discovers them and mails them out. Lara Jean’s life goes haywire as she’s suddenly confronted by her crushes, but one—Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo)—might actually work out.
About Time (2013)
When Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) turns 21, his dad lets him in on a secret: the men in the family can travel in time. Tim uses his time-traveling abilities to try and find a girlfriend, but he ends up meeting Mary (Rachel McAdams), and falls deeply in love with her. But after decades of time travel to make everything “perfect,” he realizes that he can’t stop problems from happening.
Someone Great (2019)
Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez) and Nate Davis (Lakeith Stanfield) have been in a relationship for nine years. But when Jenny takes a job in San Francisco, they break up. Jenny surrounds herself with her friends for one final girls’ night out in New York City.
Moonlight (2016)
This film, which won the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Picture, follows the life of Chiron, a young Black man growing up in Miami. He grapples with his identity and sexuality while experiencing the everyday struggles of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. This film delves into romantic and familial love and friendships with stunning visuals.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) are childhood best friends who date in their teens. 16 years after their break-up, Sasha is a successful chef and engaged, and Marcus is in an amateur band and still living with his dad. But when Sasha’s fiance cheats on her, she finds herself growing closer to Marcus.
Her (2013)
Theodore Twombly (Joaquin Phoenix) is devastated by the end of his marriage and seeks comfort in the company of friends and an AI operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). After connecting with the voice in his pocket, things begin to look up. But can you fall in love with an entity that’s not real? This surprisingly romantic sci-fi drama sets to find out.
The Lovebirds (2020)
On the brink of breaking up, Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are thrown into a chaotic murder mystery. As they figure out the case, they have to also figure out how they—and their relationship—can survive. It’s equal parts funny, heartwarming, and action-packed.
All the Bright Places (2020)
This coming-of-age film follows Theodore Finch (Justice Smith), who is dealing with mental illness, and Violet Markey (Elle Fanning), who is reeling after the death of her sister. The two become an unlikely pair, and figure out how to love each other despite the scars of their past.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
After a painful breakup, Clementine Kruczynski (Kate Winslet) undergoes a procedure that will erase the memories of her ex, Joel Barish (Jim Carrey). When Joel finds out about Clementine’s procedure, he gets it too. The two re-experience the memories as they are erased and are reminded of their love for each other.
A Walk to Remember (2002)
Popular high school senior Landon Carter (Shane West) meets Jamie Sullivan (Mandy Moore) when he chooses to join the school play instead of getting expelled. The two spend more time together and Landon falls in love with Jamie, who tells him that she has leukemia. It’s a tragic and inspirational love story that will put you through the emotional ringer.
Set It Up (2018)
Harper Moore (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie Young (Glen Powell) are two assistants with workaholic bosses (played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs). In an attempt to get them off their backs, they set their bosses up. And, wouldn’t you know, the assistants start to fall in love with each other too.
She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
Nola Darling (Tracy Camilla Johns) can’t decide what kind of man to date, so she does what any sensible woman would do and dates three men at the same time. But what happens when the three men find out about each other? This Spike Lee-directed film, which feels apt for the technology generation, was certainly ahead of its time. (After you’ve streamed the film, watch the 2017 Netflix series for an updated version of the classic.)
Marriage Story (2019)
This Academy Award-nominated film involves theater director Charlie Barber (Adam Driver) and his wife, Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), who’s an actress. The two enter into a grueling and emotionally-charged divorce and viewers witness anger, denial, and grief. You might think it strange to be on our list of best romantic movies on Netflix, but its realistic portrayal of longterm love, divorce, and tender moments might hit the spot for you.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
After losing his job and marriage and staying at a treatment facility for bipolar disorder, Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) moves back in with his parents, where he meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who’s struggling with depression after the death of her husband. Tiffany offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, but we think you can guess what happens instead.
Irreplaceable You (2018)
Abbie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Sam (Michiel Huisman) are engaged, but when Abbie is diagnosed with cancer, she sets out to find a new love for Sam. She forms friendships with other patients who teach her how to focus on living, even in the midst of a terminal illness.
The Incredible Jessica James
Jessica James (Jessica Williams) is a fiercely independent, struggling playwright in New York City trying to get over her ex in the age of social media. She’s set up on a blind date with Boone (Chris O’Dowd), who is also struggling after a breakup. The two hit it off and attempt to figure out what love looks like after heartbreak.
Carol (2015)
This film tells the story of an affair between Therese Belivet (Rooney Mara), a young photographer, and Carol Aird (Cate Blanchett), an older woman going through a divorce. Set in the 1950s, the two fall in love but are met with complicated consequences.