Falling in Love on the Silver Screen: The 10 Best Romantic Movies on Netflix

As the spooky season approaches, it's easy to get caught up in the thrill of horror movies. But sometimes, the heart yearns for something a little more tender. That's why we've curated a list of the 10 best romantic movies currently streaming on Netflix, offering a diverse array of love stories that will tug at your heartstrings.

Uncover the Magic of Love on Netflix

Falling in Love Like in the Movies (2023)

In this captivating meta-narrative, we follow Bagus, a scriptwriter who pitches a black-and-white romantic comedy based on his own high school love story with Hana. As the film shifts between Bagus' past and present, the lines between reality and the movie-within-the-movie become delightfully blurred. Director Yandy Laurens' visual playfulness, with its constant shifts between color and monochrome, offers a self-referential take on the nature of romantic films, exploring how cinema can both mirror and diverge from real-life experiences. This thought-provoking exploration of the creative process and the interplay between art and life is a must-watch for any cinephile.

La La Land (2016)

In the magical land of Hollywood, aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) and struggling jazz musician Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) find themselves drawn to each other, their dreams intertwining as they inspire one another to chase their passions. However, as their careers take off, they must learn to balance their relationship with the pursuit of their individual aspirations. Director Damien Chazelle's stylish, nostalgic masterpiece is a bittersweet exploration of the joys and sacrifices that come with following one's dreams, blending the optimism of romance with the melancholy of life's compromises and missed opportunities. Filled with stunning visuals, captivating music, and powerhouse performances, La La Land is a cinematic experience that will leave you both uplifted and reflective.

Blue Jay (2016)

When Jim (Mark Duplass) returns to his hometown to renovate and sell his late mother's house, he unexpectedly runs into his high school sweetheart, Amanda (Sarah Paulson). As they spend the day together, they revisit the moments and places from their shared past, gradually rekindling the emotions they once shared. Director Alex Lehmann's intimate, minimalistic drama offers a quiet, introspective exploration of the complexities of rekindled relationships and the impact of memories on our sense of self. Featuring naturalistic dialogue and a black-and-white aesthetic, Blue Jay is a reflective, meditative depiction of love that delves into the bittersweet nature of revisiting one's past.

Us and Them (2018)

This sweeping romantic drama from Taiwanese singer-actress Rene Liu follows the evolving relationship between Xiaoxiao (Zhou Dongyu) and Jianqing (Jing Boran), two strangers who meet on a train while traveling home for the Chinese New Year. Over the course of a decade, their connection deepens and transforms, as they navigate the challenges of love, career struggles, and building a life together. Through a narrative that constantly shifts between past and present, Us and Them captures the bittersweet spectrum of romantic connection, juxtaposing the vibrant beginnings of love with the muted tones of later challenges. With its expressive visual contrasts and realistic depiction of the ups and downs of a relationship, this film offers a poignant exploration of the impact of individual ambitions and societal pressures on the bonds we forge.

Muriel's Wedding (1994)

In this offbeat and colorful comedy from director P.J. Hogan, we meet Muriel Heslop (Toni Collette), a socially awkward woman who dreams of escaping her unsatisfying small-town life by getting married. After stealing money to attend a tropical vacation, Muriel reinvents herself with the help of her new friend, Rhonda (Rachel Griffiths), and the two move to Sydney, where Muriel's obsession with finding a husband leads her on a journey of self-discovery. Quirky, heartfelt, and infused with the infectious tunes of ABBA, Muriel's Wedding is a cathartic exploration of self-worth and the true meaning of happiness, challenging societal expectations and the fantasy of the perfect wedding.

Carol (2015)

Set in 1950s New York, this romantic drama from director Todd Haynes follows the blossoming love affair between Therese (Rooney Mara), a young aspiring photographer, and Carol (Cate Blanchett), a wealthy woman going through a difficult divorce. Despite the social prejudices of the era, the two women form a deep emotional connection that they must navigate amidst the messiness of Carol's custody battle and the risks associated with their forbidden love. Haynes' signature elegant style and meticulous attention to period detail create a lush, atmospheric backdrop for this tender, restrained love story, which explores the complexities of desire and the courage required to embrace one's true self.

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

No list of the best romantic movies on Netflix would be complete without a Bollywood classic, and Kal Ho Naa Ho, directed by Nikkhil Advani, is a standout. This uplifting yet heartbreaking tale centers on the romance between Naina (Preity Zinta), a young student struggling with her own unhappiness, and Aman (Shah Rukh Khan), her cheerful and optimistic new neighbor. As a love triangle unfolds, with Naina's classmate Rohit (Saif Ali Khan) also vying for her affection, Aman keeps a life-threatening heart condition a secret. Blending comedy, romance, and deep drama, Kal Ho Naa Ho is a vibrant and dramatic Bollywood experience that will leave you both entertained and emotionally invested.

On Body and Soul (2017)

In this hauntingly beautiful film from director Ildikó Enyedi, love blossoms in the most unexpected of places – a Hungarian slaughterhouse. Endre (Morcsányi Géza) and Mária (Alexandra Borbély), two workers at the facility, discover that they share the same dream each night, where they meet as deer in a peaceful forest. As they learn to communicate in reality and confront their emotional barriers, their relationship deepens, creating a poetic and visually stunning exploration of the power of connection. Contrasting the cold, sterile environment of the slaughterhouse with the serene, natural imagery of the shared dream, On Body and Soul offers a unique and captivating perspective on the search for love and emotional fulfillment.

Don't Go Breaking My Heart (2011)

The first part of a romantic duology, Don't Go Breaking My Heart introduces a love triangle between Yen (Gao Yuanyuan), a young Hong Kong analyst who recently broke up with her boyfriend, and her two suitors – Sean (Louis Koo), a wealthy investment firm CEO, and Kevin (Daniel Wu), an architect struggling with alcoholism. As the two men vie for Yen's attention in increasingly creative ways, the film from directing team Wai Ka-fai and Johnnie To delivers a light, charming, and humorous Shakespearean romantic comedy. Capturing the dynamic cityscape of Hong Kong with its slick cinematography, Don't Go Breaking My Heart offers a delightful exploration of the complexities of love, balancing the joy, frustration, and longing that naturally come with matters of the heart.

Big Eden (2000)

The final film on our list, Big Eden, tells the story of Henry Hart (Arye Gross), a successful New York City artist who returns to his rural Montana hometown to care for his ailing grandfather. As Henry reconnects with the people from his past, including his high school crush, Dean (Tim DeKay), and a local store owner, Pike (Eric Schweig), who harbors feelings for him, the film from director Thomas Bezucha presents a small-town fantasy world where the entire community is accepting and supportive of one's journey of self-discovery. With its warm, lighthearted approach and positive, inclusive tone, Big Eden offers a refreshing take on the romantic genre, celebrating the power of community and the transformative nature of homecoming.