It’s been a while now since our battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. But the silver lining is that the HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE to make this treacherous time get better! You might not have enough time to go to the church or join in singing ‘Joy to the World’. But you can still surround yourself with the Christmas spirit right from the comfort of your own couch.
Feeling blue this season? Or just want an easy escape to the fairy tale romance with your partner? So here’s what you can do. We bring a few hidden gems from the romantic movie library of Hollywood, now available to stream on Netflix.
From the old school era to modern-day love stories, we have got all of the best romantic movies on Netflix. Get to watch with your partner while cozying up in the blanket sipping on that peppermint hot chocolate.
Top Romantic Movies on Netflix for December 2020
Amélie (2001)
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
A timeless classic like ‘Amelie’ never disappoints. Hands down, this has been one of the best romantic movies of all time.
This movie is positioned in the aftermath of Princess Diana’s untimely demise. “Amélie” is a French romantic comedy movie that revolves around an imaginative waitress Amélie (Audrey Tautou), living in the heart of Paris. In her quest to bring happiness to the people around her, she takes pleasure in the simplest things. Things that one might oversee in the grand scheme of life. However, she ultimately finds love in Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz) through a bizarre series of events.
The movie’s cast is in perfect agreement with Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s idea of embodying charm instead of just faking it. It has spectacular cinematography and ingenious music. The plot with its host of lovable-yet-unorthodox characters will engage you while helping you explore your hopelessly romantic side.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
By Academy Award-winning writer Charlie Kaufman, this is a sad romantic fantasy movie that explores mental illness. People face mental complexities in the most humbling way. The story plot focuses on the repercussions of dealing with a painful breakup between a depressed couple.
Soon, Joel (Jim Carrey) learns about Clementine’s procedure (Kate Winslet) to alleviate the breakup’s pain. He decides to do the same impulsively. Only to end up entangling with things so bad as someone tries to take advantage of their separation. The movie touches upon happiness and togetherness, leaving a lasting memory of cherishing the love between two people.
Groundhog Day (1993)
IMDB Rating: 8/10
Set in a small town of Pennsylvania, Phil Connors played by Bill Murray is an arrogant and cynical weatherman. He finds himself stuck in a time loop and has to relive Groundhog Day repeatedly. At first, he uses the situation to his advantage. But eventually realizes he has to relive that day for all eternity and eventually tries to make amends.
Though not immediately noticeable is an effortlessly likable and entertaining rom-com movie. Winning performances by the lead actors and beautifully complex script lead us to question the uncertainty of life! It is definitely one of the most genius movies ever made.
About Time (2013)
IMDB Rating: 7.8/10
Another masterpiece by Richard Curtis magnificently wraps a romantic movie in interesting aspects of sci-fi with perfectly timed humor scenes. It’s a treat to watch this movie on Netflix today. Helps explore the familial side of love and how it extends to the ones you hold most dear.
The movie focuses on Tim (Domhnall Gleeson), who comes from an eccentric but wealthy family, and discovers that men from his family are capable of time travel. Using these abilities, he travels back in time to improve his life. In his newfound quest of time-traveling and altering realities, he eventually realizes that some instances cannot be changed without unraveling others.
Punchy with a rollercoaster of emotions while watching this; we recommend you to let go of the analytical part of your mind and go with the feel-good flow!
Blue is the Warmest Color (2013)
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Loosely based on a romantic graphic novel by Julie Maroh, “Blue is the Warmest Color” is an unconventional French romantic movie that explores the nuances of emotional and romantic same-sex first love.
When a high school student (Adèle Exarchopoulos) falls madly in love with an art student (Léa Seydoux), she starts climbing the stairs of adulthood with an intense and complicated love story.
With a keen eye for detail, complexity of emotions, and the meticulous approach to direction, the feeling of the rapture is exuded in an artsy form throughout the entire storytelling process, hence mesmerizing the senses. A compelling performance by the lead actresses in this Palme d’Or winning film will surely make you question the boundaries of love.
Flipped (2010)
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
Originating from the novel of the same name and brilliantly directed by Rob Reiner, this movie will genuinely give you the feel of a top-notch romantic movie to watch on Netflix in our current times. “Flipped” is portrayed by the voice-over narration and perspectives of our two protagonists, Bryce (Callan McAuliffe) and Juli (Madeline Carroll). Set in the year 1963, Juli’s life takes a life-altering turn when Bryce moves into her neighborhood, and she flips over him, completely.
Flipped is a young adult romance that captures the themes of love and determination in a sincere, pure, and wholesome depiction. It has its own share of funny and heartwarming moments, making it perfect for even the whole family to enjoy.
A Single Man (2009)
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10
Also stemmed from the same name’s novel, this sad romantic movie is focused on a homosexual man living in LA in 1938. Troubled by grief and haunted by joy, he is a man apart yet like any other. George Falconer (Colin Firth) has trouble coming to terms with his longtime partner’s sudden death and subsequently decides to end his life. Melancholy routine and numbness follow, but something changes at the end of the day.
Arguably Colin Firth’s most outstanding performance, directed by Tom Ford, hence, a stylish film, this romantic drama is heart-wrenching and captivating at the same time. The movie sublimely captures the essence of someone dealing with an existential crisis yet trying to live in the present and seize the day.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
A lot has been said and talked about William Shakespeare’s life. Whatever is known is through folklore and legends being carried over time. “Shakespeare in Love” is a multiple award-winning rom-com from the 1590s.
Exploring the entanglement between William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow) in the movie adds a new twist to the tales from the time gone by.
The movie has a contemporary and satirical take on what is known and unknown about Shakespeare’s life and times. Excellent performance from all the cast members, fantastic chemistry between the leads, tongue-in-cheek references about current entertainment scenarios, and old theatres, is what makes the movie truly enjoyable and worth watching! Hands down, it is one of the best romantic movies on Netflix.
The Holiday (2006)
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10
Christmas binge-watching can only be complete if we have “The Holiday” on our lists. With stellar panoramic views in the backdrop supported by a star-studded cast, it indulges in experiential storytelling.
Tired of the mundane life and desperate for an escape, two women (Kate Winslet & Cameron Diaz) living on opposite sides of the globe, meet online and swap houses for the holidays. With the change in scenery came the difference in the pace of life that would forever transform their lives.
Rooted in the boundaries of starting afresh on a whimsical decision, the movie seamlessly blends drama and comedy, making it a perfect watch for a romantic pick me up.
Set it Up (2018)
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
If you have had your fill of the conventional romantic comedy movies of our time and are in a mood to explore new horizons, the Netflix original romantic comedy, “Set it Up,” comes to your rescue with a refreshing outlook on the genre,
Two assistants (Zoey Deutch & Glen Powell), overworked and living at the same building offices, try to set up their typical New York bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) with each other to get them off their backs. What ensues is a hilarious turn of events to keep up with this whole charade, and not so surprisingly, sparks fly!!
A lively and wholesome rom-com, along with slapstick chemistry between the leads, will indeed explore the tickly side of love.
Letters to Juliet (2010)
IMDB Rating: 6.5/10
Developed on the actual premise of The Juliet Balcony and Secretaries of Juliet, “Letters to Juliet” is directed against a picturesque Italian countryside with power-packed performances by female protagonists. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), a fact-checker for an American magazine, while visiting Italy with her fiancé, accidentally chances upon an undelivered 50-year old letter from Claire (Vanessa Redgrave). She then tags along with Claire and her somewhat cynical grandson Charlie (Chris Egan) in Claire’s quest to reunite with her long-lost love.
Though a predictable plot, the movie holds its own by bringing a fresh take on love, hope, and friendships and ends up making you feel fuzzy all over!
Love Hard (2021)
Natalie is a journalist in LA and a hopeless romantic though single. She still dreams of her perfect man. She thinks there’s a chance when she finds Tag, a guy from the East Coast who fits all her criteria.
Putting all eggs in a basket, Natalie takes a leap of faith when she jumps on the plane to visit Tag for the holidays and gives him a surprise. Upon arrival, she finds that this was all a setup from Josh, Tag’s childhood friend, who equally has no luck in love. A romantic comedy follows as the two of them get to know each other.
Single All The Way (2021)
Peter, our protagonist, is going home for the holidays. To avoid being forever single, Peter convinces Nick, his best friend, to join him on this trip to avoid his family’s attention. Moreover, they now have to pretend that they are in a relationship. They think the plan is bulletproof and there won’t be any problems. However, when his mother sets up a date with James, her trainer, things begin to go awfully wrong.
The Housewives of the North Pole (2021)
‘The Housewives of the North Pole’ is an enjoyable Christmas movie without the hallmark cliches. Instead, the plot is about two best friends who begin to get on each other’s throats as they compete against each other to win the best decoration award.
Meanwhile, their children are exploring the world and falling in love. Meanwhile, a newspaper reporter reports every news about women and their drama. The movie is made for light laughs, so don’t think much about it. Just sit back on your couch and enjoy with a glass of rose.
A Castle For Christmas (2021)
The story’s protagonist is Sophie Brown, an author who’s trying her best to deliver. Upon receiving bad reviews on her new book for killing a character, she decides to be on the Drew Barrymore show. With no help or inspiration to work on something new, Sophie decides to visit Scotland. After reaching Scotland, she visits a castle where her father used to work. Wanting to buy the castle, Sophie signs a contract with the owner, who’s a bit rude.
Sophie begins living in the castle and visits a local pub where they knit. Slowly, she falls in love with the place and settles down with a man. The film ends when the couple enters the castle.
Like this list of romantic movies on Netflix? Here are some other lists you might want to check out: