There's no arguing that Netflix has some of the best romantic dramas on its platform. From timeless classics to modern love stories, these types of movies appeal to a wide audience because they provide a perfect mix of passion, heartbreak, and hope.
They capture the essence of love in its many forms and provide viewers with the perfect escape from everyday life. However, be prepared to be emotional while watching them because these types of films will definitely tug at the heartstrings.
We've watched our fair share of romantic dramas on Netflix and decided to create a list of only the best ones streaming. So, if you need a good movie recommendation, check out our list below. Then, grab some popcorn and tissue, get cozy, and hit play!
Purple Hearts (2022)
Look, hear me out. There's a lot wrong with Purple Hearts, but if we're just looking at the romance factor, then I'd say it's a pretty good romantic drama that's heartfelt and meaningful. It has an engaging and unique premise, relatable characters that undergo significant personal growth, and we can't not mention the strong performances by the two leads.
The strong chemistry between Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine makes their characters' love story even more believable. Purple Hearts is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Tess Wakefield and tells the complicated yet beautiful love story of an aspiring singer-songwriter and a troubled Marine who enter into a marriage of convenience for the military benefits that come with it.
While their marriage is initially transactional, they begin to develop romantic feelings for one another as they get to know each other. If you're still not entirely convinced to watch this film, let us just say that the soundtrack is incredible. Truthfully, the songs featured enhance the overall emotional impact of the film.
Love at First Sight (2023)
Love at First Sight is another romantic drama based on another piece of work. It's based on the book The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith and tells the love story of two strangers, Hadley and Oliver, who meet and form a deep instant connection during a flight from New York to London.
However, they lose sight of each other upon arriving at the airport. While the odds of them reuniting initially seem impossible, love prevails when Hadley and Oliver's paths cross once more.
If you're looking for a touching and beautifully crafted film, then you must watch Love at First Sight on Netflix.
Call Me by Your Name (2017)
Call Me by Your Name is a critically acclaimed romantic drama film that many consider to be one of the best movies of the 21st century. Talk about a compliment! It's based on the 2007 novel of the same name by André Aciman and was released in U.S. theaters back in November 2017.
Set in the summer of 1983, the story follows 17-year-old Elio Perlman (Timothée Chalamet) as he lives with his family at their 17th-century villa in Lombardy, Italy. One day, Elio's father, an archaeology professor, invites a 24-year-old graduate student named Oliver (Armie Hammer) to stay with them over the summer to work as his intern.
After spending a lot of time together, Elio and Oliver begin to form a deep and complex attraction to each other that eventually develops into a romantic relationship.
See You on Venus (2023)
See You on Venus is another heartfelt romantic drama that tells the story of two very different people from different walks of life who meet and form a meaningful connection that evolves into something much more.
We follow Mia, an 18-year-old orphaned girl who decides to embark on a journey to Spain in search of her birth mother. Before leaving on her trip, she meets Kyle, a troubled young man who's still struggling with the guilt of losing a friend in a fatal car accident.
Mia convinces Kyle to join her on her journey, and together, they road trip through the Spanish countryside. As they share their dreams and get to know one another on a deeper level, they find themselves falling in love.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
Another critically acclaimed romantic drama film currently streaming on Netflix that we recommend watching is The Spectacular Now. It stars Miles Teller as Sutter, a carefree high school senior with a troubled family life who meets and falls in love with fellow high school senior Aimee (Shailene Woodley), a teen girl who couldn't be more opposite to Sutter.
Overall, The Spectacular Now tells a relatable coming-of-age story, has strong performances from the cast, authentic and relatable characters, and will ultimately leave a lasting impression. Have your tissues ready for this one!
Look Both Ways (2022)
I personally enjoyed watching this film, and I often go back to rewatch it. It's a feel-good romantic drama starring Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart as a young woman named Natalie who discovers that she might be pregnant on the night of her college graduation.
The story then unfolds through two parallel realities: one where she’s pregnant and settles down in her hometown, and another where she’s not pregnant and moves to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams and aspirations.
Romance plays a significant part in Natalie's life in both timelines, and watching her romantic relationships play out throughout the film was beautiful to watch. You must absolutely check out Look Both Ways on Netflix if you haven't already!
The Half of It (2020)
I'm still waiting on that sequel, Netflix! The Half of It is everything you'd want in a romance film. It's quirky, charming, and just overall a feel-good movie. It centers around a shy, introverted high school student named Ellie Chu who, to earn some extra cash, agrees to help a jock woo his crush by writing love letters to her. However, things become complicated when Ellie starts developing feelings for the jock's crush.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
Eat Pray Love is arguably one of the best romantic dramas ever made. It's based on Elizabeth Gilbert's 2006 memoir of the same name and stars Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts as Liz, a successful writer who decides to embark on a year-long journey of self-discovery and healing across three countries after a painful divorce.
In one of the countries she visits, Liz learns to open her heart again when she meets a charming Brazilian expatriate, Felipe (Javier Bardem).
These are just some of our favorite romantic dramas. What are some of yours?