After a long week, sometimes all you want is to curl up with a box of pizza in front of your screen with someone to unwind. Unfortunately, you won’t always have that someone to cuddle with and to share your pizza. If you’re in need of a boost of oxytocin, you know you have the romance genre to lean on.
If romance is a genre you’re looking for, here are 35+ romance movie recommendations you want to add to your watch list! Spoiler alert! There will be spoilers throughout the article to highlight and explain what the movie is about.
1. 13 Going On 30 (2004)
Fantasy
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The female lead hates being a teen and on her 13th birthday she wishes that she was thirty, flirty and thriving. Somehow, she woke up in a 30 year old body in an apartment with a man she doesn’t know.
Why we love it: it’s a fun, light hearted story of a girl coming of age who at the end of the movie finds out what actually makes her happy in life.
2. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Happy Tone
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For the sake of an article, a woman transforms her personality into a psychotic, clingy girlfriend to write about how to lose a guy in 10 days. Of all the men around her, she chooses a guy who wants to win a bet that he can make her fall for him.
Why we love it: the female lead does everything a girl can do wrong in relationships and it is hilarious. You can’t deny we all love a love story that started off with a somewhat absurd reason.
3. Holidate (2020)
Happy Tone
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The two main leads were sick of getting questions and comments of how they are single during the holidays. So they made a pact to get together on holidays to show up for each other’s family gatherings as a couple.
Why we love it: gorgeous looking young couple and not to mention the anticipated ending. You’ll want to watch this to feel good.
4. To All the Boys I Love Before (2018)
Happy Tone
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A very introverted teen girl writes letters to her crushes when she couldn’t bottle up her feelings any longer. All these while the letters were kept in a box safely in her closet. One day to her horror the box was empty and she had to inevitably face the recipients of the letters.
Why we love it: it’s a cute story about a shy girl coming out of her shell to face her biggest fears which later leads to having a cute boyfriend.
5. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Happy Tone
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A story about 5 women and 4 men who face challenges in their romantic lives.
Why we love it: you get to see many sides of romance. From the long term committed relationships to the newly budding romance, this movie showed the complexity of each relationship and the many ways a romance could turn out.
6. Love, Rosie (2014)
Sad Tone
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A story about 5 women and 4 men who face challenges in their romantic lives.
Two best friends who keep missing out on each other. They have had feelings for each other since high school but many tiny incidents would keep them apart until finally years later they got together.
Why we love it: the movie is quite frustrating to be honest because you can tell that they are often so close to getting together. Nevertheless, the ending of this movie is worth waiting for.
7. PS I Love You (2007)
Sad Tone
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This story is based on a novel. The husband in the movie wrote his wife a lot of letters before he passed away from an illness to help her adjust to a life without him. Then on her 30th birthday, she got them one by one.
Why we love it: a love beyond life, if it doesn’t make you swoon I don’t know what will!
8. The Notebook (2004)
Sad Tone
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A mediocre young man falls for a rich young woman. They had the time of their lives together but their social differences became the wedge that drove them apart.
Why we love it: this romance left us with so many what ifs. A beautiful tragedy about how life isn’t fair.
9. 500 Days of Summer (2009)
Sad Tone
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A short lived relationship between a man and a woman. Their romance was great at first but it was on and off later and the female lead ended up with someone else in the movie.
Why we love it: this movie isn’t a typical romance movie and you may be a little confused after watching it for the first time. Give it some thought, it can be quite thought provoking.
10. After (2019)
Drama
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“After” is a romantic drama film that follows Tessa, a diligent student and daughter, who falls for Hardin, a mysterious and rebellious guy who is the opposite of everything she knows. As their relationship develops, Tessa is drawn into Hardin’s dark and complicated past, forcing her to question everything she thought she knew about herself and what she wants in life. The film is based on the popular young adult novel of the same name by Anna Todd.
11. The Best of Me (2014)
Sad Tone
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The main characters fell in love in high school but due to an unfortunate event the male lead went to jail. He cut the female lead off so she could move on without him. Many years later they were reunited and found out they still loved each other. He died from an accident but his heart was donated to the female lead’s son.
Why we love it: a reunion of long lost lovers such as the characters in the movie makes your heart race with anticipation. It is sad for the male lead for the many significant unfortunate events in his lifetime that affected his happiness. The end of the movie will touch your heart so prepare a box of tissues.
12. The Little Mermaid (2018)
Fantasy
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A ten-year-old girl and her young uncle reporter discover a beautiful mermaid in a circus, imprisoned and exhibited like an animal! Convinced that she is the real ‘little mermaid’, they organize the rescue of the fish-woman.
13. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Drama
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Rachel Chu is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend, Nick, to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She’s also surprised to learn that Nick’s family is extremely wealthy and he’s considered one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. Thrust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives and something far, far worse – Nick’s disapproving mother.
14. After We Fell (2021)
Drama
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As Tessa makes a life-changing decision, revelations about her family and Hardin’s past threaten to derail her plans and end the couple’s intense relationship.
15. Through My Window (2022)
Teen
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Raquel has a longtime crush on her hot neighbour, Ares, whom she secretly watches but has never spoken to. Can she make Ares fall in love with her?
16. Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005)
Action
John (Brad Pitt) and Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie), a couple in a stagnating marriage, live a deceptively mundane existence. However, each has been hiding a secret from the other: they are assassins working for adversarial agencies. When they are both assigned to kill the same target, Benjamin Danz (Adam Brody), the truth comes to the surface. Finally free from their cover stories, they discover that they have been assigned to kill each other, sparking a series of explosive attacks.
17. A Star is Born (2018)
Musical
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A love connection developed between a well known musician and a struggling singer-songwriter. They spent a lot of time together and they inspired each other. Through him, she got an opportunity to pursue her career in music.
Why we love it: it is an incredible movie revolving around romance but also the problems substance abuse can lead us and our loved ones to. It sheds a light on personal demons that many of us can relate to. Don’t even get me started on the songs, you’ll have them on repeat for weeks.
18. Mammamia! (2008)
Musical
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A story about a girl who wants to find her father and uses her wedding as an excuse to invite the possible candidates to the wedding venue. It is a pretty chaotic but incredibly fun movie for anyone looking for a good time.
Why we love it: who doesn’t love ABBA? You can sing along to the songs and feel the amazing energy from the characters on screen. There were romantic elements throughout the movie but it was more of a musical than a romance movie.
19. Zero (2018)
Comedy
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The story is about a plump teen girl who enjoys watching a dance show and decides to pursue stardom in the show. Within the movie, there is a side storyline that highlights racial segregation.
20. 50 First Dates (2004)
Rom-com
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A man who isn’t ready to commit finds himself at a loss when the girl he is interested in couldn’t remember him the next day. Turns out she was in an accident and has short term memory loss and he works hard to get her to remember him every day.
Why we love it: it is an adorable and funny story. 50 first dates will make you laugh then leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.
21. The Proposal (2009)
Rom-com
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An unlikely romance between an assistant and his boss. His boss is about to get deported so she pretends to be engaged with him to stay in the country for work. They visit his home in Alaska and one thing led to another, they actually fell for each other.
Why we love it: it is a hilarious sequence of events that led to an unconventional way to fall in love with someone.
22. Ugly Truth (2009)
Rom-com
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An uptight woman with immaculate standards for her nonexistent boyfriend meets a worldly man with no reluctance to hide the truth about the male species. The man helps her to attract a surgeon who has everything that checks her boxes. They slowly get comfortable with each other and eventually fell for each other.
Why we love it: it is light and predictable which makes it a really good movie to unwind with while curled up in bed with some snacks on hand.
23. 27 Dresses (2008)
Rom-com
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27 dresses is a movie of a woman who focuses on making other people feel great, turned around one day and started focusing on herself. She has been a bridesmaid for many of her friends, but she has yet to meet a man who she can walk down the aisle with.
Why we love it: this movie is a timeless rom-com that you can fall back on when you want a relaxing evening to unwind. Romance isn’t the only thing you may enjoy in the movie, there are plenty of pretty dresses, adorable chemistry and obvious character growth.
24. Blue Lagoon (1980)
Bomb Adult Scenes
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It is a coming-of-age romance movie where two kids grow up together after getting stranded on an island after the ship with their families sunk. Without any knowledge of the norms of society, the two fall in love and go through puberty’s emotional and physical changes together.
Why we love it: the cinematography was absolutely captivating and the cast was very attractive. It is quite disturbing that they are cousins but nature has its ways.
25. Titanic (1997)
Bomb Adult Scenes
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The film tells the story of a young aristocrat, Rose (Kate Winslet), who falls in love with a poor artist, Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio), aboard the luxurious and ill-fated RMS Titanic during its maiden voyage in 1912. Despite their different social classes, Rose and Jack develop a passionate relationship as they encounter various obstacles, including Rose’s arrogant fiancé and the ship’s impending collision with an iceberg. Ultimately, the Titanic sinks, leading to a tragic and heartbreaking end for many on board, including Rose and Jack.
26. Five Feet Apart (2019)
Drama
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Two teenagers, Stella and Will, who are both living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system. Despite being attracted to each other, they must stay at least six feet apart to avoid cross-infection, which could be fatal for them. As they spend more time together, they struggle with their feelings and the restrictions that their condition imposes on them. The film explores the themes of love, hope, and the importance of human connection, even in the face of adversity.
27. 50 Shades of Grey (2015)
Bomb Adult Scenes
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A girl who meets a billionaire with a passion for BDSM. She was a virgin when they met and was newly exposed to the practices of BDSM.
Why we love it: this movie is incredibly popular and the alluring chemistry between the cast will make it difficult for you to take your eyes off them.
28. Atonement (2007)
Bomb Adult Scenes
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The main characters of the movie were separated because of a false accusation. The younger sister thought the female lead was sexually assaulted by the male lead but that was not the case. The male lead was sent away to jail for a crime he did not commit and they did not end up together. It is a story about guilt and regret.
Why we love it: the tragic love story is a tearjerker for anyone who needs a good cry. The plot was interesting, the cast were brilliant and the adult scene was bomb.
29. Friends with Benefits (2011)
Bomb Adult Scenes
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Two friends decided that they wanted sex and nothing more from each other. However, things didn’t go as planned and they soon found themselves in conflicts and arguments. Things took a romantic turn towards the end and they confessed their feelings towards each other.
Why we love it: it is a predictable movie with a relatively light plot. The characters were attractive and the adult scenes are something we can look forward to.
30. 200 Pounds Beauty (2006)
Fantasy Romance
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A very talented singer is paid to sing backstage due to her appearance. She has a crush on her boss but he does not notice her for the right reasons. She then went under the knife and lost 200 pounds. When she returned to the company, she was given very different treatment from her former colleagues and her boss.
Why we love it: it is a light hearted and funny movie about how a person’s confidence can get boosted by looks alone. The main character is very endearing and you’ll be rooting for her as soon as the movie starts.
31. Our Lovers (2016)
Fantasy Romance
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Two people met in a café and started going on dates with the conditions that they don’t reveal their real identity to keep magic alive. Later they find out that their respective partners are cheating with each other.
Why we love it: the turn of events was very unexpected and it is actually quite funny. This is one of those stories that makes you feel good when the antagonist gets defeated.
32. After Ever Happy (2022)
Drama
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As a shocking truth about a couple’s families emerges, the two lovers discover they are not so different from each other. Tessa is no longer the sweet, simple girl she was when she met Hardin.
Why we love it: the complication in her relationships can be relatable to some. It is a tug of war between duty and what the heart desires.
33. Our Times (2015)
Bomb Adult Scenes
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The male and female lead formed an unusual alliance to help each other get the attention of their respective crushes. However they soon grew quite fond of each other but they went their separate ways after high school.
Why we love it: the characters are adorable, you may form an emotional attachment towards them. Stick to the end, you will not regret it.
34. 365 Days (2020)
Fantasy Romance
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A Polish erotic romantic drama film that tells the story of a young woman named Laura who is kidnapped by a dominant Sicilian man named Massimo. Massimo gives Laura 365 days to fall in love with him and willingly stay with him.
The film follows their complicated and controversial relationship as Laura tries to escape, but also begins to develop feelings for Massimo. The film has received criticism for its portrayal of a non-consensual and abusive relationship.
35. The Princess and the Matchmaker (2018)
Fantasy Romance
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An unlucky princess had to get married to turn her kingdom’s luck around. She isn’t one to succumb to what is handed to her and spies on her suitors during the search for a worthy husband. The matchmaker who was in charge of the arrangements was successful and well known in their kingdom. She did not feel compatible with the suitors, so she ran away from the palace to be with the person she actually loves.
Why we love it: it is a witty, light and pleasant movie to watch when you want something easy going.
