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WeirdThe 17 Best Romance Movies On Netflix
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
June 18, 2018, 9:00 p.m. ET
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Ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores!
Photos: NETFLIX ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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AWOL
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
AWOL follows Joey, an aimless young woman who visits an army recruiting office and seems to finally find a path for herself there. Just when she thinks she has it all figured out, however, she meets a woman named Rayna, and the two fall in love in a way that neither could have predicted. Authentically emotional, AWOL is a breathtaking, poignant portrait of first love.
[Stream AWOL on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
AWOL follows Joey, an aimless young woman who visits an army recruiting office and seems to finally find a path for herself there. Just when she thinks she has it all figured out, however, she meets a woman named Rayna, and the two fall in love in a way that neither could have predicted. Authentically emotional, AWOL is a breathtaking, poignant portrait of first love.
[Stream AWOL on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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Before Midnight
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
The third film in Richard Linklater's talky trilogy finds duo Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) nine years since our last encounter with them, now living in Paris with their twin daughters. On the invitation of a colleague of Jesse's, the family spends the summer in Greece, but when the vacation ends and Jesse's son heads off to the states, everything he used to know is thrown up into the air as he questions the life he's become accustomed to.
[Stream Before Midnight on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%
The third film in Richard Linklater's talky trilogy finds duo Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) nine years since our last encounter with them, now living in Paris with their twin daughters. On the invitation of a colleague of Jesse's, the family spends the summer in Greece, but when the vacation ends and Jesse's son heads off to the states, everything he used to know is thrown up into the air as he questions the life he's become accustomed to.
[Stream Before Midnight on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
4 of
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45 Years
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Charlotte Rampling was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in this romantic drama, and it's not hard to see why. Rampling stars as Kate, a woman who learns that her husband was once engaged to someone else right before their 45th wedding anniversary. Things are not as simple as they seem, however, and the secrets that are revealed threaten to shake up everything they've ever known together.
[Stream 45 Years on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Charlotte Rampling was nominated for an Academy Award for her work in this romantic drama, and it's not hard to see why. Rampling stars as Kate, a woman who learns that her husband was once engaged to someone else right before their 45th wedding anniversary. Things are not as simple as they seem, however, and the secrets that are revealed threaten to shake up everything they've ever known together.
[Stream 45 Years on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Carol
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Set in 1950s New York, Carol sees a young photographer fall for an older woman stuck in a loveless marriage and chronicles their relationship as their connection deepens and they face the reality of the society they live in. Directed by Todd Haynes, this gorgeous film boasts unforgettable performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara and an atmospheric tone that sucks you in right away.
[Stream Carol on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Set in 1950s New York, Carol sees a young photographer fall for an older woman stuck in a loveless marriage and chronicles their relationship as their connection deepens and they face the reality of the society they live in. Directed by Todd Haynes, this gorgeous film boasts unforgettable performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara and an atmospheric tone that sucks you in right away.
[Stream Carol on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Pariah
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This beautiful, raw drama depicts a lesbian teen from Brooklyn who must hide her sexuality from her religious parents while beginning to share it with her friends. Full of stunning performances and a universal message of the longing we all feel to be accepted, appreciated, and loved, this moving film is truly unforgettable.
[Stream Pariah on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
This beautiful, raw drama depicts a lesbian teen from Brooklyn who must hide her sexuality from her religious parents while beginning to share it with her friends. Full of stunning performances and a universal message of the longing we all feel to be accepted, appreciated, and loved, this moving film is truly unforgettable.
[Stream Pariah on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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Blue Jay
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
There's something devastatingly magical about Blue Jay, a beautiful black-and-white drama that meditates on lost love and the things that haunt us. The always-amazing Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass star as former high school sweethearts who, after a chance encounter, reflect on the connection between them that still stands, and a regret that they can't quite move past.
[Stream Blue Jay]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
There's something devastatingly magical about Blue Jay, a beautiful black-and-white drama that meditates on lost love and the things that haunt us. The always-amazing Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass star as former high school sweethearts who, after a chance encounter, reflect on the connection between them that still stands, and a regret that they can't quite move past.
[Stream Blue Jay]
Photo: Netflix
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Howards End
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Think Harry Potter boasts the most big British actors on the same screen? Think again. Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, and an all-star slew of performers from across the pond round out the cast in this 1992 drama that follows a husband that refuses to accept his wife's deathbed wish. Full of unexpected romance, drama, and moral differences, Howards End might just move you to places you may not predict.
[Stream Howards End]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Think Harry Potter boasts the most big British actors on the same screen? Think again. Emma Thompson, Anthony Hopkins, and an all-star slew of performers from across the pond round out the cast in this 1992 drama that follows a husband that refuses to accept his wife's deathbed wish. Full of unexpected romance, drama, and moral differences, Howards End might just move you to places you may not predict.
[Stream Howards End]
Photo: Netflix
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Midnight in Paris
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
One evening, while on a walk in Paris, a man (Owen Wilson) discovers that he can time travel back to the 1920s, and while there, he meets his literary idols, among other fascinating figures. This whimsical romantic comedy also features memorable performances from Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Allison Pill, and Tom Hiddleston (Pill and Hiddleston delightfully play the melodramatic, charming Fitzgeralds).
[Stream Midnight in Paris]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
One evening, while on a walk in Paris, a man (Owen Wilson) discovers that he can time travel back to the 1920s, and while there, he meets his literary idols, among other fascinating figures. This whimsical romantic comedy also features memorable performances from Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams, Allison Pill, and Tom Hiddleston (Pill and Hiddleston delightfully play the melodramatic, charming Fitzgeralds).
[Stream Midnight in Paris]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Moonrise Kingdom
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Helmed by indie god Wes Anderson, this quirky story of young love depicts two pre-teens who decide to run away together from their New England hometown. The disapproving adults who will do whatever they can to stop our two young lovers from being together, but Suzy and Sam won't give up. Rife with innocence, humor, and wit, Moonrise Kingdom is the offbeat youth romance you're bound to fall in love with.
[Stream Moonrise Kingdom]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%
Helmed by indie god Wes Anderson, this quirky story of young love depicts two pre-teens who decide to run away together from their New England hometown. The disapproving adults who will do whatever they can to stop our two young lovers from being together, but Suzy and Sam won't give up. Rife with innocence, humor, and wit, Moonrise Kingdom is the offbeat youth romance you're bound to fall in love with.
[Stream Moonrise Kingdom]
Photo: Everett Collection
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The Way He Looks
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
This wonderful Brazilian coming-of-age romance follows a blind high school student named Leonardo who fights for his independence with the help of his best friend Giovana. Things soon change, however, when a boy named Gabriel arrives, new feelings develop, and Leonardo begins to question everything.
[Stream The Way He Looks]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
This wonderful Brazilian coming-of-age romance follows a blind high school student named Leonardo who fights for his independence with the help of his best friend Giovana. Things soon change, however, when a boy named Gabriel arrives, new feelings develop, and Leonardo begins to question everything.
[Stream The Way He Looks]
Photo: Netflix
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Set It Up
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Netflix's best romantic comedy yet sees two assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) team up to play matchmaker in secret for their respective bosses. While things might not go totally according to plan for their bosses, the two unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other. Warm, funny, and totally charming, Set It Up will romance even the coldest of hearts.
[Stream Set It Up]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Netflix's best romantic comedy yet sees two assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) team up to play matchmaker in secret for their respective bosses. While things might not go totally according to plan for their bosses, the two unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other. Warm, funny, and totally charming, Set It Up will romance even the coldest of hearts.
[Stream Set It Up]
Photo: Netflix
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Up in the Air
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
George Clooney stars in this unique dramedy as Ryan Bingham, a man who largely lives out of his suitcase as he travels around the country for work. When he encounters a new love interest (Vera Farmiga) and an eager new hire (Anna Kendrick), however, he's forced to reexamine his way of life. Pitch Perfect's Kendrick saw her career breakthrough in this flick from Jason Reitman, and watching her hold her own opposite Clooney is a joy.
[Stream Up in the Air on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 91%
George Clooney stars in this unique dramedy as Ryan Bingham, a man who largely lives out of his suitcase as he travels around the country for work. When he encounters a new love interest (Vera Farmiga) and an eager new hire (Anna Kendrick), however, he's forced to reexamine his way of life. Pitch Perfect's Kendrick saw her career breakthrough in this flick from Jason Reitman, and watching her hold her own opposite Clooney is a joy.
[Stream Up in the Air on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Blue is the Warmest Color
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
This sweeping film follows a teenage girl named Adèle whose life is changed when she encounters a blue-haired girl named Emma (Léa Seydoux). The romance follows their relationship from their teen years through early adulthood, through love and heartache, and it's stocked with emotionally raw, intense performances.
[Stream Blue is the Warmest Color]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
This sweeping film follows a teenage girl named Adèle whose life is changed when she encounters a blue-haired girl named Emma (Léa Seydoux). The romance follows their relationship from their teen years through early adulthood, through love and heartache, and it's stocked with emotionally raw, intense performances.
[Stream Blue is the Warmest Color]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Amélie
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Whimsical as it is witty, this offbeat comedy depicts a shy waitress who resolves to make the lives of those around her better, even though she isolates herself from everyone. In the midst of her good deeds, she realizes she's fallen in love and proceeds to play a game of cat and mouse with the man she's been pining for.
[Stream Amélie]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%
Whimsical as it is witty, this offbeat comedy depicts a shy waitress who resolves to make the lives of those around her better, even though she isolates herself from everyone. In the midst of her good deeds, she realizes she's fallen in love and proceeds to play a game of cat and mouse with the man she's been pining for.
[Stream Amélie]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Two Lovers and a Bear
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man) star as two people trying to leave the past behind them in Two Lovers and a Bear, a unique drama that follows the duo as they spend their days near the Arctic Circle and seek out inner peace. Moving, beautifully shot, and well-acted, this surprising love story will touch you in more ways than one.
[Stream Two Lovers and a Bear]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) and Dane DeHaan (The Amazing Spider-Man) star as two people trying to leave the past behind them in Two Lovers and a Bear, a unique drama that follows the duo as they spend their days near the Arctic Circle and seek out inner peace. Moving, beautifully shot, and well-acted, this surprising love story will touch you in more ways than one.
[Stream Two Lovers and a Bear]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
Starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis, this uproarious romantic comedy sees a heartbroken Peter (Segel) travel to Hawaii to get over a breakup with his TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Bell). In an unfortunate twist, Sarah winds up at the same resort with her new boyfriend (Russell Brand), pushing Peter to a whole new place.
[Stream Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%
Starring Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Mila Kunis, this uproarious romantic comedy sees a heartbroken Peter (Segel) travel to Hawaii to get over a breakup with his TV star girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Bell). In an unfortunate twist, Sarah winds up at the same resort with her new boyfriend (Russell Brand), pushing Peter to a whole new place.
[Stream Forgetting Sarah Marshall on Netflix]
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Atonement
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
This devastating romantic war drama stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as Cecilia and Robbie, lovers who are forced apart when Cecilia's younger sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) accuses Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Sweeping, shocking, and absolutely gorgeous, you won't be able to get this one out of your head for weeks.
[Stream Atonement]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 83%
This devastating romantic war drama stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy as Cecilia and Robbie, lovers who are forced apart when Cecilia's younger sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan) accuses Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Sweeping, shocking, and absolutely gorgeous, you won't be able to get this one out of your head for weeks.
[Stream Atonement]
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