Netflix Valentine’s Day: The best rom-com movies to watch

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Valentine’s Day is here, and if you’re hoping to watch a romantic movie to celebrate, Netflix is a great place to start looking.

This streaming service offers a wide variety of romantic comedies, from recent hits like ‘People We Meet on Vacation’ to beloved classics from the past.

Whether you’re in the mood for classic films, beloved comedies like Four Weddings and a Funeral, or recent favorites such as Anyone But You, we’ve gathered a great selection – including movies by acclaimed directors like Nancy Meyers and Spike Lee – in the list below.

We’ve tried to keep the suggestions upbeat, but we’ve also added some more emotionally intense choices – for those times when you’re in the mood for a good cry.

Looking for a romantic movie to watch on Netflix? Here’s a list of the best ones, with our reviews to help you choose.

Netflix Valentine’s Day movies: The best romcoms to watch

1. Four Weddings and a Funeral

A star rating of 5 out of 5.

It’s hard to believe this seemingly simple comedy would revolutionize British television. The show, about a stylish single man, his quirky friends, and their love lives, is consistently hilarious, heartwarming, and genuinely moving – it’s always a joy to watch.

The film resonated with British audiences who were growing tired of typical alternative comedy, and it also appealed to viewers worldwide with its charmingly subtle and self-effacing humor. The story is well-organized and genuinely heartwarming, thanks to Richard Curtis’s brilliantly written screenplay (nominated for an Oscar) and Mike Newell’s skillful direction.

What truly makes the film memorable, however, are the unique performances. Hugh Grant became a star thanks to his role as the charming but indecisive lead, desperately trying to win over the mysterious American, Andie MacDowell. He’s wonderfully supported by Simon Callow and Bafta winner Kristin Scott Thomas. – David Parkinson

2. Something’s Gotta Give

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

This charming romantic comedy brings together Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, who haven’t starred in a film together since 1981’s Reds. Directed by Nancy Meyers (known for What Women Want), it’s a lighthearted and enjoyable look at finding love later in life.

Diane Keaton is fantastic in this role, playing a witty and slightly confused divorcee who believes romantic relationships are a young person’s game. That is, until she unexpectedly finds herself caring for her daughter’s much older boyfriend (Jack Nicholson). Though he claims to only date women under 30, she’s drawn to his confident personality and a surprising connection develops between them.

Jack Nicholson delivers a performance consistent with his usual style, but it’s still a pleasure to see him and Keaton together. Their chemistry is so strong and uplifting that the other storylines, like Keaton being followed by the young doctor Keanu Reeves, feel like unnecessary interruptions.

While the movie occasionally becomes overly sentimental and lacks significant depth, it’s enjoyable to see a lighthearted Hollywood film that celebrates love at any age. – Sloan Freer

3. People We Meet on Vacation

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

This romantic comedy follows a travel writer who loves adventure and convinces her more reserved best friend to join her on trips around the world. The story jumps between a wedding in Barcelona and memories of their past travels, revealing both of their past dating mishaps and the big fight that caused them to stop talking for two years.

Even just hearing that much, you can probably figure out how the story ends – it’s a bit like ‘When Harry Met Sally,’ but with travel guides. However, despite being fairly predictable, it’s a polished, well-made, and funny movie that almost seems to enjoy following familiar tropes.

Emily Bader (from Netflix’s My Lady Jane) and Tom Blyth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes) bring a lot of appeal to their characters, who could have easily been annoying. Keep an eye out for appearances by other Netflix stars Miles Heizer (13 Reasons Why) and Layton Williams (Bad Education) during the wedding celebrations. – Dave Golder

4. Anyone But You

A star rating of 2 out of 5.

Even with charming actors, a connection to Shakespeare, and beautiful settings, Will Gluck’s updated version of Much Ado About Nothing feels disappointing. Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell, from Hit Man) start off well on a first date, but quickly begin to argue.

When Ben and Bea are both invited to a wedding in Sydney, they feign a romance while secretly arguing, hoping to make Ben’s ex-girlfriend jealous and discourage Bea’s parents from trying to set them up. However, it’s unclear who’s actually being deceived. The movie has a few funny lines, but the complicated plot, forced attempts at humor, and even trying to make grilled cheese seem appealing feel strained and awkward.

It’s not surprising that seasoned actors Sweeney and Powell seem a bit detached. Alexandra Shipp and Hadley Robinson are highlights among the generally pleasant supporting cast, and Joe Davidson’s character provides most of the film’s humor. However, overall, Anyone but You doesn’t quite deliver the cleverness or energy that romantic comedy fans would hope for. – Kevin Harley

5. Pride and Prejudice

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Adapting Jane Austen for the big screen after a 65-year gap was a huge challenge. The 1940 film starring Laurence Olivier and Greer Garson is considered a classic, and it was followed by several highly praised TV series, most famously the 1995 BBC version with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.

I was really impressed with what Joe Wright did as a first-time director – he took a brave approach and created something truly beautiful. Instead of focusing on the typical romantic clichés, he highlighted the intelligence and humor of the story. Keira Knightley’s Elizabeth Bennet isn’t just a pretty face; she’s quick-witted and playful, and she definitely holds her own against the brooding Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), often outsmarting him with her sharp comebacks. It’s a really refreshing take on the story!

While Macfadyen’s performance isn’t as captivating as Firth’s, Keira Knightley shines as the lead, and is a joy to watch amidst the film’s beautiful scenery. The supporting actors are also excellent, especially Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland, who wonderfully portray Elizabeth Bennet’s mother, focused on marriage, and her affectionate father. – Sloan Freer

6. 13 Going on 30

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

Okay, so this movie takes a familiar idea – the body swap – and gives it a really fun, feminine spin. Think of it as a lighter, more bubbly version of ‘Big,’ but geared towards a female audience. It’s pure wish fulfillment: a shy, awkward teen suddenly finds herself living the dream as a stunning, accomplished woman – Jennifer Garner absolutely nails the role. It’s a fluffy, feel-good fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and honestly, it’s a blast.

Even though the story is quite fantastical, the actress Garner delivers a wonderful and believable performance, which makes the weaker parts of the plot easier to overlook. Her portrayal of a teenager navigating the adult world is incredibly charming and gives the film a refreshingly naive quality.

Look, the story itself isn’t groundbreaking – it’s pretty predictable, honestly. But what really works is Mark Ruffalo. He’s so natural and understated as the best friend, it grounds the whole thing. Despite the flimsy plot, I found it surprisingly buoyant and enjoyable. It doesn’t need to be perfect to work, and I was happily swept along.

7. Hit Man

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Richard Linklater’s latest film is a funny and charming story. Glen Powell, known from Top Gun: Maverick, both co-wrote and stars as Gary Johnson, a somewhat ordinary philosophy professor with a secret life: he pretends to be a hitman to help the police catch criminals.

Gary leads a double life, but things get complicated when, while pretending to be his confident persona ‘Ron’, he meets Madison (Adria Arjona). She unexpectedly asks him to eliminate her troublesome ex-boyfriend.

Linklater and Powell, known for their work on the film Everybody Wants Some!!, deliver comedic performances playing multiple roles. Gary disguises himself in increasingly outlandish ways for each ‘hit,’ tailoring his appearance and personality to match what he believes about his targets.

The chemistry between the two main actors makes the romantic storyline genuinely exciting, even as the plot becomes increasingly over-the-top. “Hit Man” is a sexy, fast-paced film that delivers plenty of action. – Amber Wilkinson

8. Sweet Home Alabama

A star rating of 2 out of 5.

Reese Witherspoon’s sharp wit, seen in films like Election, is softened by overly silly, predictable moments in this forgettable romantic comedy. She stars as a fashion designer from Alabama living in New York City who needs to end her marriage to her first love so she can marry a wealthy socialite, Patrick Dempsey.

Witherspoon returns home, feeling superior, and immediately finds herself in a ridiculously cheerful, almost artificial, world. This world seems designed to humble her and distract her from the real issues that led her to leave her husband, Josh Lucas, in the first place.

Director Andy Tennant brought a sense of realism to his retelling of Cinderella in ‘Ever After,’ and Reese Witherspoon’s charm nearly makes us connect with her character, despite her being a somewhat generic portrayal of a big-city woman. – David Parkinson

9. She’s Gotta Have It

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Spike Lee’s first film still feels incredibly energetic and is arguably his most purely enjoyable work. It stands out because it’s less focused on political messaging than some of his later films.

Tracy Camila Johns is a determined young woman who is fiercely independent and doesn’t want to be controlled by any of her three potential partners.

Lee expertly punctures the inflated egos of those around him, and as the relentlessly engaging Mars Blackmon, delivers many of the film’s most memorable lines. The film is beautifully shot in black and white, with a single, striking color sequence at the conclusion. – John Ferguson

10. Letters to Juliet

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

This gentle but powerful romance is surprisingly moving, largely due to Vanessa Redgrave’s subtle and skillful acting. She portrays Claire, an English woman searching for a former lover named Lorenzo in Verona, the famous setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

After a letter written fifty years ago is discovered hidden beneath Verona’s balcony, a woman returns to the city with her grandson, Charlie. The letter was found by Sophie, a young novelist hoping it will inspire her work. Sophie is in Verona with her fiancé, but he’s distracted, and she believes the letter could be the key to overcoming her writer’s block.

Sophie and Claire team up and search the Tuscan countryside for Lorenzo, following several dead ends in the process. With solid acting and the gorgeous Italian scenery, the film is a surprisingly delightful experience. – Karen Krizanovich

11. Man Up

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

I absolutely loved this movie! It’s about this woman, played by Lake Bell, who does something totally impulsive – she basically steals a guy’s blind date, Simon Pegg, right out from under him at Waterloo Station. Then she spends the whole night trying to keep up the charade, and things get hilariously complicated. Her quirky best friend, Rory Kinnear, and Pegg’s strange ex-wife, Olivia Williams, both show up and make everything even more chaotic. It’s a really fun, fast-paced comedy!

This charming and funny romantic comedy, directed by Ben Palmer (known for The Inbetweeners Movie), is both clever and heartwarming. It features a sharp script, great acting, and a lively London backdrop. Plus, according to reviewer Karen Krizanovich, the American actor does a surprisingly convincing British accent!

12. Mermaids

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Richard Benjamin began directing with the 1982 film My Favorite Year, and has since become known for lighthearted comedies, though he still occasionally acts. His latest film is a sweet romantic comedy where he directs a wonderful performance from Winona Ryder, who plays a teenage girl in the 1960s. She’s torn between her feelings for a local repairman (Michael Schoeffling) and her ambition to become a nun.

Growing up wasn’t easy for her, with a quirky mother (Cher) constantly breaking up and getting back together with a man who ran the local store (Bob Hoskins), and a little sister (Christina Ricci) who had a strange habit of practicing holding her breath underwater in the bathtub. It’s no wonder she found everything so confusing.

This charming and gentle story (it’s more likely to bring a smile to your face than roaring laughter) features Ryder, who surprisingly plays the role of a young girl going through the typical struggles of adolescence. – David Parkinson

13. We Live in Time

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

This heartfelt and reflective romantic drama explores themes of love, death, and the passage of time, though it occasionally feels a little forced. Florence Pugh stars as Almut, a driven chef specializing in fusion cuisine, while Andrew Garfield plays Tobias, a more unassuming advertising executive. Despite their differences, they fall in love, start a family, and begin planning their wedding.

When Almut receives a cancer diagnosis, she and her partner grapple with how to make the most of the time they have left. The play, written by Nick Payne, tells their story in a fragmented, non-linear way, which doesn’t always work effectively. Although John Crowley’s skillful direction helps keep the timeline clear, the story’s jumps around don’t fully justify themselves.

The film occasionally feels overly stylized, with some dialogue sounding unnatural. However, strong performances from Garfield and Pugh, who portray the conflicted lovers convincingly, help to balance this. Combined with a beautiful score by Bryce Dessner and sensitive direction from Crowley, the movie is most effective when it allows its emotional moments to unfold naturally. – Kevin Harley

14. What to Expect When You’re Expecting

A star rating of 3 out of 5.

This funny movie follows five couples as they navigate the ups and downs of becoming parents. The cast is full of stars, including Cameron Diaz as a fitness guru, Jennifer Lopez as a photographer hoping to adopt, and Elizabeth Banks as a woman desperately wanting a baby. Her husband is the son of a wealthy race car driver (Dennis Quaid) who’s married to a glamorous woman, and their intertwined stories offer a humorous look at modern parenthood, inspired by a popular pregnancy guide.

Chris Rock heads up a group of new dads who are increasingly jealous of those who aren’t tied down. Among the actors, Dennis Quaid delivers the strongest performance, skillfully portraying a character grappling with both a large ego and the realities of getting older.

Director Kirk Jones, known for films like ‘Nanny McPhee’ and ‘Everybody’s Fine,’ handles this story about having a baby with a gentle touch, making it a good choice for tired parents. However, some viewers might find the plot a bit slow or forced.

15. What Women Want

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Okay, so I just saw this really clever romantic comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, and Mel Gibson is absolutely killing it. He plays a pretty old-fashioned ad executive, and the setup is fantastic: he gets zapped with electricity and suddenly, he can hear what women are thinking. It’s a hilarious premise, and Gibson really leans into the role, making it a surprisingly fun and engaging watch. It feels like Meyers has really flipped the script on the whole battle of the sexes trope, and in a really smart way.

His special talent is often a double-edged sword, but when his competitive colleague Helen Hunt gets a promotion he wanted, Gibson resolves to fight back. As he learns more about women’s perspectives and desires, he begins to connect with his own softer side.

Even though the basic idea is a bit silly, the movie is cleverly written and expertly directed. Mel Gibson is fantastic, easily shifting between being irritating and completely charming. Hugh Grant also shines as his flawed but endearing romantic partner.

While a couple of unnecessary side stories slightly hinder the pace, this movie is otherwise a fantastic and delightful comedy, reminiscent of classic screwball films. – Dave Aldridge

16. Adventureland

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

It’s the summer of 1987. James, a recent college graduate, is feeling stuck working at an amusement park while all his friends travel through Europe. He thinks his life is on hold until he meets Em, a coworker, who’s caught in a complicated relationship with a park handyman.

Although directed by the creator of Superbad, Greg Mottola, this summer comedy about growing up is surprisingly sweet and avoids relying on crude humor. Mottola drew on his own experiences working at an amusement park during college, and the film’s detailed 1980s setting and nostalgic mood feel deeply personal, like a fond look back at youth and innocence.

Jesse Eisenberg plays a relatable, awkward character that many nerds will identify with, and Kristen Stewart delivers a powerful, quietly heartbreaking performance as a teenager. Despite featuring the 80s song “Rock Me Amadeus,” the film has a genuinely warm and nostalgic feel – and that’s impressive, according to Jamie Russell.

17. Set It Up

Two overworked assistants, needing a vacation, decide to play matchmaker with their bosses, hoping to get some time off by getting them to fall in love.

18. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

19. Blue Jay

High school sweethearts reconnect unexpectedly back in their hometown, and as they revisit old feelings, they’re forced to confront a regret they both share.

20. When We First Met

Okay, so there’s this guy, Noah, and he’s completely crushed because his friend, Avery – who he’s been secretly head-over-heels for – just got engaged. It’s rough! He’s not ready to give up, though. He stumbles upon this crazy photo booth that can actually send you back in time, and he decides to use it to revisit the night he and Avery first met, hoping he can somehow change things and finally win her over. It’s a bit wild, but honestly, who hasn’t wished they could rewind time for a second chance with someone they love?

Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about movies for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time has interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all kinds.

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2026-02-12 18:11