10 Romantic Movies on Netflix to Watch for Date Night

Date night doesn't always have to mean expensive dinners, crowded theaters, or changing out of your sweatpants. Sometimes, the most romantic evening is the one spent right on your sofa, with a cozy blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and the perfect movie. Netflix has become the modern-day matchmaker for movie nights, offering a vast library that caters to every kind of couple—from the "friends to lovers" enthusiasts to the "steamy period drama" fans.

In late 2026, the trend for at-home date nights is all about "curated coziness." We aren't just picking a movie; we are picking a vibe. A scroll through TikTok and Pinterest reveals that couples are looking for films that fit specific aesthetics: the sun-drenched "Euro Summer" romance, the moody and intellectual "Light Academia" love story, or the comforting nostalgia of a "Y2K-style" rom-com. Whether you are in the mood for a laugh-out-loud comedy to break the ice on a third date or a tearjerker to bond over with your long-term partner, Netflix has a polished, high-quality original waiting for you.

This list is your definitive guide to the 10 best romantic movies on Netflix to watch for date night. We’ve curated a mix of brand-new 2026 hits and modern classics, ranking them by their "swoon factor" and conversation-starting potential. So dim the lights, grab the remote, and get ready to fall in love with these stories.

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10. Mother of the Bride (2024)

The Vibe: Breezy, tropical, and fun for a low-stress evening.

Synopsis: Brooke Shields stars as Lana, a doting mother who flies to a tropical island for her daughter's wedding, only to discover that the groom's father is her college ex, the one who broke her heart decades ago (played by Benjamin Bratt). Chaos, bickering, and rekindled sparks ensue against a stunning beach backdrop.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: Sometimes you just want a movie that feels like a vacation. This film taps into the "Coastal Grandmother" and "Destination Wedding" aesthetics that are huge on Pinterest. It’s light, funny, and features beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect background movie for a date night filled with chatting and snacks, where you don't need to think too hard but can enjoy the chemistry of two veteran actors. It’s a reminder that love (and drama) can happen at any age.

Internal Link: If you love stories about complicated family dynamics and romance, check out our article on 12 Best Gilmore Girls Characters, Ranked.

9. The Life List (2025)

The Vibe: Inspiring, wholesome, and full of self-discovery.

Synopsis: Based on the best-selling novel, this 2025 release follows a woman who, after her mother’s death, receives a "life list" of goals she wrote as a teenager. To receive her inheritance, she must complete every item on the list within a year. As she steps out of her comfort zone, she rediscovers her passion for life and stumbles into an unexpected romance with the charming executor of her mother's estate.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This movie hits the "BookTok adaptation" sweet spot. It’s a heartwarming story about growth and vulnerability. It’s a great film for couples who enjoy deep conversations about dreams and future goals. The romance is sweet and slow-burn, perfect for a cozy, feel-good evening. It encourages you to ask your partner: What would be on your life list?

External Link: Read more about the book that inspired the movie on Goodreads.

8. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

The Vibe: Funny, foodie-centric, and incredibly relatable.

Synopsis: Childhood sweethearts Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) had a falling out and haven't spoken in 15 years. When Sasha, now a celebrity chef, returns to San Francisco to open a new restaurant, she runs into Marcus, who is a happily complacent musician still living with his dad. They have to navigate their new lives, old feelings, and a hilarious cameo by Keanu Reeves.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This movie is a modern classic. It flips traditional gender roles (she’s the successful, busy one; he’s the supportive homebody), which can spark interesting conversations. It’s laugh-out-loud funny but grounded in a very real history between the characters. Plus, if you and your partner are foodies, the culinary scenes are a treat. It celebrates the idea that the right person will love your ambition, not be intimidated by it.

Internal Link: For more on navigating relationship dynamics, read How to Resolve Conflict and Strengthen Your Marriage.

7. La Dolce Villa (2025)

The Vibe: The ultimate "Euro Summer" escapism.

Synopsis: A young woman impulse-buys a crumbling villa in Tuscany after a bad breakup, channeling her inner Under the Tuscan Sun. As she struggles with renovations and local bureaucracy, she meets a ruggedly handsome local contractor. Language barriers and culture clashes eventually give way to a romance as lush as the Italian countryside.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This film is pure Pinterest aesthetic. It feeds the collective craving for travel, slow living, and Italian wine. It’s visually stunning, filled with golden hour lighting and rolling vineyards. It’s the perfect movie to pair with a bottle of Chianti and a homemade pasta dinner. It’s a low-stakes, high-romance fantasy that allows you and your partner to dream about running away to Europe together.

External Link: Check out travel guides for Tuscany on Condé Nast Traveler to plan your own romantic getaway.

6. Set It Up (2018)

The Vibe: Witty, fast-paced, and satisfyingly competent.

Synopsis: Two overworked assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) in New York City realize their lives would be easier if their demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) were dating each other. They team up to "Cyrano" their bosses into a relationship, scheming to set up meet-cutes and romantic moments. In the process of manufacturing love for others, they begin to fall for each other.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: Before Anyone But You, Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch proved their chemistry here. This movie single-handedly revived the rom-com genre for Netflix. It’s smart, sharp, and features a pizza scene that is arguably the most romantic moment in recent streaming history. It’s perfect for couples who want a movie that is funny without being dumb, and romantic without being cheesy.

Internal Link: Love workplace romances? Check out our article on 10 Books for Fans of Nobody Wants This.

5. Lady Chatterley's Lover (2022)

The Vibe: Steamy, atmospheric, and artistic.

Synopsis: Based on the classic novel, this film follows Lady Constance Chatterley (Emma Corrin), a woman trapped in a loveless marriage to a wealthy aristocrat. She finds solace—and intense passion—in the arms of the estate's gamekeeper, Oliver Mellors (Jack O'Connell). Their affair defies social class and convention, leading Connie to a sexual and emotional awakening.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: If you are looking for something with a bit more heat, this is the pick. It fits the "Cottagecore" and "Period Romance" trends perfectly. It’s beautifully shot, with rain-soaked forests and cozy cabins. Unlike many period dramas that are stiff and repressed, this one is open, sensual, and deeply emotional. It’s a great film for couples looking to watch something that explores intimacy and connection on a physical and emotional level.

External Link: Read reviews and analysis of the adaptation on RogerEbert.com.

4. Love at First Sight (2023)

The Vibe: Whimsical, fate-driven, and incredibly sweet.

Synopsis: Hadley (Haley Lu Richardson) misses her flight to London by four minutes and ends up seated next to Oliver (Ben Hardy) on the next plane. They connect instantly over the seven-hour flight, but lose each other in the chaos of customs upon landing. The film follows their journey to find each other again in London, exploring the statistical probability of love and the importance of timing.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This movie is a warm hug. It taps into the "Serendipity" trend—the idea that the universe conspires to bring people together. The chemistry is adorable, and the film uses a quirky narrator (Jameela Jamil) to add a layer of storybook charm. It’s a tearjerker in the best way, focusing on family love as much as romantic love. It’s the perfect "soft" movie for a night when you just want to feel good about the world.

Internal Link: For more stories about fate and connection, read 10 Fall Romances Set in Pumpkin Patches & Cafés.

3. My Oxford Year (2025)

The Vibe: Intellectual, bittersweet, and deeply romantic "Light Academia."

Synopsis: Set against the dreaming spires of Oxford University, an ambitious American student falls for a brilliant but guarded British teaching assistant. What starts as a casual fling becomes complicated when she learns he is hiding a life-altering secret. They must decide if their love is worth the inevitable heartbreak that lies ahead.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This is for the couple that loves to cry together. It fits the "Light Academia" aesthetic perfectly—tweed jackets, libraries, and autumn leaves. It’s a mature romance that deals with heavy themes like illness and sacrifice, but it does so with grace and wit. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment you have with the person you love. It’s romantic in the classic, tragic sense, similar to The Fault in Our Stars but for adults.

External Link: Explore the real-life filming locations on Visit England.

2. Hit Man (2024)

The Vibe: Sexy, clever, and unexpectedly thrilling.

Synopsis: Glen Powell stars as Gary Johnson, a mild-mannered professor who moonlights as a fake hitman for the police. He discovers a hidden talent for inhabiting different assassin personas to entrap criminals. Things get complicated when he breaks protocol to help a desperate woman (Adria Arjona) trying to flee an abusive husband. They embark on a steamy, dangerous affair where he must maintain his fake persona while falling in love for real.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This movie has it all: comedy, action, and scorching romance. It’s a "Competence Kink" dream. Seeing Glen Powell switch personas is hilarious, and his chemistry with Adria Arjona is electric. It’s a smart, adult rom-com that keeps you guessing until the end. It’s perfect for couples who want a romance movie that isn't "just" a romance movie—it has edge and wit.

Internal Link: If you enjoy movies with complex characters, check out our list of 10 Best Eddie Murphy Movies.

🎧 Listen to more romantic stories on our podcast: https://www.thatlovepodcast.com/episodes.

1. Champagne Problems (2025)

The Vibe: Luxurious, festive, and the ultimate celebratory romance.

Synopsis: A high-powered executive travels to France to acquire a famous family-owned Champagne brand before Christmas. She clashes with the charming, stubborn son of the owner who is determined to keep the business in the family. Amidst the vineyards and cellars of the Champagne region, their business rivalry turns into a passionate romance.

Why It’s Perfect for Date Night: This is the #1 pick because it combines the best of all worlds: the "Enemies to Lovers" trope, the "Luxury Travel" aesthetic, and a festive holiday setting. It’s glossy, high-budget, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect movie to watch with a glass of bubbly in hand. It feels like an event movie—a celebration of love, ambition, and the finer things in life. It leaves you feeling hopeful and romantic, which is exactly what a date night movie should do.

External Link: Learn about the history of Champagne on Champagne.fr.

Conclusion

Whether you are in the mood for a tearjerker in Oxford, a steamy affair in a French château, or a laugh-out-loud romp in San Francisco, Netflix has the perfect movie for your next date night. These films prove that romance is not one-size-fits-all; it can be funny, messy, tragic, and triumphant. So pick a film, grab your partner (and maybe some tissues), and let the storytelling magic bring you closer together.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best romantic comedy on Netflix right now? Set It Up and Always Be My Maybe are widely considered the gold standard for modern Netflix rom-coms. For 2025 releases, La Dolce Villa is a top contender.

2. Are there any good romantic movies for guys on Netflix? Hit Man is an excellent choice as it blends romance with action, thriller elements, and dark comedy. The Big Sick (if available in your region) is also a great pick for a grounded, realistic male perspective.

3. What is "Light Academia"? Light Academia is an aesthetic that focuses on optimism, friendship, and the joy of learning, often featuring settings like universities, libraries, and museums with a lighter, softer color palette compared to Dark Academia. My Oxford Year fits this vibe perfectly.

4. Can I watch Lady Chatterley's Lover with my parents? Probably not. It is rated R for strong sexual content and nudity. It is best saved for a private date night with your partner.

5. Is The Life List based on a book? Yes, it is based on the best-selling novel The Life List by Lori Nelson Spielman.

6. Where was La Dolce Villa filmed? It was filmed on location in Tuscany, Italy, utilizing real villas and vineyards to achieve its authentic "Euro Summer" look.

7. What are some good "Sad Girl Autumn" movies on Netflix? My Oxford Year and Marriage Story (though not on this specific list) fit the melancholic, emotional vibe of "Sad Girl Autumn."

8. Do I need a subscription to watch these? Yes, all these movies require a Netflix subscription.

9. Are there any LGBTQ+ romance movies on this list? While this specific top 10 focused on heterosexual pairings based on current trending data, Netflix has great LGBTQ+ options like The Half of It, Single All the Way, and Rustin.

10. How often does Netflix release new romance movies? Netflix is prolific with the romance genre, typically releasing at least one new original romance movie every month, with a higher frequency during the holiday season (November/December) and around Valentine's Day.