12 Romantic Movies to Watch on Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is the Super Bowl of romance. Whether you are planning a candlelit dinner with your long-term partner, hosting a chaotic "Galentine’s" bash with your best friends, or simply treating yourself to a solo night of self-care and chocolate, the right movie is essential. It sets the mood, sparks the conversation, and—let's be honest—provides the perfect excuse to cry happy tears into a bowl of popcorn.

In 2025, the "romantic movie night" has evolved. It’s no longer just about pressing play; it’s about the aesthetic. A quick scroll through TikTok and Pinterest reveals that we are in the era of "Rom-Com Core" and "Coquette" cinema. We are craving films that feel like a warm hug—movies with soft lighting, witty banter, and fashion that inspires our own wardrobes. We want the 90s nostalgia of a Meg Ryan classic, the viral, steaminess of a modern hit, and the emotional depth of an indie darling. This list curates 12 movies that fit every specific "vibe" trending this year, ensuring your Valentine’s Day watch is as stylish as it is swoon-worthy.

From highly anticipated 2025 releases to the timeless classics that defined the genre, here is your ultimate guide to the best romantic movies to stream this holiday.

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12. Set It Up (2018)

The Vibe: The Modern Workplace Classic Where to Stream: Netflix

Before the recent rom-com renaissance, Set It Up quietly saved the genre. It follows two overworked, underpaid assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) who team up to trick their demanding bosses into falling in love, hoping it will free up their own schedules. Naturally, in the process of Cyrano-ing their bosses, they fall for each other.

Why It’s Trending: This movie is the blueprint for the modern "competence porn" romance. It taps into the "corporate baddie" aesthetic but softens it with genuine heart and pizza. The chemistry between Deutch and Powell is electric—so much so that it arguably paved the way for their future successes. It’s witty, fast-paced, and features a pizza scene that is arguably the most romantic moment in recent Netflix history. It’s the perfect low-stakes, high-reward watch for a relaxing evening.

Check Out: If you love workplace dynamics, read our deep dive on The Evolution of Jim and Pam: An Ultimate Love Story in The Office.

11. Love, Simon (2018)

The Vibe: Wholesome, Heartfelt, and Hopeful Where to Stream: Hulu / Disney+

Everyone deserves a great love story, and Love, Simon delivered one of the first mainstream teen rom-coms featuring a gay protagonist. Simon Spier is keeping a huge secret from his family, his friends, and all of his classmates: he’s gay. When that secret is threatened, he must face everyone and come to terms with his identity.

Why It’s Trending: In 2025, the demand for "comfort media" is at an all-time high. Audiences want movies that feel safe and warm. Love, Simon fits the "soft boy" aesthetic perfectly—it’s gentle, earnest, and incredibly moving. It celebrates the courage it takes to be yourself and the joy of first love. It’s a fantastic pick for a Galentine’s watch party, guaranteed to leave everyone feeling a little more hopeful about the world.

External Link: Check out the GLAAD Media Awards history to see how this film paved the way for inclusive storytelling.

10. The Princess Bride (1987)

The Vibe: The Ultimate Cozy Fantasy Where to Stream: Disney+

"As you wish." With those three words, Westley captured the hearts of generations. This film is a genre-bending masterpiece that blends romance, adventure, comedy, and fantasy. It tells the story of a farmhand turned pirate who must rescue his true love, Buttercup, from a odious prince.

Why It’s Trending: Fantasy romance, or "Romantasy," is currently exploding on BookTok and Pinterest (think A Court of Thorns and Roses). The Princess Bride is the grandmother of this trend. It offers the cottagecore aesthetic—flowing dresses, horses, sword fights in ruins—without taking itself too seriously. It’s the perfect nostalgic watch that bridges the gap between action lovers and romance die-hards.

Read More: If you love fairy tale vibes, don't miss our article on 10 Movies to Watch If You Love Shrek.

9. Rye Lane (2023)

The Vibe: Colorful, Artsy, and Unapologetically Cool Where to Stream: Hulu / Disney+

Set in South London, Rye Lane follows Dom and Yas, two twenty-somethings reeling from bad breakups who connect over the course of an eventful day. It’s a walking-and-talking movie in the vein of Before Sunrise, but with a vibrant, modern visual style that pops off the screen.

Why It’s Trending: This movie is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography uses wide lenses and saturated colors that fit perfectly with the "maximalist" design trend seeing a resurgence in 2025. It feels authentic, messy, and real. It’s for the couple that wants to watch something "cool" and critically acclaimed rather than cheesy. It celebrates the awkwardness of modern dating in a way that feels validated and seen.

Related: For more on navigating modern dating, check out 50 Flirty Texts to Kickstart a Conversation With Your Crush.

8. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

The Vibe: The Autumnal Standard for Banter Where to Stream: Max (HBO)

Can men and women just be friends? Nora Ephron’s masterpiece asks this question over 12 years of friendship, arguments, and fake orgasms in delis. Harry and Sally are the archetypes for the friends-to-lovers trope.

Why It’s Trending: The "Old Money" and "90s Minimalist" fashion trends have kept Meg Ryan’s wardrobe in this film relevant for over 30 years. The chunky knit sweaters, the blazers, the bowler hats—it is a Pinterest board come to life. Beyond the fashion, the sharp, intellectual banter satisfies the craving for "smart" romance. It’s cozy, intelligent, and features the ultimate New York City aesthetic that people love to romanticize on TikTok.

External Link: Read Vanity Fair's deep dive into the making of this rom-com classic for some behind-the-scenes trivia.

7. Pride & Prejudice (2005)

The Vibe: The "Coquette" & "Dark Academia" Dream Where to Stream: Peacock / Prime Video

The hand flex. The rain scene. The dawn walking. Joe Wright’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic is a sensory masterpiece. It tells the story of the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and the wealthy, stoic Mr. Darcy as they dance around their feelings (and social class) in Georgian England.

Why It’s Trending: This movie is the visual definition of the "Coquette" trend—ribbons, empire waists, pianofortes, and yearning. The tension between Darcy and Elizabeth is legendary, providing the blueprint for the "enemies to lovers" trope that dominates media today. It is moody, atmospheric, and deeply romantic. Watching this film feels like an act of self-care. It allows you to escape into a world where a hand touch is the most intimate thing imaginable.

Discover More: Love period pieces? Check out our review of About Time Movie Review: A Heartwarming Journey Through Love and Time.

6. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

The Vibe: Y2K Grunge & Teen Angst Where to Stream: Disney+

A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, set in a Seattle high school. Kat Stratford is the abrasive, feminist elder sister who must date before her popular younger sister, Bianca, is allowed to. Enter Patrick Verona, the bad boy paid to take her out.

Why It’s Trending: Y2K Nostalgia is the defining trend of the mid-2020s. From the cargo pants to the ska music, this movie captures the late 90s perfectly. Heath Ledger’s singing on the bleachers is a "core memory" for millennials and a viral clip for Gen Z. It celebrates a female protagonist who is "difficult" and opinionated, resonating with the "female rage" trend where women are allowed to be angry and still be loved.

Internal Link: If you love stories about complex characters, listen to our podcast episode Posh and Ginger.

5. Past Lives (2023)

The Vibe: The "Right Person, Wrong Time" Heartbreaker Where to Stream: Paramount+ / Showtime

Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrested apart after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week as they confront notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life.

Why It’s Trending: This film taps into the concept of "In-Yun" (providence or fate), which has captivated social media. It’s a mature, quiet, and devastatingly beautiful look at "the one that got away." It fits the "Sad Girl" aesthetic—media that allows us to process grief and longing. It’s not a traditional happy ending, but it is a deeply romantic one that honors the past. It is perfect for a Valentine’s Day where you want to feel everything.

External Link: See the film's impressive accolades on Rotten Tomatoes.

4. Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

The Vibe: The Modern Royal Fairytale Where to Stream: Prime Video

Based on the bestselling novel, this film follows Alex, the son of the US President, and Henry, a British Prince. Their long-standing feud threatens to cause a diplomatic crisis, so they are forced into a fake friendship that turns into a very real, very steamy romance.

Why It’s Trending: This is the pinnacle of the "BookTok to Movie" pipeline. It delivers on the high-stakes drama of royal life mixed with a genuinely sweet and sexy romance. It celebrates queer joy on a global stage. The "enemies to lovers" dynamic is played to perfection, and the chemistry is palpable. It’s glossy, fun, and incredibly satisfying—pure escapism for 2025.

Read More: For more book-to-screen magic, read 10 Movies to Watch If You Love The Holiday.

3. Anyone But You (2023)

The Vibe: The Viral "Hot People Hate Each Other" Hit Where to Stream: Netflix

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney star as two people who have an amazing first date that goes sour. Months later, they find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia and decide to pretend to be a couple to get their families off their backs.

Why It’s Trending: This movie single-handedly revived the theatrical R-rated rom-com. It went viral on TikTok thanks to the song "Unwritten" and the undeniable chemistry of its leads. It’s breezy, beautiful, and features the classic Shakespearean "Much Ado About Nothing" structure. It proves that the classic tropes—fake dating, destination weddings, miscommunication—still work when executed with charm. It’s the ultimate popcorn movie for a fun date night.

Check This Out: Want to spice up your own romance? Read 125 Creative and Romantic Conversation Starters for Couples.

2. We Live in Time (2025)

The Vibe: The New Gold Standard for Tearjerkers Where to Stream: VOD / Theatrical Release (depending on region)

Starring Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield, this non-linear romance tracks a couple's relationship over a decade. From their meet-cute (which involves a car accident) to the challenges of illness and starting a family, it covers the full spectrum of a life built together.

Why It’s Trending: Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are two of the internet's favorite people. Their pairing alone broke the internet. This film leans into the "emotional catharsis" trend. It’s designed to make you cry, but in a way that affirms the beauty of life. The non-linear storytelling keeps you engaged, piecing together the puzzle of their love. It is raw, acting-heavy, and incredibly intimate.

External Link: Read the glowing review from The Guardian to see why critics are calling it a masterpiece.

1. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy (2025)

The Vibe: The Return of the Queen of Rom-Coms Where to Stream: Peacock / Theatrical

Bridget is back! In this fourth installment, Bridget navigates life as a single mother and widow, jumping back into the dating pool in a world dominated by apps and younger men.

Why It’s Trending: This is the cinematic event of Valentine's Day 2025. It combines deep nostalgia for the original films with a fresh, modern story about finding love after loss. Renée Zellweger’s return is triumphant. It taps into the "Second Act" trend, celebrating women finding love and purpose at any age. It’s funny, messy, and deeply British—everything we want from a Valentine’s blockbuster.

Don't Miss: Read our full review: Movie Review: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – A Heartfelt Conclusion to an Iconic Rom-Com Series.

Conclusion

Whether you are in the mood for the period romance of Pride & Prejudice or the modern chaos of Bridget Jones, this list has something for every heart. Movies have the power to remind us that love is messy, complicated, and absolutely worth it. So this Valentine’s Day, dim the lights, grab your favorite snacks, and let these stories sweep you away.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best movie to watch on Valentine's Day 2025? Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is the top pick for 2025, offering a perfect mix of nostalgia and new romance. For a classic, When Harry Met Sally remains the gold standard.

2. Where can I watch Anyone But You? As of early 2025, Anyone But You is available to stream on Netflix in many regions.

3. Are there any good anti-Valentine's Day movies? Yes! If you want to avoid romance tropes, check out Gone Girl or The Menu. For a list of anti-romance films, check out our article on the 10 Best Anti-Valentine's Day Movies.

4. What is the "Coquette" aesthetic in movies? The "Coquette" aesthetic focuses on hyper-femininity, vintage romance, and soft visuals. Movies like Pride & Prejudice (2005), Marie Antoinette, and Emma fit this vibe perfectly.

5. Is Red, White & Royal Blue suitable for teenagers? It is rated R for some sexual content and language, so it is best suited for older teens and adults.

6. What are some good Galentine's Day movies? Love, Simon, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Legally Blonde are fantastic for celebrating friendship and self-love with friends.

7. Is We Live in Time a sad movie? Yes, it is a tearjerker that deals with illness and time, but it is also uplifting and celebrates the beauty of love.

8. Can I watch these movies for free? Most of these require a subscription to services like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+. However, some platforms offer free trials, or you might find older classics on free ad-supported services like Tubi.

9. Why is The Princess Bride considered a romance? While it has action and comedy, the core motivation of the plot is Westley's love for Buttercup ("True Love"), making it a quintessential romance adventure.

10. Where can I find more movie recommendations? Visit our Movie Recommendations section for curated lists for every mood and season.