Top Romance Movies

Let’s be honest, 2026 has been a lot. Sometimes you just need to turn off your brain, grab a pint of ice cream, and watch two ridiculously attractive people fall in love against all odds. We get it. And thankfully, this year delivered the goods.

From sun-drenched rom-coms that feel like a vacation to gothic melodramas that will absolutely wreck you (in the best way), the romance movie scene is thriving. We’ve waded through the cheesy, the boring, and the downright unwatchable to find the gems.

So, get ready to update your watchlist. These are the absolute best romance movies of 2026 that are worth your time, your tears, and your VOD rental fees.

 

 

The Best Romance Movies of 2026

People We Meet on Vacation

You can stream this one with your Netflix subscription, which costs $17.99/month. This is the feel-good, friends-to-lovers escape you’ve been craving. It’s basically the movie equivalent of a perfect summer day.

Based on the Emily Henry bestseller, the adaptation totally nails the book’s charm. The chemistry between Emily Bader and Tom Blyth is electric, making even the most predictable tropes feel exciting. Their banter is so natural and fun, you’ll be rooting for them from the very first flashback.

The whole opposites-attract thing between free-spirited Poppy and buttoned-up Alex is just delightful. And the structure, jumping between their disastrous annual summer trips over a decade, is the perfect way to build tension. You just know they belong together.

The Downside: We have to admit, the final act gets a little too schmaltzy. It rushes the big emotional moment and feels more like a formulaic Hallmark movie than the sharp rom-com it is for the first hour.

 

 

Wuthering Heights

Prepare to spend $19.99 to rent this one on VOD, and it’s worth every penny for the sheer drama. This isn’t your high school English class’s stuffy period piece. It’s a full-blown gothic melodrama, cranked up to 11.

Director Emerald Fennell delivers a bold, sensual, and visually stunning take on the classic story. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi are absolutely magnetic as Catherine and Heathcliff, bringing a volatile, obsessive energy that feels both classic and totally modern.

Forget subtlety. This movie is a decadent, dizzying homage to old Hollywood glamour, packed with passion, betrayal, and jaw-dropping costumes. It’s for anyone who wants their romance intense and slightly unhinged.

The Downside: If you’re a die-hard fan of the original novel, you might clutch your pearls. The adaptation is loose, and its over-the-top choices will definitely bother book purists.

 

 

Reminders of Him

This emotional drama will cost you $19.99 to rent on VOD. If you’re in the mood for a good cry and a story about second chances, the latest Colleen Hoover adaptation is here for you.

Maika Monroe gives a knockout performance as a young mother trying to reconnect with her daughter after a prison sentence. She brings so much sincerity to the role that she elevates what could have been a super sappy story into something genuinely heartfelt.

It’s a tale of redemption, forgiveness, and finding love in unexpected places—like with the compassionate local bar owner. The focus on female fortitude and overcoming past mistakes gives it a powerful core.

The Downside: The plot is pretty predictable, and honestly, the romantic sparks just aren’t there. It lessens the emotional gut-punch the story is clearly aiming for.

 

 

Hamnet

Available to rent for $19.99, this is the artsy, profound romance for people who want to *feel* something. Director Chloé Zhao works her magic again, turning a historical story into a modern masterpiece.

Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley are devastatingly good as William Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes. The film explores how their family tragedy—the death of their son, Hamnet—ultimately inspired the play *Hamlet*. It’s a poignant look at how loss can be transformed into art.

The cinematography is raw and beautiful, and the final scene set in the Globe Theatre will leave you breathless. It’s less of a straightforward romance and more of a meditation on love, grief, and creativity.

The Downside: The movie is a slow burn. The early acts are beautifully crafted, but you might find yourself admiring the filmmaking more than being fully swept away by the story.

 

 

Solo Mio

You can rent this feel-good flick for $19.99. Sometimes you just want a clean, sweet, and simple rom-com, and that’s exactly what *Solo Mio* delivers. It’s pure comfort food.

Kevin James is surprisingly charming as a guy recovering from being jilted, who takes his non-refundable honeymoon to Italy by himself. He has fantastic, natural chemistry with Nicole Grimaudo, who plays his unexpected tour guide and romantic interest.

The movie is basically a gorgeous Roman holiday, with picturesque settings from Rome to Tuscany. It’s a grownup love story that manages to be sweet without being sappy, and the supportive ensemble cast is a bonus.

The Downside: Let’s be real, the script is sitcom-level shallow. The characters and plot lack any real depth, but if you’re just looking for a pleasant distraction, it gets the job done.

 

 

What to Look For in a Great Romance Movie

So what separates a must-watch from a hard pass? For us, it always comes down to chemistry. You can have the most beautiful scenery and the cleverest script, but if the leads don’t have that spark, the whole thing falls flat.

We also look for a story that feels earned. Whether it’s a slow-burn historical drama or a lighthearted rom-com, the emotional payoff needs to feel real. We want to believe in the journey, not just skip to the happy ending.

Ultimately, 2026 has given us options for every mood. Whether you want to be swept off your feet by a grand, passionate gesture or just giggle at some witty banter, there’s a movie on this list waiting for you.