Gone are the days of damsels in distress waiting for their prince charming. Modern romance has evolved, embracing the complexities of contemporary relationships while keeping that heart-fluttering magic alive. Netflix, of course, has a curated lineup of romantic movies that perfectly capture today’s love vibes. Whether you’re navigating the murky waters of dating apps, rediscovering yourself after heartbreak, or simply enjoying the quirks of modern relationships, these films are relatable, heartfelt, and oh-so-entertaining.
So, get ready to laugh, cry, and swoon as we explore the best modern romantic movies on Netflix for contemporary love vibes!
Table: Modern Romantic Movies on Netflix
Here’s a quick reference for the best picks. Choose your modern love story based on genre, mood, or even runtime!
| Movie Title | Genre | Vibe | Runtime | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Always Be My Maybe | Romantic Comedy | Hilarious, Feel-Good | 102 mins | 6.8 |
| Someone Great | Romantic Comedy | Edgy, Friendship Goals | 92 mins | 6.2 |
| Set It Up | Romantic Comedy | Fun, Modern Love | 105 mins | 6.5 |
| Holidate | Romantic Comedy | Edgy, Holiday Fun | 104 mins | 6.1 |
| Love, Guaranteed | Romantic Comedy | Quirky, Legal Love Story | 90 mins | 5.5 |
| The Perfect Date | Teen Romance | Light, Fun Teen Romance | 89 mins | 5.8 |
| Sierra Burgess Is a Loser | Teen Romance | Quirky, Sweet Love | 105 mins | 5.9 |
| The Half of It | Coming-of-Age Romance | Thoughtful, Quirky Love | 104 mins | 6.9 |
| Marriage Story | Romantic Drama | Intense, Emotional | 137 mins | 7.9 |
| The Incredible Jessica James | Romantic Comedy | Edgy, Empowering | 83 mins | 6.5 |
| Love Hard | Romantic Comedy | Hilarious, Dating Drama | 105 mins | 6.3 |
| The Kissing Booth | Teen Romance | Lighthearted, Fun | 105 mins | 6.0 |
| Love & Gelato | Romantic Comedy | Sweet, Travel Romance | 110 mins | 5.3 |
| Wedding Season | Romantic Comedy | Cultural, Relatable Love | 98 mins | 6.1 |
| Destination Wedding | Romantic Comedy | Sarcastic, Offbeat Love | 86 mins | 6.0 |
| Love in the Villa | Romantic Comedy | Playful, Travel Romance | 114 mins | 5.4 |
| Someone Like You | Romantic Drama | Poignant, Realistic | 97 mins | 6.1 |
| Newness | Indie Romance | Edgy, Modern Relationships | 112 mins | 6.3 |
| Irreplaceable You | Romantic Drama | Emotional, Touching Love | 96 mins | 6.4 |
| The Fundamentals of Caring | Romantic Comedy | Quirky, Heartfelt | 97 mins | 7.3 |
Always Be My Maybe
Rating: 6.8
Stars: Ali Wong, Randall Park, Keanu Reeves
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Childhood friends Sasha and Marcus reconnect years later as adults, and their friendship evolves into something more amidst hilarious and heartfelt moments. Sasha is now a celebrity chef, while Marcus struggles with his band and personal growth. Their chemistry is undeniable, but their clashing lifestyles create some comedic (and romantic) hurdles. With a hilarious cameo by Keanu Reeves playing an exaggerated version of himself, Always Be My Maybe is a feel-good romantic comedy that combines humor, heart, and mouthwatering food scenes.
Someone Great
Rating: 6.2
Stars: Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, DeWanda Wise
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
After a tough breakup, music journalist Jenny embarks on one last wild night out with her two best friends before leaving New York. Set against the backdrop of friendship, heartbreak, and self-discovery, this romantic comedy-drama is both hilarious and emotionally raw. Someone Great explores how modern relationships shape and evolve us, while focusing on the strength of female friendships. It’s edgy, empowering, and perfect for anyone who’s ever needed a laugh after a breakup.
Set It Up
Rating: 6.5
Stars: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs
Director: Claire Scanlon
Overworked assistants Harper and Charlie devise a plan to set up their demanding bosses, hoping a budding office romance will give them some much-needed free time. However, as their matchmaking antics escalate, Harper and Charlie find themselves caught in their own romantic chaos. With its sharp humor and relatable workplace scenarios, Set It Up is a modern rom-com that feels fresh and fun. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell’s chemistry shines in this delightful Netflix gem.
Holidate
Rating: 6.1
Stars: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey
Director: John Whitesell
Tired of awkward family gatherings and unwanted matchmaking attempts, two strangers, Sloane and Jackson, agree to be each other’s “holidates” for every holiday. Their no-strings-attached arrangement quickly becomes more complicated as they start catching feelings. Packed with sass, sarcasm, and plenty of holiday mishaps, Holidate is a hilarious and relatable take on navigating modern relationships. Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey bring charm to this festive romantic comedy.
Love, Guaranteed
Rating: 5.5
Stars: Rachael Leigh Cook, Damon Wayans Jr.
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
When struggling lawyer Susan takes on a case for Nick, who wants to sue a dating website for false advertising, the two find themselves navigating more than just the legal system. Nick has gone on hundreds of dates through the platform with no success in finding love – until now. Love, Guaranteed offers a quirky and lighthearted take on the modern dating world, with heartfelt performances by Rachael Leigh Cook and Damon Wayans Jr.
The Perfect Date
Rating: 5.8
Stars: Noah Centineo, Laura Marano, Camila Mendes
Director: Chris Nelson
Brooks Rattigan creates a dating app to fund his college dreams, offering himself as the “perfect date” for hire. Along the way, he discovers that love isn’t as predictable as a business plan. With its charming cast and witty premise, The Perfect Date is a fun and breezy teen rom-com perfect for fans of Noah Centineo’s other Netflix hits.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
Rating: 5.9
Stars: Shannon Purser, Noah Centineo, Kristine Froseth
Director: Ian Samuels
High school misfit Sierra teams up with the popular cheerleader Veronica to win the affection of her crush, Jamey, in this modern take on Cyrano de Bergerac. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser is a quirky and heartwarming story about self-acceptance, friendship, and finding love in unexpected places. Shannon Purser shines as the relatable and awkward Sierra in this offbeat romantic comedy.
The Half of It
Rating: 6.9
Stars: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire
Director: Alice Wu
When shy, bookish Ellie Chu agrees to write love letters for a jock named Paul, she doesn’t expect to fall for the girl he’s pursuing. The Half of It is a touching coming-of-age story that delves into identity, friendship, and the messy complexities of love. Director Alice Wu crafts a heartfelt narrative that feels both fresh and timeless.
Marriage Story
Rating: 7.9
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern
Director: Noah Baumbach
A deeply moving exploration of a couple navigating the complexities of divorce, Marriage Story captures the emotional highs and lows of love and separation. Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver deliver raw and powerful performances as Nicole and Charlie, a couple trying to balance love, family, and personal aspirations. Directed by Noah Baumbach, this critically acclaimed drama is intense, heartbreaking, and deeply resonant.
The Incredible Jessica James
Rating: 6.5
Stars: Jessica Williams, Chris O’Dowd
Director: Jim Strouse
Jessica James, a struggling playwright, is navigating life and heartbreak in New York City when she meets Boone, who’s dealing with his own breakup. Their budding connection is witty, unconventional, and refreshingly honest. Jessica Williams shines in the titular role, bringing humor and sass to this empowering rom-com about finding yourself before finding love.
Love Hard
Rating: 6.3
Stars: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet
Director: Hernán Jiménez
When Natalie flies across the country to surprise her online crush, she discovers she’s been catfished by Josh, a sweet but socially awkward guy. Determined to make the most of her trip, she strikes a deal with Josh to win over the real guy in his photos. Love Hard is a hilarious and heartfelt exploration of dating in the digital age, with a charming cast and plenty of laughs.
Love in the Villa
Rating: 5.4
Stars: Kat Graham, Tom Hopper
Director: Mark Steven Johnson
After a breakup, Julie plans a romantic getaway to Verona, only to discover her rented villa is double-booked with a charming but annoying stranger. Sparks fly as the two navigate their shared living space and their undeniable chemistry. Love in the Villa is a playful travel romance set against the stunning backdrop of Italy.
Love & Gelato
Rating: 5.3
Stars: Susanna Skaggs, Tobia De Angelis, Owen McDonnell
Director: Brandon Camp
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy, Love & Gelato follows Lina, a young woman honoring her late mother’s wishes by spending the summer before college in Rome. As she explores the city, she discovers a journal revealing her mother’s own Italian love story and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, love, and adventure. This sweet, coming-of-age romance is perfect for anyone who loves travel and heartfelt stories.
Wedding Season
Rating: 6.1
Stars: Pallavi Sharda, Suraj Sharma
Director: Tom Dey
Asha and Ravi, two South Asian millennials tired of their families’ constant pressure to marry, decide to fake a relationship to survive wedding season. However, their faux romance takes a turn as genuine feelings develop. Wedding Season is a vibrant and culturally rich rom-com that explores love, family, and the clash between tradition and modern values.
Destination Wedding
Rating: 6.0
Stars: Winona Ryder, Keanu Reeves
Director: Victor Levin
This unconventional romantic comedy follows two pessimistic strangers, Lindsay and Frank, who meet at a destination wedding. As they bond over their shared disdain for love and the event, sparks begin to fly in the most sarcastic and offbeat way possible. With razor-sharp dialogue and stellar performances from Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves, Destination Wedding is a witty and refreshing take on romance.
Someone Like You
Rating: 6.1
Stars: Ashley Judd, Hugh Jackman, Greg Kinnear
Director: Tony Goldwyn
After a heartbreak, Jane writes a wildly popular article comparing men to animals, all while navigating her complicated feelings for her charismatic co-worker Eddie. Someone Like You blends humor, introspection, and romance to deliver a relatable story about finding love in unexpected places. Hugh Jackman and Ashley Judd bring charm and chemistry to this thoughtful romantic comedy.
Newness
Rating: 6.3
Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Laia Costa
Director: Drake Doremus
In the age of dating apps, Martin and Gabi navigate the highs and lows of an instant connection and the complexities of maintaining a meaningful relationship. Newness is an intimate and thought-provoking indie romance that explores the emotional challenges of modern love, offering a raw and honest portrayal of relationships.
Irreplaceable You
Rating: 6.4
Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michiel Huisman
Director: Stephanie Laing
Abbie and Sam, childhood sweethearts, face an unimaginable challenge when Abbie is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Determined to find someone to take care of Sam after she’s gone, Abbie embarks on a bittersweet journey of love, loss, and acceptance. Irreplaceable You is a tender and heart-wrenching romantic drama that celebrates life and love in the face of adversity.
The Fundamentals of Caring
Rating: 7.3
Stars: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez
Director: Rob Burnett
While technically a dramedy, this quirky film weaves a touching romance into its story of Ben, a caregiver, and Trevor, a sarcastic teen with muscular dystrophy. Along the way, they meet Dot, a sharp-witted runaway played by Selena Gomez, and sparks begin to fly. The Fundamentals of Caring offers humor, heart, and unexpected connections in a beautifully crafted narrative.
Conclusion
Modern love is messy, funny, complicated, and wonderful – and these Netflix movies capture all its flavors. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartfelt drama, a quirky indie, or a laugh-out-loud comedy, this list of contemporary romantic films has got you covered.
So, grab your favorite snacks, find a cozy spot on the couch, and press play on the perfect modern love story for your mood. And remember, love may not be perfect, but these movies are pretty close! ❤️
What’s your favorite modern romance on Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!