The Top Romance Movies to Watch in 2024
| No. (Ranking) | Film | Movie Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 7. | Past Lives (2023) | 🏅IMDb — 7.8/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 95% |
| 6. | Titanic (1997) | 🏅IMDb — 7.9/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 88% |
| 5. | La La Land (2016) | 🏅IMDb — 8.0/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 91% |
| 4. | The Handmaiden (2016) | 🏅IMDb — 8.1/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 96% |
| 3. | Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) | 🏅IMDb — 8.1/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 97% |
| 2. | Before Sunrise (1995) | 🏅IMDb — 8.1/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 100% |
| 1. | Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) | 🏅IMDb — 8.3/10 🍅Rotten Tomatoes — 92% |
7. Past Lives
🕙Run Time — 1h 45m
🏅IMDb Rating — 7.8/10
🎥Director — Celine Song
➡️Where to Watch — Paramount+, Prime Video, Netflix, Max
⚠️PG — PG-13
📝Synopsis — Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends separated by fate, reunite years later to navigate a bittersweet story of star-crossed love and lingering what-ifs about their past lives.
Starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and John Magaro, this poignant story of unfulfilled love follows childhood friends Nora and Hae Sung as they reconnect years later, longing for what might have been.
Past Lives was released in 2023 and is among the most critically acclaimed romance movies in recent years.
Slow-burning and marked by an overall feeling of nostalgia, this is certainly among the best sad romance movies for those seeking emotional catharsis.
It’s highly rated on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes among viewers and critics alike, so it’s guaranteed among the best romance movies on Netflix or Max right now.
Soon after its premiere, the movie grossed $42.5 million globally, and it was named one of the top 2023 films by the American Film Institute.
🤔Did You Know?
The movie director, Celine Song, is also a playwright, and she wrote Past Lives, partly based on real events in her life.
6. Titanic
🕙Run Time — 3h 14m
🏅IMDb Rating — 7.9/10
🎥Director — James Cameron
➡️Where to Watch — Disney+, Paramount+, Tubi, Netflix, Prime Video
⚠️PG — PG-13
📝Synopsis — A young aristocratic girl meets a charming but poor artist aboard the Titanic’s maiden voyage. The two start a forbidden love story, but tragedy soon strikes when the ship hits an iceberg at sea.
Titanic probably needs no introduction; it’s still regarded as one of the best romance movies of all time.
Starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic is one of the most beloved love story movies and period dramas.
It combines romance with themes of social class, sacrifice, and tragic loss in an emotionally stirring story that’s bound to tug at your heartstrings.
Even nearly three decades after hitting the big screen, Titanic still ranks among IMDb’s top 100 Most Popular Movies today and remains the all-time highest-grossing romantic movie.
Chances are, you’ve already seen it. But there’s never a bad time to re-watch this classic, and luckily, you can still find Titanic in Disney’s extensive library of romantic movies in 2024.
🤔Did You Know?
Titanic was the most expensive movie ever made at the time of its release, with a budget of $200 million. A lot of money went into the earliest extensive use of CGI, with the movie making cinema history for its innovative visual effects.
5. La La Land
🕙Run Time — 2h 8m
🏅IMDb Rating — 8.0/10
🎥Director — Damien Chazelle
➡️Where to Watch — Disney+, Tubi, Netflix, Prime Video, TVNZ+
⚠️PG — PG-13
📝Synopsis — A very unlikely and heart-warming romance blossoms between two struggling artists pursuing incompatible dreams on the Los Angeles scene.
Released in 2016, La La Land has already cemented itself as one of the best Christmas romance movies – perfect for when you’re in the mood for more playful and lighthearted love movies.
Set during the Christmas season in Los Angeles, the movie follows jazz pianist Seb (Ryan Gosling) and aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone).
Their quirky and unlikely romance faces challenges as they strive to balance their dreams and their relationship.
This movie was an instant success, going on to become the 18th most valuable blockbuster in 2016 and winning Movie of the Year in 2017 at the AFI Awards.
You can watch it for free on Tubi in the US or use a streaming VPN to unblock the platform from anywhere.
🤔Did You Know?
The original leading cast included Miles Teller and Emma Watson, but the roles eventually went to Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.
4. The Handmaiden
🕙Run Time — 2h 25m
🏅IMDb Rating — 8.1/10
🎥Director — Park Chan-wook
➡️Where to Watch — Max, Prime Video, Apple TV+, Netflix
⚠️PG — NC-17
📝Synopsis — In 1930s Korea, a handmaiden starts working for a Japanese heiress while secretly aiding a swindler in his theft plot. The secret plan falters as the heiress and maid unexpectedly fall in love.
The Handmaiden is a grim psychological thriller and romance drama that doesn’t shy away from intense instances of violence, gore, and sexually explicit scenes.
Filled with plot twists, deception, and shifting alliances, this movie delves into the darkest corners of human desire to showcase the lengths humans will go to for power, love, and freedom.
The Handmaiden is regarded as one of the best gay romance movies and was a 2017 LGBT Film of the Year nominee at the Dorian Awards. But it’s worth watching, even if you’re not into LGBT movies.
The gripping secret love and high stakes make The Handmaiden one of the best romance movies streaming on Max right now, and the suspense is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat.
🤔Did You Know?
The movie got its inspiration from the 2002 novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, where the plot was originally set in Victorian-era Britain.
3. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
🕙Run Time — 2h 2m
🏅IMDb Rating — 8.1/10
🎥Director — Céline Sciamma
➡️Where to Watch — Hulu, Prime Video
⚠️PG — R (+18)
📝Synopsis — In late 18th-century France, artist Marianne is commissioned to paint a reluctant young woman’s wedding portrait before her arranged marriage, but Marianne must first earn her trust.
Released in 2019, Portrait of a Lady on Fire quickly became one of the best new romance movies to hit the screen, being highly acclaimed even outside the LGBT romance subgenre.
The movie doesn’t just focus on the secret, tender romance between Marianne and Héloïse, either.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire elevates love to a higher level, intertwining themes like the timelessness of art, the pain of unspoken emotions, and the enduring impact of fleeting glances (a central motif in the movie).
If you’re after a period drama and a soft, slow-burning love story, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is among the best romance movies on Hulu in these genres.
If you’re outside the US, you could also find the title for rent or purchase on Prime or use a VPN to watch Hulu from anywhere.
🤔Did You Know?
In 2019, Portrait of a Lady on Fire became the first movie directed by a woman that won the Cannes Queer Palm award. The movie also grossed over $10 million worldwide.
2. Before Sunrise
🕙Run Time — 1h 41m
🏅IMDb Rating — 8.1/10
🎥Director — Richard Linklater
➡️Where to Watch — Prime Video, Max, Netflix
⚠️PG — R (+18)
📝Synopsis — Two strangers, Jesse and Céline, meet on a train to Vienna and spend one unforgettable night together, slowly discovering their undeniable chemistry across deep conversations.
Before Sunrise is a classic in the realm of the best steamy romance movies and a perfect watch if you’re after a swoon-worthy and slowly unfolding romance.
Two strangers, Jesse and Céline, meet on a train to Vienna in 1994. They spend one unforgettable night wandering the city, engaging in deep conversations, and mending their broken hearts after their past relationships.
The palpable tension between the pair, the sensual atmosphere of Vienna at night, their passionate kiss in the park, and the lingering thought of their inevitable separation all add to the movie’s irresistible charm.
This highly acclaimed romance classic is one of the few gems to receive a 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, so you know it’s among the best romance movies on Amazon Prime.
The title is also on Max and Netflix but is restricted to a handful of countries. If you already have a subscription on these platforms, you can still unlock the movie using a VPN.
🤔Did You Know?
Before Sunrise (1995) is part of a trilogy alongside Before Sunset (2004) and Before Midnight (2013). The subsequent movies also enjoyed overwhelmingly positive critic and viewer reception.
1. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
🕙Run Time — 1h 48m
🏅IMDb Rating — 8.3/10
🎥Director — Michel Gondry
➡️Where to Watch — Max, Philo, DirecTV, Prime Video, Netflix
⚠️PG — R (+18)
📝Synopsis — Joel and Clementine, two estranged ex-lovers, undergo a procedure to erase their memories of each other. But Joel has second thoughts about letting go.
Starring Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is an emotional rollercoaster romance with a bit of everything.
This includes loopy Sci-Fi elements, heartfelt drama, and moments of comedic relief. Oh, and lots of profanity for good measure.
One day, Joel discovers that his ex-girlfriend, Clementine, has erased their relationship from her memory. Hurt and disappointed, he opts for the same procedure.
As he revisits their shared past, he grapples with his lingering feelings. Unfortunately, the procedure can’t be stopped or reversed.
Despite being a bit unconventional, it remains one of the best R-rated romance movies and is within IMDb’s top 100 chart.
The title also won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay in 2005, alongside 72 other titles and 100+ nominations.
🤔Did You Know?
According to the movie’s screenplay writer, Charlie Kaufman, the original movie title was supposed to be 18-word-long because he wanted ‘something that could never fit on a marquee.
Noteworthy Classic Romantic Movies to Watch in 2024
Our top movie picks so far included the best-rated and most acclaimed titles in recent years. But if you’re looking for timeless classics, here’s a list of the best old romance movies worth revisiting in 2024:
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
- Release Date: 1946
- Rating: IMDb – 8.6/10
- Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV+
- Synopsis: On Christmas Eve, an angel arrives to help a troubled man by showing him how different the world would’ve been without him, revealing the profound impact of his unseen contributions.
2. Casablanca
- Release Date: 1942
- Rating: IMDb – 8.5/10
- Where to Watch: Max, Hulu, Prime Video, Apple TV+
- Synopsis: A jaded American expatriate and café owner in Casablanca faces a moral dilemma when deciding whether to assist his ex-lover and her fugitive husband in escaping Nazi-occupied Europe.
3. Gone with the Wind
- Release Date: 1939
- Rating: IMDb – 8.2/10
- Where to Watch: Max, DirecTV, Prime Video
- Synopsis: In 1861, on the brink of the American Civil War, a manipulative Southern belle, Scarlett O’Hara, is torn between her obsession with Ashley Wilkes and a tumultuous romance with the roguish Rhett Butler.
4. Singin’ in the Rain
- Release Date: 1952
- Rating: IMDb – 8.3/10
- Where to Watch: Max, Apple TV+, Prime Video, DirecTV
- Synopsis: In 1920s Hollywood, silent film star Don Lockwood falls in love with chorus girl Kathy Selden amid the industry’s rapid shift to talking picture movies. But his jealous co-star, Lina Lamont, often stands in the way.
5. Roman Holiday
- Release Date: 1953
- Rating: IMDb – 8.0/10
- Where to Watch: DirecTV, Prime Video, Tubi, AppleTV+
- Synopsis: A sheltered princess sneaks away from her royal duties while in Rome and unexpectedly falls for an American reporter, leading to an adventurous romance.
Can I Watch the Top Love Movies for Free?
Yes, you can watch many top love movies for free on Tubi and TVNZ or with a week-long trial on DirecTV and Apple TV+.
Just know that these platforms could be geo-blocked. For example, DirecTV and Tubi are blocked outside the US, and TVNZ only works in New Zealand. Apple TV is widely available, but requires an Apple ID to sign up.
While TechReport doesn’t condone downloading copyrighted content, we know many people do it anyway. If you do, it’s absolutely crucial that you use a torrenting VPN.
Our top recommendation for unblocking streaming sites and torrenting is Surfshark. It ensures complete online anonymity and security, with bonus features like an ad blocker and dedicated servers for both activities.
What to Do if a Romance Movie isn’t Accessible in Your Region
Because of streaming agreements, some movies are only available on certain platforms. Even certain titles could be restricted to a handful of countries, even on international streaming services.
Max, for example, isn’t available in Canada, the UK, and most of Asia. Certain movies, like Before Sunrise, are also geo-restricted there.
💡A VPN can unblock restricted content on platforms you already use, like Netflix or Max. That’s because a VPN hides your real IP, making it look like you’re in a different country.
You can change your location to any region, including Europe or The Americas, so you could also make a free account on geo-blocked platforms like Tubi or Hulu.
The Best VPNs for Streaming and Torrenting the Top Romance Movies
Is your favorite movie not available locally? Here’s a list of the most reliable VPNs for safe online streaming from anywhere:
| VPN | Free Version | Paid Plans | Unblocks | Servers | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | 7-day mobile trial; 30-day refund policy |
$2.19/month | Max, Netflix, Tubi, Disney+, TVNZ+, etc. | 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries | Surfshark Review |
| NordVPN | 7-day Android trial; 30-day refund policy |
$3.09/month | Hulu, Netflix, Paramount+, Disney+, Max, etc. | 6,400+ servers in 111 countries | NordVPN Review |
| ExpressVPN | 30-day refund policy | $6.67/month | Disney+, Paramount+, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV+, etc. | 3,000+ servers in 105 countries | ExpressVPN Review |
★Editor’s Choice
Surfshark is our #1 VPN choice for streaming and downloading movies in 2024, thanks to its unique perks and unbeatable price.
Starting at $2.19/month for the first 27 months, you get:
- Thousands of 10 Gbps servers, many across Europe and the US
- Average download speeds over 250 Mbps
- Top-notch privacy thanks to secure AES-256 encryption protocols
- Coverage for unlimited devices across all major platforms
- Ad and cookie pop-up blocker features on desktop
Final Thoughts
Some of the best romance movies to watch right now include timeless classics like Titanic and Before Sunrise, as well as recent hits like Past Lives and La La Land.
You can find these soft love stories and sad romantic dramas on various platforms, including Max, Prime, or Apple TV+. Just remember, due to licensing agreements, the titles might be geo-restricted.
If you can’t access a movie or streaming platform in your country, a VPN like Surfshark is the answer.
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