Now that it is the middle of summer break, some of us are getting a little stir-crazy and running out of things to binge-watch on Netflix. While romance movies may not be everyone’s cup of tea, Netflix surprisingly has some really good (and in my opinion, underrated) films in their romance category. I’ve compiled a list of films that I think are really good, even though I have no idea how I found some of them, as they don’t pop up when scrolling through the different categories on the site. So if you have time to kill or a guilty pleasure for love stories, take a peek at this list and go start streaming.
1. "Before We Go.”
Starring: Chris Evans and Alice Eve
Who doesn’t love a film showing two people fall in love by happenstance? It’s a completely underrated film, and not many have seen it – which is a rarity when talking about Netflix. If you like a love story that isn’t super sappy (but just enough), this may be the film for you. And plus, who doesn't want a reason to stare at Chris Evans for an hour and some change?
2. "Atonement.”
Starring: Keira Knightley and James McAvoy
Ah, one of those tragic love stories that you question whether or not you should finish because your heart is already in pieces – that’s “Atonement,” based on the novel written by Ian McEwan. Knightley and McAvoy have such great chemistry in the film that it makes the plot line a little less painful. And though it sounds like an emotional roller coaster to watch, it truly is an outstanding film – and the cinematography is impeccable.
3. "The Best of Me.”
A classic Nicholas Sparks story, “The Best of Me” has you rooting for the couple the whole film through. With an ending that is much different than some of his other film adaptations, the movie holds you on the edge of your seat. Though the featured couple is much older than us millennials, the film shows many flashbacks to times where the two were much younger, which is nice and makes it feel that you’re watching a story that could relate to yourself.
4. "Last Night.”
Starring: Keira Knightley, Sam Worthington and Guillaume Canet
A not-so-typical romance movie, this film features an entangled and sticky love story that is bound to capture your interest. The whole film is focused on one night (as the title suggests) and shows every detail and event that takes place in the young couples’ lives. It’s another highly underrated film and though it’s no sap-fest like a Nicholas Sparks movie, it is a great addition to the romance collection on Netflix.
5. "Love And Honor.”
Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Austin Stowell and Teresa Palmer
Now, this movie takes place during the war, which is somewhat of a downer—but with Liam Hemsworth starring in the film, your mood immediately picks right back up. It’s not completely focused on romance, so if you’re not a fan of “The Notebook” style movies, this may be the perfect one for you.
6. "Just Friends.”
Starring: Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart
I have to admit that I have probably seen this movie over 50 times – only because it never gets old. It’s not just a straight romance/drama movie, it’s a rom-com. Reynolds (especially) and Smart do a great job of not having the focus on just the romance, but also the humor and importance of having a strong friendship in any potential love interest. The film takes place during Christmas, so it technically counts (at least to me) as a romance, comedy and Christmas film all in one. I highly recommend “Just Friends” to anyone who has ever felt the pain of being friend-zoned, because it is bound to make you laugh in agreement.
7. "Anna Karenina.”
Starring: Keira Knightley, Jude Law and Aaron Taylor-Johnson
This film may not be everyone’s cup of tea, as it takes place in the 19th century in Europe, however, it is a romance movie filled with passion and a love that I have never seen. The film is based on a book by Leo Tolstoy, which is a lengthy one (as is the movie), but totally worth it. You also may be surprised when watching that Jude Law is in the film, as his character’s get-up disguises him very well. Now you may be thinking that Knightley is a reoccurring star on this list, but it’s just because she does romance perfectly.
8. "6 Years.”
Starring: Taissa Farmiga and Ben Rosenfield
It’s another one of those tragic love stories that you want to look away from but can’t. It features two young teens in an impressionable time where the thought of college and the future is lingering in the background. The relationship takes an interesting turn and it seems as though nothing goes right. Without spoiling it for you, I will just offer my recommendation that you check it out when you’re not in an upset mood – because in no way is it a fairytale love story, it’s raw and real and you will feel lots of different emotions.
9. "Leap Year.”
Starring: Amy Adams and Matthew Goode
Last but not least, a lighthearted rom-com for your viewing pleasure, “Leap Year” has an interesting premise. Now my explanation will in no way do the plot line justice, so I will just say that you need to watch the film in order to understand it. With that being said, the movie is a classic “feel-good” movie that has a great beginning, middle and end if you’re in the mood for nothing too extreme. It follows Adams’ journey to Dublin to find her boyfriend, and you’ll never believe what (or who) she finds on the way.
Whatever type of romance movie you prefer, this list has something for everyone. So, grab your tub of ice cream, some popcorn and a blanket, and happy streaming.
