Look, we know you want to Netflix and Chill. Who doesn’t? But until Netflix creates a real “Netflix and Chill” category, you might find yourself struggling to come up with new movie suggestions to keep things fresh. Sure, you might have your tried and true, go-to make-out movies, but if you’re tired of watchingTitanicorPretty Womanfor the 100th time, you need to change it up. That’s where we come in. We put together an eclectic and unique list of movies available on the streaming giant for your next Netflix and Chill session, so you’re welcome. From movies you cuddle to, to date night flicks, tomake-out movies, we’ve got you covered. And no, it’s not justromance, sometimes a little scare can help bring people together, so we tossed in somehorrortoo. So allow us to do the homework while Netflix provides the entertainment; now all you have to do is chill.
For more recommendations, check out our list of thebest movies on Netflix,best romantic comedies on Netflix, andbest romantic shows on Netflix.
Disclaimer: These titles are available on US Netflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated August 2023 to include Happiness for Beginners.
Holidate (2020)
Director:John Whitesell |Run Time:1 hr 44 min
Cast:Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Andrew Bachelor, Jessica Capshaw
Holidays come with a lot of pressure. Especially when you’re the one who’s unmarried. Enter Sloane (Emma Roberts) who has a chance run in with Jackson (Luke Bracey) right before New Years’ Eve. They two strike up a deal to be each other’s Holidate if only to get their families off their backs. Since it goes well, they continue the deal for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. As more and more time passes they get intertwined in each other’s lives. And sometimes when you start spending all your holidays together, whether you want to admit it or not, it may not be just a platonic deal between friends anymore. Hopefully, they can figure it all out before Christmas. It may get looped in with Christmas movies, but since it revolves around the entire calendar year of holidays, this fun film can be watched any time you need a few laughs. —Jennifer McHugh
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Happiness For Beginners (2023)
Run Time: 1 hr 43 min |Genre: Comedy, Romance |Director: Vicky Wight
Cast: Luke Grimes, Ellie Kemper, Nico Santos
Happiness For BeginnersfollowsEllie Kemper(Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) as a recent divorcée named Helen who ventures out on a survivalist hike along the Appalachian Trail to try to step out of her comfort zone and change her perspective on life. Helen unexpectedly runs into a friend of her brother, played byLuke Grimes(Fifty Shades of Grey), who challenges her to be her true self — not just the person she thinks she needs to be. The two get close quite quickly, and their connection radiates on screen. The film is a breezy romance that feels both subversive to the typical messages of the genre while splashing around in the best tropes from classic rom-coms. –Tauri Miller
Straight Up (2019)
Run Time: 1 hr 35 min |Genre: Comedy, Romance |Director: James Sweeney
Cast: James Sweeney, Katie Findlay, Dana Drori
Straight Upis an independent production ofJames Sweeney(Brooklyn Love Stories), who writes, directs, and stars in this witty and touching film that examines the full spectrum of what love means. The story follows Todd (Sweeney) and Rory (Katie Findlay), two young adults who are a perfect match for each other. They have similar interests, the same sense of humor, and love spending time together…unfortunately, Todd’s gay, and Rory is a woman. Sweeney creates an intimate film with a wonderfulWes Anderson-esque aesthetic that challenges the audience to reframe their understanding of love and begs the question of whether our modern concepts of romance can be decoupled from the notion of sex.
Love Hard (2021)
Director: Hernán Jiménez |Run Time:1 hr 44 min
Cast: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet, Harry Shum Jr.
Love Hardis an adorably charming romantic comedy starringNina Dobrev(The Vampire Diaries) as Natalie and underrated funnymanJimmy O. Yang(Silicon Valley) as Josh. Directed byHernán Jiménez,Love Harduses modern dating techniques in the story of Josh catfishing Natalie as he pretends to look likeDarren Barnet(Never Have I Ever). Both Yang and Barnet’s innate humor bursts through as their hilarious dialogue is unexpectedly clever. Featuring a gorgeous and diverse cast,Love Hardbreaks away from the tropes on which the narrative was built to create an engrossing love story for modern audiences.– Yael Tygiel
Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)
Director: Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre |Run Time:2 hrs 6 min
Cast: Emma Corrin, Jack O’Connell, Matthew Duckett, Joely Richardson
Based on the controversial novel byD. H. Lawrence,Laure de Clermont-Tonnerre’sLady Chatterley’s Loveris not the first adaptation of the sensuous story. StarringEmma Corrin(The Crown) as an unhappily married woman who finds herself in a whirlwind affair,Lady Chatterley’s Lovermaintains the immense tension first written in 1928. Exploring themes of emotional love versus carnal desire, classism, and nature versus nurture,Lady Chatterley’s Lovercontinues to be as relevant as ever. And with the clever direction of de Clermont-Tonnerre,Lady Chatterley’s Loverallows Corrin, as well as co-starsJack O’ConnellandMatthew Duckett, to shine.– Yael Tygiel
Look Both Ways (2022)
Director: Wanuri Kahiu |Run Time: 1 hr 50 min
Cast: Lili Reinhart, Danny Ramirez, Aisha Dee, David Corenswet
RiverdalestarLili Reinhartplays Natalie in theWanuri Kahiu-directed romantic comedy,Look Both Ways.Separating itself from more traditional romance movies,Look Both Waysis a fascinating exploration of fate, decisions, and circumstances.April Prosserwrote an intriguing script that presents two potential lives for Natalie: one where she follows her dreams after college and moves to Los Angeles, and another where she stays in her hometown to have a family. Featuring a supporting role forLuke Wilson(DC’s Stargirl), as well as two handsome love interests, played byDanny RamirezandDavid Corenswet, the true masterpieces ofLook Both Waysis Reinhart’s performance of one character through two completely different lives.– Yael Tygiel
Love in the Villa (2022)
Director: Mark Steven Johnson |Run Time: 1 hr 54 min
Cast: Kat Graham, Tom Hopper, Raymond Ablack, Laura Hopper
Kat Grahamstars in the cute romantic filmLove in the Villa, written and directed byMark Steven Johnson(Christopher Robin), as Julie, a woman who travels to Italy to recover from a broken heart. Upon arrival, Julie discovers her rental in Verona was double booked and must share the gorgeous villa with a tall and handsome yet misanthropic Englishman named Charlie, played byTom Hopper(The Umbrella Academy). Although the script comes from a writer with a background that crosses genres,Love in the Villais almost a paint-by-numbers type of script. Hopper’s talent to balance Charlie’s charm and cynicism is unbelievably beguiling, providing Graham with a solid partner to play against. Together, they breathe excitement intoLove in the Villa. – Yael Tygiel
The Age of Adaline (2015)
Director: Lee Toland Krieger |Run Time:1 hr 52 min
Cast: Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Kathy Baker
Writers:J. Mills Goodloe, Salvador Paskowitz
Cast:Blake Lively, Michiel Huisman, Harrison Ford, Ellen Burstyn, Kathy Baker, Amanda Crew
The Age of Adalinepresents us with an intriguing fantasy romance with a bit of mystery. You may be surprised to find out that the story is not based on a book. It has that feel to it, but it is an original story that Goodloe and Paskowitz came up with independently. It features Adaline Bowman, played byBlake Lively, who stops aging due to a car accident. She lives the next eight decades as a 29-year-old. She keeps to herself to avoid suspicion, but then she meets Ellis Jones, played byMichiel Huisman, who makes her feel again. Lively, Huisman, andHarrison Fordare captivating to watch as you attempt to figure out what’s going on. You are taken along on a fantastical journey of love, loss, and love bringing you back again.
Love & Gelato (2022)
Director: Brandon Camp |Run Time:1 hr 50 min
Cast: Susanna Skaggs, Tobia De Angelis, Owen McDonnell
Based on the best-selling novel,Love and Gelatois the cute romantic comedy many young women dream of. With a similar tone toEmily in Parisand set in Italy,Love and Gelatotells the tale of Lina (Susanna Skaggs) on her summer adventure in Rome before she returns to her first year at college. Unsurprisingly,Love and Gelatois from the studio responsible forTo All The Boys I Loved Before, leaning hard into those classic enchanting tropes and even featuring an adorably lovable best friend, played to perfection byAnjelika Washington(Stargirl). Obviously,Love and Gelatohas gorgeous scenery, showcasing the glorious Italian landscape and allowing audiences to fall in love with the country as well as the romance unfolding on screen.– Yael Tygiel
The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Director: Jim Strouse |Run Time:1 hr 25 min
Cast: Jessica Williams, Chris O’Dowd, LaKeith Stanfield
An unfiltered and raw comedic look at modern dating in New York and starring the prodigiously brilliantJessica Williams(Booksmart),The Incredible Jessica Jamesfollows a young woman as she attempts to start over after a bad breakup and all the transitional turmoil that such a moment in life causes. In addition to the dazzling Williams are hilarious actorsChris O’Dowd(Bridesmaids) andLaKeith Stanfield(Sorry To Bother You), who complement Williams’ wit and style, providing undeniable chemistry in every scene. At times,The Incredible Jessica Jamesfeels like a more relatableSex And The City, with uncomfortable scenarios aimed directly at the souls of Williams’ millennial-aged audience and fanbase.– Yael Tygiel
