Looking for a great movie to make your heart skip a beat? Hulu has an amazing selection of romance films to satisfy all your lovey-dovey needs. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic love story or a contemporary tale of passion, Hulu has got you covered. From quirky rom-coms and steamy flicks to heartwarming love stories and period dramas, you’re sure to find a romance film on Hulu that suits your taste. In this article, we’ve rounded up 20 of the best romance movies on Hulu so you can get cozy with your partner (or just yourself) and fall head over heels all over again.
Happiest Season (2020)
One of the most heartwarming romantic movies on Hulu, Happiest Season follows Abby (Kristen Stewart), a young woman who plans to propose to her girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) at her family’s annual Christmas party. She soon discovers that Harper hasn’t come out to her conservative parents yet and struggles with how to navigate this difficult situation while finding acceptance from Harper’s family.
The movie manages to be both lighthearted and touching as it examines themes of identity, love, and acceptance. With stellar performances by Stewart, Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, and the rest of the cast, Happiest Season makes for an ideal pick if you’re looking for a sweet and romantic film to stream.
Fire Island (2022)
A modern-day twist on Jane Austen’s classic novel Pride and Prejudice, this romantic comedy film follows a group of gay friends who go on vacation to Fire Island, only for things to become complicated by classism and romance.
Starring Joel Kim Booster as a closeted gay character named Noah, along with Bowen Yang, Conrad Ricamora, James Scully, and Margaret Cho, Fire Island was an instant hit among viewers and critics alike. It was praised for its daring depiction of gay men’s sex lives without providing debauchery, and was also commended for its honest approach on social expectations, stereotypes, and racism.
Ammonite (2020)
Loosely inspired by the life of British paleontologist Mary Anning, Ammonite is a compelling drama, packed with commentary on the societal pressures of femininity. Set in the 1840s, this heart-wrenching movie tells the slow-burn forbidden love story between the solitary Anning (Kate Winslet) and her wealthy yet depressed ward, Charlotte Murchison (Saoirse Ronan).
Named as one of the best films of 2020, Ammonite was applauded for Winslet and Ronan’s amazing chemistry and masterclass performances.
We Broke Up (2021)
This comedy film stars Aya Cash and William Jackson Harper as recently split couple, Lori and Doug, who pretend to still be together for a wedding. Aside from the humorous hallmarks of a romantic comedy-drama, the wedding movie We Broke Up also poses deep questions about romantic relationships and second chances.
While some critics think the movie didn’t live up to the potential of its premise, the majority of the reviewers agree that the two leads, Cash and Harper, both delivered solid and relatable performances.
The Hating Game (2021)
This rom-com movie follows Lucy (Lucy Hale) and Josh (Austin Stowell), two colleagues who must work together despite their initial disdain for one another. Both of them are high-ranking co-workers in the same company, but each wants to be promoted over the other. As they attempt to outmaneuver one another in order to get ahead, they soon realize that underneath all of their competitiveness lies undeniable chemistry.
A poignant romantic comedy film, The Hating Game offers up plenty of fun and laughs while also exploring some more serious themes like ambition, loyalty, and sacrifice. The dialogue between Lucy and Josh is especially witty and entertaining, leading viewers on a journey through the complexities of office romance.
Rosaline (2022)
Based on the 2012 young adult novel When You Were Mine by Rebecca Serle, which in turn was inspired by William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this romantic comedy film tells the tragic tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo (Sean Teale) and Juliet (Isabela Merced) from the perspective of Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever), Juliet’s cousin and of Romeo’s former lover.
Although the love story of Romeo and Juliet has been retold several times, Rosaline offers a refreshing take on the iconic tale, thanks largely to Dever’s engaging performance in the title role.
Flee (2021)
Directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, this adult animated documentary film tells the extraordinary true story of a man, Amin, on the verge of marriage which compels him to reveal his hidden past of fleeing his home country of Afghanistan to Denmark for the first time.
Flee received widespread critical acclaim, with reviewers commending its depiction of the refugee experience through vivid animation. The blend of animation and archival film footage of events in Afghanistan from the time Amin fled helps Flee push the boundaries of documentary filmmaking to present a moving memoir of self-discovery.
Palm Springs (2020)
This charming, feel-good 2020 comedy follows Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti), two strangers who meet at a wedding in Palm Springs only to get stuck in a time loop. Nyles is carefree and content to wander through life without any real purpose, while Sarah can’t accept that she’s been dealt a bad hand — until fate brings them together.
The chemistry between Samberg and Milioti is undeniable. They bring so much sweetness to their roles that it’s impossible not to root for their characters as they stumble through the bizarre situation they find themselves in. The supporting cast also delivers great performances, making this film one of those rare gems that combine excellent acting with smart writing and a truly unique plot. All in all, if you’re looking for something lighthearted yet thought-provoking, then we highly recommend Palm Springs!
Crush (2022)
Crush tells one of the best coming-of-age stories in 2022. It follows the story of a love triangle. It stars Rowan Blanchard as Paige Evans, an aspiring artist who is forced to join her high school track team after she’s framed for painting punny murals across campus. While training for the track team, she tries to find out the real culprit and takes the opportunity to pursue the girl she’s been secretly crushing on since elementary school. But things take a turn when Paige catches feelings for someone else.
Critics praised the diversity and inclusivity within the ensemble cast, the undeniable chemistry between the lead stars, and how the movie depicts same-sex relationships and gender identity as accepted in modern society.
The Feels (2017)
The Feels stars Constance Wu, Angela Trimbur, Josh Fadem, Jenée LaMarque, and Ever Mainard, among many others. This romantic drama follows a group of queer friends who set out on a lesbian bachelorette weekend. It centers on the lesbian couple as they confront their fears and anxieties around commitment and marriage while also exploring the complex emotions that accompany relationships.
The Feels received favorable reviews from critics, who commended the film’s honest and authentic view into the lives of lesbian couples. It offers a complex, nuanced look at the struggles they face and the joys they experience in their relationships. The film also features strong performances from its leads and a unique, relatable story that will resonate with audiences.
After (2019)
Based on the 2014 novel of the same name by Anna Todd, After is a steamy romance movie about Tessa Young (Josephine Langford), a college freshman who begins a passionate relationship with a mysterious bad boy named Hardin Scott (Hero Fiennes Tiffin).
Despite having a predictable plot, After provides an interesting take on the complexities of young love, while exploring other themes like self-discovery and personal growth. After is so popular among audiences that it has spurred an entire film franchise based on the original book series.
The Proposal (2009)
The Proposal is a romantic comedy film starring Ryan Reynolds and Sandra Bullock. The plot revolves around an executive assistant (Bullock) who must pretend to be engaged to her workaholic boss (Reynolds) in order to avoid deportation back to Canada. This sets up a comical chain of events in which they must prove their relationship to immigration officials.
The romance between Margaret and Andrew blossoms through the course of the movie. Despite not initially getting along or seeing eye to eye, both characters slowly start to understand each other better and begin to appreciate one another’s presence.
With plenty of witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud scenes, and heartfelt moments throughout its runtime, The Proposal is sure to be enjoyed by couples looking for something fun and entertaining while cuddling up on the couch.
Pretty Woman (1990)
Pretty Woman is a classic film starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. This rom-com follows the story of Vivian (Roberts), a sex worker who meets Edward (Gere), a wealthy businessman, while working on Hollywood Boulevard. After she agrees to be his companion for several days in exchange for money, they slowly fall in love despite their differences.
This warm and fuzzy movie has become a beloved classic due to its timeless message about finding true love regardless of one’s background or social status. Its combination of heartfelt romance and lighthearted humor makes it enjoyable and relatable for viewers young and old alike.
The Ultimate Playlist of Noise (2021)
The Ultimate Playlist of Noise is a romantic coming-of-age drama that follows a high school student who has a brain tumor requiring surgery that will render him deaf. Depressed at the idea that he soon won’t be able to hear his beloved sound, he compiles a playlist of 50 sounds he wants to record.
Starring Keean Johnson and Madeline Brewer, The Ultimate Playlist of Noise has generally been well-received by critics. Reviewers have praised the film’s heartwarming story, naturalistic acting, and creative use of music.
How to Be Single (2016)
Based on the novel of the same name by Liz Tuccillo, this romantic comedy film stars Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Damon Wayans Jr., Anders Holm, Alison Brie, Nicholas Braun, Jake Lacy, Jason Mantzoukas, and Leslie Mann, and follows a group of BFFs navigating love and dating apps in New York City.
The reviews for the 2016 movie How to be Single were generally mixed, but a lot of critics praised the film for its lighthearted, humorous take on the single life.
Elena Undone (2010)
Elena Undone is an incredibly romantic drama film that tells the story of two women, Elena (Necar Zadegan) and Peyton (Traci Dinwiddie), who randomly cross paths and quickly fall in love with each other. The relationship between the new couple is complicated and heartbreaking as they both struggle with their pasts while trying to make their relationship work.
With its beautiful cinematography, wonderful soundtrack, thoughtful writing, and powerful performances, this movie is sure to leave you feeling all warm inside. Directed by Nicole Conn, the movie also stars Gary Weeks, Sam Harris, Connor Kramme, Sabrina Fuster, and many more.
Rye Lane (2023)
Set in the South London areas of Peckham and Brixton, this British romantic comedy film is titled after the real-life Rye Lane. It stars David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah as two strangers who have a chance encounter, after having both been through recent breakups and spend the day getting to know each other. Featuring a perfect balance of heart and humor, Rye Lane tells a funny and touching story about how a chance encounter can alter everything for the better.
The World to Come (2021)
Set in the mid-19th century on the American frontier, The World to Come follows two married women as they discover an unexpected connection amidst their struggles with societal expectations.
Abigail (Katherine Waterstone) is stuck in an unsatisfying marriage while living on a remote farm, while Tallie (Vanessa Kirby) has been recently widowed and is struggling to make ends meet. When their paths cross one day, they quickly form a deep bond that transcends their differences.
The film masterfully explores the beauty of love between two people who can understand each other despite coming from completely different backgrounds. Through subtle yet striking cinematography, The World to Come paints a vivid portrait of the longing for something more than what society dictates—a desire that ultimately leads both Abigail and Tallie to open up about their true feelings for each other.
It’s a beautiful tale of finding solace in someone else during difficult times, making it perfect for anyone looking for some romance this season.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day is an iconic ‘90s movie that everyone needs to watch. A time travel adventure of sorts, it stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical TV weatherman who finds himself reliving the same day over and over again in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. This off-the-charts hilarious comedy follows him as he attempts to break out of this time loop while trying to win the heart of Rita (Andie MacDowell), his producer.
The comedic timing between Murray and MacDowell is spot-on, making for some truly memorable scenes and quotable lines throughout the film. There are also plenty of heartfelt moments where we get insight into Phil’s character development as he learns how to be more selfless and appreciate each moment for what it is — no matter how small.
This classic movie has something for everyone and will make you laugh until your stomach aches! Plus, its philosophical themes will leave you reflecting on life in general long after the credits roll. Groundhog Day reminds us all that everyday matters, so take some time and enjoy watching this timeless gem today!
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)
Good Luck to You, Leo Grande stars two-time Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson as retired teacher Nancy Stokes who seeks the services of the titular swoonworthy sex worker (Daryl McCormack) to help her experience pleasurable sex. As Nancy embarks on a post-marital sexual awakening and Leo draws on his skills and charm, together they find a surprising human connection.
Praised for its writing and non-judgmental attitude towards sex work, the movie proves that filmmakers can still make a sex movie with a refreshing spin on it.