While romance films and shows often feature cheesy clichés, unrealistic portrayals of relationships, and sappy scenes, we must admit that we can’t resist a feel-good love story. After all, there’s nothing better than indulging your romantic fantasies by living vicariously through your favorite actors on the screen.
From classic romantic comedies like Pretty in Pink to newer romance dramas like Normal People, these streaming titles from Hulu are sure to take you on a rollercoaster of emotions. If you like your romance with a side of comedy or mystery, worry not — the platform is jam-packed with content that’s sure to pull on your heartstrings in just the right way.Â
Whether you’re ready to binge-watch something with the love of your life or need a good cry with a pint of ice cream, Hulu has something to make you feel the love. Here are our top selections for the best romance movies and shows you can stream on Hulu right now!
Dirty DancingÂ
- Release Year: 1987
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 7/10
Nobody puts Baby in the corner! This classic 1987 film stars Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in what many would call the most iconic roles of their career.Â
Baby (Grey) is stuck spending summer vacation at an upscale resort with her family. She finds herself in a bit of a situation with some of the resort staff, which leads her to meet the resort’s dance instructor, Johnny (Swayze). After his dance partner has to drop out of an upcoming competition, Baby steps in to save the day. But soon, it’s more than just dancing when the two fall in love.Â
Dirty Dancing is filled with quotable scenes, forbidden love, and sensual dance moves, so it’s a given that this is one of the best romance movies on Hulu!
Dawson’s Creek
- Release Year: 1998
- Rating: TV-14
- Stars: 6.7/10
- # of Seasons: 6
If you grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, there’s a good chance you’re familiar with Dawson’s Creek. This popular teen drama introduced the world to a group of teenagers in a small New England town as they tried to navigate the challenges of high school.Â
This series gave us one of TV’s most famous love triangles: Dawson, Joey, and Pacey. We’ll never forget the conflicting feelings we felt during every break-up, make-up, fight, or goodbye! Dawson’s Creek set the stage for so many iconic teen dramas, so it’s worth binging — whether it’s your first or tenth watch!
TitanicÂ
- Release Year: 1997
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 7.8/10
We’ll never let go, Jack! We’ll never let go. Yes, this movie takes place on the iconic voyager that would meet an ill-fate, but it’s the passionate, unconditional love story that makes Titanic a top romance film of all time.Â
Poor artist Jack Dawson (Leonardo DiCaprio) lands a last-minute spot on the famous ship before it sets sail for America. When he crosses paths with upper-class passenger Rose Bukater (Kate Winslet), the two embark on a once-in-a-lifetime whirlwind romance. We don’t know if it’s the passion the two share or how much we love Leo and Kate together on screen, but this movie will bring tears to your eyes every time.
Pretty in Pink
- Release Year: 1986
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 6.9/10
If you grew up in the ’80s, you already know why Pretty in Pink made our list. If not, allow us to fill you in!
Andie (Molly Ringwald), a high school outcast, gets asked to prom by the school’s heart-throb, Blane (Andrew McCarthy). They both quickly learn how difficult it can be to date beyond the boundaries of your high school social circle. Will peer pressure put the ultimate strain on their budding romance?
You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll laugh until you cry. Either way, this nostalgic classic deserves a spot on any romance movie list!
You’re the Worst
- Release Year: 2014
- Rating: TV-MA
- Stars: 8.1/10
- # of Seasons: 5
Romance isn’t always for those who believe in it. Sometimes, the most passionate relationships occur between people who spend their lives denying that true love even exists. This refreshing concept is at the center of You’re the Worst, making for an interesting take on romance.
You’re the Worst is a romantic-comedy series about two toxic, self-destructive people who fall in love. What could go wrong? Despite their cynicism on love, they attempt to make a relationship work. This show is a must-watch that tackles a darker side of rom-coms. You’ll definitely be enthralled as this love story unfolds!
If Beale Street Could Talk
- Release Year: 2018
- Rating: R
- Stars: 7.1/10
Love often faces adversity and challenges throughout its lifetime. But when it’s strong, it can endure whatever life throws at it. Based on the 1974 James Baldwin novel, If Beale Street Could Talk follows the life of Tish (KiKi Layne) and Fonny (Stephan James).Â
Having known each other since childhood, the two main characters fall in love as adults and start their life together. Their love is tested, from facing blatant racism to Fonny being wrongly convicted of a serious crime. But this story shows us just how strong love can be between two people.Â
Don’t miss this love story; put this on your must-watch list immediately!Â
How I Met Your Mother
- Release Year: 2005
- Stars: 8.3/10
- # of Seasons: 9
Can you imagine hearing all of the details about how your parents met? What paths they took to cross each other, all of their meaningful milestones? One of the best sitcoms in the last decade, How I Met Your Mother is told in flashbacks as one of the characters, Ted, tells his children the story of how he met their mother.Â
We give this rom-com two thumbs up for excellent storytelling and clever humor. If you’re looking for a new series to get into, you’re in luck — this one has nine seasons full of laughter. So grab your partner or best friend, and start binge-watching!
Spontaneous
- Release Year: 2020
- Rating: R
- Stars: 6.5/10
If you like love stories with a side of gruesome, check out Spontaneous. This film begins like many typical high-school dramas: Dylan (Charlie Plummer) confesses to Mara (Katherine Langford) that he has a crush on her.Â
However, when their schoolmates begin randomly (and literally) exploding, Dylan and Mara find comfort and love in each other amidst all of the blood and chaos. Since they never know when they may explode, the two begin living in the moment, making each day count.Â
While the fusion of these genres may seem odd, this movie reminds us of the importance of finding what makes life worth living in a way we’ve never seen in a love story!
The Age of AdalineÂ
- Release Year: 2015
- Rating: PG-13
- Stars: 7.2/10
Adaline (Blake Lively) stops aging after a car accident. She spends the next eight decades as a 29-year-old, mostly keeping to herself to avoid questions and suspicion — until she meets and falls in love with Ellis (Micheil Huisman).Â
Why do we love it? The Age of Adaline uses many romantic fantasy tropes to intensify the sense of falling in love, all while keeping us captivated in wonder. Check this movie out for your next date night at home!
Normal People
- Release Year: 2020
- Rating: TV-14
- Stars: 8.5/10
- # of Seasons: 1
Normal People is a love story that’s — you guessed it — normal. It doesn’t set high expectations of love and relationships, but instead shows all the good and not-so-good parts. Audiences adore the story for its realistic take on young love.Â
Based on the novel by Sally Rooney, this series follows the up and down romance between Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal), two young Irish adults from vastly different backgrounds.Â
Normal People portrays the couple’s messy relationship filled with flaws and insecurities, giving us a much-needed fresh perspective on romance. If you’re looking for a relatable, real-life love story, find this on Hulu!
