Celine Song's critically acclaimed Materialists, which candidly and vulnerably depicts the realities of modern dating, doesn't just promise a resurgence in the romance genre, but it reminds the Internet that Chris Evans has been in this pool for a long, long time. As one of the most versatile stars of our generation, Evans isn't just known for donning the red, white, and blue shield as Captain America but for best portraying some of the biggest heartthrobs in film.
Beginning a true launch in his career with films like Not Another Teen Movie, Chris Evans is a little too good at playing both the tortured artist and the stereotypical jock. He's also thoroughly well-equipped to ensure that he embodies a role so well, we forget all the others as we're watching. With Materialists soaring globally as one of the most popular films of 2025, here are some of the best Chris Evans romance films and where you can find them on platforms like Netflix, Apple TV+, and more.
Materialists (2025)
Following her Academy Award-nominated Past Lives (2023), Celine Song returns with the film of the summer, featuring a flawlessly cast trio in Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal. Lucy (Johnson) is a matchmaker who begins a relationship with the suave and charming Harry (Pascal), but all the while, she's still in love with her ex-boyfriend, aspiring actor John (Evans).
Delivering one of the most realistic and deeply vulnerable romantic monologues of the decade, Chris Evans solidifies to everyone watching that the romance genre is his strength. It's one thing to convey a weighty declaration, but it's another to fully believe the words an actor is uttering, and in Materialists, Evans is a force to be reckoned with. He takes the heartwarming words on the page and ensures they come out of him so naturally that, despite Pascal's undeniable charm as an actor, it's impossible not to root for Evans' John. If you're a romance fan who is tired of the frustrating love triangle trope, Materialists is a uniquely believable take and thoroughly gripping enough to change your mind.
What's Your Number (2011)
Before he was stealing hearts on Materialists, Anna Faris and Chris Evans reigned in one of the most underrated romantic comedies—What's Your Number? When Ally (Faris) reads an article stating that any woman who has more than 20 exes is unlikely to settle down, she and her neighbor Colin (Evans) attempt to reunite her with one of her exes to avoid surpassing the supposed number. But in true romance form, their ridiculous endeavors draw them closer together, making them fall in love instead.
What's Your Number? not only features Evans singing, but it also gives him the opportunity to really play on comedic beats that deliver exquisite banter, a plethora of heart, and an emotional character journey. Interestingly, the film also takes place in Evans' hometown, Boston, and with every beat, there's a riveting comfort that spreads throughout the air, making it feel like home to the viewers as well. Cozy, laugh-out-loud funny, and adorably romantic, the movie isn't one to miss. And for fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Evans isn't the only superhero in this movie. A few of his Avenger buddies make the kind of cameo that, while unintentional at the time of filming, is delightful nevertheless. Who? You'll just have to watch to see.
The Nanny Diaries (2007)
Prior to saving the world in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Steve Rogers and Natasha Romanoff, Chris Evans and Scarlett Johansson's characters Annie and Hayden were building a love story in The Nanny Diaries. This isn't the first time the two appear in a film together, as that spot is reserved for The Perfect Score (2004), but it's the first time they play a pair who fall in love.
Though the film deals with heavier themes such as abuse, parental neglect, and sexual assault, the budding relationship is one worth rooting for. It's certainly not a romantic comedy, given the darker themes, but the hopeful ending makes it a film that's easy to appreciate. Evans' role differs significantly from anything he's done in other films, allowing him to shine with the kind of vulnerability that ensures Annie's character grows to trust him enough to make the romance believable for viewers, too. For viewers who want the exploration of darker themes in their romance films, this one's a solid watch.
Playing It Cool (2014)
Playing It Cool might just be one of the most absurd romantic comedies with meta themes about writers and the genre as a whole, but Chris Evans' Me is still a relatively charming hero to deal with. The actor's romantic comedy roles frequently feature a grand gesture of some sort, but none bigger than the ultimate of breaking off a wedding.
The film's wild premise doesn't leave much room to revisit it, but it also stars plenty of great faces to provide entertainment while watching. Interestingly, while there are a myriad of meta romance novels centered around writing and the genre, there aren't many films apart from Playing It Cool. For this reason, it can be a gripping story for viewers wanting the specific exploration with Evans at the forefront. But the viewers who aren't a fan of meta, on the nose, storytelling, then perhaps some of the others on this list would be better.
Push (2009)
If Taylor Swift's "Coney Island," featuring The National, was a romantic relationship, it'd be the one we get between Nick (Chris Evans) and Kira (Camilla Belle) in Push. Paul McGuigan's mostly forgotten sci-fi thriller Push is more of an action film than a romance, but it features some of the most prominent tropes that fans of the genre typically adore, such as second chance, hurt/comfort, and all the mutual pining.
As they fight against the opposing forces trying to unleash warfare telepathically, Nick and Kira subtly rekindle their love on the sidelines, making the romantic arc the strongest part of the film. The chemistry between Evans and Belle is palpable, allowing every brief scene to sizzle with the kind of heat that's addicting. While there isn't an overt happy ending, it's the type of ambiguous conclusion that evokes enough hope to still find satisfaction in the couple's potential reunion again. If you're a viewer who prefers romance as a secondary plot as opposed to the primary focus and wants a bit of action, too, Push can be an engaging viewing experience.
Before We Go (2014)
It's worth emphasizing that by the definition of a romance, which guarantees a happy ending, Before We Go is not a romance. Not even close. However, it is Evans' directorial feature and a relatively decent one at that, which gives viewers a solid romantic drama.
For the viewers who appreciate stories like romantic films like Roman Holiday (1953) that take place within the span of a few hours and underscore how characters change due to these serendipitous meetings, Before We Go is solid. Not as perfect as the undeniable classic, but emotionally charged nonetheless. Also starring Alice Eve alongside Evans, the quiet and vulnerable drama, set in New York, skillfully intertwines themes of loneliness with forgiveness, delivering a film that's worth watching at least once.
Gifted (2017)
Like Before We Go, Gifted isn't a true romance by definition either, but as reluctant uncle and primary caretaker of his seven-year-old niece, Mary (McKenna Grace), Frank Adler is inarguably one of Chris Evans' best performances and allows him to challenge himself as an actor. One night out on the town, Frank makes a connection with Bonnie (Jenny Slate), who also happens to be Mary's teacher.
While the two of them don't end up in a happily ever after, it isn't hard to assume that by the end of the movie, perhaps there might still be something there. The chemistry is present and sweet throughout, allowing viewers to see how the connection can strengthen with more time spent together. In addition, the role allows Evans to bring to life some of his most vulnerable performances to date in an emotionally cozy film for what it showcases as an exploration of grief, parenthood, freedom, and the found family trope. For the viewers who prefer ambiguous endings, Gifted is a beautiful film on all fronts.
