Whether popular classics or hidden, long-forgotten gems, there are always a myriad of incredible romances to stream for free on platforms like Plex, Hoopla, and more. What is a romance film? By definition in the literary world, it's a story that ends with a happy ending for the couple we are following. So, no, Romeo and Juliet is not a romance, but a tragic love story instead. However, a romantic comedy like 13 Going on 30 (2004) sure is.
There are countless tropes that make up the fabric of the genre, and excellent chemistry is always needed to sell the relationship we're watching on-screen, so it's always a bit of a treasure hunt to see what a romantic film will explore and how it'll do so. From newer book-to-screen adaptations like The Hating Game (2021) to early 2000s treasures like She's the Man, here are the 10 best romance movies streaming for free right now.
Letters to Juliet (2010)
As one of the most romantic films with two relationships at the center, Letters to Juliet is a must-watch for fans of the second chance romance trope. Set in the beautifully picturesque Verona and various other locations in Italy, the film is both a second chance romance and a tender strangers to lovers that leaves a mark. Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) responds to a lost letter tucked in the crevices of Juliet's wall, allowing the late Vanessa Redgrave's Claire to make contact with her in order to follow her heart back to her long-lost love.
As the search for Lorenzo commences, Sophie and Claire's nephew, Charlie, quietly fall for one another in the background. With a gorgeous soundtrack, thrilling banter, and heart-melting love declarations, every frame is what romantic comedy dreams are made of. For the viewers who love heart pounding longing, this one's got it all.
Mr. Malcolm's List (2022)
As a fantastic and incredibly thoughtful book-to-screen adaptation with a refreshingly inclusive cast, Mr. Malcolm's List is a gorgeous historical romance and an absolute joy ride from start to finish. Featuring stunning, swoonworthy shots in every frame, the romance between Freida Pinto's Selina and Sope Dirisu's Mr. Jeremy Malcolm quietly develops with the type of slow burn tension that's so deliciously enamoring. It's surprisingly funny at times, too, which period dramas generally don't get to be, adding an extra bit of fun to the yearning.
Every beat of the film feels earned, and the entire cast, along with the platonic relationships, make it an adaptation to remember. For fans of Bridgerton (2020) who want a quick but rewarding movie to watch, this one's not to be missed.
Persuasion (2007)
Pride and Prejudice might be Jane Austen's most popular novel, but Persuasion is inarguably her most romantic, and the 2007 adaptation starring Sally Hawkins and Rupert Penry-Jones is the perfect film to showcase the depth of longing that's sprinkled into every page. As what might be the archetype of a second chance romance, so much of the film's impact comes from the performances. Persuasion is the type of book that takes longing incredibly seriously, and without the presence of Captain Wentworth's agony, various adaptations fall short. But the 2007 version nails every beat, allowing even the quiet moments to scream with gut-wrenching want.
Perfect for fans of the trope, but also for viewers who want a gorgeous adaptation to an already breathtaking book. It's also best suited for those who appreciate movies like Letters to Juliet or any sort of story where a written letter discloses all bottled-up emotions.
Northanger Abbey (2007)
A little spooky and indescribably cozy, Northanger Abbey is not only an underrated Jane Austen adaptation, but it's a quaint little romance that deserves more hype. Starring Felicity Jones as Catherine Morland and JJ Feild as Henry Tilney, the delightful love story is set primarily in Bath and features a stunning portrayal of the strangers-to-friends-to-lovers trope.
Directed by Jon Jones, the adaptation is a charming feature that checks every period drama box while simultaneously delivering something intriguing for those who generally aren't fans of the historical setting. In addition, as Austen's most gothic story, Northanger Abbey is also perfect for viewers who prefer a bit of edge in their romances. Lightly spooky elements woven into the quiet moments make the film especially perfect for a rainy fall afternoon.
She's the Man (2006)
She's the Man is now a classic rom-com for countless reasons, and at the top of the list is its perfect balance between humor and romance. Starring Amanda Bynes and Channing Tatum, the Twelfth Night adaptation hits every evocative trope with the type of humor that still holds up and is somehow even funnier today. With hilariously quotable lines like "I'm allergic to the sun" and "my favorite's gouda," the college-based film has something for every kind of viewer.
With a well-written screenplay and an incredibly fun cast, the movie doesn't miss a beat in ensuring that every character is a joy to watch on our screens. And to top things off, the romance that develops between Viola and Duke genuinely feels earned at the end, eliciting butterflies and every giddy emotion that only amazing romances are capable of.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
As the quintessential childhood-best-friends-to-lovers romance, 13 Going on 30 still holds up gorgeously as a result of its relatable storytelling. When a heartbroken Jenna makes a wish on her thirteenth birthday to fast forward through time, she learns that her thirties aren't all their cracked up to be, except for one part of it, which is reuniting with her best friend Matty. With sweet and captivating chemistry between Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, the angsty yet poignant love story shines from beginning to end, telling a story that still manages to hold up today.
13 Going on 30 is especially perfect for people who love the trope because it carefully explores both the consequences and benefits of a relationship in this area, which doesn't happen often. Its thematic reassurance of every age having its advantages also makes it solid viewing for various age groups.
Emma (2020)
There are a number of Emma adaptations at this point, and Autumn de Wilde's is among the best. Colorful and whimsically shot, it tells Jane Austen's story through a beautifully vibrant lens while allowing the chemistry between Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn to shine as Emma and Mr. Knightley. The age gap, friends-to-lovers romance features plenty of delicious banter and a tender appreciation for each other's good qualities and bad.
In addition, the lighter approach to the film allows for some relatable and gif-worthy moments to shine, making it as hilarious as it is romantic. For viewers who prefer their period dramas to take a more fast-paced approach, Emma nails this effectively while simultaneously honoring the characters.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Fantasy, a musical, and romance? What more could anyone want than the dazzling and star-studded Ella Enchanted? Cursed to obedience from birth, Anne Hathaway's Ella embarks on a quest to undo the stripping of her agency, falling in love with Hugh Dancy's Prince Char in the process. Achingly romantic and surprisingly nostalgic, there's something special about the movie that boils down to the costumes, the music, and the cast, adding a charming veil to every scene.
Criminally underrated, it's another film that deserves far more hype, like the iconic The Princess Bride (1987). The fairytale approach understandably doesn't always work for every viewer, but there's a realism sprinkled into Ella Enchanted that makes it beautifully stand out.
Plus One (2019)
An underrated friends-to-lovers story, starring Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine, Plus One sizzles with banter and chemistry from beginning to end, even with its flaws in pacing. Opposites attract in more ways than one, as both Ben and Alice have their demons. However, when they decide to be each other's plus ones at the weddings they're invited to, sparks torch, taking their friendship from platonic to achingly romantic in a way that's fully organic.
With sweet moments and hilarious bits of banter, too, Plus One is the type of rom-com that even fans outside of the genre could appreciate. Perfect viewers who loved the chemistry in Set It Up (2018), this one's a modern day rom-com that's easy to love.
The Hating Game (2021)
Based on Sally Thorne's novel of the same name, The Hating Game is a worthy adaptation and an even better workplace rivals romance. Starring Lucy Hale and Austin Stowell as Lucy and Josh, the movie is stacked with the best tropes, longing, and plenty of antics to make you wish it were a trilogy of sorts.
So many of the best contemporary romance novels follow a similar pattern of rivals becoming lovers, meaning there's a reason it's so popular. Here, we have the perfect office romance that gradually morphs into something bigger and better. While it doesn't fit all of the book into the film, it's still a worthy adaptation and easy to dive into for non-book readers as well. As a star, Lucy Hale is also so delightful in romantic comedies, and her performance is worth every minute.
