Streaming libraries expand and contract. Algorithms are imperfect. Those damn thumbnail images are always changing. But you know what you can always rely on? The expert opinions and knowledgeable commentary of The A.V. Club. That’s why we’re scouring both the menus of the most popular services and our own archives to bring you these guides to the best viewing options, broken down by streamer, medium, and genre. Want to know why we’re so keen on a particular movie? Click the title at the top of each slide for some in-depth coverage from The A.V. Club’s past. And be sure to check back often, because we’ll be adding more recommendations as films come and go.
Some titles on this list also appear on our best movies on Netflix list, but we decided romance movies deserved their own spotlight since they are often not included on our year-end lists as much as other genres. The criteria for inclusion here is that (1) the film is classified by Netflix as a “romance” (2) The A.V. Club has written critically about the movie; and (3) if it was a graded review, it received at least a “B.” Some newer (and much older) movies will be added over time as Netflix announces new additions to their library.
Looking for other movies to stream? Also check out our list of the best movies on Amazon Prime, best movies on Disney+, and best movies on Hulu. And if you’re looking for a laugh, check out our list of
the best comedy movies on Netflix.
This list was most recently updated on May 2, 2021.
8 Comments
Howard’s End is really more of an anti-romance movie, but the cast and the lush visuals are impressive. Of the Forster novels translated to film, however, it is far from the best, imo.
Yeah, I looked at that pic and thought, ‘In what world is Howard’s End a romance?’
Seriously.
Heterosexual marriages don’t fair particularly well in Forster’s world. But I’m not surprised. I saw Sex Lies and Videotapes referred to as a sexual thriller on one of these sites the other day. That movie isn’t very thrilling but it’s still a good flick.
Deleted. Sorry
I don’t know who needs to see this, but do yourself a favor and watch Eat Drink Man Woman. Tortilla Soup is fine, but is pretty average next to the Ang Lee classic.
Movies on Netflix
I’m glad for the inclusion of Stardust here, as it captures my feeling of “we’re never gonna get another The Princess Bride but this is pretty close”, as well as not being a movie that ever shies away from what it’s trying to be and has a crackerjack cast — including a never-been-hotter Claire Danes (don’t @ me with Romeo + Juliet).
I have nothing to say other than Aubrey Plaza in big glasses.