Love is in The Air: Contemporary Valentine’s Day Favorites

There’s nothing like a good romance. Romcoms are lovely, epic war love stories have their place, and coming-of-age fling films are always welcome. But when it comes down to it, nothing beats a classic romantic drama. Two people falling in love. Any time period. Any place. Sometimes there’s a happy ending, other times you need the tissue box right by your side.

From Casablanca to The Notebook and everything in between, the genre has stood the test of time. From perennial favorites to underrated gems, here’s a list of some of our favorite romances available to watch right now.

Streaming locations subject to change.

We Live in Time: The newest entry on this list and a feature in our February 7 newsletter. We just can’t get enough of Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh together. Bring the tissues and enjoy one of the best romances of the past few years.

Stream on Max

Past Lives: This 2023 breakout favorite features a decades-spanning friendship and an incredible performance from Greta Lee.

Watch now on Prime Video

Little Fish: Our pick for the most underrated romance of the decade, this beautiful, understated story follows two lovers amidst a memory-erasing pandemic.

Available to rent on Amazon and Apple TV+

Portrait of a Lady on Fire: Sumptuous, splendid, and stunning, this French period piece is one of only four films from the 2010s to be named to The Sight and Sound Greatest Films of All Time list from 2022.

Watch now on Hulu

If Beale Street Could Talk: From the director of Moonlight and based off of James Baldwin’s novel, this gorgeous Academy Award-winning picture tells a love story in a nonlinear structure.

Stream on Hulu

Carol: Another stunning period piece anchored by stellar performances from Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.

Watch on Netflix and The Criterion Channel

About Time: Our pick for the most charming entry on the list. You just can’t help but root for Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson.

Stream on Netflix

Like Crazy: Another underrated gem, this 2011 romance tells the story of two lovers from separate countries struggling to stay together from across the pond.

Watch now on Paramount+

Pride & Prejudice: “I love you most ardently.” Maybe the most iconic entry on the list.

Stream on Peacock

Before Sunrise: The blueprint for modern romances. Sometimes two people walking around and talking can make for an exceptional movie.

Available to rent on Amazon and Apple TV+