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Streaming platforms have made it possible to deliver unforgettable love stories, from the electric intensity of The Idea of You to the quiet yearning of Past Lives.
Another point to consider is the timeless appeal of classics such as The Notebook; great love stories simply never fade.
New gems worthy of attention include recent releases such as One Day (2024) and The Idea of You, which offer modern takes on the world of romance.
The thrill of discovering a romantic film that resonates deeply is unparalleled. It leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll. Streaming services offer a treasure trove of hidden gems in romantic narratives, featuring both familiar and innovative storylines.
Let’s take a look at this curated list of some of the most popular romantic dramas currently available on OTT platforms. These films and series showcase remarkable stories of love, capturing the complexity and emotional depth we see in real-world relationships.
Director: Michael Showalter
Cast: Nicholas Galitzine, Anne Hathaway
Hathaway delivers a captivating performance in a fresh role as a 40-year-old single mother who becomes infatuated with a 24-year-old pop star, Galitzine. What begins as a summer fling evolves into a complex and emotional journey. However, it gets complicated by the challenges of navigating a public romance with a significant age difference. The chemistry between the two stars has made this film one of the most-watched romantic comedies of 2025.
Director: Molly Manners
Cast: Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall.
This new stage production of David Nicholls' acclaimed novel delves into the highs and lows of Emma and Dexter's relationship over 20 years, unfolding through annual updates on July 15. Woodall’s portrayal of the flawed Dexter is beautifully complemented by Mod's remarkable portrayal of Emma, in what critics are calling the definitive adaptation of this classic story.
Director: Celine Song.
Cast: Greta Lee and Teo Yoo.
This Sundance-winning short film serves as a powerful lesson in emotionally contained storytelling. It depicts the reunion of childhood sweethearts years after they first met. The moment on the subway when Nora and Hae Sung briefly lock eyes has become renowned in the realm of romantic films, representing a bold, minimal, and silent expression of intention.
Director: Nick Cassavetes
Cast: Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
Allie and Noah's romance has become the standard for romantic dramas two decades later. Remarkably, the iconic rain scene was ad-libbed, and the actors successfully captured it in one take. Interestingly, Ryan Gosling accidentally hurt Rachel McAdams' wrist during the filming of the Ferris wheel scene.
Director: Lenny Abrahamson
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Paul Mescal
This movie adaptation of Sally Rooney's novel captures the essence of young love and explores the complexities of painful yet meaningful relationships. The story resonates with many people, making it relatable and accessible. Notably, the intimate scenes in this adaptation were both crowd-sourced and choreographed with the help of an intimacy coordinator, a practice that is becoming increasingly common in the film industry. This approach ultimately resulted in one of the most authentic representations of love.
Directors: Michel Gondry
Cast: Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet
Some critics were surprised to see Jim Carrey in a more serious role as Joel. However, it was Kate Winslet's character, with her distinctive blue hair, that symbolized alternative love and left a lasting impression on geeky critics. The movie explored a technique for erasing memories that, while fictional, is not entirely impossible; scientists are already working on similar methods to modify neural data.
There's a reason why romantic dramas are often the most streamed movies: they not only make us smile, but they also evoke deep emotions. A study conducted by the University of Southern California in 2025 indicates that watching emotional love stories triggers a biological response.
The findings reveal that these love stories increase oxytocin levels—the so-called "love hormone"—by 47% and activate the brain's empathy centers more than any other film genre.
The cast and crew of these productions have infused them with genuine emotional experiences, creating stories that remain relevant even after decades. Every time we watch films like Past Lives, The Idea of You, and Normal People, we experience a profound sense of human yearning.
Q. What to watch this weekend on OTT?
A. The Royals for palace intrigues, The Dabba Cartel for the gritty crime drama, and Avatar for fantasy. The two Khakee thrillers (from Bengal and Bihar) provide some gripping action.
Q. Which is the number one romantic movie?
A. There is no single pair of favorite top romantic films. However, classics such as Titanic, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, or Casablanca frequently top the list.
Q. What’s new on OTT this week?
A. This week's OTT guide is jam-packed with fresh releases across Netflix, Prime Video, Zee5, JioCinema, and SonyLIV. Highlights of this week include Heads of State, Thug Life, The Good Wife, and The Hunt:
Q. Which is the romantic killer movie on Netflix?
A. Anzu is happily single and has absolutely no interest in romance-until a cheeky little matchmaking wizard sets her world upside down along the lines of a rom-com cliche. Suddenly, love is much too much for her to see everywhere.
Q. Which is the best love story on Netflix?
A. One of Netflix's top favorites, Purple Hearts, is a love story, drama, and music-filled tale of a farcical marriage becoming a reality. Another worth watching is To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before entertaining and heartfelt teen rom-com.
