Best Romantic Movies on Hulu Right Now (July 2023)

Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Director: Andrew Ahn

Cast: Joel Kim Booster, Bowen Yang, Margaret Cho

Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Joel Kim Booster (Loot) dazzle in Andrew Ahn’s Fire Island, a glamorous queer romance that follows a group of friends as they return to the popular vacation spot attempting to make this summer the best one yet. Written by Booster, who crafted a shrewdly witty script, Fire Island is unexpectedly heart-filled. Plenty of recognizable names and faces appear in Fire Island, including icons Margaret Cho, Matt Rogers (I Love That For You), and Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away with Murder), providing an entertaining love story that is both steamy and endearing. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 43 min | Director: Peter Segal

Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Vanessa Hudgens, Leah Remini, Milo Ventimiglia

Director Peter Segal (50 First Dates) delivers a romantic comedy that is just as much about loving oneself as it is about finding a partner. Jennifer Lopez (Maid in Manhattan) leads this film and dazzles as a woman in her forties who gets a rare chance to leave her low-income assistant store manager job for a big corporate position using the sales skills she’s accumulated over 15 years in customer service. The only problem? She got the job based on a lie. In addition to being funny and endearing, the movie challenges the notion that higher education is a necessity to be successful and gives a voice to the people who are told they are unskilled just because they don’t have a degree. – Tauri Miller

Run Time: 1 hr 27 min | Director: Archie Borders

Cast: Matt Walsh, Judith Godrèche, Reid Scott

Bursting with incredible comedic talent, Under the Eiffel Tower is a romantic comedy inspired by a true story. Directed by Archie Borders, who co-wrote the script with David Henry and Judith Godrèche, Under the Eiffel Tower walks the line between comedy and drama with a story about wine not too dissimilar to Sideways. Matt Walsh stars as a sad and newly jobless man having a midlife crisis, which leads him on a journey of self-exploration across the French countryside. Under the Eiffel Tower co-stars Godrèche, along with Reid Scott, David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer), Gary Cole, and Michaela Watkins (Casual). – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 22 min | Director: Raine Allen-Miller

Cast: David Jonsson, Vivian Oparah, Poppy Allen-Quarmby, Simon Manyonda

David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah (Class) co-star in Rye Lane, a charming romantic comedy directed by Raine Allen-Miller. Rye Lane follows the two twentysomethings through a chance encounter, bonding over recent break-ups, welcoming their budding relationship in a sweet and humorous story that unfolds throughout a single day. Nathan Bryon and Tom Melia co-wrote Rye Lane with a clever tone that fully embeds the audience in a particular neighborhood in Peckham in South London, leading critics to compare the film to writer/director Spike Lee and his iconic feature Do the Right Thing. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 51 min | Director: Nicole Conn

Cast: Necar Zadegan, Thunderbird Dinwiddie, Gary Weeks, Sam Harris

Necar Zadegan (Mayor of Kingstown) and Thunderbird Dinwiddie (The Walking Dead) star in Elena Undone, a gorgeously queer film written and directed by Nicole Conn. Elena Undone follows two drastically different women as they cross paths, inevitably beginning a passionate love affair. Along with an engrossing story, the actors in Elena Undone are beguiling as they bring their characters to life, with Zadegan playing the titular Elena, wife of a homophobic religious zealot, and Dinwiddie embracing the persona of a famous — and very out — lesbian writer. Through a tantalizing narrative, enticing cinematography, and alluring dialogue, Elena Undone is a truly beautiful film. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 37 min | Director: Sophie Hyde

Cast: Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack, Isabella Laughland

Director Sophie Hyde brings a keen eye to Katy Brand’s moving and clever script for the uniquely beautiful film Good Luck to You, Leo Grande. Starring Emma Thompson (Cruella) as Nancy, a retired widow who decides to finally become acquainted with her own sexuality, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande eagerly and earnestly explores the realities of aging, womanhood, and sex. In an effort to find Nancy’s own agency, the uptight and methodical former school teacher hires a gorgeous and gentle sex worker who goes by the name Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack). While clearly a film aimed at an older audience, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande is a gracefully progressive movie with lessons for women of all ages. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 35 min | Director: Karen Maine

Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Isabela Merced, Sean Teale

Starring Kaitlyn Dever (Dopesick) in the titular role, Rosaline is an amusing perspective on the classic Shakespearian drama Romeo and Juliet. With Sean Teale (The Gifted) and Isabela Merced (Dora and the Lost City of Gold) as the star-crossed lovers, Rosaline reexamines their tragic tale from the mindset of Romeo’s jilted former lover Rosaline. Wickedly clever, the sharp comedy of Rosaline reveals the true nature of the romance, skewed as it may be when viewed by the woman Romeo first claimed to have loved before meeting Juliet. Based on the novel by Rebecca Serle, Rosaline is a refreshingly entertaining treat. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 2 hrs 4 min | Director: Richard Wong

Cast: Eugenio Derbez, Samara Weaving, Max Greenfield

Eugenio Derbez (CODA) brings his special brand of humor to The Valet, elevating the overused tropes in this traditional rom-com from director Richard Wong. Wong’s background as a cinematographer provides him with the unique ability to capture every instance of humor and hijinks in The Valet. Samara Weaving (Bill & Ted Face the Music), who has more experience in action and horror than romance or comedies, is paired with Derbez and truly reveals a layer of humor and heart through the ridiculous situations on screen. Max Greenfield (New Girl) and Riverdale’s Marisol Nichols also appear in The Valet, which builds on the pretend-boyfriend trope when a movie star (Weaving) enlists a valet (Derbez) to pose as her lover. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 2 hrs | Director: Francis Lee

Cast: Kate Winslet, Saoirse Ronan, Gemma Jones

Subtly beautiful, Francis Lee’s Ammonite reveals an intense and passionate romance between Mary and Charlotte, played magnificently by award-winning actresses Kate Winslet (Mare of Easttown) and Saoirse Ronan, respectively. Ammonite is a compelling drama, seeped with commentary on the societal pressures of femininity. Set in the 1840s, the forbidden love between a solitary paleontologist and her wealthy yet depressed ward blossoms over a slow build-up, allowing these exceptionally talented performers to draw audiences in and brighten scenes of muted tones and dreary backdrops. Ammonite is an understated showcase of remarkable craft, both on- and off-screen. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 30 min | Director: Jenée LaMarque

Cast: Constance Wu, Angela Trimbur, Josh Fadem

A charming and funny film, The Feels is a lesbian twist on the girls’ weekend comedy. When a group of queer friends spend a bachelorette weekend together, inhibitions are lowered, and secrets are revealed. Directed by Jenée LaMarque (Vida), who wrote the script with Lauren Parks (The Bold Type), The Feels elevates expected women-led comedy tropes, allowing its stars an opportunity to truly shine. Breaking out of her most recognizable characters, Constance Wu emerges spectacularly in this endearing role, supported by costars Angela Trimbur and Ever Mainard. – Yael Tygiel

Run Time: 1 hr 42 min | Director: Peter Hutchings

Cast: Lucy Hale, Austin Stowell, Damon Daunno, Sakina Jaffrey, Corbin Bernsen, and Yasha Jackson

The Hating Game is a fun tale of a blossoming enemies-to-lovers romance between two co-workers, Lucy (Lucy Hale) and Josh (Austin Stowell). As the two vie for the same promotion within their company, they begin to face off, trying to one-up on the other at every opportunity. As their game continues, the two begin to slowly recognize the feelings they’ve had for one another but kept hidden in the name of professionalism and preserving their relationship at work. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, leading to a beautiful depiction of their characters’ incredibly complicated romantic feelings for each other. Hale shines as the conflict begins to build within her character, and the irresistible nature of both characters draws them to each other despite their many, many differences. The line between love and hate is practically non-existent in Lucy and Josh’s case, calling their every action over their years-long rivalry into question. – Jay Snow

Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Director: Sammi Cohen

Cast: Rowan Blanchard, Auliʻi Cravalho and Isabella Ferreira

A romantic comedy like they used to make back in the early 2000s, Crush is cheesy and full of predictability, but it makes it work. When Paige (Rowan Blanchard) is forced to join the track team, she sees it as an opportunity to get closer to her forever crush, Gabriela (Isabella Ferreira). Things get complicated when she starts falling for Gabriela’s twin AJ (Auli’i Cravalho). What makes Crush unique is that it doesn’t make the fact it’s a queer rom-com a big deal. Sure, the central love triangle is between three girls, but the film focuses on coming-of-age themes that everyone can relate to. Sexuality in Crush isn’t the main subject; instead, it’s a simple fact of life. This is why Crush works and is one of those movies that you’ll want to rewatch whenever you feel like a good pick-me-up movie. – Arianne Binette

Run Time: 2 hr 1 min | Director: Celine Sciamma

Cast: Noemie Merlant, Adele Haenel, Luana Bajrami, Valeria Golino, Christel Baras, Armande Boulanger

If you are looking for a lesbian love story, look no further than the highly acclaimed 2019 French film called Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Set in the 18th century, this film features a young painter, Marianne, played by Noemie Merlant, who falls for Heloise, played by Adele Haenel. They meet when Marianne is commissioned to paint Heloise’s portrait. Heloise is engaged to a Milanese nobleman, who she does not want to marry. As Marianne paints her, the two fall for each other, even though their love appears doomed. This movie is a great example of a well-done love story that will pull at your heartstrings, and Celine Sciamma’s script is as poetic as her lens, creating and capturing a lovely, unforgettable, heartbreaking love story.

Run Time: 1 hr 30 min | Director: Max Garbakow

Cast: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milloti, J.K. Simmons, Peter Gallagher, Meredith Hagner, Camila Mendes, Tyler Hoechlin, Chris Pang

In a nod to Groundhog Day, the film Palm Springs features a time loop. While forced to live the same day repeatedly, Sarah, played by Cristin Milloti, and Nyles, played by Andy Samberg, begin to fall in love. They attempt a seemingly endless amount of ways to escape the time loop where they are forced to attend Sarah’s sister’s wedding, but to no avail.

This film is an intriguing take on the time loop premise. Usually, just one person is trapped, but this adds another person in the know about what’s going on. This premise helps bond them and draw them to each other as they fight to get their lives back. If you love alternate reality films, Palm Springs is a must-see.

Run Time: 1 hr 33 min | Director: Harry Macqueen

Cast: Colin Firth, Stanley Tucci, Pippa Haywood

If you are looking for a well-done LGBTQ+ love story, look no further than Supernova. This film is a love story featuring Sam, played by Colin Firth, and Tusker, played by Stanley Tucci. They have been partners for 20 years and embark on a trip across England to visit family, friends, and significant places from their past. This premise is expertly conveyed by these two dynamite actors, both of whom do stunning, subtle work as a devoted couple keeping their romance alive, even as a heavy grief settles into every moment of their lives together. Overshadowing the trip is Tusker’s struggle with dementia. They strive to make the most of the time they have together while he still remembers the past and knows who he is in the present. It’s a heartbreaking journey, but a beautiful one, and if you’ve ever known someone in Tusker’s shoes, it’s an especially emotional experience.

Run Time: 1 hr 42 min | Director: Clea Duvall

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Mackenzie Davis, Aubrey Plaza, Allison Brie, Mary Holland, Mary Steenburgen, Victor Garber, Dan Levy, Jake McDorman

Happiest Season is a complicated little number and definitely not the feel-good rom-com a lot of audiences were hoping for the first major queer Christmas romance, but if you’re looking for a seasonal love story that sidesteps the usual saccharine tropes, it might be the right fit. Kristen Stewart stars as Abby, a young woman who’s about to meet her girlfriend Harper’s (Mackenzie Davis) family for the first time and makes a grand plan to propose at their big annual Christmas party. Problem is, Harper’s family doesn’t know she’s gay, and when Abby gets there, she’s faced with being put back in the closet and realizing there’s a part of her Harper she never knew.

Stewart is wonderful as Abby and you never stop rooting for her, but perhaps Happiest Season’s biggest problem is she’s surrounded by an ensemble of characters that are almost entirely cruel and unlikable. There are exceptions, of course, Dan Levy is reliably magnetic as Abby’s best friend, Aubrey Plaza is her most accessible and irresistible as Harper’s ex, and co-writer Mary Holland is the surprise scene-stealer as Harper’s oddball sister. But ultimately, that community of cruely is part of the point, and though Happiest Season doesn’t offer the healthiest or, well… happiest depiction of queer romance, its a pretty effective exploration of how difficult it can be to love someone who grew up having to hide who they are, and how messy it can be when they finally decide to stop hiding. I just sure hope Abby and Harper went to therapy afterward. – Haleigh Foutch