Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Acha Septriasa, Reza Rahadian, Baim Wong Director: Monty Tiwa TV Rating: TV-14 Running Time: 1 hour, 59 minutes Layla Majnun is based on the Arabic poem “Layla and Majnun.” It’s a classic story of forbidden romance that can be found in all cultures. The cast does a phenomenal job of bringing new life to ancient tropes. Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy Starring: Yui Ishikawa, Daisuke Namikawa, Takehito Koyasu Director: Taichi Ishidate Motion Picture Rating: TV-PG Running Time: 2 hours, 20 minutes You can also watch the Violet Evergarden animated series on Netflix. In fact, the movie picks up where the show leaves off, so you might want to binge the series first. It’s only 13 episodes. Genre: Biography, Drama, Romance Starring: Ruth Negga, Joel Edgerton, Will Dalton Director: Jeff Nichols Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 2 hours, 3 minutes While upsetting to watch at many points, Loving should be essential viewing for every American because it reminds us that the freedoms we take for granted were not secured without a fight. It has a happy ending, so the payoff is worth it if you can get through the sad moments. Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Krystal Jung, Jang Ki-Yong, Chae Soo-bin Director: Kae-Byeok Lee TV Rating: TV-14 Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes Underneath the surface, Sweet & Sour is a critique of contemporary society and the strains it puts on relationships. First and foremost, it’s a very traditional Korean romantic comedy aimed at younger audiences. Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Elle Fanning, Justice Smith, Alexandra Shipp Director: Brett Haley Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 1 hour, 47 minutes All the Bright Places adequately explores the complexities of teenage mental health. However, it may not be appropriate for someone who is currently experiencing mental health issues. Although the movie is about a teen romance, it’s not intended for younger audiences. Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller Starring: Daisy Ridley, Mia Quiney, Calum O’Rourke Director: Claire McCarthy Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 1 hour, 46 minutes Ophelia drifts pretty far from Shakespeare’s source material, but considering how many adaptations of “Hamlet” already exist, the fresh take is welcome. Even if you don’t like every turn the story takes, you’ll be riveted by the stunning sets and costumes. Genre: Animation, Drama, Fantasy Starring: Hakim Faris, Victoire Du Bois, Patrick d’Assumçao Director: Jérémy Clapin Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 1 hour, 21 minutes I Lost My Body definitely isn’t a traditional love story. Instead, it explores themes of longing, loss, and isolation. Debuting to international praise from critics, the film even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Animated Feature. Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Christina Milian, Tymberlee Hill, Kayne Lee Harrison Director: Steven K. Tsuchida Motion Picture Rating: PG Running Time: 1 hour, 41 minutes Resort to Love is a standard Netflix movie, which means that it’s well-acted, well-directed, and overall well-produced. The plot is a little predictable, but if you’re looking for a cute rom-com to watch with your family, Resort to Love is a safe bet. Genre: Drama, Romance Starring: Josephine Langford, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louise Lombard Director: Castille Landon Motion Picture Rating: R Running Time: 1 hour, 38 minutes After We Fell is a follow-up to After and After We Collided, the latter of which is also available on Netflix. Familiar faces from the previous films return, giving an appropriate end to the trilogy. Genre: Drama, Mystery, Romance Starring: Lily James, Armie Hammer, Kristin Scott Thomas Director: Ben Wheatley Motion Picture Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 2 hours, 1 minute In the eyes of film critics, the remake couldn’t possibly compete with Hitchcock’s original. Still, this version may be more palatable for modern audiences. If you like Rebecca, be sure to check out the original movie, as well as the 1938 novel it’s based on. Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Joey King, Joel Courtney, Jacob Elordi Director: Vince Marcello TV Rating: TV-14 Running Time: 1 hour, 52 minutes Elle (Joey King) and Noah (Jacob Elordi) are on their way to college, but they have one last summer vacation to enjoy with their friends. As emotions run high, so does the romantic tension. Despite the suggestive title, The Kissing Booth 3 is tame enough for young teens. Genre: Comedy, Romance Starring: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet Director: Hernan Jimenez Motion Picture Rating: TV-MA Running Time: 1 hour, 44 minutes As with most holiday rom-coms, critics were largely indifferent to Love Hard, but fans of the genre were gleefully satisfied. It’s a little different, but it hits the appropriate heartwarming notes. Genre: Romance, Drama Starring: Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Moises Arias Director: Justin Baldoni TV Rating: PG-13 Running Time: 1 hour, 56 minutes Five Feet Apart came out months before the COVID-19 pandemic, and it now seems strangely prescient since we’ve all become accustomed to keeping our distance. The story is still unique, but it now has universal resonance. Genre: Drama, Comedy, Family Starring: Addison Rae, Tanner Buchanan, Madison Pettis Director: Mark Waters Motion Picture Rating: TV-14 Running Time: 1 hour, 28 minutes As long as you don’t come into He’s All That expecting anything original, you probably won’t be disappointed. It’s a typical teen movie that sticks to the original formula, which was already quite successful.
