15 Hottest Contemporary Romance Movies

Contemporary romance: where love blossoms against all odds, usually in ridiculously scenic locations.

Where stories unfold with a sprinkle of magic, defying logic and circumstance, to make us believe that even in a world of swipe-right culture, love can still surprise us.

I love reading it on the page, but there’s something magical about watching it all come to life on screen. And if you’re in the mood to watch a modern-day love story too, I’ve rounded up the ultimate list of contemporary romance movies that have it all: laughs, tears, and just the right amount of secondhand embarrassment.

Here are 15 hottest contemporary romance movies to add to your watchlist.

1. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Rachel, an NYU professor, heads to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick for a wedding, only to discover he’s secretly mega-rich and Asia’s most eligible bachelor. Now, she must deal with a jealous horde of single women as well as his overbearing mother who are all out to make her life a living hell.

This lighthearted escape with plenty of laughs and stunning visuals has become a classic and a must-watch for all contemporary romance fans. With its perfect blend of romance, drama, and cultural charm, it’s a movie that leaves you smiling long after the credits roll.
Rating: 8/10

2. It Ends With Us (2024)

Lily grew up watching her father abuse her mother and asking herself: Why doesn’t she just leave him? As an adult, she moves to Boston, launches a successful business, and meets a ripped neurosurgeon, Ryle. But as their romance deepens, Ryle’s dark side begins to surface, forcing Lily to confront painful memories, including her first love, Atlas.

Ever swear you’d NEVER repeat your parents’ mistakes, only to find yourself doing the same thing? This movie, like the novel, forces you to face that harsh reality, focusing on women trapped in abusive relationships. Fans of the book weren’t thrilled with changes — like aging up the protagonist for Blake Lively or speeding up the abuse storyline — but the book’s impact on pop culture makes this movie a must-see.
Rating: 7/10

3. Palm Springs (2020)

Two wedding guests, Nyles and Sarah, get stuck in a time loop, doomed to relive the same day in sunny Palm Springs. Instead of freaking out, they decide to make the most of it — by partying, avoiding responsibilities, and getting uncomfortably close.

Palm Springs is like Groundhog Day with fewer moral lessons, more laughs, and far more creative deaths. As the duo tries to escape their endless wedding nightmare, they craft a delightful chaos while expertly dodging rom-com clichés.
Rating: 7/10

4. The Last Letter From Your Lover (2021)

An ambitious journalist stumbles upon a stash of steamy love letters from 1965. Determined to solve the mystery of a forbidden affair, she dives headfirst into the past while juggling her own love life.

It’s essentially two love stories in one, so already a good deal. While adapting it into a limited series might have done the book more justice, the film is still worth a try — especially for fans of The Notebook.
Rating: 7/10

5. The Idea of You (2024)

Solène, a 40-year-old single mom, finds herself unexpectedly caught up in a romance with Hayes, a 24-year-old heartthrob and lead singer of the world’s most popular boy band.

It’s a classic case of “What’s a grown-up mom doing with a pop star?!” mixed with “What will the world think?”. The reversed age gap is a fun twist, and while it’ll probably hit home more for millennials, the classic star-commoner trope has a wider appeal.
Rating: 6/10

6. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

After 15 years of radio silence, Sasha, now a celebrity chef in LA, heads back to San Francisco to open a new restaurant. There she bumps into her childhood flame Marcus, a happily-complacent musician still living with his dad. Old sparks fly along with new ones, and Keanu Reeves makes a memorable cameo.

Reconnecting with a childhood flame is a tricky trope — it can feel more like flipping through an old yearbook than sparking real chemistry. Always Be My Maybe passes the test.
Rating: 6/10

7. Yesterday (2019)

Jack, a struggling musician with a fanbase of about three people, wakes up from a freak accident to find that no one remembers The Beatles. Naturally, he does what any reasonable person would — steals all their songs and skyrockets to fame. But with fame comes the guilt of pulling off the biggest musical scam since Milli Vanilli. Oh, and there’s a love story in there, too.

Yesterday is basically a Beatles biopic minus The Beatles. It’s not the kind of movie that aims to challenge your intellect but to entertain and does so with heart, humor and a bit of romance. The soundtrack can’t go wrong.
Rating: 7/10

8. Plus One (2019)

To survive a summer of wedding madness, longtime single friends Ben and Alice decide to be each other’s plus-ones for every wedding they’ve been invited to.

Plus One is a charming romp through the familiar territory of romantic comedies. It doesn’t break new ground but checks all the boxes: witty banter, awkward dance moves, and classic “will-they-won’t-they” tension.
Rating: 7/10

9. The Big Sick (2017)

Pakistan-born comedian Kumail and grad student Emily fall in love, but things get awkward fast when their cultures clash. When Emily falls mysteriously ill, Kumail is thrown into a whirlwind of awkwardness, juggling her hilariously feisty parents, his family’s never-ending arranged marriage pressure, and above all, his own feelings.

Based on Kumail Nanjiani’s real-life love story, this rom-com hilariously tackles cultural clashes, meddling parents, and unexpected feelings. It’s is both funny and heartwarming and serves as a survival guide for navigating awkward family dinners.
Rating: 7/10

10. West Side Story (2021)

An adaptation of the 1957 musical tells the timeless story of Tony, a former member of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of a leader from the rival Sharks gang, as they fall in love amidst a turbulent feud between their families.

While some fans might raise an eyebrow at the changes, West Side Story is a visually stunning tribute to the classic musical. It offers fresh twists without losing the essence of the story. The choreography is breathtaking, and the cinematography is truly remarkable.
Rating: 7/10

11. Purple Hearts (2022)

Despite their polar opposite lives, Cassie, a broke singer, and Luke, a troubled Marine, agree to get hitched just for the military perks. But when things take a dramatic turn, their “fake” marriage suddenly starts to feel a little too real.

With a mix of humor, a touch of emotional depth, a pinch of cringe, and a plot twist too wild to believe, this romantic drama somehow still pulls it off. The whole fake marriage-turned-real love story is surprisingly well done. Plus, Nicholas Galitzine’s cuteness helps keep you invested.
Rating: 6/10

12. The Noel Diary (2022)

Jake, a successful author, returns home at Christmas to settle his estranged mother’s estate. He discovers an old diary that reveals secrets about his past and leads him to Rachel, a woman on a quest for her own answers. Together, they embark on an emotional journey of self-discovery and uncovering long-buried truths.

This dive into childhood trauma is a bit predictable but still heartwarming. While Rachel’s engagement dampens the romantic spark, and the ending isn’t the strongest, this Netflix movie is still Christmassy enough to put you in a holiday mood.
Rating: 6/10

13. The Lost City (2022)

Reclusive author Loretta Sage pens adventure novels set in exotic locations. During a book tour with her simpleminded cover model, Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire who thinks she can lead him to a lost treasure from her latest story. Determined to prove he’s a hero, clueless Alan embarks on a wild mission to rescue her.

The Lost City isn’t exactly a rom-com, but more like an adventure comedy with a side of romance. It’s a delightful romp that combines adventure, humor, and just the right amount of chaos. Some jokes miss the mark, but Brad Pitt and his glorious long hair make it worth a watch.
Rating: 6/10

14. Set It Up (2018)

Two exhausted assistants, Harper and Charlie, scheme to matchmake their overbearing bosses in hopes of getting a break. But as their bosses fall for each other, Harper and Charlie realize they might be catching feelings for each other, too.

Set It Up is a solid rom-com with workplace chaos, awkward setups, and plenty of laughs. The leads have great chemistry, and the hijinks are gold. The ending’s predictable, but still so charming you won’t even care.
Rating: 6/10

15. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

A middle-aged husband’s life takes a turn when his wife asks for a divorce. To regain his confidence, he befriends Jacob, who teaches him how to pick up women at bars, helping him rediscover his manhood.

I know what you’re thinking — this movie’s a bit of a relic and not exactly ‘contemporary’. But with its endearingly awkward moments, an amazing cast, and hilariously bad dating advice, this is the best of the rom-com genre. Period.
Rating: 9/10

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 15 contemporary romance movies capture the essence of love in all its delightful, messy glory.

From heartwarming stories that make you laugh and cry to clever plots that keep you guessing, each film brings something unique to the table. Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just looking for a lighthearted escape, there is something for everyone.

Happy watching!