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36 of Netflix's original romantic films, ranked from worst to best

Fiona Clair   

36 of Netflix's original romantic films, ranked from worst to best
"To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You" stars Noah Centineo and Lana Condor.Bettina Strauss/Netflix
  • Netflix is known for its original romantic films, but some may be more worth your time than others.
  • "Naked" and "The Kissing Booth" are some of Netflix's lowest-rated original films.
  • "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" is the highest-rated film with a score of 97%.
  • Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Netflix is known for its original content, especially its romantic films.

From "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" to "Always Be My Maybe," the streaming service has come out with a number of films that are worth watching — and a few others that perhaps aren't.

Here are some of Netflix's original romantic films, ranked according to critic scores on Rotten Tomatoes.

Note: All scores were current on the date of publication and are subject to change. Films without critical ratings were not included. Some films had a small limited theatrical release prior to being released on Netflix, but were distributed by Netflix, so we're including them here.

Shelby Slauer contributed to an earlier version of this article.

Read the original article on Insider

"To All The Boys I've Loved Before" (2018) — 97%

"To All The Boys I
Noah Centineo and Lana Condor in "To All the Boys I've Loved Before."      Netflix

Critic score: 97%

"To All The Boys I've Loved Before" is based on a popular, young-adult novel by Jenny Han.

It tells the story of high schooler Lara Jean (Condor), whose life spirals out of control when every boy she's ever loved receives a letter she wrote each one of them that they were never meant to receive.

In order to throw off her most recent crush, she stars fake-dating Peter Kavinsky (Centineo).

"The film is precisely what it should be: pleasing and clever, comforting and fun and romantic," wrote Linda Holmes for NPR.

Read more:

"The Half of It" (2020) — 96%

"The Half of It" (2020) — 96%
Leah Lewis and Alexxis Lemire in "The Half of It."      Netflix

Critic score: 96%

"The Half of It" centers on Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), who tries to help a jock (Daniel Diemer) write a love letter to his crush (Alexxis Lemire) for some extra cash. But things get complicated when Ellie develops feelings for the same girl.

Christy Lemire wrote for RogerEbert.com, "By telling a personal tale inspired by elements of her own young life, [Alice] Wu achieves both singularity and universality. And it helps a great deal that the actress functioning as her stand-in has such a smart and compelling screen presence."

"Tramps" (2016) — 95%

"Tramps" (2016) — 95%
Grace Van Patten and Callum Turner starred in "Tramps."      Netflix

Critic score: 95%

"Tramps" follows Danny (Callum Turner) and Ellie (Grace Van Patten) as they are thrust into a shady deal orchestrated by a New York hustler (Mike Birbiglia).

They're forced to run around the city to set the deal right, and the wilder the adventure gets, the closer they are drawn together.

David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "A small-scale work that owes its charm to the freshness, relaxed intimacy and unforced humor of its character interplay, and to the warm feel for the environments through which they move."

"Set It Up" (2018) — 92%

"Set It Up" (2018) — 92%
Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell in "Set It Up."      MGM/IMDb

Critic score: 92%

"Set It Up" follows Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), two underpaid, overworked assistants who realize their lives might get better if they tried to set up their two bosses together.

"It's a feel-good throwback to '90s romantic comedies like 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'You've Got Mail' that left me warm and nostalgic for the simple pleasure of falling in love," wrote Monica Castillo for The Village Voice.

"Ali's Wedding" (2017) — 92%

"Ali
Helana Sawires and Osamah Sami in "Ali's Wedding."      Netflix

Critic score: 92%

"Ali's Wedding" is based on a true story, and paints a portrait of Islamic life in Australia when a Muslim cleric must decide between following his family or his heart.

"Walker's debut mines rapid-fire laughs and bountiful heart from a story of romantic misadventure set in train by a young man desperate to live up to his father's expectations," wrote Harry Windsor for The Hollywood Reporter.

"Our Souls at Night" (2017) — 90%

"Our Souls at Night" (2017) — 90%
Jane Fonda and Robert Redford in "Our Souls at Night."      Netflix

Critic score: 90%

"Our Souls at Night" is based on the best-selling novel written by Kent Haruf.

It tells the story of Addie Moore (Jane Fonda), a longtime widower, who tries to establish a connection with her widowed neighbor (Robert Redford) to make the most of the rest of the time they have.

"Much of this is too hokey by half, yet the two leading actors, their skills unfaded, command your attention to the end," wrote Anthony Lane for The New Yorker.

"Always Be My Maybe" (2019) — 89%

"Always Be My Maybe" (2019) — 89%
Ali Wong and Randall Park starred in "Always Be My Maybe."      Netflix

Critic score: 89%

"Always Be My Maybe" follows Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park), who grew up as best friends. They had a riff in their teenage years and lost touch only to be reunited years later when Sasha is on the rise as a celebrity chef and Marcus is trying to figure out his next move.

Peter Travers from Rolling Stone wrote, "An Asian-Asian romance is rare in Hollywood, making this romantic romp both irresistible and quietly revolutionary. No maybes about the dream team of Ali Wong and Randall Park, they're too good to miss."

"The Incredible Jessica James" (2017) — 88%

"The Incredible Jessica James" (2017) — 88%
Chris O'Dowd and Jessica Williams in "The Incredible Jessica James."      Netflix

Critic score: 88%

"The Incredible Jessica James," tells the story of a recently dumped playwright (Jessica Williams) who ends up bonding with a man who was also recently dumped (Chris O'Dowd).

Jade Budowski from Decider wrote, "The fresh, genuinely funny rom-com will make you feel a lot of things, and you'll undoubtedly emerge wishing that Williams was your best friend."

"Dumplin'" (2018) — 85%

"Dumplin
Danielle Macdonald and Jennifer Aniston starred as daughter and mother in "Dumplin'."      Bob Mahoney/Netflix

Critic score: 85%

"Dumplin'" centers around a plus-sized teenager (Danielle Macdonald) who enters a local beauty pageant, and inspires other girls from the community to follow suit.

The pageant, run by her mother, is a long-standing tradition of the Texas town, and it struggles to cope as Dumplin' and the rest of the new contestants challenge the standards of beauty and womanhood it promotes.

As the pageant unfolds, Dumplin' finds herself struggling with the prospect of a new boyfriend (Luke Benward).

Stephanie Gilbert from The Atlantic wrote, "'Dumplin'' isn't a story that uses a skinny, conventionally pretty protagonist to pick apart a realm that rewards women exactly like her. It's more imaginative than that, open to the idea that beauty itself is more expansive and subjective."

"Happy Anniversary" (2018) — 83%

"Happy Anniversary" (2018) — 83%
Ben Schwartz and Noël Wells in "Happy Anniversary."      Netflix

Critic score: 83%

"Happy Anniversary" is about Sam (Ben Schwartz ) and Mollie (Noel Wells), who have been a couple for three years, and must decide whether they should stay together or not.

"It is a rare rom-com about what happens after the meet-cute and ensuing honeymoon phase, and it sincerely captures the restlessness that comes when external forces are putting pressure on your relationship," wrote Jade Budowski for Decider.

"Someone Great" (2019) — 82%

"Someone Great" (2019) — 82%
DeWanda Wise, Gina Rodriguez, and Brittany Snow starred as best friends in "Someone Great."      Netflix

Critic score: 82%

In "Someone Great," Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) gets an amazing opportunity at a famous magazine in San Francisco. The only problem is that her boyfriend (Lakeith Stanfield), who's staying in New York, breaks up with her because he doesn't want to go long-distance.

In order to cheer Jenny up, her best friends take her out for a wild final night in New York.

Leah Greenblatt from Entertainment Weekly wrote, "[Jennifer Kaytin] Robinson's big-screen debut feels like a newer breed of movie: the scrappy female-POV in which the love story at the center is as much about friendship or the face in the mirror as it is about any one man."

"Let It Snow" (2019) — 81%

"Let It Snow" (2019) — 81%
Jacob Batalon starred alongside Matthew Noszka, Mitchell Hope, and Kiernan Shipka in "Let It Snow."      Netflix

Critic score: 81%

Based on the short stories by John Green, Lauren Myracle, and Maureen Johnson, "Let It Snow" follows the interweaving plots of a group of teenagers living in a small, Midwestern town.

They're forced to deal with friendship problems, stranded pop stars, an odd woman (Joan Cusack) in a tin-foil hat, and new love that all culminated in a Christmas Eve party at the local Waffle Town.

"A film as festive as it is familiar — and also surprisingly hard to resist," wrote Benjamin Lee from The Guardian.

"Alex Strangelove" (2018) — 80%

"Alex Strangelove" (2018) — 80%
Daniel Doheny and Antonio Marziale in "Alex Strangelove."      Netflix

Critic score: 80%

"Alex Strangelove" is about a high-school senior (Daniel Doheny) and his journey of sexual exploration as he gets caught in a love triangle between his girlfriend, Claire (Madeline Weinstein), and a boy he meets from the other side of town named Elliott (Antonio Marziale).

"'Alex Strangelove' is witty, compassionate and enjoyable throughout; a charming movie and in many respects an enlightened one," wrote Glenn Kenny for The New York Times.

"The Princess Switch" (2018) — 75%

"The Princess Switch" (2018) — 75%
Vanessa Hudgens in "The Princess Switch."      Netflix

Critic score: 75%

"The Princess Switch" stars Vanessa Hudgens, and follows Margaret, Duchess of Montenaro, who switches places with Stacy, a random girl from Chicago who happens to look exactly like her.

The two end up falling in love with people from each other's lives — one, a handsome co-worker, and the other, a prince.

Linda Holmes from NPR wrote, "Everyone in A Princess Switch does just fine: Hudgens has a lot of fun, particularly as Stacy (fake accent aside), Sagar and Palladio are charming in different ways, and they manage to bring the whole thing in for an appropriately silly ending."

"To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You" (2020) — 70%

"To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You" (2020) — 70%
Jordan Fisher and Lana Condor starred in "To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You."      Netflix

Critic score: 75%

"To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You" is the second film in the Netflix series based on the books by Jenny Han.

Lara Jean (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) are trying to figure out how to be a real couple in the wake of their fake relationship when the final recipient of Lara Jean's letters, John Ambrose McClaren (Jordan Fisher), returns to her life and makes things even more complicated.

"'To All the Boys: PS I Still Love You' doesn't quite match its predecessor for heart fizzing romance... but it's just as entertaining and charming anchored by a supremely likable central performance from Condor," wrote Ann Lee for The Guardian.

"A Christmas Prince" (2017) — 70%

"A Christmas Prince" (2017) — 70%
Ben Lamb and Rose McIver in "A Christmas Prince."      Netflix

Critic score: 73%

"A Christmas Prince" tells the story of a New-York journalist (McIver) who goes to Europe to report on a prince (Lamb) who's about to be crowned king of his country.

"It's everything you want a holiday film to be: cheesy, hopeful, a little bit ridiculous, and overall as warm and toasty as the fireplace you're watching it next to," wrote Lea Palmieri for Decider.

"Nappily Ever After" (2018) — 71%

"Nappily Ever After" (2018) — 71%
Sanaa Lathan starred as Violet Jones in "Nappily Ever After."      Tina Rowden / Netflix

Critic score: 71%

"Nappily Ever After," tells the story of Violet (Sanaa Lathan) as her life unravels one string at a time leaving her alone — and bald. Violet must learn to love herself in order to regrow from the ashes of her life.

Robyn Bahr from The Hollywood Reporter wrote, "Bildungsroman disguised as rom-com, the refreshing script much more concerned with its heroine's emotional arc and personal growth than her ultimate relationship status."

"All the Bright Places" (2020) — 69%

"All the Bright Places" (2020) — 69%
Elle Fanning and Justice Smith in "All the Bright Places."      Netflix

Critic score: 68%

Based on the young-adult novel by Jennifer Niven, "All the Bright Places" centers on Violet (Elle Fanning) and Theodore (Justice Smith) as they meet and try to deal with the trials and scars of mental illness, past struggles, and complicated love.

Beandrea July wrote for The Hollywood Reporter, "A refreshingly sober spin on YA romance."

"Ibiza" (2018) — 67%

"Ibiza" (2018) — 67%
Phoebe Robinson, Gillian Jacobs, and Vanessa Bayer in "Ibiza."      Gary Sanchez Productions

Critic score: 67%

"Ibiza" tells the story of Harper (Gillian Jacobs), whose two best friends accompany her on her work trip to Barcelona — but the group tricks her into flying to Ibiza instead so Harper can pursue a DJ (Richard Madden) she's fallen for.

"This hangout flick doesn't just embrace gross-out girl comedy cliches, it sticks Jacobs in the air roof of a limousine screaming, 'Whooo! I am a total cliché right now and I don't f---ing care!'" wrote Amy Nicholson for Variety.

"The Perfect Date" (2019) — 65%

"The Perfect Date" (2019) — 65%
"The Perfect Date" is Noah Centineo's third Netflix-original rom-com.      Netflix

Critic score: 65%

"The Perfect Date" follows Brooks Rattigan (Noah Centineo) as he runs an app that allows him to be a fill-in partner for any person who needs a date so he can save up money to attend college.

The film also stars Laura Marano and Camila Mendes.

Constance Grady from Variety wrote, "It's a perfectly middle-of-the-road teen flick, and it is notable mostly because it gives [Noah] Centineo plenty of opportunities to do what he does best: gaze longingly at girls."

"Falling Inn Love" (2019) — 65%

"Falling Inn Love" (2019) — 65%
Christina Milian starred in "Falling Inn Love."      Netflix

Critic score: 65%

"Falling Inn Love" follows Gabriela Diaz (Christina Milian) after her design firm goes under in the midst of her breakup.

While drowning her sorrows, Diaz enters and wins a contest for an inn in New Zealand. Once she gets there though, it's clear that the project is going to take more work than she thought.

With the help of her neighbor, a local contractor, she fixes up the inn and her broken heart.

"'Falling Inn Love' keeps its promise warmly, but without the least pretense of sophistication," wrote Helen T. Verongos for The New York Times.

"Unicorn Store" (2019) — 64%

"Unicorn Store" (2019) — 64%
Samuel L. Jackson and Brie Larson starred in "Unicorn Store."      Netflix

Critic score: 64%

In "Unicorn Store," Kit (Brie Larson) is forced to move back in with her parents after getting kicked out of art school. Set in her ways of never wanting to grow up, she meets a mysterious man (Samuel L. Jackson) who grants her greatest wish by letting her adopt a unicorn.

"Unicorn Store is weird and funny, sweet and fearless, and it's another opportunity to see a fine young actress at work," wrote Linda Holmes for NPR.

"Sierra Burgess Is a Loser" (2018) — 61%

"Sierra Burgess Is a Loser" (2018) — 61%
Shannon Purser and Noah Centineo in "Sierra Burgess is a Loser."      Netflix

Critic score: 61%

"Sierra Burgess Is a Loser" is about an unpopular high-school student (Shannon Purser) who gets caught up in an unexpected romance when her crush (Noah Centineo) thinks she's someone else. She must then team up with the most popular girl in school to win him over.

Despite audiences' numerous problems with the film, many critics rated it highly.

Kate Walsh from Los Angeles Times wrote, "The smart script and butterfly-inducing romance captures those sweet moments of falling in love — whether it's with your crush, or even better, with a friend."

"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding" (2018) — 50%

"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding" (2018) — 50%
Rose McIver and Ben Lamb in "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding."      Netflix

Critic score: 50%

"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding," follows Amber (McIver) and Richard (Lamb) as they prepare for their royal wedding.

However, Amber begins to question whether she's ready to become a queen as Richard deals with a political crisis that threatens his kingdom.

Libby Torres wrote for The Daily Beast, "It's cheesy, it's cringey, but most importantly, it's harmless and worth a watch if you're in the mood for some mindless holiday cheer."

"Live Twice, Love Once" (2020) — 50%

"Live Twice, Love Once" (2020) — 50%
Oscar Martínez and Mafalda Carbonell starred in "Live Twice, Love Once."      Netflix

Critic score: 50%

Originally released on Netflix Spain in 2019, "Live Twice, Love Once" (also called "Vivir Dos Veces"), tells the story of Emilio (Oscar Martínez), who is trying to reconnect to the love of his younger life. His daughter and granddaughter accompany him on this journey as they race against time for true love.

"It's earnest, well-meaning, entirely watchable and utterly forgettable," wrote John Serba for Decider.

"Tall Girl" (2019) — 44%

"Tall Girl" (2019) — 44%
Ava Michelle starred as Jodi in "Tall Girl."      Netflix

Critic score: 44%

"Tall Girl," tells the story of Jodi (Ava Michelle), the tallest girl in school. After she meets an exchange student (Luke Eisner), who is even taller than her, she's suddenly thrown into the woes of a high-school love triangle.

Through all the drama, Jodi learns how to deal with her insecurities.

Caroline Siede from AV Club wrote, "From a one-note mean girl stereotype to a complete disinterest in how social media shapes the lives of teens, Sam Wolfson's lackluster script fails to bring anything new or timely to the teen rom-com table."

"Ready to Mingle" (2019) — 44%

"Ready to Mingle" (2019) — 44%
Cassandra Ciangherotti starred as Ana in "Ready to Mingle."      Netflix

Critic score: 44%

Netflix Mexico's "Ready to Mingle" (also known as "Bachelorettes" and "Solteras"), follows Ana (Cassandra Ciangherotti) as she joins a class for single women after a nasty breakup with her long-term boyfriend. The goal of the class is to help the women find husbands, but in the end, Ana finds herself.

Brenden Gallagher from The Daily Dot wrote, "Ready to Mingle pulls off the admirable feat of making a marriage rom-com for a generation that isn't so sure about marriage, and it remains just as skeptical as we do."

"Christmas Inheritance" (2017) — 43%

"Christmas Inheritance" (2017) — 43%
Eliza Taylor in "Christmas Inheritance."      Netflix

Critic score: 43%

"Christmas Inheritance" is about a woman (Eliza Taylor) who must deliver a card to a family friend in order to receive her inheritance, but she gets caught in an inn during a snowstorm where she learns the true meaning of Christmas.

"Unlike 'A Christmas Prince,' my favorite movie of 2017, it seems to have a self-satisfied earnestness that makes you want to sit it down and go, 'Hey 'Christmas Inheritance.' What exactly do you think you're doing here?'" wrote Dana Schwartz for Entertainment Weekly.

"When We First Met" (2018) — 43%

"When We First Met" (2018) — 43%
Alexandra Daddario and Adam DeVine in "When We First Met."      Netflix

Critic score: 43%

"When We First Met" tells the story of Noah (Adam DeVine), who has the perfect night with his dream girl, Avery (Alexandra Daddario), until he's "friend-zoned" by her. Three years later, he gets the chance to travel back in time and try to make things right, over and over again.

"It'll take you roughly five minutes to realize that Noah is going about things the wrong way; it'll take him more than 90," wrote David Ehrlich for IndieWire.

"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby" (2019) — 33%

"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby" (2019) — 33%
Rose McIver and Ben Lamb returned in "A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby."      Netflix

Critic score: 33%

"A Christmas Prince: The Royal Baby," is the third story in the film series.

It's Christmas again in the kingdom, and this year Amber (Rose McIver) is pregnant with the next royal child. Before she and Richard (Ben Lamb) can take their paternity leave, they must restore the harmony of the 600-year-old treaty between Aldovia and Penglia.

Helen T. Verongos from The New York Times wrote, "Although it offers a dungeon, a curse and a shocking theft, this flat, anodyne movie is unlikely to join the pantheon of holiday classics, so keep a rein on your expectations and accept that you'll need something more to salvage the evening."

"The Holiday Calendar" (2018) — 33%

"The Holiday Calendar" (2018) — 33%
Kat Graham starred in "The Holiday Calendar."      Netflix

Critic score: 33%

"The Holiday Calendar," follows Abby (Kat Graham) who is stuck in a boring job until a childhood friend (Quincy Brown) returns home and persuades her to seek out a more fulfilling career in photography.

For Christmas, she receives a gift from her grandfather that could fix everything — an antique advent calendar that might be able to predict the future.

Lea Palmieri from Decider wrote, "This movie is like a sugar cookie: you know exactly what you're getting, and it has all the right ingredients (love, magic, presents), but it would've been even better with a little frosting on top, is all."

"Love Wedding Repeat" (2020) — 32%

"Love Wedding Repeat" (2020) — 32%
Eleanor Tomlinson and Tiziano Caputo in "Love Wedding Repeat."      Netflix

Critic score: 32%

"Love Wedding Repeat" proves to every bride-to-be just how important a well-thought-out seating chart is at a wedding.

Jack (Sam Claflin) tries to ensure his little sister's (Eleanor Tomlinson) wedding day is perfect as a non-linear narrative follows several alternate versions of the day's festivities. Despite his attempts, crazy exes, scandals, and lost loves find a way to put a damper on the celebration depending on where the bride's friends sit for dinner.

"At least the Italian scenery and the stranded actors look good. Just don't mistake this charmless, mirthless and shameless ripoff of 'Four Wedding and a Funeral' and 'Groundhog Day' for a comedy with actual laughs," wrote Peter Travers for Rolling Stone.

"Irreplaceable You" (2018) — 32%

"Irreplaceable You" (2018) — 32%
Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Michiel Huisman in "Irreplaceable You."      Netflix

Critic score: 32%

"Irreplaceable You" tells the story of childhood sweethearts Abbie (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) and Sam (Michiel Huisman), who are now engaged to be married. Their lives take a turn when Abbie receives a shocking diagnosis and is suddenly faced with an uncertain timeline.

"A half-baked tragic love story so desperately engineered to tear-jerk that it ceases to resemble anything human," wrote Emily Yoshida for Vulture.

"The Last Summer" (2019) — 17%

"The Last Summer" (2019) — 17%
Maia Mitchell and KJ Apa starred in "The Last Summer."      Netflix

Critic score: 17%

"The Last Summer" follows the interweaving stories of a group of recent high-school grads throughout their last summer before college.

Griffin (KJ Apa) and Phoebe (Maia Mitchell) sit at the center of the story as they navigate a budding romance alongside family problems.

Molly Freeman from ScreenRant wrote, "Netflix's 'The Last Summer' is a hodgepodge of better teen movies, failing to say anything new or poignant about the transitionary period to adulthood."

"The Kissing Booth" (2018) — 17%

"The Kissing Booth" (2018) — 17%
Jacob Elordi and Joey King in "The Kissing Booth."      Marcos Cruz/Netflix

Critic score: 17%

"The Kissing Booth" tells the story of Elle Evans (Joey King), a high-school student who hasn't had her first kiss yet. She sets up a kissing booth at her high school's spring carnival to raise money for her dance club and ends up kissing the boy of her dreams (Jacob Elordi).

The only problem is he's her best friend's older brother, and therefore completely off-limits.

Ani Bundel from NBC News THINK wrote, "It feels like it was written by someone who simply digested everything she was told 'romance' was supposed to be by the patriarchy and vomited back at us. Nearly every cliché in the film feels cribbed from another movie."

"Naked" (2017) — 0%

"Naked" (2017) — 0%
Marlon Wayans in "Naked."      Netflix

Critic score: 0%

"Naked" is about a man (Marlon Wayans) who's going to marry his dream girl (Regina Hall), but every time he tries to get to the altar he finds himself waking up naked in his hotel elevator forced to relive the morning of his wedding day over and over again.

"Let's place the blame where it squarely belongs: on the moronic premise. Groundhog Day but he's naked? Why?" wrote Mike D'Angelo for AV Club.

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