Watch It, Honey! art by Alex Bear
It’s time to snuggle up to our RIOTUS list of romances you have to see. Whether the love is the point, or the punctuation on a story about other things, here are the movies and tv/streaming shows that’ll put heart-eyes on your Valentine’s.
Animated or Anime Film
KPop Demon Hunters – A bittersweet romance wrapped in chaos, K-Pop Demon Hunters follows Jinu and Rumi as they struggle to find themselves and each other before destiny pulls them apart. (Mel N)
Your Name – Someone described Your Name as “animated romantic fantasy,” and this beautifully bittersweet movie is definitely that. In this love story between two body-swapping teens, the yearning is peak. They never truly meet, but Taki and Mitsuha—and everyone around them—are changed for good. (Sherin)
Bob’s Burgers – Following a quirky, funny family: Bob and Linda and their three children, Tina, Gene, and Louise, as they work to realize their American dream, running a burger shop in a coastal town (and all the chaos inherent in that). They have all the usual issues of school, work, relationships, and money ups and downs, but the love, understanding, and support they have for each other is clear and lifts this series up beyond the usual animated family comedy fare. (Day Al-Mohamed)
Mary Poppins – The charming, slightly flirty relationship between nanny Mary and chimney sweep Bert has always been one of my favorites. They share a unique understanding of each other’s magical nature. Bert’s witty, lighthearted personality is a fun juxtaposition to Mary’s prim and professional temperament, especially when he draws out her lighter side. Their collective whimsy helps drive this fun, musical film about family and the innocence of childhood. While the characters are live action, the film would not work without its pioneering animated sequences. (Cynthia Tenicela)
Midori Days – Midori has had a crush on Seiji for three years and one day wakes to find she’s replaced his right hand. No, it is not that kind of show, but it is an effective comedy about how to navigate a very inconvenient but fateful relationship where Seiji learns to communicate, and Midori finds that putting him on such a high pedestal does her no favors when it literally gets her exactly what she wants. (Kwesi Kennedy)
Ride Your Wave – A beautiful and heartfelt romantic fantasy, Ride Your Wave had me in my feelings. This story follows the sweet and bubbly Hinako, who falls in love with a firefighter after he saves her from her burning apartment. A lovely romance ensues, but tragedy strikes, and we watch as Hinako deals with the joy and the grief of a love that ended too soon. (Jasmine)
Anime Series on Crunchyroll
Fruits Basket – A classic romance anime filled with complex characters and heart-fluttering romance! Tohru Honda, a high school student, ends up living with Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure Sohma. While she’s with them, she helps them and the rest of the Sohma family heal from their emotional trauma and break free from their curse. (Brielle)
DAN DA DAN – Here me out. Is there a better, sweeter, higher octane, more insane, alien-ate-it, ghost-ed, love story than Momo and Okarun? Prove it. Go on. I’ll wait—but I’ll be rewatching DAN DA DAN while I do. (Sherin)
You and I Are Polar Opposites follows Suzuki, a bubbly high school girl who’s head over heels for her quiet, introverted classmate, Tani—and the “opposites attract” trope is delightful. You and I Are Polar Opposites captures all the cuteness and cozy nostalgia of first-time love, and it’ll get you all up in your feels all season long. (Alex Bear)
A Centaur’s Life presents itself as a gentle, whimsical slice-of-life anime set in a world where everyone is a mythological being, but beneath its soft colors and everyday school routines lies a surprisingly honest reflection on adolescence, humanity, and ideals. The series follows Himeno, a sweet and slightly self-conscious centaur, as she navigates friendships, club activities, and the quiet anxieties of growing up. The fantasy elements—wings, horns, hooves, halos—fade into the background, allowing the emotional realities of high school to take center stage. Crushes form awkwardly, insecurities linger, misunderstandings bloom from the smallest moments, and affection is often expressed in shy glances rather than grand declarations. The romances are subtle, messy, and sometimes painfully uncertain, capturing that universal truth: no matter the species, high school love is complicated, fragile, and beautifully confusing. (Philip)
Yuri On Ice – This series follows a talented but anxiety-ridden figure skater who almost retires until his skating idol decides to put his own award-winning career on hold to become his coach. As the skating season progresses, not only does our main character (Yuri) regain his passion and love for skating, but he also finds love with his coach. If you are a fan of figure skating, this show is the one to watch! (Jasmine)
Cherry Magic! Thirty Years of Virginity Can Make You a Wizard?! – A cute and wacky romantic comedy, this series follows Kiyoshi, a lifelong virgin who becomes a “wizard” at thirty. What does that mean exactly? Well, Kiyoshi can now hear the thoughts of other people by touching them. An accidental encounter with his coworker, Yuichi, reveals that Yuichi is madly in love with him. Hijinks ensue as Kiyoshi comes to terms with Yuichi’s feelings and starts developing feelings of his own. (Jasmine)
Astra Lost In Space – A group of teenagers get stranded on an unfamiliar solar system thousands of lightyears away from home when going on what was supposed to be a routine space field trip. While working together to figure out how to survive the audience gets to adorable romance subplots within this found family. Astra Lost In Space is a gripping comedic sci-fi thriller with just the right amount of romantic subplot in 12 episodes. (Sarahti)
Cult Favorite Movie – IYKYK
Romancing the Stone – Romance novelist Joan Wilder must venture into the wilds of South America to rescue her sister. There she meets exotic bird smuggler Jack Colton, who joins her in her mission…or is it for the map to a fabulous treasure? This beloved action-adventure-romance classic, while a little dated, is still a lot of fun, and you can’t help rooting for the two leads to find their HEA. PS If you get a chance, take a look at the newer The Lost City with Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, which is a fantastic reimagining and subversion of ROMANCING THE STONE but with the same heart. (Day Al-Mohamed)
GREASE – Part swoon, part sing-along, Grease turns summer lovin’ into a timeless romance, celebrating the thrill of first love and the hope that it lasts. (Mel N)
Grosse Point Blank is a ’90s cult classic that blends dark comedy, action, and romance. Martin Blank plays a conflicted hitman (with a therapist) who returns to his hometown to attend his high school reunion and reunite with the girl that got away (when he ditched her on prom night). Worth it for the dialogue and the soundtrack alone. (Soma)
Rent – Based on Jonathan Larson’s Broadway musical Rent, beautifully tells the story of budding filmmaker Mark and his bohemian friends as they struggle with the issues of the late 80s and early 90s, including sexuality, AIDS, drugs, and paying the rent in the seedy East Village of New York City. The love stories between Roger and Mimi, Maureen and Joannne, and Angel and Collins are some of the most heartfelt and at times heartbreaking relationships ever filmed. Have your Kleenex ready for this one. (Cynthia Tenicela)
The Before Trilogy – I’m gonna cheat a little and suggest a movie trilogy because in the realm of romance movies, trilogies are a rarity. In a genre that either highlights the beginning or the end of a relationship, what makes The Before trilogy stand out is how love can progress over time. It starts as a chance encounter between two travelers, Céline and Jesse, on a train and continues into the night while exploring the streets of Vienna (Before Sunrise). Their reluctant reunion at a Parisian bookstore turns into an ode to second chances (Before Sunset). In the latest chapter, Jesse and Céline navigate marriage and children during a rocky family vacation in Greece. Filmed in nine-year intervals between each movie, Richard Linklater’s loquacious couple have walked and talked their way through multiple countries and inhabited different periods in their lives- college, young adulthood, and middle age. Each movie feels like checking in with an old friend. At the end of each encounter, you realize how the connections we make with each other can feel both fleeting and timeless. (Kat Bittner)
The Golden Child is often remembered as a high-concept action-adventure steeped in mysticism—ancient prophecies, demonic villains, glowing daggers, and a reluctant hero navigating a world of supernatural peril. But beneath the film’s martial arts set pieces and paranormal spectacle lies a surprisingly tender and understated romance. As Chandler Jarrell bumbles his way from missing-children detective to chosen protector, his relationship with Kee Nang unfolds gradually—rooted first in skepticism and cultural friction, then shifting into mutual respect and quiet affection. Their chemistry is never overwrought; instead, it’s laced with Eddie Murphy’s sharp comedic timing and moments of genuine vulnerability. The romance doesn’t overpower the adventure—it threads through it—adding warmth and charm to a story that might otherwise have been pure fantasy escapism. (Philip)
Harold and Maude – A personal favorite of mine, this black romantic comedy follows the unconventional romance between a morose and suicidal 19-year-old young man and an eccentric and exuberant 79-year-old woman. It tackles themes of death, friendship, and human connection with so much heart. It was ahead of its time, but this movie continues to endure due to its wit, whimsy, humor, and empathy for those who feel like outcasts. (Jasmine)
Red, White & Royal Blue – If I had a Roman Empire, the way Alex calls Prince Henry “baby” would be it. Also, “I’d break the sound barrier for you.” Stop playing with me. Before that, they end up in a closet. I’m giggling, but I’m not kidding. That’s where they truly see each other for the first time. What’s in between? Go watch Red, White & Royal Blue. There’ll be cake! (Sherin)
Global TV/Streaming Series
Heated Rivalry – An electric rivals-to-lovers hockey romance between prim golden boy, Shane Hollander, and Russian bad boy, Ilya Rozanov. Shane plays for the Montreal Metros. Ilya plays for the Boston Raiders. Both teams have a long-standing feud that manifests into a fierce competition between the two players on the ice. But when the skates come off, the heat turns up between Shane and Ilya! Can what starts as a series of casual hook-ups evolve into more? Come to the cottage to find out! (Kat Bittner)
Spring Fever – We are in a silver age of delicious K-Drama romances—I’m not thinking about Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. Are you thinking about Bon Appétit, Your Majesty? My Beloved Thief has me in a chokehold, too. But the rom-com that I can’t wait to watch every Monday and Tuesday is Spring Fever (2026). It’s a ridiculous and playful and sweet treat. A teacher who’s been wronged (the grump) and a giant golden retriever parent (the sun) are the center of this grumpy/sunshine comedy, and I love it as much as they love each other. (Sherin)
Fated to Love You (Korean Drama) – An ill-fated mix-up binds two strangers together, unfolding into a tender romantic comedy that explores destiny, family expectations, and the slow burn of unexpected love. (Mel N)
Four Weddings and a Funeral – What do you do when your best friend’s boyfriend is the man of your dreams? The answer is complicated. I will never understand why this series didn’t hit with audiences. I devoured this reimaging of the original film, starring Nathalie Emmanuel and Nikesh Patel. They were so good and so confused together and they had to earn their happiness together. Am I wrong? See what you think. (Sherin)
Alice in Borderland – Arisu and Usagi’s love story weaves through 3 seasons of an alternate, dystopian version of Tokyo where the pair are forced to play games based on playing cards, which can have fatal consequences. As Arisu and Usagi grapple with the “border” between life and death, they find themselves faced with the ultimate decision to choose either life and love or the Borderland. (Cynthia Tenicela)
KinnPorsche – Based on the Thai webtoon of the same name, this action-packed romance is an absolute blast. KinnPorsche is about a hot-tempered college student who meets and falls in love with the heir of a wealthy crime family. Sparks and bullets soon begin to fly. The chemistry between the two leads (and the second pair) is positively sizzling. This is a series for those who love drama, attractive men, and a little bit of ridiculousness along the way. (Jasmine)
Our Beloved Summer – A funny, heartfelt love story between Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-soo, who return to each other’s orbit further into adulthood after falling in love during a documentary shooting they were a part of as teenagers. Being high school sweethearts didn’t work out, to the point the characters had sworn to never see each other ever again. With a comedic swing on second-chance love as you watch the past and present of the characters in Our Beloved Summer, it’s worth the viewing. (Sarahti)
International Movie
Strictly Ballroom is an Australian romantic comedy directed by Baz Luhrmann. Scott, a talented ballroom dancer with a long pedigree, struggles against the strict and confining world of ballroom dance and seeks to express his creativity with new ways of dancing. He takes an interest in “beginner” Fran, and finds inspiration (and love) in her, her family, and their cultural traditions. This movie is quirky, full of heart, and handles the “ugly duckling” trope in an interesting way. As with all Baz movies to follow, it has eccentric characters, lush cinematography, and a phenomenal soundtrack. (Soma)
Amélie – You’ll never convince me there’s anything better than falling in love with yourself before chasing and falling for a boy who’s just as quirky and charming as you are. Amélie is a storybook romance and a fractured fairytale all at once, with a taste for revenge and seemingly lost causes. I will always love it. (Sherin)
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge – My first Bollywood movie was Dil Chahta Hai. I still adore it, but my first big Bollywood love is the globe-trotting, bride-stealing, big swoony musical romance of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Because of this movie, Kajol and Shah Rukh Khan will forever be a cinematic OTP. (Sherin)
RRR (Rise, Roar, Revolt) – What’s not to love about a film that is a period piece, an action film, a drama, a resistance film, a musical, and a comedy all rolled into one! The bromance between Bheem and Ram as they go from friends to enemies to friends again while confronting colonialism and betrayal is the driving force of the film. While there is some actual romance in the plot as well, it’s the complexities of Bheem and Ram’s relationship that will have your heart beating throughout the chaotic 3-hour ride that is RRR. (Cynthia Tenicela)
In the Mood for Love – It would be criminal not to break your heart with Wong Kar-Wai at his pinnacle. The cinematic beauty, the breathless yearning, the fantasy and devastation of it all, each element dripping in opulent 1960s costuming. In the Mood for Love could have been in every film category—it’s an international cult classic that everybody loves. (Sherin)
The Beauty Inside (movie) – When the face of your love changes every day, what parts of them do you hold onto? The Beauty Inside is about a man whose appearance changes every day due to a genetic condition. He lives in isolation, unable to connect with new people, until he meets a woman who makes him want to find a way. I LOVE this movie more than I can tell you and—if you watch it—I hope you will too. Plus, that closing credits song is a banger. (Sherin)
The Way He Looks (2014) Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho –A lovely queer Brazilian coming of age story about three students figuring out their lives over a semester and strengthening their bonds to one another while learning to be honest with themselves with their desires. A love triangle done right with the three characters: Leo, a blind boy, Giovanna, his childhood best friend, and Gabriel, a new student at the school. Love can help you be brave to take the reins of your life, I’d say one could take from The Way He Looks. (Sarahti)
Movie Everybody Loves
The Princess Bride – Rob Reiner’s classic adventure-comedy-romance is perhaps one of the most quoted movies of all time. We follow the story of farmhand Wesley-turned-Dread Pirate Roberts (spoiler there), working to rescue his love, Princess Buttercup, from the wicked Prince Humperdink. He is joined in his quest by his recent enemies (but enemies no more), master swordsman Inigo Montoya (Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father, prepare to die), and gentle giant Fezzig (Anybody want a peanut). You enjoy the ride and chaos, and just sheer love and enjoyment that comes through every minute of the film. There is a warmth and genuine heart in The Princess Bride that is not often found in the media. (Day Al-Mohamed)
Back to the Future – Not many love stories have to deal with both time travel and the complete physical change* of one of the partners, but Marty McFly and Jennifer Parker seem to have figured it all out. From the 80’s (twice) to the “future” of 2015, their love remains true. From high school sweethearts to a middle-class, middle-aged couple, they are there for each other. But, Marty, “something has got to be done about your kids” *actress change (Cynthia Tenicela)
Clueless – For all those book purists out there ready to pop an eyeball over the new “Wuthering Heights”, please cast your hearts and minds back to the iconic 1995 rom-com, Clueless. A modern take on Emma that captures all the whimsy and gentle comedy of Jane Austen, Clueless proves why the classics never go out of style (as if!). (Alex Bear)
Love Jones – First of all, if the eye candy alone wasn’t enough to satisfy EVERYONE’S taste buds (Larenz Tate, Nia Long, Bill Bellamy, Leonard Roberts, Isaiah Washington, Lisa Nicole Carson…) then surely, the linguists among us had to have been satisfied by Darius’ poetic prowess as he staked his claim on Nina, proclaiming, “I’m the blues in your left thigh, trying to become the funk in your right.” Theodore Witcher’s classic captured a very specific moment in 90’s Blackness, celebrating bohemian culture, art, intellectualism, and female empowerment. Nina and Darius had sex on the first date, but she was not portrayed as a “heaux”. Darius was vulnerable in love. Savon lost his wife and son, and they found their way back. Friends grew and changed and accepted each other–flaws and all. Love Jones is bigger than a simple two-person love story; it was a romance of the culture. And let me tell you somethin’, “This here, right now, at this very moment, is all that matters to me. I love you. That’s urgent like a motherfucker.” (Monique)
Like Water for Chocolate – An absolute masterpiece, this romantic drama takes you on a wonderful ride of love, food, magic, and mystery. The youngest daughter of a conservative Mexican family is forbidden to marry her true love, for she is required to take care of her widowed mother. Her lover ends up marrying her older sister instead. This causes great tension in the family that ends up spilling out of our main character’s food. This movie has such a dream-like, ethereal quality that keeps you enraptured throughout the entire run-time. An ode to the sensuous nature of food and the flesh, this movie will linger in the mind for a long time. (Jasmine)
SINNERS – Although it has vampires, it’s not about them. Ryan Coogler conjures a world where survival and love persist even amid the call of evil. SINNERS is about love finding a way, but we didn’t see the romance coming. When the sun rises, Smoke and Annie, Stack and Mary are the definitions of timeless unbreakable love. (Sherin)
Ever After is a tried and true fairytale romance that takes the Cinderella story to new (and more realistic) heights. It’s romantic, with a fiery leading lady, Danielle (Drew Barrymore), and a privileged, constantly annoyed prince (Dougray Scott), Henry, who is besotted as soon as he meets Danielle. It’s a touching, beautiful love story that can be watched over and over without growing tired. (Mae Abdulbaki)
TV Show Classic
Moonlighting – Maddie Hayes, former fashion model, has to find a new income stream when her crooked accountant leaves her penniless, so she tries to run the Blue Moon Detective Agency (which she owns), much to the chagrin of lead investigator David Addision. Cue the sexual tension and theatrics. Smart writing, strong female characters, and experimental episodes that routinely break the fourth wall…mixing comedy, romance, and mystery. (Soma)
Survivor – An environment where players work to Outwit, Outplay and Outlast each other while competing in brutal physical challenges and literally trying to survive in primitive conditions might not be where you expect love to bloom, but over 20 couples have found each other while playing one of reality shows most popular long-running games. (Boston) Rob Mariano and Amber Brkich not only fell in love on Season 8 but got engaged during the season finale, have been married for over 20 years and have four daughters. I’m sure they will be tuning in to Season 50 of Survivor airing later this month, and while I’m not sure if love will be in the air this time…with Survivor, you never know. (Cynthia Tenicela)
Farscape – Astronaut John Crichton finds himself in the outer reaches of the universe when a test flight goes wrong and is stuck in the middle of an intergalactic war. Taking up with a group of aliens on a living spaceship named Moya, John finds himself the weak link among a group of space fugitives on the run from two factions at war. As they survive multiple close calls, John eventually proves his worth and earns the respect and, eventually, the heart of Aeryn Sun, a former soldier of the Peacekeeper faction, a human supremacist race who rule with an iron fist. It’s a classic space adventure that grows from fun-loving criminals on the run to a really great romance with an adopted family of aliens growing to love each other. (Kwesi Kennedy)
Leverage – Hardison and Parker have a really cute will they won’t they throughout the beginning of the series that makes the payoff delightful. It feels like a natural progression when their relationship develops as they go against the white-collar criminal of the week as part of the Leverage team. Friends-to-lovers is always sweet in the background of an action crime drama between literal partners in crime in Leverage. (Sarahti)
TV/Streaming Contemporary
Abbott Elementary – Two teachers at an inner-city Philadelphia elementary school somehow manage to clumsily fall in love while navigating a dysfunctional school system, kooky coworkers, failing infrastructure, and being under the watchful eyes of the parents and students of Abbott Elementary. Janine and Gregory are not only one of TV’s cutest couples but one of the most relatable as well. (Cynthia Tenicela)
The Lincoln Lawyer on Netflix thrives on sharp courtroom drama, moral gray areas, and Mickey Haller’s cool, calculated charisma—but one of the quiet frustrations of the series is its refusal to truly advance the romantic relationship between Mickey and Andy. Their chemistry simmers beneath legal strategy and professional rivalry, charged with intelligence, mutual respect, and just enough emotional vulnerability to promise something deeper. Yet the show pulls back, choosing restraint over payoff. In a series so invested in risk—legal, personal, ethical—it feels like a creative injustice not to let that relationship evolve. Sometimes the greatest crime isn’t committed in the courtroom, but in denying two compelling characters the romantic arc they have so richly and clearly earned. (Philip)
Bridgerton – It’s shocking that Bridgerton almost didn’t make this list. I blame Season 3; that is the season of our discontent. Bridgerton is one of the few historical dramas that can most accurately be placed in the “Romance” genre, and—when it’s on game—it does bodice-ripping so well. Despite the issue in S1, the swoons are swooning, and S2 is a true pleasure to watch. The Kate and Anthony chemistry cannot be defeated. S4 is off to a mostly good start, but waiting to see is part of the fun. While you wait, there’s always Mr. Malcolm’s List, for two happily ever afters in one. (Sherin)
The Good Place – I wasn’t prepared for an epic romance that goes to hell, heaven, and back again. That infamous twist at the end of S1, and the constant do-overs, only deepened the love between Chidi and Eleanor as they learned to be better and better versions of themselves. “She always found him. He always helped her.” It is hilarious and lovely, and I could watch them fall in love as many times as Michael hit the reset button. (Sherin)
Nobody Wants This – A cozy, emotionally soothing watch about an agnostic podcast host and an unconventional rabbi choosing one another, defined by glowing chemistry and great writing, captured us all. The world fell in love with Nobody Wants This, and the “I can handle you” scene has been committed to the rom-com hall of fame. (Alex)
Interview with the Vampire – “With a taste of your blood, I’m on a ride. You’re toxic, I’m slippin’ under. With a taste of a poison paradise. I’m addicted to you. Don’t you know that you’re toxic?” A 2026 Valentine’s Watch List would be nothing without the sick, sad love of The Vampire Lestat and our Ennui-ridden Louis. Their toxic devotion never fails to burn with sensual flames and the sweetest taboos. (Sherin)
Those are our picks?
What you got?
