There is something reliably comforting about romance movies, regardless of where you land in your own love life. Married, dating, single or somewhere in between, watching two people find connection on screen remains one of the easiest ways to escape for a couple of hours. A good rom-com does not ask much of its audience. It offers momentum, feeling and the promise that emotions can be worked through with a sense of direction, even when real life feels more complicated.

That impulse feels especially strong heading into 2026. This year’s lineup moves beyond the familiar meet-cute formula and into something more varied, with buzzy book adaptations, long-awaited sequels, and a few titles that approach romance from less expected angles. From cozy small-town sparks to gothic intensity on the moors, these are the rom-coms we’re most excited to watch in 2026.

1. ‘People We Meet on Vacation’

Based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, “People We Meet on Vacation” brings one of the most talked-about modern romance books to the screen. The story follows two longtime friends who take an annual summer trip together, slowly revealing how years of shared memories, missed timing, and unresolved feelings have complicated what should be a simple friendship. Structured around past vacations and present-day tension, the film leans into emotional familiarity rather than big romantic gestures, making it feel especially relatable for anyone who has ever loved someone quietly and for far too long.

Release date: January 9 on Netflix

2. ‘Relationship Goals’

In “Relationship Goals”, Kelly Rowland and Method Man play professional rivals with a past (they used to date, of course) who are forced to team up on a high-stakes project while also competing for the same promotion. It’s the kind of office scenario that would send any HR rep into a cold sweat, but for rom-com fans it’s pure gold. After all, watching a Destiny’s Child alum and a hip-hop legend trade barbs in a corporate boardroom is not something you see every day (and that’s reason enough to tune in).

Release date: February 4 on Prime Video

3. ‘Pillion’

“Pillion” takes a more unconventional route through romance, exploring intimacy, power and emotional negotiation rather than grand gestures. The film centers on an unlikely relationship that develops between two men who meet under specific, negotiated terms, gradually revealing how connection can form in unexpected or uncomfortable places at first glance. Anchored by Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling, the story approaches desire with curiosity rather than judgment, allowing vulnerability and consent to guide the narrative. It’s less about sweeping romance and more about how people find closeness when the rules are clearly stated and carefully tested.

U.S. Release: February 6 (limited), February 20 (nationwide).

4. ‘Wuthering Heights’

Emily Brontë’s classic gets a modern revival in “Wuthering Heights”, with Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi as the famously star-crossed Catherine and Heathcliff. Director Emerald Fennell embraces the story’s dark, brooding heart, serving up windswept moors, relentless longing, and some daring twists to the source material that already have fans buzzing. Love it or hate it, this tale of passion and heartbreak is sure to be the talk of Valentine’s season. We’ll be swooning (and maybe raging) right along with the lovers all over again.

Release date: February 13 in theaters.

5. ‘Reminders of Him’

Based on Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name, “Reminders of Him” follows Kenna (Maika Monroe), a young mother recently released from prison and desperate to reunite with the daughter she lost custody of. Rebuilding her life in a judgmental small town proves anything but easy. Unresolved grief and local gossip stand in her way, even as a tentative new romance offers a glimmer of hope. This film tackles themes of accountability and forgiveness, letting love bloom gradually alongside personal healing.

Release date: March 13 in theaters

6. ‘The Drama’

Two of the internet’s biggest crushes, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, finally share the screen in “The Drama”, an ironically titled romance that promises anything but a smooth walk down the aisle. A picture-perfect couple’s wedding day is thrown into chaos by a last-minute bombshell, putting their happily-ever-after on the line. With these two headlining, expect crackling chemistry, high emotion, and maybe a twist or two of dark humor. Directed by indie wunderkind Kristoffer Borgli (with A24’s horror maestro Ari Aster producing), this film is primed to deliver romance with a side of existential angst. Mark your calendars for April. We’ll be there for all the drama.

Release date: April 4 in theaters

7. ‘Practical Magic 2’

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Practical Magic fans, rejoice! Almost 28 years after the Owens sisters first enchanted us, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are returning as everyone’s favorite witchy siblings in “Practical Magic 2.” This time, their lovably eccentric aunts (played by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest) are back as well, ensuring the family cauldron bubbles over with charm. The sequel arrives just in time for Halloween 2026, promising romance, mischief, and sisterly magic under a full moon. Living up to a cult classic after nearly three decades is a tall order, but the star power (and nostalgia) here should cast a spell on old and new fans alike. (Midnight margaritas, anyone? We’ll bring the lime and salt.)

Release date: September 18 in theaters

8. ‘Verity’

 

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Colleen Hoover fans are getting a double treat this year with “Verity”, a second book-to-film adaptation hot on the heels of “Reminders of Him.” But don’t expect any warm-and-fuzzy romance this time. This thriller offers a very different flavor of love, delving into a dark tale of obsession inspired by Hoover’s best-selling novel. For starters, the cast is stellar. Anne Hathaway sinks her teeth into the role of Verity Crawford, a famous author harboring dangerous secrets. Josh Hartnett plays her husband, and Dakota Johnson portrays the young writer unwittingly pulled into their web. Expect moody manor house vibes, psychological mind games, and a love story that edges into creepy territory. Without giving anything away, let’s just say the ending will leave you reeling. Not every romance is light and sweet, and “Verity” proves that love stories can be downright chilling (we’re here for it).

Release date: October 2 in theaters

9. ‘You, Me & Tuscany’

Sunshine, Chianti, and two ridiculously charming leads make “You, Me & Tuscany” the kind of escapist love story that will have you Googling flights to Florence. Halle Bailey (fresh off her star-making turn in “The Little Mermaid”) and Regé-Jean Page (the “Bridgerton” heartthrob who set hearts aflutter) play an American woman and a British man who cross paths in the Tuscan countryside. Sparks fly among the vineyards, naturally. Between the postcard-perfect scenery and the easy chemistry of its stars, expect to be whisked straight into a “la dolce vita” daydream. We’re already burning for this on-screen pairing.

Release date: April 10 in theaters

10. ‘Sense and Sensibility’

 

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Closing out the year is a new adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Sense and Sensibility”, reminding us that some romances are truly timeless. The beloved 1995 film version set a high bar (Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet are a tough act to follow), but this 2026 update has our attention. Rising star Daisy Edgar-Jones steps into the role of Elinor Dashwood, joined by a cast that includes George MacKay and Caitríona Balfe. With director Georgia Oakley (of “Blue Jean” indie fame) at the helm, expect a fresh perspective on the Dashwood sisters’ search for love and security. Austen’s tale of duty, heartbreak, and sisterly devotion has enchanted readers for over 200 years. Come next fall, we’ll get to laugh, cry, and swoon through it all over again, this time on the big screen.

Release date: September 11 in theaters

From winter streamers to fall theater premieres, consider this your rom-com watchlist for the year. Mark the dates, rally your group chats and stock up on popcorn (and Kleenex) as 2026 is serving up love stories in every flavor. Whether you’re into feel-good magic, epic classics or offbeat twists, these films guarantee plenty of laughs, tears and heart-eyes all year long.

Featured image credit: A24