Whether you’re married, dating, single, or in a complicated Meryl Streep/Alec Baldwin/Steve Martin love triangle, there’s one thing we can all collectively agree on and it’s that watching romance movies is fun, regardless of the state of your own love life. I don’t care if I’m in the midst of a post-breakup spiral surrounded by empty tissue boxes and Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cartons, I will never say no to watching Meg Ryan or Julia Roberts fall in love. Because who doesn’t want to escape from the real world from time to time, especially these days? And given the impressive lineup of romance movies coming out in 2026, that desire for escapism is going to be stronger than ever.

From beloved book adaptations being brought to life on the big screen (particularly if you’re a Colleen Hoover fan, this is your year!) to a highly anticipated, wickedly beloved sequel (no, not Wicked, but it does involve witches!), this year is stacked with some truly great cinematic options you’re guaranteed to fall in love with throughout the course of 2026. But hey, don’t just take my word for it. Check out the most anticipated romance movies that’ll be making their way to the big screen or streaming services this year.

People We Meet on Vacation


Based on Emily Henry’s novel of the same name, the story centers around two polar opposite best friends who have stayed in the friend zone for a decade, despite going on a summer trip together each year. But if Harry and Sally have taught us anything, it’s that some of the best romances can come out of longtime friendships. Could this be the summer that everything changes for them? If so, I’ll have what they’re having.

Release date: January 9, 2026 on Netflix.


Relationship Goals


Kelly Rowland and Method Man star as two exes who are not only forced to work together on a project, but they’re also competing for the same job promotion. This sounds like an absolute HR nightmare, but from a viewer standpoint it’s sure to be entertainment gold. In the immortal words of Destiny’s Child: “I don’t think you’re ready for this jelly.”

Release date: February 4, 2026 on Prime.

Wuthering Heights

If Anthony Bridgerton, Conrad Fisher, and Mr. Darcy have master’s degrees in yearnalism, then consider Heathcliff to have his Ph.D. Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi serve as the central two characters, Catherine and Heathcliff, in the latest adaptation to Emily Brontë's gripping gothic novel of the same name. There’s moors, there’s longing looks, there’s sexual tension, and SO MUCH BROODING. And all of this is happening on the cusp of Valentine’s Day? Bring it on.

Release date: February 13, 2026 in theaters.

The Bride!

Everyone wants to be loved by someone—even Frankenstein’s monster. And when you exist in an era before dating apps, you use the next best thing: an available dead body. Sure, it’s not your classic rom-com premise, but that’s bound to make it all the more intriguing to check out. Christian Bale portrays the Creature and while his mate is played by Jessie Buckley. I’m seated.

Release date: March 6, 2026 in theaters.

Reminders of Him

Based on the 2022 Colleen Hoover novel of the same name, the story centers around a young woman named Kenna, who is fresh out of serving time in prison and struggling to put the pieces of her life back together again. This includes reconnecting with her young daughter, finding a path toward redemption, and maybe making a love connection along the way. Viewers should prepare for plenty of heartbreak and drama, though, let’s hope that unlike a certain other Hoover adaptation, the drama will remain just on the screen.

Release date: March 13, 2026 in theaters.

The Drama

Your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your entire life, but in the case of Emma (Zendaya) and Charlie (Robert Pattinson), it could very well end up being the worst. That is, if it even happens at all. It’s unclear exactly what happens to bring this seemingly happy couple to the brink of matrimonial collapse, but with these two at the helm, it’s bound to be a worthwhile journey down the aisle (or not). Either way, you better believe we’re saving the date.

Release date: April 3, 2026 in theaters.

You, Me & Tuscany

What happens when you take the star of the live-action The Little Mermaid and the Duke of Hastings from Bridgerton, drop them in Italy and have them fall in love? I’m not sure, but I would very much like to find out. I burn for this matchup.

Release date: April 10, 2026 in theaters.

One Night Only

Imagine if premarital sex was illegal except for one night each year. What would you do on that one night of sexual freedom and who would it be with? Of course the idea of having the government control what we can or can’t do with our own bodies is a horrifying notion and one that we luckily don’t have to worry about (OH WAIT), but perhaps in this case there will be an epic love story discovered along the way.

Release date: August 7, 2026 in theaters.

Sense and Sensibility (2026)


Speaking as someone who’s watched the 1995 iteration of Sense and Sensibility, starring Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Hugh Grant, and Kate Winslet, it’s a struggle to get too excited about another film adaptation of the beloved Jane Austin novel, because why mess with perfection? However, it’s equally impossible not to get drawn into the excitement of seeing this classic story come to life once again. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll swoon.

Release date: September 11, 2026 in theaters.

Practical Magic 2

Move over, Sanderson sisters, because this upcoming Halloween season is about to be dominated by the Owens sisters in this highly anticipated sequel. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman will reprise their roles as the witchy siblings alongside their lovably kooky aunts, played by Stockard Channing and Diane Wiest. It’s a reunion that’s been almost 28 years in the making, and while sequels typically tend to have a tough time living up to their predecessors, the star power alone is sure to put a spell on all of us. Midnight margaritas for everyone!

Release date: September 18, 2026 in theaters.

Verity

What’s better than one Colleen Hoover film adaptation this year? How about two! This dark and twisty romantic thriller is bound to be a must-see, whether you’re a book fan or hearing about it for the first time. Not to mention the cast is completely stacked with Anne Hathaway taking on the title role of Verity Crawford, while Josh Hartnett plays her husband, Jeremy Crawford, and Dakota Johnson serves as Verity’s ghostwriter, Lowen Ashleigh. If you’re a fan of twist endings, let’s just say this one’s a doozy.

Release date: October 2, 2026 in theaters.

Heartstopper Forever


Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring back on our screens for a feature-length movie to warm our hearts and heal this divided nation? Say less.

Release date: TBD, but slated to debut sometime in 2026 on Netflix.