Top 10 romantic movies and shows that will give you the butterflies this cuffing season

There’s something about December that turns even the most detached among us into full-blown romantics. Blame the cold, the constant wedding updates on your feed, or that quiet craving for a soft, safe love to wrap yourself in as the year winds down. One minute you’re living your best “I don’t need anyone” life, and the next you’re three episodes deep into a romance series, clutching your chest over a hand brush or lingering stare. It’s embarrassing. It’s magical. It’s exactly what cuffing season is made for.

Romance hits different when the world outside feels chaotic, and all you want is comfort, escapism, and a little spark. That’s why fictional couples are so addictive—the slow burns, the dramatic twists, the messy triangles, the electric chemistry. They let you feel things you're not quite ready to deal with IRL. Whether you’re watching solo, live-texting your friends through every plot twist, or sharing a blanket with someone special, this watchlist will give you all the butterflies—soft, swoony, chaotic, unforgettable.

Here’s your ultimate romance watchlist for cuffing season.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before

A nostalgic teen romance that’s cosy, funny, and heartbreakingly sweet. Lara Jean’s carefully hidden love letters accidentally getting mailed out creates the perfect chaos that sets up her journey of first love. Peter Kavinsky’s charm, awkward moments, and undeniable chemistry with Lara Jean make it impossible not to root for them. The whole trilogy is binge-worthy for anyone who loves lighthearted romance with genuine feels.

Me Before You

A tender, emotional romance about love, loss, and living fully in the moments you have. Louisa Clark’s bright personality colliding with Will Traynor’s guarded heart creates a bittersweet story that hits deep. The way their relationship evolves is gentle but transformative, reminding viewers that love can change you profoundly, even when it doesn’t end perfectly. It’s romantic, heartfelt, and tear-inducing in all the right ways.

Red, White & Royal Blue

A modern fairy tale about a British prince and the US President’s son who start off as rivals and slowly fall in love. The movie is full of witty banter, charming family dynamics, and swoon-worthy romantic moments that feel effortless yet intense. It’s a queer romance that’s unapologetically bold and funny, and it will tug at your heartstrings, with chemistry that will make your heart race from start to finish.

La La Land 

A dreamy musical about love, ambition, and the push-and-pull of life and romance. Mia and Sebastian’s relationship is magical, passionate, and heartbreaking all at once. The film combines breathtaking music, dance, and visuals with the reality of timing and sacrifice in love, making it the perfect bittersweet watch for anyone craving a love story with depth and style.

One Day

A slow-burn romance following Emma and Dexter across decades, showing how love evolves, shifts, and sometimes eludes us. Each episode captures the ache of missed chances and the magic of those fleeting perfect moments between two people. It’s reflective, emotional, and grounded in the reality of love—perfect for those who love a story that lingers in your heart long after the credits roll.

Bridgerton

Set in the lush, glamorous Regency era, Bridgerton is steamy, witty, and endlessly dramatic. From ballroom tension and whispered secrets to scandals of the ton, every couple delivers chemistry that sets the screen on fire. Whether it’s Daphne and Simon’s slow-burn connection or Kate and Anthony’s passionate love, the series is an addictive mix of romance, scandal, and swoon-worthy moments.

The Kissing Booth

A chaotic teen romance with all the drama, crushes, and awkward moments that make high-school love so memorable. Elle’s journey navigating her friendship with Lee and her crush on Noah is messy, sweet, and full of laugh-out-loud moments. It’s the perfect feel-good watch when you want lighthearted romance that still tugs at your heartstrings.

Anyone But You

A modern, flirty romance with all the banter, tension, and tropical wedding chaos you could dream of. The sparks between the lead characters make every awkward encounter and forced situation feel electric. It’s a breezy, feel-good watch with just the right mix of comedy, romance, and moments that make cuffing season extra fun.

The Summer I Turned Pretty

A nostalgic, sun-soaked romance full of glow-ups, longing looks, and messy love triangles. Belly, Conrad, and Jeremiah’s emotional entanglements make for an addictive watch that captures all the excitement and pain of young love. Perfect for binge-watching, it’s romantic, heartwarming, and a little bittersweet—exactly the kind of story that hooks you in for the season.

Fifty Shades of Grey

Not your typical romance film, but undeniably a guilty-pleasure love story. Ana and Christian’s relationship is intense, messy, and full of chemistry that makes you clutch the blanket and gasp in equal measures. It’s dramatic, steamy, and the kind of cinematic chaos that sneaks into your cuffing-season watchlist when you want something a little daring.

Lead image: Netflix

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