Skip to main content

Editor Picks for the Most Charming Family-Friendly Rom-Coms

From puppy love to epic romantic gestures, it’s time to celebrate love

Author Kari Hanson
 | 

Published on: February 07, 2025

two girls walking on the sidewalk, a still image from the movie "The Half of It"
Photo:
Navigating the tricky world of high school crushes in “The Half of It.” Photo: courtesy of Netflix

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for lovey-dovey couples — it’s the perfect time to cozy up with the whole family and enjoy movies that celebrate love in all its forms. From daring adventures to laugh-out-loud moments to sweet stories that will have you reaching for a tissue, we’ve got a lineup of romantic films the whole family can enjoy.

The movies on this list range in rating from G to PG-13. You know your kids and family best, and what everyone will enjoy watching. Keep in mind that some of the PG-13 content can provide great openings for important conversations with your tweens and teens. (For example: “Have you ever had a crush like that and not known what to do?”; “Have you ever felt lonely or misunderstood like that character?”; “What would you do if you found yourself at a party and everyone started drinking?” etc.)

So, gather up your cozy blankets, pop some popcorn and let’s celebrate love, laughter and happily-ever-afters.

Beauty and the Beast

I could probably put just about any Disney movie on this list, but this one focuses on love and romance more than most. When Belle, a book-loving village girl, trades her freedom to save her father, she finds herself in an enchanted castle with a grumpy Beast. As talking teapots and candlesticks play matchmaker, Belle and the Beast discover that true beauty lies within. The whole family will sing along to the movie’s classic songs; good luck getting those out of your head! Stream on Disney+ (the cartoon or live-action remake), the animated version is rated G, and the live-action version is rated PG

cover of Lady and the Tramp
There’s nothing sweeter than puppy love.
Photo: Amazon

Lady and the Tramp

OK, just one more Disney classic. This animated movie is a sweet love story between Lady, a refined cocker spaniel, and Tramp, a street-smart mutt. Their unlikely romance unfolds over moonlit strolls, daring adventures and one iconic spaghetti dinner. Filled with catchy tunes and charm, it’s a sweet reminder that love knows no boundaries — collar or no collar. Stream on Disney+, rated G

The Princess Diaries

Mia Thermopolis (young Anne Hathaway), is an awkward San Francisco teen whose life is turned upside down when she discovers she’s the heir to the throne of a small European country (happens all the time). With the help of her strict but loving grandmother, Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews), Mia finds herself on a journey of high school drama, self-discovery, and a fabulous makeover (though nothing can compare to Anne Hathaway’s best makeover montage ever). This movie is packed with plenty of heart, fairy-tale romance, and enough physical comedy to keep everyone laughing. Stream on Amazon Prime Video or Disney+, rated G 

Parent Trap

Whether you watch the 1960s classic starring Hayley Mills or the 1998 remake with a bright-eyed, 12-year-old Lindsay Lohan, this campy movie will leave the whole family smiling. Identical twins Annie and Hallie meet for the first time at summer camp and discover they’ve been separated since birth, with one raised in London and the other in California. Determined to reunite their parents, the girls hatch a clever plan: swap lives, cause a little chaos and play the ultimate matchmakers. Stream on Disney+, rated PG

DVD cover of the movie Enchanted
Get swept off your feet in the real world
in “Enchanted.” Photo: Amazon

Enchanted

This magical movie blends fairy-tale charm with the real-world. Giselle (Amy Adams) a sweet, singing princess-to-be from an animated kingdom is suddenly transported to modern-day, real-world New York City. As she navigates the chaos of real life with the help of a skeptical divorce lawyer (McDreamy himself, Patrick Dempsey), Giselle discovers that true love isn’t always like a storybook, but it’s just as magical. Stream on Disney+, rated PG

Tall Girl

This movie follows Jodi, a high school student who’s over six feet tall and tired of standing out for all the wrong reasons (boy, can I relate!). After years of insecurity about her height, Jodi decides it’s time to own it, find her confidence, and maybe even win over her crush (the very new — very tall — foreign exchange student). With the help of her friends Jodi learns that standing tall isn’t just about height; it’s about embracing who you are. Stream on Netflix, rated PG

The Princess Bride

This movie is an absolute classic. If you’ve never seen it, change your evening plans and watch it tonight! Buttercup and Westley’s love story has been the stuff of legends for almost 40 years. Throw in some adventure, fabulous sword play, a fire swamp and a professional wrestling star and you’ve got a movie the whole family will love. And yes, you have to hear the kissing partStream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

cover of the DVD Joe Versus the Volcano
Sometimes being brave can change your
life. Photo: Amazon

Joe Verses the Volcano

Tom Hanks stars as Joe Banks, a depressed office worker who learns he has a terminal illness (a mysterious “brain cloud”) and is convinced to go on a journey to a remote island, where he plans to jump into a volcano. Along the way, he meets three different women — all played by Meg Ryan (this was their first of many movies together) — who challenge his perspective on life and love. Filled with humor and a magical sense of adventure, this movie will inspire you to embrace life’s unexpected twists and stay open to love in unlikely places. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG

The Jane Austen romance trifecta: “Emma,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Pride and Prejudice

If it’s romantic stories with a happy ending you’re looking for, Jane Austen will never let you down. “Emma,” “Sense and Sensibility,” and “Pride and Prejudice” all explore themes of love, self-discovery, and the importance of looking beyond first impressions to find happiness. Along with everyone ending up with their soulmate, these movies also offer beautiful English countryside and period costumes that will help you leave behind the worries of 2025 for at least a few hours.

You can stream “Emma” and “Sense and Sensibility” on Amazon Prime Video. There are multiple versions of “Pride and Prejudice,” but I recommend either the version from 2005, or the excellent BBC miniseries (which I may or may not have watched all 5-and-a-half-hours of in one day). All rated PG

Love, Simon

Meet Simon Spier, a high schooler with a perfectly predicable life — except for one big secret: he’s gay, and no one knows. When an anonymous online crush turns into a sweet, flirty mystery, Simon embarks on a journey of self-discovery and is outed to the whole school before he is ready. With plenty of humor and heart, this excellent movie about finding the courage to be yourself and the joy of first love will have you reaching for a tissue in the best way. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

Say Anything …

Lloyd Dobler (played by teen heartthrob John Cusack) is your typical lovable slacker with a big heart. He doesn’t exactly know what he wants after high school, but he does know who he has a crush on — the overachieving Diane. Despite her disapproving father, Lloyd is determined to win her over. Thanks to his supportive friends and one giant boombox, he does just that. And thank goodness this movie was made in the ‘80s! Holding up an iPhone to play music outside someone’s house just wouldn’t hit the same. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

Adam Sandler singing into a microphone, image from the movie The Wedding Singer
Watch him sing his way into her heart
in “The Wedding Singer.”
Photo: Amazon

The Wedding Singer

Head back to the ‘80s for this hilarious and sweet rom-com. Robbie (played by Adam Sandler in his prime), a lovable wedding singer with a broken heart, meets Julia (Drew Barrymore), a sweet waitress engaged to Mr. Wrong. As they plan her big day, sparks fly and Robbie realizes he might just be singing at the wrong wedding. With big hair and laughs, and a sweet ‘80s soundtrack, this movie is tons of fun and has the most romantic airplane serenade scene of all time. Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

Romeo + Juliet” 

Shakespeare’s classic story of tragic, forbidden love meets MTV in this late ‘90s fast paced, exciting version. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the star-crossed lovers, and deliver the original Shakespearean dialogue in a modern setting, making the classic play come to life for a whole new generation. A completely defeated DiCaprio screaming, "I am fortune’s fool!" has been burned in my brain for decades. It also has a killer ‘90s soundtrackStream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

10 Things I Hate About You

Shakespeare knew a thing or two about romance — here is yet another ‘90s remake of one of his famous plays! This movie puts a twist on “The Taming of the Shrew.” At Padua High, Bianca can’t go out unless her older sister Kat (played by Julia Stiles) does too (and fiercely independent Kat and has zero interest in romance). Enter Patrick Verona (played by the late Heath Ledger), your classic charming bad boy who is on a secret mission to win Kat’s heart. Packed with clever dialogue, great characters, and just enough teenage rebellion, it’s a love story that’s equal parts sweet and snarky. Fun fact — this movie was filmed in Seattle and Tacoma, so keep an eye out for familiar local landmarks! Stream on Peacock, rated PG-13

cover of the DVD for Clueless
This is, like, totally from the movie
“Clueless.” Photo: Amazon, or whatever.

Clueless

This ’90s twist on Jane Austen’s “Emma” follows Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), a rich, fashion-obsessed Beverly Hills teen who loves matchmaking and makeovers. Between transforming the new girl, Tai (the late Brittany Murphy), into a social butterfly and navigating her own love life, Cher realizes what (and who) really matters. Packed with iconic one-liners, high-fashion looks, and plenty of heart, this classic (can we call it that yet? I think so.) comedy never goes out of style. As if! Stream on Amazon Prime Video, rated PG-13

The Half of it

When introverted Ellie agrees to help her classmate Paul write love letters to his crush, Aster, she never expects to fall for Aster herself. With wit, vulnerability, friendship and romance, this coming-of-age story explores what it really means to love — and how sometimes, the person you’re meant to be with might not be the one you expect. Stream on Netflix, rated PG-13

Robin Hood Prince of Thieves

Looking for a little medieval action and adventure with your romance? Look no further! Kevin Costner’s Robin Hood fights for justice against a tyrannical sheriff (played by the late, great Alan Rickman), but at its heart, this epic tale is about love — both for the people he protects and for the noble Lady Marian. Be sure to stick around for the credits and turn up the volume as you rock out (or slow dance) to Bryan Adam’s epic ballad “Everything I do (I Do it for You).” Stream on Amazon Prime, rated PG-13

More great family shows and movies to discover: 

JOIN THE PARENTMAP COMMUNITY
Get our weekly roundup of Seattle-area outings and parenting tips straight to your inbox.

Related Topics

Share this resource with your friends!