Romantic Movies on Disney+ Hotstar

Your comfort romantic movie can be one in which the guy and the girl have a happily-ever-after or one that exemplifies the delicious enemies-to-lovers trope. It could also be a cheesy romance peppered with angry fathers or a love triangle. Whether you want an unconventional romance or a tale of star-crossed lovers, romantic movies on Disney+ Hotstar can leave you looking for a box of tissues or even a hug.

No matter your reasons for seeking out this list, here are the best romantic movies on Disney+ Hotstar to line up for your next date night or solo self-care day.

O Kadhal Kanmani (2015)

When you think of romantic movies by Mani Ratnam, your brain will go into overdrive, maybe even in different languages. Mouna Ragam (1986), Bombay (1995), and Dil Se (1998) are a few of the many highlights in his filmography.

We think that O Kadhal Kanmani (OK Kanmani) is one of the best romantic movies on Disney+ Hotstar. The film has dominated Tamil romance cinema for almost a decade.

It’s a heartwarming story about two carefree individuals, Adhi (Dulquer Salmaan) and Tara (Nithya Menen), who fall in love as intensely as they dislike the institution of marriage. Where? In the bylanes of Mumbai, against the chaos that the city is known and loved for; a love accentuated by the musical symphonies of A.R. Rahman.

How their romance transitions from casual and laid-back to intense is an apt and ahead-of-its-time visualisation of today's situationship culture. When their low-pressure romance is juxtaposed with the pure and wholesome romance of the elderly couple they move in with, Adhi and Tara rediscover their perceptions of commitment.

If this story reminds you of a Hindi movie, you are on the right track. OK Jaanu (2017), starring Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor, is a remake of OK Kanmani, albeit a significantly watered-down one.

Dil Bechara (2020)

This is another romantic movie on Disney+ Hotstar that you might remember because of A.R. Rahman’s surreal title track. Some might know this movie as Sushant Singh Rajput’s last performance before his demise.

Others might recall this as an adaptation of the book The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. No matter your reference point for this film, Manny (Sushant Singh Rajput) and Kizie (Sanjana Sanghi) present a memorable portrayal of a love that has a tragic ending.

This romantic movie is featured on this list because of its underrated album and the strong performances of the leads. Manny and Kizie's powerful love story is worth watching.

Ahista Ahista (2006)

Starring Soha Ali Khan as Megha and Abhay Deol as Ankush, this is one of those charming romantic movies on Disney+ Hotstar that flew under the radar when it first came out.

Ankush is running a side hustle by charging to become a marriage witness for couples who come to register their marriage. That’s where he meets Megha, who leaves heartbroken when her groom doesn't show up. Ankush gradually falls in love with her. The conflict? Megha’s missing groom eventually resurfaces, but it might be too late.

This straightforward narrative is elevated by excellent performances by Deol and Khan, a bittersweet background score, and songs by Himesh Reshammiya. The realistic portrayal of a serendipitous love story goes beyond the trite love triangle trope. It will leave you wanting to give Abhay Deol a bear hug.

Say Anything (1989)

A movie that may feel more relevant than when it came out in the late eighties, Say Anything will hit you harder than most teen movies because of the innocence of Lloyd (John Cusack) and the adorable aloofness of Diane Court (Ione Skye).

If you love movies with grand, sappy gestures, Say Anything’s boombox scene will likely leave you misty-eyed. Complete with a disapproving father and an IRS investigation, this is one of those romantic movies in which you know there’s a happy ending. Still, you stay for the ride because it’s delightfully wholesome from start to end.

Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001)

“Main Delhi bol raha hoon, Maddy se” (“I am Delhi, from Maddy”) is one of those innocuous dialogues that is unknowingly embedded in the minds of almost every nineties kid. This film presents a love triangle between Maddy (R. Madhavan), Rajiv (Saif Ali Khan), and Reena (Dia Mirza).

Contrary to what you may think, we did not add this Disney+ Hotstar romantic movie to the list because of Maddy's iconic ‘love at first sight’ scene. It’s because of Rajiv, the character who loses his love in the end – the “unchosen one.” His love for Reena allows him to let her go. Rajiv’s soulful serenading of Reena through the soft track “Dil Ko Tumse Pyaar Hua” may have gone unnoticed by Reena, but we will never forget it.

So, if you happen to be looking for a romantic movie in which the guy for whom you are rooting doesn’t win, this is the one for you.