I’ve curated a list of five quintessential Indian love stories that have left an indelible mark on audiences. Each film is a testament to the rich tapestry of romance in Indian cinema, blending compelling narratives with stellar performances.

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 3 hours 9 minutes

Actors: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol

Writer: Aditya Chopra

Director: Aditya Chopra

Studio: Yash Raj Films

Synopsis: A timeless tale of love, the film follows Raj and Simran, who meet during a European vacation and fall in love, only to face familial opposition upon returning to India.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

2. Jab We Met (2007)

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Runtime: 2 hours 18 minutes

Actors: Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor

Writer: Imtiaz Ali

Director: Imtiaz Ali

Studio: Shree Ashtavinayak Cine Vision Ltd.

Synopsis: A heartwarming story of a depressed businessman who finds a new lease on life after meeting a spirited and talkative girl on a train journey.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

3. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 40 minutes

Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone

Writer: Ayan Mukerji, Hussain Dalal (dialogues)

Director: Ayan Mukerji

Studio: Dharma Productions

Synopsis: The film explores the journey of four friends, focusing on the evolving relationship between Bunny and Naina, as they navigate love, dreams, and friendship.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

4. Barfi! (2012)

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 31 minutes

Actors: Ranbir Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ileana D’Cruz

Writer: Anurag Basu

Director: Anurag Basu

Studio: UTV Motion Pictures

Synopsis: Set in the 1970s, the film tells the story of a mute and deaf man named Barfi and his relationships with two women, highlighting love beyond societal norms.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

5. Manmarziyaan (2018)

Genre: Romance, Drama

Runtime: 2 hours 35 minutes

Actors: Abhishek Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu, Vicky Kaushal

Writer: Kanika Dhillon

Director: Anurag Kashyap

Studio: Phantom Films, Aanand L. Rai

Synopsis: A contemporary love triangle that delves into the complexities of modern relationships, commitment, and the choices individuals make in love.

Where to Watch: Available on Netflix.

These films encapsulate the essence of Indian romance, each offering a unique perspective on love and relationships. They are readily available for streaming, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in these captivating tales.

1. Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin

Director: Lee Jung-hyo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A South Korean heiress crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. Their love transcends borders in this heartfelt drama.

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2. Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016–2017)

Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook

Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)

Where to Watch: Viki, Amazon Prime Video

Summary: A goblin cursed with immortality seeks his bride, the only one who can end his eternal life. This story is packed with humor, heartache, and breathtaking visuals.

3. Descendants of the Sun (2016)

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo

Director: Lee Eung-bok

Writer: Kim Eun-sook, Kim Won-seok

Episodes: 16 (+ 3 special episodes)

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A soldier and a doctor navigate love amidst war zones and life-threatening decisions.

4. Itaewon Class (2020)

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Kim Da-mi

Director: Kim Sung-yoon

Writer: Gwang Jin (based on a webtoon)

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A determined young man opens a bar in Itaewon to seek revenge against a corrupt company while discovering unexpected love.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young

Director: Park Joon-hwa

Writer: Jung Kyung-yoon (novel), Jung Eun-young (screenplay)

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A narcissistic CEO is baffled when his loyal secretary announces her resignation, leading to a romantic and comedic journey.

6. My Love from the Star (2013–2014)

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Jun Ji-hyun

Director: Jang Tae-yoo

Writer: Park Ji-eun

Episodes: 21

Where to Watch: Viki, Hulu

Summary: A centuries-old alien living on Earth falls for a famous actress, creating a love story that blends sci-fi with romance.

7. Hotel Del Luna (2019)

Cast: IU, Yeo Jin-goo

Director: Oh Choong-hwan

Writers: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A mystical hotel for ghosts, run by a cursed and captivating woman, sets the stage for a love story that spans lifetimes.

8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk

Director: Jung Ji-hyun

Writer: Kwon Do-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: Set during the 1997 financial crisis, a teenage fencer and a young man bond over dreams and hardships in this nostalgic romance.

9. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)

Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk

Director: Oh Hyun-jong

Writer: Yang Hee-seung

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix

Summary: A young weightlifter navigates love, friendship, and self-discovery in this charming romantic comedy.

10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho

Director: Yoo Je-won

Writer: Shin Ha-eun

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Summary: A big-city dentist moves to a seaside village and finds love and healing with a local handyman in this heartwarming tale.

These dramas are available on popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Viki, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, making them easy to access for fans worldwide.

1. Your Lie in April (Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso)

Director: Kyohei Ishiguro

Writer: Takao Yoshioka (screenplay), Naoshi Arakawa (manga)

Animation Studio: A-1 Pictures

Genre: Romance, Drama, Music

Runtime: Approx. 22 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 22

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu

Synopsis: A talented young pianist, Kosei Arima, loses his ability to hear the piano after his mother’s death. His world changes when he meets the spirited violinist Kaori Miyazono, who teaches him to embrace music and life again.

2. Fruits Basket (2019 Reboot)

Director: Yoshihide Ibata

Writer: Taku Kishimoto (screenplay), Natsuki Takaya (manga)

Animation Studio: TMS Entertainment

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 23 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 63 (3 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation, Hulu

Synopsis: Orphaned Tohru Honda moves in with the mysterious Soma family, who harbor a magical curse: members transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Amid unraveling secrets, she finds love and healing.

3. Toradora!

Director: Tatsuyuki Nagai

Writer: Mari Okada (screenplay), Yuyuko Takemiya (light novel)

Animation Studio: J.C. Staff

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 25

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE

Synopsis: Ryuuji Takasu and Taiga Aisaka strike an unlikely alliance to help each other win over their crushes, only to discover their feelings for each other along the way.

4. Violet Evergarden

Director: Taichi Ishidate

Writer: Reiko Yoshida (screenplay), Kana Akatsuki (light novel)

Animation Studio: Kyoto Animation

Genre: Drama, Romance, Slice of Life

Runtime: Approx. 25 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 13 + Special + Movies

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Synopsis: Violet, a former child soldier, seeks purpose as a ghostwriter and learns about love and human emotion through her clients’ stories.

5. Snow White with the Red Hair (Akagami no Shirayuki-hime)

Director: Masahiro Ando

Writer: Deko Akao (screenplay), Sorata Akizuki (manga)

Animation Studio: Bones

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Runtime: Approx. 24 minutes per episode

Number of Episodes: 24 (2 seasons)

Streaming Platform: Crunchyroll, Funimation

Synopsis: Shirayuki, a herbalist with red hair, flees her kingdom after catching the attention of a lecherous prince. She finds a new home and love with Prince Zen of the neighboring kingdom.