Netflix continues to expand its catalog across genres, but romantic films remain a particular focus. Search for “romance” on the platform and you’ll find a large, growing selection — yet critics and audiences often disagree about their quality. Why do some Netflix rom-coms earn praise from critics while audiences respond differently? This article examines five popular Netflix romantic films chosen for having large audience engagement (800+ Rotten Tomatoes audience reviews) and a critic-audience approval gap of 10% or more. The analysis relies on critic and audience reactions aggregated on Rotten Tomatoes, and excludes films that are primarily seasonal (for example, Christmas movies).
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Critic Score: 97%
Audience Score: 87%
Lara Jean Covey is an introverted teen whose private love letters are accidentally mailed to their recipients, forcing her to confront her feelings and grow. The film is praised for its warm performances, bright visual palette, and an unapologetically charming approach to familiar rom-com beats.
What critics noted:
Critics highlighted Lara Jean’s relatable anxieties and the film’s ability to adapt established rom-com formulas for a younger audience while keeping the emotional core intact. Some reviews praised its sweet protagonist and tight storytelling; a few critics were less enthusiastic about certain tonal and visual choices, but many agreed the characters and performances carried the film.
What audiences said:
Audience reactions ranged from wholehearted affection for Lana Condor’s performance and the film’s cozy tone to frustration from viewers who found the plot predictable or too trope-driven. Many viewers described it as comforting and rewatchable, while negative reviews typically called it “standard” or “cliché.”
Conclusion: Both critics and audiences generally liked To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. The main difference lies in expectations: critics tended to appreciate how the film handled genre conventions and character nuance, while some audience members focused more on plot familiarity and emotional payoff.
The Kissing Booth (2018)
Critic Score: 17%
Audience Score: 60%
This teen rom-com follows a high-schooler who falls for her best friend’s older brother, a plot that divides viewers. Critics criticized its problematic gender dynamics and some normalized red-flag behavior, while many audience members embraced the movie’s cheesiness and nostalgic appeal.
What critics noted:
Critics argued the film often excuses controlling or disrespectful behavior and leans into outdated gender tropes, making it difficult to recommend without caveats. Some reviewers saw opportunities for a more thoughtful coming-of-age story that the film ultimately missed.
What audiences said:
Audience opinions were mixed: some viewers enjoyed the lighthearted, guilty-pleasure aspects and its romantic fantasy, while others objected to the normalization of unhealthy behaviors and found the plot troubling.
Conclusion: The gap between critics and audiences stems from different priorities: critics focused on ethical implications and representation, while many audience members judged the film primarily as escapist, teen-centered entertainment.
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)
Critic Score: 61%
Audience Score: 31%
Sierra Burgess tells the story of a teen who, insecure about her appearance and social standing, impersonates someone else to pursue a romance. The film tries to tackle body image, self-worth, and the cruelty of teenage hierarchies — but the catfishing element generated strong audience backlash.
What critics noted:
Critics were divided: some praised nuanced performances and modernizing touches, while others criticized the film for not fully reckoning with the ethical consequences of the lead’s actions. Reviews praised character depth in places but questioned whether the movie condemned or excused the deception.
What audiences said:
Many audience reviews fixated on the catfishing plotline, calling it unethical and discouraging; others enjoyed the film’s emotional beats and the lead performances. For some viewers, perceived mixed messaging about the deception overshadowed the film’s intended lessons about self-acceptance.
Conclusion: Critics evaluated the film with an eye to storytelling, character development, and intent, while some audience members responded strongly to the specific actions depicted, leading to a sharper divergence in approval.
Set It Up (2018)
Critic Score: 92%
Audience Score: 69%
Two overworked assistants decide to set up their demanding bosses so they can get some free time. Set It Up updates classic rom-com templates for the millennial workplace, relying on quick dialogue, chemistry between leads, and a light-hearted tone.
What critics noted:
Critics praised the film’s witty dialogue, contemporary touches, and likable leads, suggesting it helps revive rom-com sensibilities for modern viewers. A few reviewers found it pleasant but not revolutionary, wishing for richer development of the supporting characters.
What audiences said:
Audience responses varied from enjoyment of the characters and chemistry to complaints that the plot felt predictable or underused. Overall, many viewers found it a satisfying, feel-good watch even if it didn’t reinvent the genre.
Conclusion: The critic-audience gap reflects different frames of reference: critics assessed the movie’s place in the rom-com tradition and its thematic updates, while audiences focused more on entertainment value and character engagement.
When We First Met (2018)
Critic Score: 43%
Audience Score: 57%
When We First Met uses a time-travel conceit to explore fixation on a single romantic ideal. Adam DeVine’s character repeatedly revisits a critical night in hopes of winning the woman he loves, and the film teases the line between romantic persistence and possessiveness.
What critics noted:
Critics found the premise risky but ultimately unambitious; some appreciated that the film avoids endorsing possessive behavior outright, while others called it too bland or half-hearted to make a strong point. The movie’s tone left some reviewers unsatisfied.
What audiences said:
Audience reactions ranged from appreciation for Adam DeVine’s charm and the film’s light humor to frustration over the repetitive structure and lack of originality. Fans enjoyed its easygoing vibe; detractors found it forgettable.
Conclusion: Audiences who enjoyed the film were more forgiving of its tropes or responded to its lead, while critics evaluated how effectively the movie handled its ethical premise and narrative execution. The result is a middling reception on both sides, with some notable outliers.
Rotten Tomatoes and similar aggregators are useful starting points, but they compress many individual perspectives into a single number. Critics and audiences approach films with different expectations: critics often analyze the work in the context of genre, craft, and cultural implications, while audience members frequently judge films by emotional resonance, character relatability, and entertainment value.
These five Netflix romances illustrate how reception can differ based on priorities. A film that treats familiar rom-com tropes with freshness and strong performances may win critics’ praise but still disappoint viewers expecting novelty; conversely, a movie that delivers comfort and escapism can be embraced by audiences even when critics flag problematic elements. Ultimately, film enjoyment is subjective — shaped by personal experience, values, and mood — and both critics’ and audiences’ perspectives can be valuable when deciding what to watch.