8 Dark Romance movies to watch on Netflix

The Dark Romance genre has been gaining more and more space in streaming for bringing intense stories, with emotional tension and moral dilemmas that go far beyond the traditional “happily ever after”.

In this type of narrative, love is not simple, but rather full of obstacles, secrets and passions that put the characters face to face with their own fears and choices, resulting in features that involve the viewer from beginning to end, mixing romance, drama and suspense in perfect doses.

On Netflix, there are a variety of films that explore this dark universe of love, ranging from forbidden romances to plots that mix eroticism, family secrets and toxic relationships.

The platform bets on productions that speak to different audiences, bringing stories from period to modern stories, which reveal how desire can turn into a dangerous game.

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If you like Dark Romance or are starting to venture into the genre, check out our list of 8 options that are available on Netflix. These are works that talk about passion and danger, explore the consequences of forbidden choices and show how love can be liberating and destructive at the same time. Look!

8 Dark Romance movies to watch on Netflix

The Good Side of Being Betrayed (2023)

This Brazilian erotic plot is based on the book of the same name by Sue Hecker and shows how the life of Babi, played by Giovanna Lancellotti, changes completely after discovering a betrayal during her bachelorette party.

When she decides to start over, she ends up getting involved with Marco, a mysterious judge played by Leandro Lima, who brings to light a relationship full of secrets, power and desire. The national production gained prominence in the Netflix catalog for exploring eroticism with suspense and moral dilemmas.

The plot addresses conflicts of trust and the risks of surrendering to a relationship that, despite the passion, hides threats. Between intense scenes and a romance, the film also features Camilla de Lucas, Micael Borges and Bruno Montaleone, showing how passion can be a refuge or a danger.

Malcolm & Marie (2021)

Filmed in black and white and with just two actors on stage, this Netflix production provides an intense experience. Zendaya and John David Washington bring to life a couple who, after an opening night, dive into deep discussions about hurts, resentments and expectations. The romance is portrayed in a raw way, exposing the weaknesses of the relationship and the fine line between love and pain.

Sam Levinson’s direction makes each dialogue charged with emotion, exploring themes such as emotional dependence, insecurity and ego. The result is a faithful portrait of how passion can be accompanied by difficult-to-heal emotional wounds, making it a perfect film for those looking for psychological intensity and wanting to reflect on the ups and downs of a relationship.

My guilt (2024)

Netflix’s recent release “Mea Culpa” stands out for mixing suspense, eroticism and courtroom drama. The plot follows a lawyer who decides to defend an artist accused of murder and, during the process, ends up involved in a dangerous romance with her client. The production explores the desire and the ethical and personal consequences of surrendering to a passion that can put everything at risk.

With Kelly Rowland in the lead role and Trevante Rhodes as the accused artist, the film shows how physical and emotional attraction can completely transform the course of a life.

Full of intense scenes and moral dilemmas, “Mea Culpa” is a modern portrait of Dark Romance, in which the line between pleasure and danger is very thin, making it a good choice for those who like plots with twists and difficult decisions.

365 Dias (2020)

The Polish production became a phenomenon on Netflix by presenting a story that mixes obsession and desire at extreme levels. The plot follows Laura, who during a trip to Sicily is kidnapped by Massimo, a mobster who gives her 365 days to fall in love with him. The controversial and provocative plot raised debates, but also attracted millions of viewers around the world.

With Michele Morrone and Anna-Maria Sieklucka in the main roles, the film combines beautiful scenery, explicit eroticism and a relationship full of power and domination. Despite the criticism, the production consolidated a loyal audience that seeks intense and controversial romances, as a clear example of the dark side of love.

Rebecca: The Unforgettable Woman (2020)

Based on the classic novel by Daphne du Maurier, “Rebecca: The Unforgettable Woman” is a modern version featuring Lily James and Armie Hammer in the lead roles.

)The story follows a young woman who, after marrying a rich widower, starts living in the family mansion, where the presence of the late Rebecca is still present in every space. The gothic climate and atmosphere of mystery transform the novel into a dense and disturbing experience.

The couple’s relationship is constantly tormented by the shadow of the first wife, which brings a lot of insecurity, jealousy and the search for identity to the story. The Netflix production faithfully recreates the suspense of the original work, exploring the contrast between love and fear, making it ideal for those who enjoy dark romances full of secrets.

Elisa & Marcela (2019)

Elisa and Marcela is a Spanish drama inspired by a true story of forbidden love at the beginning of the 20th century. The film shows how Elisa disguised herself as a man to marry Marcela, defying the social and religious conventions of the time. The black and white production highlights the passion of the protagonists, as well as the risks faced in a conservative society.

With outstanding performances by Natalia de Molina and Greta Fernández, the film portrays the characters’ courage and dedication in an emotional way. The romance between the two women is portrayed in a sensitive and intense way, reinforcing how love can resist adversity even in places where there is prejudice and persecution.

Forbidden Desire (2023)

“Forbidden Desire” is another Polish plot that gained prominence in the Netflix catalog, telling the story of a respected judge who becomes involved with a young man linked to one of her cases. This forbidden relationship puts his career, his reputation and even his personal life at risk, exploring the conflict between reason and emotion.

The film shows the tension of a love that shouldn’t happen, but that becomes inevitable. Between secret meetings and ethical dilemmas, the protagonist needs to deal with the consequences of her choices, in a story that shows how passion can surpass social and professional limits, putting everything that seemed stable at risk.

Or Lady Chatterley’s Lover (2022)

Inspired by the book by DH Lawrence, the Netflix production follows Lady Chatterley, played by Emma Corrin, who lives in an affectionless marriage after her husband returns from the war with physical consequences. In search of emotional connection, she begins an intense relationship with the estate’s gamekeeper, played by Jack O’Connell.

The romance between the two demonstrates the strength of desire, and also the clash between social classes and the conventions of the time. The film combines eroticism and drama in a delicate balance, showing how love can be liberating and devastating, in a work that reflects the essence of Dark Romance, in which passion and transgression share the same space.