Romance Is in the Air: 14 Asian Films & Series to Watch This Valentine’s Day

February 14 calls for embracing your romantic side! Whether you’re spending Valentine’s Day with a special someone, hanging out with friends, or enjoying some solo time (with your favorite snacks, of course), EnVi has put together a list of diverse films and series that celebrate love in all its forms.

Once More

Once More is a Tamil-language romantic drama that dives into the twists and turns of love. Directed by Vignesh Srikanth and starring Arjun Das and Aditi Shankar in the lead roles, the film tells the story of two individuals who come from vastly different backgrounds, social standings, and emotional experiences. Despite their differences, they find themselves drawn to each other and fall deeply in love.

The narrative unfolds as their families, who belong to contrasting social and cultural worlds, are brought together. The collision of these distinct lives leads to moments of conflict, revelation, and self-discovery. Described as a feel-good family drama, the film tells a heartfelt story of how love can change lives and defy societal expectations.

Ex Ex Lovers

On October 2024, Jolina Magdangal confirmed her reunion with Marvin Agustin on the big screen, proving that some romantic pairings are made to last. Their iconic pairing, which became a hit in the ’90s and early 2000s, began with the 1996 teen show Gimik. They also starred in several iconic films such as Flames: The Movie, Kung Ayaw Mo Huwag Mo, and Labs Kita Okey Ka Lang.

Ex Ex Lovers explores a theme influenced by the Philippines’ angle on divorce, as it remains one of the last countries, alongside Vatican City, where divorce is not legal. Set in Malta, one of the last nations to legalize divorce, the film offers a unique setting rarely seen in Filipino cinema. Jolina Magdangal plays Joy, who travels to Malta to ask her estranged partner Ced (Marvin Agustin) to walk their daughter down the aisle. However, as old wounds reopen, both chaos and chemistry arise in unexpected ways.

Secret: Untold Melody

Miss seeing Doh Kyung-soo on the big screen? He is returning in the romance fantasy film Secret: Untold Melody, which was released on January 28 in South Korea and set to be released on February 14 in the United States. Set in a music college, the story revolves around a love triangle between Yu-jun (Doh Kyung-soo), Jung-a (Won Jin-ah), and In-hee (Shin Ye-eun).

Yu-jun, a pianist whose career was cut short by a wrist injury, finds his rhythm back when he meets Jung-a, a mysterious figure who reignites his passion for music. Their bond grows as they spend time together, leading Yu-jun to achieve new heights in his career. However, secrets between them threaten to disrupt everything. Then comes In-hee, a talented violinist who adds tension to the unfolding drama. One day, Jung-a disappears, leaving Yu-jun desperate to find her. His search uncovers a big secret that changes his perspective on love, music, and life itself.

Ossan’s Love

Adapted from the 2016 Japanese hit written by Koji Tokuo, Ossan’s Love is a romcom series centered on an office love triangle. The story follows Heng (Earth Pirapat Watthanasetsiri), an unlucky-in-love property consultant, whose world turns upside down when he becomes entangled in a chaotic romance.

Heng is thrown off guard when he discovers that his boss, Kongdech (Krit Shahkrit Yamnarm), has a picture of him as his phone wallpaper. Kongdech’s unexpected confession shocks Heng, as he has never been attracted to men. To make matters more complicated, Heng’s new colleague and roommate, Mo (Mix Sahaphap Wongratch), also has feelings for him. Heng is swept up in a whirlwind of emotions as the two men compete for his love. 

Offline Love

In an era where likes and swipes dominate the pursuit of romance, Netflix offers a fresh take with Offline Love, a Japanese dating series that emphasizes authenticity over algorithms. The show breaks away from conventional norms by removing phones, social media, and all digital distractions, allowing contestants to focus on building genuine relationships.

The trailer shows a participant switching off his phone and locking it away, followed by glimpses of all 10 contestants in various locations. Without digital access, the contestants will rely on handwritten letters and other analog methods to connect and build relationships. Over 10 days, they must decide whether true love has been found. 

The Most Beautiful Girl in The World

Reuben (Reza Rahadian), known as the resident wealthy playboy, inherits his late father’s fortune with one condition: he must fulfill his father’s last request to marry the most beautiful girl in the world. With only six months to meet this demand, he devises a variety show titled The Most Beautiful Girl in the World to find both a wife and secure his inheritance.

To produce the show, he hires Kiara (Sheila Dara Aisha), an ambitious assistant producer who initially finds the concept misogynistic but takes it as a challenge to reshape the show’s approach. While working together, Reuben and Kiara often clash, but their disagreements gradually lead them to discover new perspectives and feelings, including love.

I am Married… But!

I-ling (Alice Ko), a fiery and outspoken woman, grapples with the complexities of married life as the honeymoon phase fades. Disillusioned by the reality of marriage, she navigates her relationship with Zeng Xue-you (Jasper Liu), her clumsy and obedient husband who remains a “mummy’s boy.” Despite his shortcomings, their love-hate dynamic swings between moments of endearment and frustration.

The series explores the unrealistic societal expectations placed on marriage and family, while reflecting on the balance between personal freedom and necessary compromises. Blending comedy, romance, and drama, it offers a heartfelt mix of laughter, tears, and insights into the modern challenges of married life.

The White Olive Tree

After starring in the drama Dark Night and Dawn, Chen Zhe Yuan returns to the screen through his new character in the drama The White Olive Tree. It follows the story of Song Ran (Liang Jie), a reporter from Liang City TV station who faces danger while on a coverage mission in the volatile East Country. 

While in danger, Song Ran is rescued by Li Zan (Chen Zhe Yuan), an explosives engineer who has been volunteering in the region. Due to his gentle care, Song Ran develops a crush on Li Zan. As their feelings for each other deepen, a sudden bomb attack leaves both physically and emotionally scarred. Separated and out of contact, their lives take different paths until they cross again several years later.

Melo Movie

Powerhouses Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young come together in a new drama directed by Oh Choong-hwan, known for Hotel Del Luna, Start-Up, and While You Were Sleeping. Melo Movie tells the story of two individuals masking their struggles, carrying each other’s wounds and traumas.

Kim Mu-bi (Park Bo-young) is a young assistant director aspiring to follow in her father’s footsteps, who previously worked behind the scenes as a film crew member. She honed her craft in the film industry with a humble attitude and a preference for avoiding the limelight. On the other hand, Ko Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik) began his career as an extra and eventually became recognized as a film critic. Fate brings Mu-bi and Gyeom together during an interview panel, where the start of their love story unfolds. A message of hope is conveyed through this tale, set against a backdrop of challenges.

Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love

Based on the popular webtoon and following the 2021 K-drama adaptation, the first three episodes of the Japanese adaptation quickly introduces its characters. Miu Hamasaki (Sara Minami), a graduate student in her final year, is struggling to create something meaningful for her final project. Her sorrow stems from a heartbreaking breakup, where she was used as inspiration for art while her emotions were abandoned. 

Everything changes when she meets Ren Kosuka (Ryusei Yokohama), who destroys university property with Miu as the only witness. This act of rebellion connects them, sparking mutual interest. However, both are afraid of commitment, and that fear may ultimately sabotage their potential relationship.

Hear Me: Our Summer

Adapted from the 2009 Taiwanese romcom film of the same name, dedicated to the Summer Deaflympics, this Korean remake tells the story of Yong-joon (Hong Kyung), a graduate student unsure of his dreams. He works part-time as a lunchbox delivery boy for a restaurant run by his parents. While working part-time delivering lunch boxes for his parents’ restaurant, he meets Yeo-reum (Roh Yoon-seo) at a swimming pool and falls for her instantly.

Yong-joon soon discovers that Yeo-reum is deaf and uses his past knowledge of sign language to connect with her. Yeo-reum, devoted to her younger sister Ga-eul (Kim Min-ju), a deaf swimmer, juggles swim training and part-time work, leaving little time for herself. Despite her busy life, Yong-joon’s genuine love and efforts slowly open her heart as he makes lunchboxes for her.

The First Frost

The First Frost is set in the same timeline and fictional universe as Hidden Love (2023) but shifts its focus to Sang Zhi’s elder brother, Sang Yan. Wen Yi Fan (Zhang Ruonan), a reporter, visits a bar to meet a friend and unexpectedly encounters Sang Yan (Bai Jingting), the bar’s owner and department manager. Unknown to Yi Fan, Sang Yan is her former high school crush. At the beginning the two of them pretend not to recognize each other, adding to the awkwardness. 

Circumstances soon force them to become housemates, and over time, their relationship evolves into something deeper. In addition to the leads, the cast includes Edward Chen, Zhang Miaoyi, Yuan Ye, Zhai Xiaowen, and Liu Chu Tian in key roles.

My Dearest Nemesis

Directed by Lee Soo-hyun and based on the webtoon That Man Is Black Salt Dragon by Hye Jin-yang, My Dearest Nemesis follows Baek Soo-jung (Moon Ga-young), a fearless and highly respected planning team leader at a prestigious department store. Her world shifts unexpectedly when she crosses paths with Ban Joo-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook), her subordinate and the store’s heir, 16 years after their last encounter.

As teenagers, Baek Soo-jung and Ban Joo-yeon first met through an online game. Joo-yeon, known by his game ID “Black Salt Dragon,” represented teenage rebellion, while Soo-jung went by “Strawberry.” During this time, Joo-yeon developed feelings for Soo-jung and confessed his love, only to be rejected, marking his first heartbreak. Now, as adults, their roles are reversed, with Joo-yeon working under Soo-jung. Their reunion stirs emotions and unresolved tensions from the past.

Love Me

Like a mix of WALL-E and Her, Love Me is set in a post-apocalyptic 2600 Earth. The film follows the relationship between a buoy adrift at sea, Me (voiced by Kristen Stewart), and a satellite circling Earth, IAm (Steven Yeun). Me, longing for connection, captures IAm’s attention by pretending to be a life form. Through their algorithms, Me emulates Deja, a human influencer, and encourages IAm to become Liam, her imagined boyfriend. Through digital exchanges, they fall in love and question what it truly means to be real.

At its core, Love Me is a poetic exploration of self-discovery and acceptance, stitched together with evocative visuals and dialogue. The film examines themes of identity, solitude, and connection, offering an introspective journey that mirrors the human experience of navigating self-awareness while seeking meaning with another soul.

Want more to film and series recommendations? Check out the 7 must-watch November releases here!