Romantic Jamaican Films
Sometimes all you need for a great date night is a massive bowl of popcorn and a romantic film that features the beauty of Jamaica. We’ve created a list of films that, for the most part, are romantic so that this Valentine’s you’re able to stream and chill.
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
This film, which turns 21 this year (egad!), was filmed at two Jamaican resorts — Time-n-Place in Falmouth (RIP) and Round Hill Hotel and Villas in Montego Bay. We will forgive Taye Diggs for the botched Jamaican accent as the hot and steamy scenes did not disappoint.
Dr No (1962)
Not technically a romance film, but the love scenes in every Bond film are both legendary and titillating. In Dr No, Bond gets an assignment in Jamaica and viewers will see what places like Morgan’s Harbour, Port Royal, downtown Kingston, Laughing Waters, Salt Marsh and Ocho Rios looked like in the early 1960s.
Better Mus’ Come (2011)
From Jamaican film-maker Storm Saulter, this film is a Jamaican take on Romeo and Juliet. A couple eschews the rules of their warring Kingston communities in order to pursue love and find peace in tender moments.
Cocktail (1988)
With scenes filmed in Ocho Rios and Dragon Bay and at Jamaica Inn and Sandals Royal Plantation, this Tom Cruise rom-com flick is sure to put you in the mood. If it doesn’t, well at least you’ll have a laugh.
King of the Dancehall (2016)
Nick Cannon’s love letter to Kingston may be predictable and a tad cheesy, but the steamy dancehall scenes will make you hot under the collar.
Wide Sargasso Sea (1993)
This film adaptation of Jean Rhys’ feminist prequel to Jane Eyre has a bit of everything — love, passion, secrecy, insanity and familial obligation, plus it was all filmed here on The Rock.
Blue Lagoon (1980)
Despite being panned by a number of critics this love story about two shipwrecked teens who come of age on a tropical island in the South Pacific (played by Jamaica, Fiji, Vanuatu and Malta) is beautiful and yes, romantic.
One Love (2003)
Another film about forbidden love, but this time it’s between a Rastafarian musician and the daughter of a pastor. Written by Trevor Rhone and starring Ky-Mani Marley and Sherine Anderson (Idris Elba is in it too), One Love is a feel-good and beautifully shot film.
Small Island (2009)
Not a film but a two-part BBC miniseries, Small Island is an adaptation of Andrea Levy’s novel of the same name. With themes of unrequited love, hope and dedication, this is three hours of fantastic television.
The Harder They Come (1972)
It may be a stretch to call this a romance, but hear us out. Jimmy Cliff’s character of Ivanhoe Martin not only falls in love with the nubile Elsa, but he’s also deeply in love with the idea of stardom and wealth. You could say he’s in a love triangle.