Netflix offers an array of heartwarming romantic comedies that are sure to brighten your day and warm your heart. From charming meet-cutes to hilarious mishaps, these top-notch films promise to take you on an unforgettable journey of love and laughter from the comfort of your couch. That’s why there are so many out there to choose from — especially for Netflix subscribers. That had us wondering: which are the best rom-coms available to watch on Netflix, according to experts?
Who doesn’t love a good rom-com? One recent survey reports that three in five adults prefer binging on romantic comedies when called out from work. If you are among the fans of this genre, check out out list below. For this list, StudyFinds searched for the top five best romantic comedies on Netflix, according to eight expert sites. If we missed one of your favorites, let us know in the comments!
The List: Best Romantic Comedies on Netflix, Ranked
1. “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018)
Ever wondered what would happen if your crush read your secret diary filled with every embarrassing thought you’ve ever had about them? “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” takes this hilarious premise and turns it into a heartwarming coming-of-age story, according to MovieWeb. Get ready for some major awkward encounters, but fear not – the film resolves beautifully, delivering a sweet and satisfying ending. No spoilers though!
Lana Condor and Noah Centeno are captivating as Lara Jean and Peter, navigating the ups and downs of teen love, raves Good Housekeeping. The good news doesn’t stop there! If you fall head-over-heels for Lara Jean’s journey, Netflix has you covered. Both “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” and the final chapter, “To All the Boys: Always and Forever” are waiting to take you deeper into this heartwarming trilogy.
This charming teen romance will have you reminiscing about those tricky yet beautiful high school days! It’s a joyful trip down memory lane, a feel-good escape that lets you indulge in the nostalgia of young love, Collider says. So grab your tissues (for happy tears, of course) and prepare to be transported back in time!
2. “Holidate” (2020)
📸 a few new movie stills of emma roberts as sloane in the #holidate movie pic.twitter.com/dfN9L25Xis
— Emma Roberts Daily (@robertsarchives) November 25, 2020
Who doesn’t love a good crossover movie? “Holidate” follows the incomparable Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey as they navigate a whole year’s worth of holidays and try to have a date for all of them. This movie uses one of the great romantic comedy tropes: the classic fake-dating scenario where things get real! Imagine agreeing to be each other’s plus-one for all the holidays, only to discover there might be more to the story, writes MovieWeb.
Charming, and laugh-out-loud funny, it’s a story about two people who strike up an unexpected connection, praises Collider. What starts as a simple agreement to be each other’s plus-ones for all the holidays blossoms into something more. Get ready for heartwarming moments, hilarious situations, and a beautiful story that proves love can bloom in the most unexpected places.
The big standout about this movie? It’s a great holiday movie for all holidays, from Halloween to St. Patrick’s Day, and the big holiday winter season. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for festive periods, raves Good Housekeeping.
3. “Always Be My Maybe” (2019)
As the second movie on the 20th day of my #LoveMovies & #RomCom month I watched yesterday the long on my list but always postponed movie "Always be my maybe". Good that I saw it once, but for my rewatch list it hta not
enough. pic.twitter.com/PELsZgHlLU— 🌎 🇩🇪 MadameMim (@madame_mim) February 21, 2023
Speaking of gut-bustlingly funny, Ali Wong and Randall Park created a masterpiece of laughing so hard you can’t breathe, notes Entertainment Weekly. The famous comedians partnered up to create a truly hilarious story of young friends who came apart after an impulsive moment in the back of a car before coming back together as adults. This is one of those rare flicks that has everything going for it.
The Netflix original really shook things up in the world of rom-coms! A successful restauranteur (Wong) bumps into her childhood neighbor (Park) and sparks fly. But between opening a new restaurant and rekindling old feelings, things get complicated. This boundary-pushing film also has heart, humor, and a fresh perspective, writes MovieWeb.
4. “Set It Up” (2018)
Set It Up (2018): Surprisingly a good movie. Mostly rom-coms are predictable, including this one, yet this one is an absolute beauty. These kinds of movies are very rare, where u enjoy every small character and satisfy every emotion, including the cheesy one.
7/10#WhatToWatch pic.twitter.com/i5C2TbCjrl
— 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘀 & TV Shows (@Letsgetweiiird) February 27, 2023
A classic and delicious trope is the “people who set their friends up and fall in love in the process,” and who’s better to do it than Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell? The dynamic duo is a delightful surprise in “Set It Up,” according to MovieWeb. This clever comedy puts a fresh spin on the classic meet-cute, and the undeniable chemistry between the leads is sure to leave you smiling.
In this trope, the people getting set up are exquisitely acted by powerhouses Lucy Lou and Taye Diggs, bringing that much more star power to the movie. It’s a fast-paced whirlwind of love, laughter, and pure cheese (in the best way possible!), claims Paste Magazine. It perfectly captures the feel-good essence of classic rom-coms while adding a healthy dose of humor.
Punctuated by the sweet and simple love of friends who become more, think “The Devil Wears Prada” meets feel-good vibes. There’s a little bit of manipulation (with good intentions, we promise!), but overall it’s a delightful and heartwarming story, raves Entertainment Weekly. They even crowned it the “gold standard” for summer rom-coms, and we couldn’t agree more. Get ready for a fun exploration of work-life balance, love lives, and everything in between, all wrapped up in a charming and breezy package.
5. “The Lovebirds” (2020)
Imagine being on the brink of a break-up when things go from bad to bonkers! That’s the wild ride you’re in for with “The Lovebirds.” It’s a hilarious and action-packed adventure that tests the limits of a relationship. This film, directed by Michael Showalter, takes inspiration from the cult classic “After Hours” but injects it with modern flair, mentions Paste Magazine. Buckle up for a bumpy ride with tons of laughs and a surprising amount of heart!
As they work together to solve a murder mystery and clear their names, you’ll find yourself rooting for these troubled lovebirds turned accidental detectives. The chemistry between established comedian Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani is undeniable, and they perfectly capture the bickering (and maybe a hint of lingering affection) of a couple who knows each other all too well, says Collider.
Forget the predictable rom-com formula! “The Lovebirds” throws Rae and Nanjiani into a hilarious adventure that redefines the second-chance romance. Light on the mush and heavy on the laughs, it offers a realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of relationships, not just romantic ones, explains Entertainment Weekly. But the real cherry on top? Seeing Rae and Nanjiani smash through racial barriers and rom-com stereotypes with their solid connection and modern sensibility.
Sources:
- Collider
- MovieWeb
- Paste Magazine
- Good Housekeeping
- Entertainment Weekly
- Monsters and Critics
- Rotten Tomatoes
- Esquire
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.