The romantic comedy can be such a delightful genre when it’s done well. Yes, we know the rules and how they play out, but there’s something comforting in their familiarity and their good-heartedness. While the movies may be cuter than they are sexy (if you’re looking for those recommendations, I suggest heading over to the Sexiest Movies on Netflix), they’re still lovely in their own way.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled the best romantic comedies currently streaming on Netflix. So grab a bowl of ice cream and your favorite blanket and snuggle up with a good rom-com.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Check out our list of best romantic movies on Hulu, HBO, or Prime Video.
Editor’s note: This article was updated November 2022 to include Notting Hill and Falling for Christmas.
Someone Great (2019)
Run Time: 1 hr 32 min | Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Cast: Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, DeWanda Wise, LaKeith Stanfield
Someone Great could be described as being stoner-comedy-lite. In the film, music journalist Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) lands her dream job at the same time her boyfriend, Nate (LaKeith Stanfield), breaks up with her. Teetering from such major changes in her life, Jenny gathers her two closest friends Blair (Brittany Snow) and Erin (DeWanda Wise) for one last night of adventure. This film is a riot, and you will spend a lot of time suffering from second-hand cringe as the three friends try and fail to have the best night out. But the best part of this film is its touching and emotional look at how complicated love can be. No one’s the bad guy here, they’re just people. And that’s what makes Someone Great such a memorable, albeit off-beat, entry in the rom-com canon. The camaraderie among the three friends is such a joy to watch. And despite his curtailed role, LaKeith Stanfield is mesmeric and very dreamy. This is a comedy about love found, lost, and how to prevail despite it all. – Monita Mohan
Notting Hill (1999)
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Run Time: 2 hrs 4 min | Director: Roger Michell
Cast: Hugh Grant, Julia Roberts, Richard McCabe, Rhys Ifans
Notting Hill stars the charmingly British Hugh Grant as William Thacker, a bumbling owner of a bookshop who finds his life intertwined with the famous fictional movie star Anna Scott, played delightfully by 90s romantic comedy legend Julie Roberts (Homecoming). An adorable romantic comedy written by Love Actually’s Richard Curtis, Notting Hill is an enchanting film directed by Roger Michell that splendidly captures Grant and Roberts’ undeniable chemistry, as well as the lush, diverse, and gorgeous scenery of the London district of Notting Hill. – Yael Tygiel
Falling for Christmas (2022)
Run Time: 1 hr 33 min | Director: Janeen Damian
Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Chord Overstreet, George Young, Jack Wagner
Lindsay Lohan (Freaky Friday) returns to movies with the festive romance Falling for Christmas. Credited as Lohan’s reemergence in the industry, Falling for Christmas also serves as Janeen Damian’s directorial debut, but not her first time in the Christmas movie market, as Damian built a career on producing holiday romance films. Co-written by Jeff Bonnett and Ron Oliver, Falling for Christmas is a seasonally expected narrative about a spoiled heiress (Lohan) who becomes involved with an attractive yet homely lodge owner (Chord Overstreet) after a skiing accident leaves her with amnesia. Falling for Christmas provides all the cozy comfort and warmth expected and cherished during the frostiest season. – Yael Tygiel
Look Both Ways (2022)
Run Time: 1 hr 50 min | Director: Wanuri Kahiu
Cast: Lili Reinhart, Danny Ramirez, Aisha Dee, David Corenswet
Look Both Ways is an enchanting romantic comedy that explores life choices, destiny, and purpose. Starring Riverdale’s Lili Reinhart as Natalie, Look Both Ways follows her potential life after college graduation, where she either starts a family and stays in her hometown or follows her passion in Los Angeles. Writer April Prosser’s fascinating script allows Reinhart to showcase her often overlooked talent as she dives deep into two compelling roles in the same movie. Supporting her is a gorgeous cast, including handsome love interests Danny Ramirez and David Corenswet, as well as Natalie’s parents, played byLuke Wilson (DC’s Stargirl) and Andrea Savage. – Yael Tygiel
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Run Time: 1 hr 58 min | Director: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa
Cast: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, Emma Stone
When a recently separated man (Steve Carell) finds himself back in the dating scene, a local womanizer (Ryan Gosling) takes him under his wing to learn how to pick up women. What could’ve been your average rom-com, This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman weaves together a beautiful story about the complications of love and life after love. Featuring an all-star cast including Oscar winners Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, and Marisa Tomei, this cast brings the laughs mixed with some genuinely profound moments about the connections made along the way. If you need extra incentive to give this rom-com a watch, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling recreate the infamous Dirty Dancing lift to perfection! – Meredith Loftus
Love & Gelato (2022)
Run Time: 1 hr 50 min | Director: Brandon Camp
Cast: Susanna Skaggs, Tobia De Angelis, Owen McDonnell
If you’re looking for a light, breezy watch, look no further than Love & Gelato. The sweet (pun intended) rom-com revolves around Lina (Susanna Skaggs) as she gets off to Rome the summer before college. There, she finds herself in the middle of a love triangle. Thankfully, she has a supportive best friend and lots of Italian food to help her through it. Love & Gelato has its fair share of tropes and cliches, but sometimes, you want something a little predictable and a lot adorable. – Taylor Gates
The Lovebirds (2020)
Run Time: 1 hr 27 min | Director: Michael Showalter
Cast: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Sparks
A film that is carried by the strength of its leads, The Lovebirds sees Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjianias a couple whoget unintentionally caught up in a real-life murder mystery. Both were deeply in love, though they have now begun to realize their relationship is more complicated than when it initially started out, making the crisis one that will test their connection to each other just as it threatens their lives. Both hit all the right comedic and dramatic notes, even when the film doesn’t always, making for a more breezy yet boisterous affair. In particular, Rae really shifts into being the driving force of the narrative that can get out of hand. She grounds every wild sequence and reminds us of the stakes as well as the silliness that is unfolding before us. By the time all the pieces fall into place, you’ll find yourself won over by these troubled lovebirds turned unlikely masterminds. – Chase Hutchinson
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A Perfect Pairing (2022)
Run Time: 1 hr 41 min | Director: Stuart McDonald
Cast: Victoria Justice, Adam Demos, Luca Asta Sardelis
Set in the beautiful Australian outback, A Perfect Pairing follows Lola (Victoria Justice) as she quits her job distributing wine for the ever-terrible Calder (Craig Horner) and decides to venture out on her own. Her first step as a new business owner? Finding the perfect first wine to import. With a little help from a friend, Lola heads to a sheep farm in Australia to woo Hazel Vaughn (Samantha Cain) and get the delicious and popular Vaughn Family Wines on her client list. Unfortunately, Hazel isn’t too keen to go with a new company. With everything on the line, Lola takes a job on the farm to stick around a little longer and gives this new journey her all. But things become complicated as she grows closer to the mysterious Max (Adam Demos). A Perfect Pairing is the perfect rom-com for any occasion, offering laughs, sweetness, and maybe even a few tears. – Jay Snow
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Holidate (2020)
Run Time: 1 hr 44 min | Director: John Whitesell
Cast: Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoweth
As is the tale in most rom-coms, being single is the worst — especially around the holidays. After her little brother gets engaged to the girlfriend he’s been with for three months, Sloane (Emma Roberts) is the last single sibling, meaning her parents and older sister are constantly pressuring her to wrangle herself a man. Tired of being on the receiving end of these comments, she meets Jackson (Luke Bracey), who is in a similar position after a terrible breakup with his last girlfriend. As the many holidays throughout the year go by with each other as their plus one, Sloane and Jackson’s relationship changes, and the two become closer with one another than they’ve been with any of their exes. Holidate is an endearing, funny, and beautiful story about an unexpected connection growing from a seemingly innocent agreement, perfect for any holiday watch (especially as it covers most of them). – Jay Snow
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Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (2018)
Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Director: Ian Samuels
Cast: Shannon Purser, Kristine Froseth, RJ Cyler, Noah Centineo
Stranger Things alum Shannon Purser stars in this teen rom-com as the titular Sierra Burgess, who tries to win the affections of her high school crush, played by Noah Centineo, with the help of the most popular girl in school (Kristine Froseth) after a case of mistaken identity. If the plot sounds familiar, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser updates the classic story of Cyranode Bergerac, trading out letters for text messages. What makes this retelling stand apart is its positive message of self-acceptance in order to blossom into becoming your authentic self. – Meredith Loftus
Love Hard (2021)
Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Director: Hernan Jimenez
Cast: Nina Dobrev, Jimmy O. Yang, Darren Barnet, Harry Shum Jr.
Let’s start with the bad—the plot of Love Hardrevolves around catfishing. But it gets better. Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrev) is a dating column writer, who has the worst luck with dates. Over the holidays, however, she hits it off with an online match, Josh Lin. Convinced there’s a connection, Natalie flies to Josh’s hometown only to discover Josh (Jimmy O. Yang) has been using another man’s pictures, Tag Abbott (Darren Barnet). They try and keep up the pretense of being a couple for Josh’s family, while Josh helps Natalie date the real Tag. As Christmas romantic comedies go, Love Hard has a pretty standard premise, and despite the problematic beginning, it’s actually quite sweet and tender. Yang plays Josh as believably nerdy, but also earnest and sweet, and he and Dobrev have comfortable chemistry that makes their banter and friendship fun to watch. Harry Shum Jr., who plays Josh’s older brother Owen, is a scene-stealer, as the resident villain. The film has a ridiculously cute ending which will warm your heart just in time for winter. – Monita Mohan
The Royal Treatment (2022)
Run Time: 1 hr 37 min | Director: Rick Jacobson
Cast: Laura Marano, Mena Massoud, Chelsie Preston Crayford
Romantic comedies are a beloved genre, but they haven’t always been inclusive. We’ve seen a surge of diverse films recently, and The Royal Treatment is one of them. Isabella (Laura Marano) is a hairdresser in New York who is accidentally called to give the Prince of Lavania (a fictional country), Thomas (Mena Massoud), a haircut. The prince is immediately enchanted by Izzy’s vivacious personality, but she isn’t as impressed. As a favor, Thomas invites Izzy and her colleagues to Lavania for hair and makeup duties for his upcoming nuptials, but it’s not long before Izzy turns the prince’s life upside down. This film is like a gender-swapped Aladdin, which is part of the appeal since Massoud played the live-action version of the character. Aside from being an absolutely gorgeous film to look at, it’s so refreshing to see an actor like Massoud play a romantic lead in a film that has very little to do with real-world turmoil. He and Marano have an easy chemistry that makes the film extremely watchable. Marano as Izzy has a larger-than-life personality, but Massoud’s Thomas is a revelation who will bring a smile to your face. The Royal Treatment is a soothing, engaging and comforting film you shouldn’t skip. – Monita Mohan
The Half of It (2020)
Run Time: 1 hr 44 min | Director: Alice Wu
Cast: Leah Lewis, Daniel Diemer, Alexxis Lemire, Collin Chou
Netflix has been knocking it out of the park with their young adult romantic comedies lately and Alice Wu’s The Half Of It is no different. It’s been nearly 15 years since Wu debuted her first feature film, and it’s a good thing she made her way back to the industry because The Half Of It is an especially well-layered, charming and deeply touching tale of relationships – and not just the romantic kind. The movie stars Leah Lewis as Ellie Chu. She’s an extremely bright student who opts out of having a social life at school. Instead, she puts her time and energy into making some extra cash by writing her classmates’ papers for them. However, when jock Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) asks Ellie to write a love letter for him to give to his crush Aster (Alexxis Lemire) instead, it sparks a love/friendship triangle that teaches all three more about each other and themselves than they ever could have expected. It’s an especially nuanced and sensitive exploration of what it means to find “the one,” that ventures well outside the bounds of the cliché understanding of the concept and into territory that’s far more complex, realistic and inspiring. — Perri Nemiroff
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Run Time: 1 hr 39 min | Director: Susan Johnson
Cast: Lana Condor, Janel Parrish, Anna Cathcart, Noah Centineo
If you’re looking for a fun, sweet, YA romance to brighten your day, you won’t do much better on Netflix than To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Based off the novel by Jenny Han, the story follows Lara Jean (Lana Condor), a teenager whose worst nightmares are realized when five letters she wrote to her secret crushes are sent out without her knowledge. When she’s confronted by her old crush Peter (Noah Centineo), she’s afraid it could get in the way of her current crush Josh (Israel Broussard), so Lara Jean and Peter resolve to fake a relationship so they can get with who they really want to be with. Naturally, pretending to be together starts to create real feelings between the two. The film is a joy from start to finish, letting you relive a time when who “liked” you was the most important thing in the world, but without any of the trauma high school entails. – Matt Goldberg
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Let It Snow (2019)
Run Time: 1 hr 33 min | Director: Luke Snellin
Cast: Isabela Merced, Shameik Moore, Liv Hewson, Odeya Rush
If you’re in the mood for some seasonal romance, Netflix delivered a bit of a Love Actually for the teen set with Let It Snow, a breezy holiday rom-com that finds a series of overlapping love stories on one fateful Christmas-season snow day. It’s a sweet film from top-to-tail, as interested in the dramas of teen friendship and domestic struggles as it the blossoming romances, and it’s filled with delightful performances from a knockout cast of young up-and-comers. A lot of the Netflix Christmas romances follow in the Hallmark channel vein, and absolutely no judgment if that’s your preferred thing, but for those who want an old-fashioned feel-good holiday romance, Let It Snow is just the ticket.– Haleigh Foutch
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Alex Strangelove (2018)
Run Time: 1 hr 39 min | Director: Craig Johnson
Cast: Daniel Doheny, Madeline Weinstein, Antonio Marziale, Daniel Zolghadri
There’s something really endearing about the fact Alex Strangelove is an R-rated movie that definitely didn’t need to be rated R. This John Hughes-ian story says “fuck” just a few too many times and is incredibly awkward about sex, as is to be expected from any virginity-crazed kids in their last days of high school. And that’s basically this movie’s story, but with a charming twist: Class president Alex Truelove (affable Daniel Doheny, who is somehow not related to Jay Baruchel) has set a date to lose his virginity to his girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein, who adds wonderful, almost tragic layers to a thin role). But things go awry when Alex meets—and then cannot stop thinking about—an out-and-proud gay high school graduate named Elliot. Things come together a little too perfectly in the climax, but in these times we live in, a movie this concerned with accepting the things that make you different deserves nothing less than a happy ending. – Vinnie Mancuso
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Set It Up (2018)
Run Time: 1 hr 45 min | Director: Claire Scanlon
Cast: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs
If you’re looking for a charming romantic comedy, but don’t want to rewatch something from a previous decade for the umpteenth time, you should definitely give Claire Scanlon’s charming Set It Up a look. The plot follows two beleaguered assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) who decided to set up their bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs, respectively) in order to just get some precious free time away from their demanding jobs. However, with all their scheming, they start to fall for each other. You can see the bronco beats coming from a mile away, but they’ve done so well and so effectively that you won’t mind. Plus, the film sizzles thanks to the outstanding performances from the dazzling Deutch and Powell, who should be the streaming generation’s Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. – Matt Goldberg
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The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Run Time: 1 hr 25 min | Director: Jim Strouse
Cast: Jessica Williams, Chris O’Down, Lakeith Stanfield, Noel Wells
Jessica Williams still hasn’t got the breakout she deserves since her tenure on The Daily Show, but the indie rom-com The Incredible Jessica James is the first time since then we’ve got to see her step into a lead role and she just lights up the screen. Now, the character of Jessica James may not be quite as incredible as the title leads you to believe — she’s actually pretty selfish and naive — but she’s passionate, raw and ambitious, and Williams makes you love her in spite of her faults. A supporting performance from the constantly charming Chris O’Dowd certainly doesn’t hurt, and the two have electric chemistry as they try to navigate the waters of heartbreak together toward something healthy and new. Sexy, funny and decidedly modern, The Incredible Jessica James is a refreshing spin on the rom-com that doesn’t pander to the lowest common denominator. — Haleigh Foutch
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Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Run Time: 1 hr 49 min | Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Cast: Ali Wong, Randall Park, Michelle Buteau, James Saito
Netflix brought the rom-com back in a big way with 2018’s Set It Up, and the streaming service’s 2019 effort Always Be My Maybe is similarly charming and delightful. Co-written by and starring Randall Park and Ali Wong, the film follows a pair of teenaged best friends who have since drifted apart and are pushed together once more in adulthood, even though their lives have followed very different paths. Park and Wong are dynamite together, and the film takes time to breathe with some well-paced dramatic sequences. It’s also not lacking in scene-stealers, as Michelle Buteau is a hoot and Keanu Reeves once again proves his talent knows no bounds. – Adam Chitwood
https://collider.com/best-romantic-comedies-on-netflix/ Best Rom Coms on Netflix Right Now (November 2022)
