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 theSexiest Movies on Netflix), they’re still lovely in their own way. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the best romantic comedies 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 onHulu,HBO, orPrime Video, or see our recommendations for the best movies onNetflix.
Editor’s note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Love Is In the Air.
RELATED:The Best Romantic Movies on Netflix Right Now
Love Is in the Air
InLove is in the Air, William (Joshua Sasse) and Dana (Delta Goodrem) are seemingly incompatible, but when unlikely romance begins to blossom, it’s hard for seaplane pilot Dana to deny her feelings despite William’s previous attempts at destroying her business. Heartwarming and charming, this humorous rom-com from directorAdrian Powerscaptures the magnificent chemistry of the leading pair with talented back-up from ensemble actors such asMia GrunwaldandRoy Billing. From turbulent beginnings to its safe landing,Love Is in the Airis exactly what any rom-com fan could ask for, with the endearing narrative pleasing both the mind and soul. -Jake Hodges
Happiness for Beginners
Ellie Kemper(Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) andLuke Grimes(Fifty Shades of Grey) star in this romantic comedy set in the wilderness of the Appalachian Trail.Happiness For Beginnersfinds Kemper and Grimes on a survivalist hike, with Kemper playing a recent divorcée and Grimes guiding the troop, where their characters reconnect after many years and rediscover who they want to be moving forward. The chemistry between the two is undeniable, and the supporting cast provides a nice balance of comedy, especiallyNico Santos(Superstore) andBlythe Danner(Huff). It’s a charming affair set against a beautiful outdoorsy backdrop that only enhances the feelings of romance throughout. –Tauri Miller
The Perfect Find
Based on the novel byTia Williams,The Perfect Findis a story about a 40-year-old woman (Gabrielle Union) trying to rebuild her life and career after a very public breakup and firing. While trying to get under someone to get over her ex, she starts to fall for a younger man (Keith Powers). But her luck hasn’t finished running out, as her new guy turns out to be the son of her domineering boss. The film is a fun and insightful look at the ways women are asked to choose a singular path to fulfillment: love or career. Watching Union’s performance as Jenna Jones, who has to claw her way back from the bottom so she can have it all, is truly uplifting.
Your Place or Mine
Ashton Kutcher(The Ranch) andReese Witherspoon(The Morning Show) star inYour Place or Mine, a charming romantic comedy that was both written and directed byAline Brosh McKenna(Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Building on traditional tropes and expected twists,Your Place or Minestands out due to its undeniably hilarious supporting cast, which includes comedianTig Notaroand writerGloria Calderón Kellett(One Day at a Time), as well asZoe Chao(Party Down) andSteve Zahn(The White Lotus). Brosh McKenna’s clear grasp on romance, comedy, and how to marry them together allowsYour Place or Mineto join the ranks of beloved rom-coms worth rewatching time and again.– Yael Tygiel
A Tourist’s Guide to Love
Rachael Leigh Cook(She’s All That) returns to her romantic routes as Amanda Riley inA Tourist’s Guide to Love. Directed bySteven Tsuchida,A Tourist’s Guide to Loveis a beautiful adventure about a second chance at love written byEirene Donohue, exploring the power of kindness and the journey toward resilience. Co-starringMissi Pyle,Ben Feldman, andScott Lýas Sinh Thach, a charmingly charismatic tour guide in Vietnam,A Tourist’s Guide to Lovefollows as Sinh’s free-spirited ways begin to mend Amanda’s (Cook) heartbreak. Settle in for an uplifting message and gorgeous scenes shot in Vietnam withA Tourist’s Guide to Love.– Yael Tygiel
Someone Great
After a devastating break up on the eve of her cross-country move, Jenny enjoys one last NYC adventure with her two best pals. Someone Great is a romantic comedy about love, loss, growth and the everlasting bond of female friendship.
Someone Greatcould 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 makesSomeone Greatsuch 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
Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Notting Hill is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a charming British bookseller who falls in love with an American movie star. Released in 1999, the romantic comedy written by Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually screenwriter Richard Curtis was a critical and box office success.
Notting Hillstars the charmingly BritishHugh Grantas 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 legendJulie Roberts(Homecoming). An adorable romantic comedy written byLove Actually’sRichard Curtis,Notting Hillis an enchanting film directed byRoger Michellthat 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
Lindsay Lohan(Freaky Friday) returns to movies with the festive romanceFalling for Christmas. Credited as Lohan’s reemergence in the industry,Falling for Christmasalso serves asJaneen 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 byJeff BonnettandRon Oliver,Falling for Christmasis 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 Christmasprovides all the cozy comfort and warmth expected and cherished during the frostiest season.– Yael Tygiel
Look Both Ways
Look Both Waysis an enchanting romantic comedy that explores life choices, destiny, and purpose. StarringRiverdale’sLili Reinhartas Natalie,Look Both Waysfollows her potential life after college graduation, where she either starts a family and stays in her hometown or follows her passion in Los Angeles. WriterApril 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 interestsDanny RamirezandDavid Corenswet,as well as Natalie’s parents, played byLuke Wilson(DC’s Stargirl) andAndrea Savage.– Yael Tygiel
Love & Gelato
If you’re looking for a light, breezy watch, look no further thanLove & 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 & Gelatohas its fair share of tropes and cliches, but sometimes, you want something a little predictable and a lot adorable. –Taylor Gates
The Lovebirds
A film that is carried by the strength of its leads,The LovebirdsseesIssa RaeandKumail 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
A Perfect Pairing
Set in the beautiful Australian outback,A Perfect Pairingfollows 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 Pairingis the perfect rom-com for any occasion, offering laughs, sweetness, and maybe even a few tears. -Jay Snow
