Best Rom Coms on Netflix Right Now (October 2023) (original) (raw)

Updated Oct 20, 2023, 10:00 AM EDT

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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 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, or see our recommendations for the best movies on Netflix.

Editor's note: This article was updated October 2023 to include Love Is In the Air.

Release Date

September 28, 2023

In Love 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 director Adrian Powers captures the magnificent chemistry of the leading pair with talented back-up from ensemble actors such as Mia Grunwald and Roy Billing. From turbulent beginnings to its safe landing, Love Is in the Air is exactly what any rom-com fan could ask for, with the endearing narrative pleasing both the mind and soul. - Jake Hodges

Release Date

July 27, 2023

Runtime

103 Minutes

Director

Vicky Wight

Writers

Vicky Wight, Katherine Center

Ellie Kemper (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt) and Luke Grimes (Fifty Shades of Grey) star in this romantic comedy set in the wilderness of the Appalachian Trail. Happiness For Beginners finds 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, especially Nico Santos (Superstore) and Blythe Danner (Huff). It’s a charming affair set against a beautiful outdoorsy backdrop that only enhances the feelings of romance throughout. – Tauri Miller

Release Date

June 23, 2023

Runtime

99 Minutes

Director

Numa Perrier

Writers

Leigh Davenport

Based on the novel by Tia Williams, The Perfect Find is 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.

Release Date

February 10, 2023

Runtime

109 minutes

Director

Aline Brosh McKenna

Writers

Aline Brosh McKenna

Ashton Kutcher(The Ranch) and Reese Witherspoon (The Morning Show) star in Your Place or Mine, a charming romantic comedy that was both written and directed by Aline Brosh McKenna (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend). Building on traditional tropes and expected twists, Your Place or Mine stands out due to its undeniably hilarious supporting cast, which includes comedian Tig Notaro and writer Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time), as well as Zoe Chao (Party Down) and Steve Zahn (The White Lotus). Brosh McKenna’s clear grasp on romance, comedy, and how to marry them together allows Your Place or Mine to join the ranks of beloved rom-coms worth rewatching time and again. – Yael Tygiel

Release Date

April 21, 2023

Runtime

96 minutes

Director

Steven K. Tsuchida

Writers

Eirene Tran Donohue

Rachael Leigh Cook (She’s All That) returns to her romantic routes as Amanda Riley in A Tourist’s Guide to Love. Directed by Steven Tsuchida, A Tourist’s Guide to Love is a beautiful adventure about a second chance at love written by Eirene Donohue, exploring the power of kindness and the journey toward resilience. Co-starring Missi Pyle, Ben Feldman, and Scott Lý as Sinh Thach, a charmingly charismatic tour guide in Vietnam, A Tourist’s Guide to Love follows 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 with A Tourist’s Guide to Love. – Yael Tygiel

Release Date

April 19, 2019

Runtime

92 Minutes

Director

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

Writers

Jennifer Kaytin Robinson

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 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

Release Date

May 28, 1999

Runtime

124 minutes

Director

Roger Michell

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 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

Release Date

November 10, 2022

Runtime

93 minutes

Director

Janeen Damian

Writers

Jeff Bonnett, Ron Oliver

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

Release Date

August 17, 2022

Director

Wanuri Kahiu

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

Release Date

June 22, 2022

Director

Brandon Camp

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

A film that is carried by the strength of its leads, The Lovebirds sees Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as 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

Release Date

May 19, 2022

Runtime

101 minutes

Director

Stuart McDonald

Writers

Elizabeth Hackett, Hilary Galanoy

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