Just when you thought you'd run out of binge-worthy films, Netflix seems to always find something new to suggest. If rom-coms are your bread and butter, check out this list, jam-packed with the top romantic comedies of all time.
Have you seen them all? If not, make sure you add them to your queue...
Love Actually (2005)
It's easy to understand why Love Actually is one of the best romantic comedies of all time. It falls into tons of different corny tropes and stereotypes that make it funny, while the romantic aspect is believable and fun to follow. It's basically a super-cut of every romantic comedy made before 2005.
Love Actually follows nine storylines with Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Keira Knightly, Liam Neeson, and so many more famous faces. To top it all off, it definitely counts as a Christmas movie since it's based around the holidays. So, it's evergreen in more ways than one!
The Big Sick (2017)
Kumail Nanjiani decided to take one of the most difficult experiences of his life and make it into a romantic comedy... That's pretty much the best recipe for a successful film, right?
The film follows a couple who is struggling to find common ground with their family's different traditions. Kumail Nanjiani plays himself in the film as a comic who also works as an Uber Driver and his wife is played by Zoe Kazan. Things go south when Emily falls into a coma and Kumail has to deal with her parents. He stays by her bedside, and hilarious trouble ensues...
Sleeping With Other People (2015)
This film takes on a more nuanced version of the romantic comedy. Instead of cute storylines and quirky characters, we meet two people who are as flawed as they come in more ways than one. It's not uncommon to have messy characters, but the writers really didn't hold back on creating the problems between these two.
Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis take on the personas of two former lovers who haven't had a healthy relationship since college. Just like every romantic comedy, the audience watches as they untangle themselves from the web of their own destruction to build their own relationship.
Ruby Sparks (2012)
Ruby Sparks conveys the gripping story of an author who ends up falling in love with a character from his own novel after she starts appearing to him in reality. The fact that the character, Ruby, is a figment of his imagination, offers up more possibilities for the film writers to explore a romantic comedy plot.
A big part of the success in this movie is the real-life chemistry between Ruby and Calvin. Ruby is played by Zoe Kazan, who wrote the film, and Calvin is played by her husband, Paul Dano. They've been married since 2007 and have one daughter.
Don't Go Breaking My Heart (2011)
Who doesn't love a good love triangle? That situation is every rom-com fanatics guilty pleasure. Don't Go Breaking My Heart absolutely fulfills that incessant need for drama while also developing complex characters for the sake of said love triangle... Enter, more drama.
Basically, Chi-yan is newly single as her boyfriend knocked up another woman. The CEO of her company learns that and tries to pursue her, but is stopped in his tracks when an alcoholic in need of "saving" comes into her life. Should she pick the flashy rich guy or the charming sad guy?
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Big was a fantastic movie, so it only makes sense to make it a gender-swapped, coming of age romantic comedy! This film has everything... Montages, dance sequences, makeovers, and Mark Ruffalo.
Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) learns the hard way that being a grown-up is not all that it's cracked up to be... It's a great, funny movie that teaches you to appreciate what you have.
Bend it Like Beckham (2002)
Bend It Like Beckham follows a young Sikh woman who just wants to play soccer (or, football since it takes place overseas.) Jesminder loves her parents but loves soccer, too. So, she does what every woman in a romantic comedy who is being held back by her parents does... She goes against their wishes.
Jesminder is helped by her loyal friend, played by Keira Knightly, to join a team and start playing the sport. The film is a slow burner that follows Jemsinder as she tries to figure out herself.
Obvious Child (2014)
It's easy for romantic comedies to fall into a formula, so it's necessary to break the cycle. Of course, Obvious Child plays into said formula... At first. Then, it takes twists and turns you could never expect!
This film is Jenny Slate's first lead-feature film. She is a struggling stand-up comedian who gets broken up with by her boyfriend and falls in love with a one-night stand. Obvious Child isn't the cutesy, gossipy drama you'd think, but explores some scary paths that are still relatable and funny.
Belle Epoque (1992)
Belle Epoque has its characters fall in love just days before the Spanish Civil War unfolds. It follows a young war-deserter who stays with an old-soul artist in the eerie countryside. Naturally, he ends up seducing three of the artist's four daughters. The drama is already there!
The storyline seems grim, but it's humorous to watch these young people try and navigate a difficult time in their country with each other. Plus, the film features a very young Penelope Cruz.
High Fidelity (2000)
John Cusack is in the spotlight of this film. He plays a nerdy music geek who is stuck in his past relationships. He's basically got a carousel of women who look in and out of his life as they struggle to get him to grow up.
Catherin Zeta-Jones and Lili Taylor are both fantastic in their roles as they highlight the flaws of the main characters. It's also got the best soundtrack a romantic comedy can get.
My Sassy Girl (2001)
If you've seen every single American rom-com, then My Sassy Girl should be next on your list. In 2001, it was one of South Korea's five highest-grossing films in history. But do yourself a favor and skip the American remake.
An engineering student falls for a manic pixie dream girl. Obviously, 'opposites attract' is the trope for this film as they dive deeply into romantic adventures and emotional situations. The story follows the two for years so we can really watch them grow together.
Go Fish (1994)
This romantic comedy was the first LGBTQ film that didn't involve a character death or coming out as a huge plot point. It was also filmed on a $15,000 budget and made over $2.6 million. Definitely a success!
The plot is simple: Max, a headstrong writer, begins dating an older person named Ely. Max has a hilarious group of friends who love to be in each other's business, so this new romantic adventure is not just Max's but everyones.
Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)
This is a romantic comedy that follows a proud Jewish woman who is running all over New York City trying to figure out her love life. She ends up coming across a personal ad looking for love, and it turns out to be from a woman named Helen. Of course, hilarity ensues as the two women try to figure out life in crazy NYC, new-found bisexuality, and an overbearing Jewish mother.
Annie Hall (1977)
Despite Woody Allen's horrific life, Annie Hall continues to be one of the best romantic comedies out there. With a cast like Christopher Walken and Diane Keaton, what else is there hate? Besides Allen, of course. The relationship unfolds in a nuanced way that keeps the audience's attention.
She's All That (1999)
High school itself is basically one big rom-com, so why not write about the high school experience? This film follows the school dork and the school jock as they navigate a budding relationship... Even though the jock started the relationship as a bet.
Eagle vs Shark (2007)
Taika Waititi was actually in a popular romantic comedy in New Zealand before his stint with Thor: Ragnarok. These two would definitely be classified as "misfits in love" as they navigate a relationship through their quirks. Watching them develop their relationship is amusing and sweet.
Think Like a Man (2012)
This film is based on Steve Harvey's best-seller "Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man." Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Goode, and even Steve Harvey grace the screen in this hilarious modern love story that still holds up. Who would have thought Steve Harvey and romantic comedy would mix?
Shall We Dance? (1996)
A salaryman is at the center of this film as it devolves into self-realization outside of the corporate world. The main character quite literally sold his soul to his career, doing everything in his power to keep his job, including sacrificing his relationship with his family. He somehow falls into ballroom dancing and gets feelings for the instructor, but in a different way. Instead of leaving the wife, he actually realizes how much he loves his wife and how he wants to do better for her.
Harold and Maude (1971)
A young man is obsessed with death. A 79-year-old hippie, free-spirited woman tells him about the joys of living and how to relish in being alive. The chemistry between them isn't necessarily romantic, but it's addicting to watch. After all, being 80 is much closer to death than 20, so she has a thing or two to talk about before she goes.
Knocked Up (2007)
Judd Apatow is kind of the king of romantic comedies. Knocked Up is Seth Rogan's debut and one of Apatow's best works. It follows a couple who had a one night stand and came out of it with pregnancy. Alison (Katherine Heigl) decides to keep the baby, bonding the couple forever.
Desk Set (1957)
Old school movies usually have trouble aging. This one is a little different. Katherine Hepburn plays a disruptive woman in media who likes to play dumb to get her way. Spencer Tracy plays a computer installer who is giving her company a computer that would take away her job. This film played a huge role in women finding themselves and realizing their potential outside of a relationship, even when multiple men come into play.
Muriel's Wedding (1994)
Toni Collette is best known for her parts creeper films like The Sixth Sense, Velvet Buzzsaw, Hereditary, Fright Night, Krampus... The list goes on. In 1994, she was an adorable dreamer who saw the world through rose-colored glasses. She wanted a fun wedding, too, so she decided to get married to a South African swimmer for that sweet sweet green card. Yes, there is some ABBA in this movie.
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
Diane Keaton is a gem for romantic comedies. Seeing Jack Nicholson and Keaton together on screen with fantastic chemistry is what made this movie so addicting to most. She is a successful playwright being wooed by a young doctor and he is a rich Lothario who is into younger women... Including her daughter. They find each other through the thick of it and it only gets messier from there.
But I'm a Cheerleader (2000)
Little Natasha Lyonne kickstarted her career with this queer cult classic. She is sent away to a lesbian "rehab" center where she's supposed to "get better." Naturally, putting a bunch of teenagers who are attracted to each other in the same room won't work out the way you want it to... Despite the comedic aspect, it's touching and romantic and will probably make you tear up a bit.
Boomerang (1992)
Eddie Murphy is known for his comedic acting, but he was never one to be the romantic. So, Boomerang is quite a nice change in his filmography! The film follows a notorious Lothario who has finally met a woman that he can't seduce—hilarity and wooing ensue.
Sabrina (1954)
A love triangle between Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, and William Holden? Thank goodness this exists. Hepburn is the romantic comedy queen of her generation, and this film is no different. Watching the two men, who play brothers in the film, try and outdo themselves for her is quite the spectacle.
Shakespeare In Love (1998)
It took long enough for someone to make a Shakespeare romcom. Despite all of the baggage behind the movie, the film itself is sweet and funny. The screenplay is good, the chemistry is fantastic, and even William Shakespeare felt alive!
Rangeela (1995)
This Mumbai film was an easy hit at the box office. Mili and Raj are opposite leads in a film. They fall in love, against her mother's wishes, and try their best to keep it professional. The plot thickens when another man is revealed in the Mili's life, and things get twisted.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
Any romantic comedy with Jimmy Stewart in it is a guaranteed hit, but the plot for The Shop Around the Corner is fantastic. Two pen pals in Budapest have fallen in love with each other just through their words alone. In a fun twist, the pen pals turn out to be two co-workers who consistently feud with each other. They have no idea that they are actually writing to one another!
Notting Hill (1999)
Hugh Grant is rom-com gold, and don't forget it. His role in Notting Hill was just as good as the rest of his films. Grant plays Richard Curtis, a love-struck man chasing after movie star Anna Scott, played by Julia Roberts.
Punch-Drunk Love (2002)
This one is a musical, and it's very good! Adam Sandler plays Barry Egan, a low-brow comedian with some anger issues. Lena Leonard, played by Emily Watson, sees a man that she can change.
Amélie (2001)
This is one of the most popular rom-coms of all time. You've probably seen posters for it everywhere. The archetype of the main character is similar to Jane Austen, where she is the perfect heroine and wants to live in a romantic world. Basically, it's like Jane Austen was brought into 2001.
The Lady Eve (1941)
This film is a truly classic 1940s romantic screwball comedy. The film follows a con artist who wants to steal some money from the heir of a wealthy business empire, but she ends up falling in love with him instead. Hate when that happens!
Jerry Macguire (1996)
Some may not count Jerry Macguire as a rom-com, but it most certainly is. The plot is based around a sports agent (Tom Cruise) who wants to revamp his life, and Dorothy (Renne Zellweger), the only one who supports him after he gets fired. Naturally, their lives are pulling each other apart, but they do everything they can to make it...
The American President (1995)
This film is filled with swoon-worthy moments and razor-sharp dialogue. This movie takes place in a world where the president is charming and handsome, while also knowing the limits of his power. Of course, the world of politics is a stressful one, and that comes across in this film, fulfilling the drama aspect.
Clueless (1995)
This is one of the best high school rom-coms ever. This film is an adaptation of Jane Austen's "Emma" but fit into the late-90s realm. Alicia Silverstone is the best face for Cher, who is obsessed with throwing fancy parties and picking out her outfit to match her purse for that day. You know, high school things. Her romance is with her ex-stepbrother (Paul Rudd) which feels weird but kind of works.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
This film is the meet-cute to end all meet-cutes. It's one of the earliest renditions of a screwball comedy and paves the way for other directors to follow in its footsteps. Cary Grant portrays a paleontologist who falls for heiress Katharine Hepburn the night before his marriage to another woman. The wacky events that ensue are unrealistic and hilarious.
Pretty Woman (1990)
This was originally going to be a dark indie drama about evil Hollywood, but it turned into something very different. Julia Roberts was the perfect match to play a woman who was introduced into the world of the wealthy. One cool fact about the film is that many of the best parts were improved. Julia Roberts is a natural!
Groundhog Day (1993)
Groundhog Day is just one of those films that will keep you entertained time and time again. There are some impressive themes in this film, but the romantic aspect usually gets left behind when talking about this film's genius. Trust us, though, it's worth a spot on the list...
Monsoon Wedding (2001)
There are several romances that come across in this film. It all culminates from an arranged marriage between Aditi and Hemant. The handheld cameras make it easy to feel like you, as the viewer, are there experiencing their story with them. This is not your "expected" rom-com, but it fits the bill perfectly.
His Girl Friday (1940)
Director Howard Hawks didn't write women as if they were women; he wrote them as if they were men. They were always buried in their work and moving quickly to get their career forward. That's what makes these films so unique. Of course, there are screwball antics between the two protagonists as they try to maneuver working together.
Roman Holiday (1953)
Princess Ann needs to get a grip on her life and leave the controlling folks behind. She sneaks out of her country’s embassy during a state visit to the Italian capital, and so begins the ride of her life. The first person she meets just happens to be reporter Joe Bradley, who sees this bubbly woman as a potential story that'll make him big. He plays dumb on knowing her real identity as he shows her the around town. Naturally, he falls for her in an unconventional way.
Moonstruck (1987)
If you don't like Moonstruck then you don't deserve to call yourself a fan of romantic comedy. What is there not to like about Cher and Nicholas Cage? These two have a tumultuous relationship, coming from strong-headed Brooklyn families makes it hard for them to have a conversation without yelling. This love story is aggressive, hilarious, and iconic.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Nicholas Stroller is back at it again with a star-studded cast intertwined in a weird love-square. This film is a great piece about avoiding the things that will make you happy quick and that instant gratification isn't so great. Jason Segel, Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Russell Brand, Paul Rudd, Jonah Hill, and Bill Hader are all apart of this cast, so why not check it out?
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
This is easily the most quotable rom-com in history. "I'll have what she's having," is one of the most iconic scenes known to film nerds. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have this bizarre chemistry that truly works in this film as they are both neurotic and hopeless romantics.
It Happened One Night (1934)
Somehow, this film holds up better than the rest even after 80 years. The humor that the main leads convey is weirdly modern, which makes it more relatable than other classic films. A rich girl who feels smothered by her privileged life runs away with an unrestrained newspaperman and becomes his story... and his love interest.
Something Wild (1986)
A prototypical, wet-blanket yuppie (Jeff Daniels) is swooped away by the free-spirited, no-restraints Lulu (Melanie Griffith). They go on a wild adventure that helps the yuppie loosen up a bit, and fall in love along the way.
Modern Times (1936)
A factory worker loses his job and meets Ellen. She's a beggar who has been arrested for stealing (to feed her siblings) and is introduced with a knife in between her teeth. The factory worker ends up going to jail since he can get fed there, but he somehow can't lose the beggar. Once out of jail, they go on wacky adventures together was the factory worker turns to a more "free" way of living.
Broadcast News (1987)
This is a smart comedy about the realities of TV news. A wound-up news producer becomes attracted to a vapid and rude anchorman even though she hates everything else about him... Just to add some drama, her best friend, a talented but not the most telegenic news reporter, is secretly in love with her.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
A Philadelphia socialite who splits split from her husband due both to his drinking and to her demanding nature. She prepares to wed the wealthy man with more on his plate, she crosses paths with both her ex and a prying reporter. She gets feelings for all three men and spends the movie trying to figure it all out!