For many years, romantic comedies were often seen as “chick flicks,” movies meant for easy and guilty pleasure watching, unlike serious films by directors like Scorsese.
But in today’s world of constant news and social media, there’s something comforting about witnessing two people falling in love, offering a brief escape from life’s existential worries.
1. Title: Love & Gelato
Release Year: 2022
Director: Brandon Camp
Runtime: 1h 50m
For a delightful and easygoing movie, Love & Gelato is the perfect choice. The sweet rom-com follows Lina (Susanna Skaggs), who travels to Rome before starting college. Amidst a love triangle, she relies on her supportive best friend and the delicious Italian cuisine to navigate the situation.
2. Title: The Lovebirds
Release Year: 2020
Director: Michael Showalter
Runtime: 1h 27m
The Lovebirds, driven by its charismatic leads Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, tells the story of a couple unwittingly entangled in a murder mystery. As their love faces challenges, their lives are in danger. The movie strikes a balance between comedy and drama, creating a lively and entertaining experience.
3. Title: A Perfect Pairing
Release Year: 2022
Director: Stuart McDonald
Runtime: 1h 41m
A Perfect Pairing is set in the picturesque Australian outback, where Lola (Victoria Justice) embarks on a journey to start her own wine importing business. To secure the popular Vaughn Family Wines, she must win over Hazel Vaughn (Samantha Cain) on her sheep farm. Yet, Hazel remains hesitant about joining a new company.
4. Title: Holidate
Release Year: 2020
Director: John Whitesell
Runtime: 1h 44m
In the typical rom-com fashion, being single during the holidays seems unbearable. Sloane (Emma Roberts) becomes the only single sibling after her brother’s quick engagement, leading her family to pressure her into finding a partner. Frustrated by the constant remarks, she meets Jackson (Luke Bracey), who also seeks a fresh start after a difficult breakup.
5. Title: Love Hard
Release Year: 2021
Director: Hernan Jimenez
Runtime: 1h 45m
Though Love Hard’s plot centers on catfishing, the story takes an interesting turn. Natalie Bauer (Nina Dobrev), a dating columnist with terrible luck, finds a potential connection with Josh Lin online. Eager to meet, Natalie travels to Josh’s hometown, only to learn he used someone else’s photos—belonging to Tag Abbott (Darren Barnet).
6. Title: The Royal Treatment
Release Year: 2022
Director: Rick Jacobson
Runtime: 1h 37m
Romantic comedies, once lacking diversity, are now embracing inclusivity. The Royal Treatment stands among these films. Isabella (Laura Marano), a New York hairdresser, unexpectedly gives a haircut to Prince Thomas (Mena Massoud) of Lavania. While he’s charmed by her vivacity, Izzy remains unimpressed. Invited to Lavania for a favor, Izzy’s presence turns the prince’s life around.
7. Title: Let It Snow
Release Year: 2019
Director: Luke Snellin
Runtime: 1h 33m
Netflix offers a delightful holiday rom-com, Let It Snow, reminiscent of Love Actually for teens. Set on a snow-filled Christmas day, the film weaves overlapping love stories with the charm of teen friendships and family challenges. The young and talented cast delivers captivating performances, making it a sweet and enjoyable watch.
8. Title: Alex Strangelove
Release Year: 2018
Director: Craig Johnson
Runtime: 1h 39m
Alex Strangelove, with its John Hughes-like charm, has an endearing quality as an R-rated movie that doesn’t necessarily require that rating. The film’s excessive use of profanity and awkwardness surrounding sex, typical of high school kids fixated on losing their virginity, adds to its relatable and slightly offbeat appeal.
9. Title: Set It Up
Release Year: 2018
Director: Claire Scanlon
Runtime: 1h 45m
For a delightful and fresh romantic comedy, Claire Scanlon’s Set It Up is a must-watch. The story revolves around two overworked assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) who cleverly set up their demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) to gain some much-needed free time. It’s a charming and enjoyable film worth your time.
10. Title: The Perfect Find
Release Year: 2023
Director: Numa Perrier
Runtime: 1h 39m
Adapted from Tia Williams’ novel, The Perfect Find centers on a 40-year-old woman (Gabrielle Union) rebuilding her life post-public breakup and job loss. While seeking a rebound, she develops feelings for a younger man (Keith Powers). However, fate has more surprises in store when she learns he is her boss’s son.
11. Title: Someone Great
Release Year: 2019
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Runtime: 1h 32m
Someone Great can be likened to a milder stoner-comedy. When music journalist Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) lands her dream job but faces a breakup with Nate (LaKeith Stanfield), she seeks solace with her best friends Blair (Brittany Snow) and Erin (DeWanda Wise) for a wild night of adventure. The film is riotous, with plenty of cringe-worthy moments as the trio attempts and fumbles through their night out.
12. Title: A Tourist’s Guide to Love
Release Year: 2023
Director: Steven Tsuchida
Runtime: 1h 36m
A Tourist’s Guide to Love, directed by Steven Tsuchida and written by Eirene Donohue, is a captivating journey of love’s second chances. With a brilliant cast including Missi Pyle, Ben Feldman, and Scott Lý as Sinh Thach, a charming tour guide in Vietnam, the film explores the healing power of kindness and resilience as Sinh’s free-spirited approach helps mend Amanda’s (Cook) heartbreak.
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