The weather’s getting colder, the leaves are turning colors, and spooky season has just begun. If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an evening, why not curl up in a warm blanket with a hot cocoa and a good rom-com? Of course, how do you choose when you go to your favorite streaming service? “Overwhelmed by choice” is an understatement, and that’s certainly the case with Max’s vast selection of romance-filled fare. I’m here to help! These are the best romantic comedies you can stream on Max this month. Happy viewing!
Classic Rom-Coms and Old Favorites
Grease (1978)
Nothing hits like watching straight-laced Sandy fall head-over-heels for the bad boy with a heart of gold, Danny Zuko. Whether you identify with the misunderstood energy of Rizzo or the pink-haired vibes of Frenchie (she is me and I am her), there’s something for everyone here. And if you need your mind blown, check out this plausible fan theory that’ll have you questioning everything.
Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Cal (Steve Carell) is going through a separation from his wife and doesn’t know how to start over. Maybe ladies man Jacob (Ryan Gosling) can help him become his best self. And sure, some of Cal’s sweetness can rub off on Jacob too, especially when he meets Emma Stone’s Hannah. This rom-com is hilarious and surprisingly sweet with one of the funniest final acts of any rom-com from the last 20 years.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Written and starring Nia Vardalos, Toula’s stuck in life. She doesn’t have the job or the relationship or really anything to get excited about. It’s when she makes an effort to better herself that she finally gets everything she hoped for, including the ever-sexy John Corbett as Ian. The third installment of this rom-com series is in theaters right now, but why not catch the beginning of it all on Max first?
13 Going on 30 (2004)
Jenna Rink is 13 and desperately wants to be 30, something that literally no one else has ever wanted. When she thinks about this while magic pixie dust is falling around her, she gets her wish and is transported into her future 30-year-old body. While it might feel a little dated now, 13 Going on 30 was an early 2000s staple and always worth a re-watch when you’re feeling nostalgic.
Footloose (1984)
What happens when an entire town bans music and dancing just because one kid died one time? All the teens just want to listen to music and dance their feelings away even more. Sorry, John Lithgow, your plan didn’t work. This is the movie that catapulted Kevin Bacon into stardom, though truthfully the best part is Chris Penn as Willard.
Serendipity (2001)
What happens when you meet the love of your life, but you’re both already in committed relationships? You leave finding each other again up to fate. Unfortunately fate is fickle and sometimes serendipity needs a little help from us mere humans along the way. This is a perfect watch now that the holiday season is fast approaching.
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
This one’s for all the people who have ever been in love with their best friend. Like a modern-day (for the ’80s, anyway) version of the classic Cyrano story, Watts tries to help her best friend Keith get the girl of his dreams even though she’s desperately in love with him. Although this whole movie is great, the kissing practice scene is reason enough to press play.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
With a similar plot to Some Kind of Wonderful, Pretty in Pink follows Molly Ringwald’s Andie as she falls for a boy from the rich side of the tracks. Her best friend Duckie–one of the most fashionable and charismatic characters in ’80s teen cinema–is skeptical of the whole thing. If you’ve never seen this, you might be surprised by this ending. Even the filmmakers weren’t sure they made the right choice.
Hidden Gems
Safe Haven (2013)
Katie is on the run and ends up hiding out in a beautiful seaside town. She knows she should just keep to herself, but that’s hard to do when hot widower Alex and his two adorable kids wind up in her life. This oft-forgotten Nicholas Sparks movie happens to be my favorite of the bunch. You’re welcome to complain to me if you hate it. (But I promise, you won’t.)
Just Like Heaven (2005)
Starring powerhouses Reece Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo, this rom-com with a paranormal twist has likely floated under your radar. In the film, David rents a furnished apartment in San Francisco only to be haunted by its prior inhabitant, Elizabeth. They get on each others nerves at first, but soon feelings grow. It’s enemies-to-lovers…but with a ghost!
Beautiful Creatures (2013)
When a teen witch falls in love with a normie, her spooky family will do anything to make sure these kids never end up together. This adaptation of a popular YA novel got so many mixed or negative reviews when it came out that it’s been largely forgotten. But if you’re not too critical of how faithful the adaptation is, you’ll likely have a great time.
The Prince & Me (2004)
Most people love Julia Stiles’ other rom-com classic, 10 Things I Hate About You, so much that they’ve forgotten about this one. But how can you forget about a Danish prince pretending to be a regular guy and falling in love with a typical American? It’s the dream! (Just skip all the sequels.)
Mannequin (1987)
Want to watch something bonkers with an all-star cast? Look no further than Mannequin, in which a man who works as a mannequin stylist for a department store falls in love with one of his mannequins, only for it to come to life. And that mannequin? She’s played by none other than the world’s sassiest Sex and the City star, Kim Cattrall.
