As your resident rom com-lover, there’s a whole host of movies out there that are good for a watch but that might not exactly be binge-worthy. I’m looking at you, When Harry Met Sally. Then there are the romantic comedies that I can’t help watching over and over and over. No matter my mood, I’m always down to watch these 10 rom coms. Best of all, they’re all streaming for you to watch right now. Have you seen everything on this list?
The DUFF (2015)
I could say that it’s Mae Whitman’s acting or the interesting “Designated Ugly Fat Friend” plot that makes me love The DUFF so much, but that would be a lie. It has absolutely everything to do with Robbie Amell and the under-used friends-to-lovers boy-next-door romance tropes. The love is so damn convincing in this teen rom-com, and I need more storylines like this one. Watch The DUFF on Paramount+ with the Showtime add-on.
Love Actually (2003)
I once heard someone call Love Actually “unrealistic.” That’s bonkers to me. I’d understand that adjective if this was a fairytale romance like Enchanted, but this ensemble rom com features loves ending just as often as they begin. I mean, Emma Thompson crying while listening to Joni Mitchell? That’s no fairytale, and it’s heartbreakingly realistic. Watch Love Actually on Amazon Video.
The Holiday (2006)
There’s Jude Law putting on his glasses when he can’t find his contacts. There’s Jack Black’s “accidental boob graze.” And of course there’s Eli Wallach stealing the goddamn show as old Hollywood screenwriter Arthur. So are you a Kate Winslet or a Cameron Diaz? I think a dozen watches will let you know for sure which one. (I’m a Kate by a mile.) Watch The Holiday on Netflix.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
The technology in You’ve Got Mail is so outdated, it’s adorable. Also adorable is the original manic pixie dream girl, Meg Ryan. While the Tom Hanks’ long con in the latter half of the movie is pretty suspect by today’s standards, this is still an annual must-watch for me. I mean, it’s all about optimism and books and pen-pal love. How can you go wrong? Watch You’ve Got Mail on Netflix.
27 Dresses (2008)
This is probably the most “rom com” movie on this list. It hits all the plot beats of your standard romantic comedy, but it has a few things that tip it into “watch all the time” territory for me. “Bennie and the Jets.” Katherine Heigl’s outfits (not the bridesmaids dresses, though). And, of course, James Marsden. I really need to find my own James Marsden IRL. Anyone want to audition for the role Watch 27 Dresses on Disney+ and Peacock.
Stardust (2007)
This is one of those rom coms that seem to appeal to everyone. Despite its status as a fantasy based on a Neil Gaiman novel, it seems to be universally loved. Ask any guy–and I mean any–and they’ll freely admit they love it. And if they haven’t watched it yet, pop it on and watch them fall in love with Claire Danes or Charlie Cox or Robert de Niro as a crossdressing sky pirate. Watch Stardust on Paramount+ with the Showtime add-on.
Plus One (2019)
Here’s another friends-to-lovers for the list. In this, two friends make a pact to be each others’ plus ones for a season of way too many weddings. It’s the newest movie on this list, mostly because there haven’t been nearly as many rom coms coming out these days, let alone great ones like this. The performances from Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine make this an instant classic. Watch Plus One on Netflix and Hulu.
The Giant Mechanical Man (2012)
I’m happy to introduce you to this absolute gem you’ve probably never heard of. The title makes it sound like some futuristic sci-fi movie, but it’s far from it. It’s just about two regular people, each struggling to find themselves, falling in love while working in a zoo. It feels so realistic and cute, and the end is absolutely everything. Watch The Giant Mechanical Man on Prime Video, Peacock, and FreeVee.
Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)
Frances finds herself spiraling after a surprising and heartbreaking divorce. When her friend gifts her a tour trip through Italy, she goes just to humor her. Little does she know, she’ll find a rundown Tuscan villa that will change her life completely. While romantic love is an afterthought in this, you’ll watch it again and again for the love she finds for herself. Watch Under the Tuscan Sun on Hulu.
What’s Your Number (2011)
Ally doesn’t want to raise her body count so she enlists the help of her annoying (and annoyingly hot) neighbor to find all the guys she’s already slept with to see if she can rekindle a long-dead spark. There’s something so comforting about the friends-t0-lovers romance arc in this criminally under-watched rom com starring Anna Faris and Chris Evans. Watch What’s Your Number on Hulu and Paramount+.
