Romantic comedies have left an indelible mark on the film industry by providing enjoyable, emotional and appealing entertainment for a wide audience, making them favorites for many.
Not only have they influenced popular culture, but they have also been a key component of the cinematic experience worldwide, especially in the United States, where they continue to be successful.
From “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” to “Anyone But You“, these types of productions continue to be among the biggest trends within the genre. In recent years, they have returned to their former glory.
15 acclaimed rom-coms and where to stream them
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
It’s the battle of wills, as Andie needs to prove she can dump a guy in 10 days, whereas Ben needs to prove he can win a girl in 10 days. Now, the clock is ticking – and the wildly entertaining comedy smash is off and running in this irresistible tale of sex, lies and outrageous romantic fireworks.
Available on Prime Video, Paramount+ and Apple TV+.
- When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
During their travel from Chicago to New York, Harry and Sally debate whether or not sex ruins a friendship between a man and a woman. Eleven years later, and they’re still no closer to finding the answer.
Available to buy or rent through Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Vudu.
- Pretty Woman (1990)
When a millionaire wheeler-dealer enters a business contract with a Hollywood hooker Vivian Ward, he loses his heart in the bargain.
Available on Hulu, Fubo, FXNow and Apple TV+.
- 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
On the first day at his new school, Cameron instantly falls for Bianca, the gorgeous girl of his dreams. The only problem is that Bianca is forbidden to date until her ill-tempered, completely un-dateable older sister Kat goes out, too.
In an attempt to solve his problem, Cameron singles out the only guy who could possibly be a match for Kat: a mysterious bad boy with a nasty reputation of his own.
Available on Disney+, Hulu and Peacock.
- The Proposal (2009)
When she learns she’s in danger of losing her visa status and being deported, overbearing book editor Margaret Tate forces her put-upon assistant, Andrew Paxton, to marry her.
Available on Hulu.
- Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Cal Weaver is living the American dream. He has a good job, a beautiful house, great children and a beautiful wife, named Emily. Cal’s seemingly perfect life unravels, however, when he learns that Emily has been unfaithful and wants a divorce.
Over 40 and suddenly single, Cal is adrift in the fickle world of dating. Enter, Jacob Palmer, a self-styled player who takes Cal under his wing and teaches him how to be a hit with the ladies.
Available to buy or rent through Prime Video, Apple TV+ and Vudu.
- Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
After spending eight months in a mental institution, a former teacher moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife.
Available on Max.
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
An American-born Chinese economics professor accompanies her boyfriend to Singapore for his best friend’s wedding, only to get thrust into the lives of Asia’s rich and famous.
Available on Max, TNT, TBS and truTV.
- Notting Hill (1999)
William Thacker is a London bookstore owner whose humdrum existence is thrown into romantic turmoil when famous American actress Anna Scott appears in his shop. A chance encounter over spilled orange juice leads to a kiss that blossoms into a full-blown affair.
As the average bloke and glamorous movie star draw closer and closer together, they struggle to reconcile their radically different lifestyles in the name of love.
Available on Fubo, MGM+ and Peacock.
- Love Actually (2003)
Eight London couples try to deal with their relationships in different ways. Their tryst with love makes them discover how complicated relationships can be.
Available on Hulu and Netflix.
- Just My Luck (2006)
Manhattanite Ashley is known to many as the luckiest woman around. After a chance encounter with a down-and-out young man, however, she realizes that she’s swapped her fortune for his.
Available on Hulu, YouTube and Fubo.
- Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Holly Golightly is an eccentric New York City playgirl determined to marry a Brazilian millionaire. But when young writer Paul Varjak moves into her apartment building, her past threatens to get in their way.
Available on Paramount+, Prime Video, Kanopy and Hoopla.
- You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Book superstore magnate, Joe Fox and independent book shop owner, Kathleen Kelly fall in love in the anonymity of the Internet—both blissfully unaware that he’s trying to put her out of business.
Available on Netflix.
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
Two musicians witness a mob hit and struggle to find a way out of the city before they are found by the gangsters. Their only opportunity is to join an all-girl band as they leave on a tour.
To make their getaway they must first disguise themselves as women, then keep their identities secret and deal with the problems this brings – such as an attractive bandmate and a very determined suitor.
Available on Prime Video, Freevee, Tubi, Hoopla and Kanopy.
- The Sweetest Thing (2002)
Christina’s love life is stuck in neutral. After years of avoiding the hazards of a meaningful relationship, one night while club-hopping with her girlfriends, she meets Peter, her perfect match.
Fed up with playing games, she finally gets the courage to let her guard down and follow her heart, only to discover that Peter has suddenly left town. Accompanied by Courtney, she sets out to capture the one that got away.
Available on Prime Video.
