Best positive romantic comedies to brighten your day
Looking for a feel-good movie night? Dive into the world of positive romantic comedies that leave you smiling and uplifted. These films combine heartwarming romance with genuine laughs for the perfect escape.



Sometimes you just need a movie that makes you feel good about love and life. Positive romantic comedies excel at this, often focusing on characters overcoming obstacles not just to find love, but to become better versions of themselves along the way.
This genre isn't just about meet-cutes and happy endings; it often explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the messy, wonderful reality of human connection. Think about 'Silver Linings Playbook,' which tackles mental health with surprising warmth and humor, or '(500) Days of Summer,' which, while unconventional, offers a realistic look at relationships and personal growth.
Many classics in this space, like 'When Harry Met Sally...' or 'Pretty Woman,' set the standard for witty dialogue and charming chemistry that makes you root for the characters from start to finish. Even newer entries like 'Love, Simon' bring fresh perspectives to the genre, proving that positive rom-coms can evolve while keeping their core appeal: leaving the audience with a sense of hope and happiness. Forget the overly dramatic or cynical; these films are a reminder that finding love, and finding yourself, can be a truly joyful adventure.
14. (500) Days of Summer (2009)
Okay, this one is a bit different. It's often categorized as a rom-com, but the film itself argues it's not a love story. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tom, a hopeless romantic who falls for Summer (Zooey Deschanel), a woman who doesn't believe in true love. The story jumps around their 500 days together, showing the relationship's ups and downs from Tom's perspective.
What makes it unique is its non-linear structure and honest look at relationships that don't follow the traditional rom-com trajectory. It's witty, stylish, and uses creative visual gags, but it's also a realistic portrayal of heartbreak and moving on. While not strictly 'positive' in the traditional sense, it offers a mature and often funny take on romance that resonates with many viewers.

13. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
This movie takes a high-concept premise and runs with it for maximum comedic effect! Kate Hudson plays Andie, a magazine writer doing a story on how to get a guy to dump you in 10 days. Matthew McConaughey is Ben, an advertising exec who's made a bet he can make any woman fall in love with him in the same timeframe.
Their conflicting goals lead to outrageous and hilarious situations as Andie tries every 'annoying girlfriend' tactic in the book, while Ben desperately tries to stay in the relationship. The chemistry between Hudson and McConaughey is electric, and the movie is packed with laugh-out-loud moments. It's a classic early 2000s rom-com that's pure, silly fun.

12. The Proposal (2009)
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds generate sparks in this hilarious 'enemies-to-lovers' story! Bullock plays a powerful Canadian book editor facing deportation, who forces her long-suffering assistant (Reynolds) to marry her for a green card. They travel to Alaska to convince his quirky family their fake relationship is real.
The comedy comes from their forced proximity and awkward attempts to fool everyone, leading to genuinely funny situations and witty dialogue. Bullock and Reynolds have fantastic comedic timing and chemistry that makes their evolving relationship believable and sweet. Betty White also steals scenes as Reynolds' eccentric grandmother. It's a really fun watch.

11. The Holiday (2006)
A charming cross-cultural romantic comedy from Nancy Meyers! Cameron Diaz plays a busy LA film trailer producer, and Kate Winslet is a journalist from rural England. Both are heartbroken and decide to swap homes for the holidays, leading to unexpected romance in their new surroundings.
Diaz finds herself charmed by Jude Law's character, while Winslet meets a kind film composer played by Jack Black (in a surprisingly sweet role!). The dual storylines are engaging, and the film has a wonderful cozy, festive atmosphere. It's a lovely story about escaping your comfort zone and finding love and happiness where you least expect it.

10. Hitch (2005)
Will Smith stars as Alex 'Hitch' Hitchens, a legendary date doctor who helps shy guys woo the women of their dreams. His methods are foolproof, until he meets a sharp-witted gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) who might just be immune to his charms.
The film is incredibly entertaining, largely thanks to Smith's charismatic performance and his dynamic with Mendes. It's a fun look at the games people play in dating and the value of being yourself. Kevin James adds great comedic relief as one of Hitch's clients. It's a slick, funny, and ultimately very charming rom-com about finding genuine connection.

9. The Wedding Singer (1998)
Take a trip back to the 1980s with this sweet and funny Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore collaboration! Sandler plays Robbie Hart, a wedding singer who is left at the altar and becomes jaded about love. Barrymore is Julia, a waitress engaged to the wrong guy, whom Robbie befriends.
Their chemistry is absolutely undeniable, making this one of Sandler's most beloved romantic comedies. The film is full of hilarious 80s nostalgia (big hair, synthesizers, shoulder pads!) and features some genuinely heartfelt moments. It's a feel-good story about two people finding each other amidst the chaos of weddings and questionable fashion choices.

8. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A clever and witty adaptation of Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' set in a modern American high school! This film launched the careers of several stars, including Julia Stiles as the fiercely independent Kat Stratford and Heath Ledger in a breakout role as the charming bad boy Patrick Verona.
The plot revolves around a new student who can't date the girl he likes until her older, rebellious sister gets a boyfriend. The attempts to set Kat up, particularly Patrick's elaborate serenade on the bleachers, are pure rom-com gold. It's smart, funny, features great music, and has a genuinely sweet and earned romance at its core. Ledger's performance is particularly captivating.

7. The Princess Bride (1987)
As you wish! This is not your typical rom-com, but a beloved fantasy adventure with a central, enduring romance that's utterly charming. Directed by Rob Reiner (again!), it's framed as a grandfather reading a story to his sick grandson, bringing to life the tale of farm boy Westley and the beautiful Buttercup.
The movie is a perfect blend of comedy, adventure, and romance, filled with iconic lines, quirky characters (Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, Vizzini!), and a genuine sense of wonder. It playfully subverts fairy tale tropes while still delivering a genuinely sweet love story. It's funny, exciting, and ultimately, incredibly romantic in its own unique way. A timeless classic for all ages.

6. Love, Simon (2018)
'Love, Simon' is a groundbreaking and incredibly sweet coming-of-age romantic comedy that tells an important story. It follows Simon Spier, a high schooler who hasn't told his family or friends he's gay. His life gets complicated when he starts anonymously emailing a fellow closeted student from his school.
The film is warm, funny, and deeply resonant, capturing the universal anxieties of teenage life alongside the specific challenges Simon faces. It was one of the first major studio films to center a gay teenage romance, and it does so with such heart and authenticity. The supporting cast is fantastic, and the story is filled with hope and positivity. It's a feel-good movie that truly matters.

5. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
This movie is a modern rom-com gem with an amazing ensemble cast and interconnected storylines! Steve Carell plays Cal, a man whose life is turned upside down when his wife (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce. He's taken under the wing of a smooth-talking ladies' man (Ryan Gosling), who teaches him how to navigate the dating world.
But the film isn't just about Cal; it weaves together multiple relationships, including Gosling's character falling for a witty young woman (Emma Stone) and Cal's son having a crush on his babysitter. It's genuinely hilarious, smartly written, and features fantastic chemistry across the board, especially between Gosling and Stone, which led to future collaborations. It's a funny, heartfelt look at love in its many forms.

4. About Time (2013)
Prepare for a rom-com with a fantastical twist that will genuinely warm your heart! From the master of romantic comedies, Richard Curtis ('Love Actually'), this film stars Domhnall Gleeson as Tim, a young man who discovers the men in his family can time travel. He decides to use this ability to find love, specifically with the charming Mary, played by Rachel McAdams.
While the time travel element is fun, the movie is ultimately a profound and incredibly touching exploration of love, family, and cherishing everyday moments. It's funny, sweet, and surprisingly moving, offering a beautiful perspective on what truly matters in life. The chemistry between Gleeson and McAdams is understated but perfect.

3. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
This film is a delightful blend of quirky humor, raw emotion, and undeniable hope! Directed by David O. Russell, it stars Bradley Cooper as Pat, a man with bipolar disorder trying to rebuild his life after a stay in a psychiatric facility, and Jennifer Lawrence as Tiffany, a young widow dealing with her own grief and challenges.
Their relationship is unconventional and wonderfully authentic. They connect over their shared struggles and a bizarre plan to enter a dance competition. The movie handles complex themes with sensitivity and humor, and the performances are absolutely phenomenal – Lawrence won an Oscar for her role! It's a story about finding connection and 'silver linings' even in the darkest times, proving that love can appear in the most unexpected ways.

2. Pretty Woman (1990)
Julia Roberts became America's sweetheart with this role, and it's easy to see why! 'Pretty Woman' is a modern fairy tale that completely captured audiences' hearts. Richard Gere plays a wealthy businessman who hires a street-smart Hollywood escort, and their unexpected connection blossoms into something genuinely sweet and transformative for both of them.
The film has so many iconic moments, from the shopping montage on Rodeo Drive to the bubble bath scene and the famous necklace box snap. Originally conceived as a much darker drama, it was rewritten into the feel-good rom-com we know and love thanks to director Garry Marshall's vision and the undeniable charm of its leads. It's pure escapism with a big, romantic heart.

1. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
Ah, a true classic! This film didn't just tell a story; it practically wrote the rulebook for modern romantic comedies. Directed by the legendary Rob Reiner and written by the brilliant Nora Ephron, it asks the timeless question: Can men and women really just be friends? Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan have absolutely crackling chemistry as Harry and Sally, navigating years of chance encounters, witty banter, and evolving feelings.
The movie is structured around 'documentary' interviews with older couples talking about how they met, which adds a charming, grounded layer to the fictional romance. And let's be honest, that diner scene is cinematic history! It's expertly paced, incredibly funny, and surprisingly insightful about relationships. A must-watch that feels just as fresh and relevant today as it did in 1989.
