Top romance comedy movies to watch
If you're looking for a cinematic escape filled with laughter and heartwarming connections, you've come to the right place. This list features some of the best romance comedy movies that perfectly blend humor with matters of the heart.



Romance comedies, or 'rom-coms' as they're affectionately known, are a beloved genre for a reason. They offer a delightful mix of escapism, relatable relationship woes, and the satisfying journey towards finding love, often with plenty of hilarious mishaps along the way.
What makes a great rom-com? It's often the chemistry between the leads, the sharp, witty dialogue, and a plot that manages to be both funny and genuinely touching. Think of iconic pairings like Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally..., whose dynamic set a high bar for 'will they, won't they' stories, or the undeniable spark between Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles in 10 Things I Hate About You, which cleverly updated a classic Shakespearean tale for a modern teen audience.
The genre isn't static; it evolves. While classic formulas endure, newer films push boundaries, exploring different perspectives and challenging traditional tropes. Movies like The Big Sick brought a unique, culturally specific story to the forefront, blending comedy derived from real-life experiences with a tender romance. Others, like Palm Springs, play with genre conventions, injecting sci-fi elements into the romantic comedy framework to explore relationships in unexpected ways.
Whether you prefer the polished charm of a studio production or the quirky sincerity of independent cinema, there's a rom-com out there to make you laugh, maybe shed a tear, and ultimately leave you feeling good. These films remind us that finding love is often messy, complicated, and incredibly funny.
11. The Lovebirds (2020)
This film blends romantic comedy with a mystery-thriller plot. Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani play a couple on the verge of breaking up who accidentally get entangled in a murder mystery. On the run and trying to clear their names, they are forced to work together, leading to both dangerous situations and comedic misunderstandings. The chemistry between Rae and Nanjiani is the driving force, making their banter and reactions to the escalating absurdity genuinely funny. It's an entertaining watch that combines action, laughs, and relationship dynamics.

10. Isn't It Romantic (2019)
This film offers a meta-commentary on the rom-com genre itself. Rebel Wilson plays Natalie, an architect who is cynical about love and romantic comedies. After a bump on the head, she wakes up to find her life has become a PG-13 romantic comedy, complete with musical numbers, quirky best friends, and a handsome love interest (Liam Hemsworth). The movie playfully pokes fun at common rom-com clichés while still delivering a fun and surprisingly sweet story about self-love and finding your own happy ending. It's a clever concept executed with plenty of humor.

9. Trainwreck (2015)
Written by and starring Amy Schumer, this R-rated comedy offers a more grounded and less conventional look at modern relationships. Schumer plays a woman who believes monogamy isn't realistic, until she meets a charming sports doctor (Bill Hader). The film subverts many rom-com tropes, featuring sharp, observational humor and a more adult perspective on dating and commitment. Directed by Judd Apatow, it includes a host of famous faces in hilarious cameos, including LeBron James playing himself. It's a funny, sometimes messy, and honest exploration of finding love when you least expect it.

8. The Proposal (2009)
This film pairs Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in a classic 'fake relationship' scenario. Bullock plays a tough Canadian book editor facing deportation, who forces her young assistant (Reynolds) to marry her for a green card. They travel to Alaska to meet his eccentric family, leading to comedic chaos and unexpected feelings. Bullock and Reynolds have great comedic timing together, making the most of the fish-out-of-water premise. The film leans into its charmingly predictable structure, offering plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments thanks to the chemistry of its leads and the supporting cast.

7. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
Based on the popular young adult novel, this film became a massive hit for its sweet and charming take on teen romance. Lana Condor stars as Lara Jean Covey, whose secret love letters accidentally get mailed to her five crushes. To avoid facing one of them, she enters into a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo). What starts as a pretense soon develops into something more genuine. The film is praised for its diverse casting and authentic portrayal of teenage feelings and awkwardness. It launched a successful trilogy and solidified its place as a modern teen rom-com favorite.

6. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
While often categorized as a dramedy, this film has a strong romantic comedy core, focusing on two individuals navigating mental health challenges while finding connection. Bradley Cooper plays Pat, recently released from a psychiatric facility, who meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), a young widow also dealing with her own issues. Their journey towards healing and connection is unconventional and often hilarious, anchored by incredible performances from Cooper and Lawrence, who both received Oscar nominations, with Lawrence winning Best Actress. Directed by David O. Russell, it's a film about finding light in the darkness and the messy, unpredictable nature of love.

5. Palm Springs (2020)
This isn't your average rom-com; it adds a clever sci-fi twist to the classic formula. Andy Samberg stars as Nyles, a guest at a wedding in Palm Springs who finds himself stuck in a time loop. When the maid of honor, Sarah (Cristin Milioti), accidentally gets stuck in the loop with him, they must navigate their endless day together. The film brilliantly uses its premise to explore themes of existentialism and connection, offering both hilarious scenarios and surprisingly poignant moments. Samberg and Milioti have fantastic chemistry, making their shared predicament endlessly entertaining.

4. The Big Sick (2017)
Co-written by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, this film is based on their own real-life relationship. Kumail, a Pakistani-American comedian, falls for Emily, but their cultural differences create challenges, especially when Emily falls ill and Kumail must navigate the situation with her family while also dealing with his own. It's a refreshing and honest portrayal of cross-cultural romance, illness, and family dynamics, blending laugh-out-loud comedy with genuine emotional depth. The supporting cast, including Holly Hunter and Ray Romano as Emily's parents, provides fantastic performances.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Based on Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew,' this teen rom-com relocated the story to a modern American high school, giving us one of the genre's most beloved entries. Julia Stiles plays Kat, a sharp-witted, independent girl who must date before her younger sister is allowed to. Enter Heath Ledger as Patrick Verona, hired to woo her. Ledger's charismatic performance, including that iconic bleacher serenade, is a highlight, cementing his status as a rising star. The film is funny, smart, and features a fantastic supporting cast including Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Larisa Oleynik. It's a quintessential '90s film that still holds up beautifully.

2. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
This movie is a delightful ensemble piece that masterfully weaves together multiple storylines about love and relationships. Steve Carell plays a man whose life is turned upside down when his wife asks for a divorce. Seeking to rediscover his masculinity, he gets help from a smooth-talking player played by Ryan Gosling, who is at the height of his charm. The cast, including Julianne Moore, Emma Stone, and Marisa Tomei, is absolutely fantastic, bringing depth and humor to every scene. It's smart, genuinely funny, and surprisingly heartfelt, offering a modern take on finding connection in unexpected places.

1. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)
Is it possible for men and women to just be friends? This film asks that timeless question through the witty, insightful dialogue penned by Nora Ephron. Directed by Rob Reiner, it follows Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) over several years as their paths cross and their relationship evolves. The film is famous for its iconic diner scene, but its true brilliance lies in its authentic portrayal of friendship, love, and the complexities of relationships. The performances are pitch-perfect, and the soundtrack, featuring Harry Connick Jr., adds another layer of charm to this undisputed classic that set the standard for the modern rom-com.
