Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned, grab-the-popcorn, feel-good rom-com? An all-time classic genre when it comes to movies and TV series, a romantic comedy is the perfect antidote to a bad day, a sleepover favourite and guarantees to bring good vibes. 

Our screens may have been taken over by true crime documentaries, lavish sci-fi franchises, and reality TV spin-offs in the last few years, and we may have become a little obsessed with whodunnits and matchmaking, but nothing beats a classic rom-com. With heart-throb casts, cheesy lines and epic soundtracks, it seems viewers are longing for head-over-heels upbeat love stories once again.

From old-school classics to brand-new releases, binge-worthy boxsets to Hollywood movies, we’ve rounded up the best romantic comedies to stream right now. 

Rom Com movies

Anyone But You, Prime Video

A first date that goes wrong and a mutual dislike of each other – Bea and Ben never expect to cross paths again, until they find themselves at a wedding in far-flung Australia. With the wedding gang plotting to set the couple up, an ex in sight and helicopter parents, the pair take matters into their own hands and pretend to be the perfect couple. But can it last? Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney steal the show in the hilarious rom-com, and Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten makes a comeback 20 years on. 

Crazy Stupid Love, Apple TV+

An old-school classic from the vintage year of 2011, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone and Steve Carrell star in this sure-to-make-you-smile film. A middle-aged man seems to have it all. But his perfect life alters spectacularly when his wife confesses to an affair and asks him for a divorce. Utterly heartbroken, he seeks to rediscover his mojo and re-enter the world of dating in his forties — with a little help from his handsome new wingman, of course.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Netflix

A throwback to the early 2000s, Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey star in this easy-watching funny flirty rom-com which we can watch over and over again. Ben (McConaughey) bets he can make a woman fall in love with him in 10 days – step in Andie (Hudson), but she may have her own agenda too… Fooling each other, they fall in love –  can it last? Place your bets.

When Harry Met Sally, Prime Video

One of the all-time favourite rom-coms, will Harry and Sally take it further than just friends? Starting with a car journey from Chicago to New York where the pair argue about platonic friendships between men and women, the 1989 film explores the relationship between two very close friends when they meet 10 years later. Honest, thought-provoking conversations and incredible chemistry, this is one to put on your rom-com list.

Pretty Woman, Disney+

Missing this one from a top rom-coms list would be a big mistake. Huge. A ‘90s pop culture classic, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, it sees Roberts’ character Vivian, a prostitute, hired by Gere’s Edward to accompany him as a date to a series of social events. After a few shopping sprees and steamy nights, the boundaries become blurred, and they are left with more than they’d bargained for.

Rom Com TV shows

Nobody Wants This, Netflix

A Jewish rabbi and agnostic sex podcaster may not be the conventional pairing, but when Noah and Joanne meet, an unexpected romance rolls out. Is it love? And can it survive up against family expectations and meddling? Binge the first series now to get up to speed with the lovebirds in time for series two, due to be released spring 2025.

Rivals, Disney +

Raunchy, funny and set in the rocking 80s, Rupert Campbell-Black and Tony Baddingham are rivals in this star-studded, highly anticipated series (an adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s 1988 novel). Enter their world of TV where reputations are on the line, romance most certainly isn’t dead, sex is rife and lavish parties are essential. The big question: will there be a series two? 

Emily in Paris, Netflix

This slightly silly but hugely whimsical series has just been confirmed for a fifth series, but there’s plenty of time to catch up on all the drama before it hits screens next year. American PR girl Emily moved to Paris to bolster her career and carve a new path, but has a habit of falling in love, and lust, along the way. Covet and cringe at the clothes, the croissants, and the couples, as Emily muddles her way through the world of high fashion in France, and now next up: Italy. 

One Day, Netflix

Based on the novel by David Nicholls, follow the relationship of Emma and Dexter through their formative years after meeting for the first time at their university graduation. More rom than com, with slightly more drama than laughter, the Netflix hit was the most-watched series in the week it piloted, with almost 10 million views. Spoiler: have the tissues at the ready. 

Love Life, BBC iPlayer

A two-season wonder, the first sees Anna Kendrick star in a fresh take on a romantic comedy anthology series about the journey from first love to lasting relationship. The second, meanwhile, is a sequel of sorts featuring but not centring on characters from series one. It could also be watched as a standalone show, as the protagonists and the storyline are totally unrelated — kind of. Feel-good and moreish, if you end up binging the whole lot in one weekend we won’t judge.

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