10 of the best romantic comedies to stream now
From classic rom-com movies to contemporary TV shows, settle in for a night of love and laughter
The classic rom-com has taken a backseat over the past few years, replaced with an avalanche of true crime documentaries, lavish sci-fi franchises, and reality TV spin-offs. But it seems viewers are once again longing for the feel-good vibes that only a love story can offer. 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
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.
A Star is Born, Prime Video
More rom than com, this iconic tearjerker starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga made waves when it was released in 2018. Famous country rock musician Jackson Maine (Cooper) discovers – and falls in love with – struggling singer Ally, who has just abandoned her dream to make it as a performer. As Jackson coaxes her back into the spotlight, their relationship takes a turn, as he battles his addiction issues and artistic insecurities. The soundtrack alone will have you watching again and again.
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.
Love At First Sight, Netflix
A brand-new release from Netflix, adapted from the best-selling novel The Statistical Probability of Love, this modern fairytale follows two strangers who hit it off on a flight from New York to London. Separated at customs, a reunion seems improbable. This ‘will they, won’t they?’ love story has all the facets of the classic rom-com movie, as the pair battle against the odds to find love.
No Hard Feelings, Prime Video
This recently released Jennifer Lawrence film follows Maddie who, on the brink of losing her childhood home, answers a Craigslist advert for a date with an awkward teen boy, Percy. To her surprise, Maddie soon discovers that there’s more to this introverted young man than meets the eye. Full of laughs, and of course, a little romance, it’s well worth getting cosy with the popcorn.
Red, White & Royal Blue, Prime Video
Telling the story of two star-crossed lovers with high-profile lives, Red, White & Royal Blue was a hit from the get-go. The movie follows the unfolding of a long-standing feud between the US President’s son and a British prince – when the two are forced to face their differences, the friction sparks something deeper. With all the conventions of your favourite rom-coms, this is certainly one for the ages.
Rom Com TV shows
The Lovers, Now TV
This new British rom-com series is anything but a glossy Hollywood love story. Sweary and awkward, with just a hint of the ‘ick’, it follows gutter-mouthed Belfast supermarket worker Janet and political broadcaster Seamus, who in many ways, save one another’s lives. Hailing from totally different backgrounds, an extraordinary relationship develops – despite how hard they try to ignore the signs.
The Flatshare, Paramount+
A very 2023 love story based on the novel of the same name, two strangers decide to share a flat in a bid to save money. The caveat is that they do it on a schedule where they never actually have to meet. Communicating via Post It notes (less 2023 – WhatsApp, anyone?) while they get to grips with their unique living arrangement, a relationship between the two begins to take shape.
Emily in Paris, Netflix
This slightly silly but hugely whimsical series has just been confirmed for a fourth series, but there’s plenty of time to catch up on all the drama before it hits screens. American PR girl Emily has 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.
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.
