10 Best Rom-Coms of the Last 10 Years

Once declared unprofitable and dead, the romantic comedy genre has made a remarkable comeback. When cinematic universe and superhero movies thrived in late 2000s and early 2010s, romantic comedy became a niche offering. The genre used to rule the box office charts with movies like Pretty Woman, The Proposal and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. However, they have recently found new life as streaming platforms rise and they embrace fresh storytelling and perspectives.

This list takes a look at some of the best romantic comedies released in the past decades. Most of them may still lean to the proven and tested formula, but these movies add more spice that make it more appealing to modern audiences. The movies on this list range from bestselling book adaptations to original stories, proving that the genre still has a lot to give. One thing for sure, we will be seeing more and more romantic comedies in the years to come.

10

‘Upgraded’ (2024)

Image via Prime Video

Upgraded follows Ana Santos (Camilla Mendes), an ambitious art gallery intern who is accompanying her demanding boss on a business trip to London. While she is initially set up to fly coach on a different flight by her sly colleagues, she is unexpectedly upgraded to business class and meets the charming William (Archie Renaux). However, Ana claims that she’s the CEO of the company and has to keep up appearances with William’s family, while also doing her actual job.

In this modern take on Cinderella, the film’s romance surprisingly takes a backseat and focuses on Ana’s character. It refreshingly puts her ambitions and career intuitions at the forefront, showing that she actually has what it takes to earn the position (unlike, say, Emily in Paris). The romance itself is quite charming. Camilla Mendes leads the film with confidence and ease, making it enjoyable throughout. It might follow a familiar formula, but it understands what the movie needs, which are likable characters, plenty of romantic tension, and believable stakes. It’s one of many solid romantic picks on Prime Video.

9

‘Anyone But You’ (2023)

Image via Sony Pictures Releasing

Anyone But You centers on Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell), whose perfect meet cute and first date ends in disaster, leaving them convinced they can barely tolerate each other. Months later, they are both invited to a destination wedding in Australia, where they have to play nice with one another and even pretend they’re a happy couple for the benefit of friends and family.

Drawing from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, the film works because it fully embraces the timeless appeal of the enemies-to-lovers formula while giving it a modern energy. Its biggest strength lies in the electric chemistry between Sweeney and Powell. Right from the opening scene, they are simply irresistible to watch together. Their insane on-screen connection even sparked real-life romance rumors. The film marked the return of rom-coms in theaters when it became a sleeper hit when it was released in the usually crowded Christmas release date.

8

‘People We Meet on Vacation’ (2026)

Image via Netflix

Based on the bestselling novel by Emily Henry, People We Meet on Vacation centers on longtime best friends Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), who have spent a decade taking annual summer trips together despite having completely opposite personalities. Their trips eventually come to a stop after a falling out. When Alex’s brother is getting married, they have to face their storied past and open up a new chapter for them.

The friends-to-lovers trope has been the backbone of so many romance movies, and in this film it is once again put to work effectively. Anchored by exciting and unforgettable performances by Emily Bader as the free-spirited Poppy and the more restrained Tom Blyth, it is easy for audiences to also fall in love with them and their adventures. While the title is slightly misleading (they did not meet on a vacation!), the emotion and chemistry of the two characters are palpable. Despite resorting to the usual rom-com formula, the final act resolution is somehow more modern and refreshing. Thanks to this success, there will definitely be more Emily Henry adaptations.

7

‘Always Be My Maybe’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Always Be My Maybe is about childhood best friends Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park). Their friendship came to an end after awkward sex during their late teens. Sixteen years later, Sasha has become a world-famous celebrity chef while Marcus remains in San Francisco, living a quieter life. When Sasha returns home to open a new restaurant, the two reconnect.

As one of Netflix’s best rom-coms, Always Be My Maybe is such a standout because of its ability to make familiar material feel deeply personal. The film is a more mature rom-com so it has a deeper emotional maturity as well as a distinct cultural identity courtesy of its two leads. Ali Wong and Randall Park are incredible comedic actors and both of them collaborate so well, and, as the kids say today, maximize their joint slay. Everything just felt natural between them, from the awkward moments to the romantic gestures. To add the cherry on top, the film also has a killer cameo from Keanu Reeves that should not be missed.

6

‘Set It Up’ (2018)

Image via Netflix
 

Set It Up follows two overworked assistants, Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), who try to set up their extremely demanding bosses, Kirsten (Lucy Liu) and Rick (Taye Diggs), so that they can find some time off. As they execute their matchmaking scheme, Harper and Charlie develop a close friendship that soon blossoms into romance.

Set It Up was one of the strongest romantic comedies to come out after the genre fizzled out. With the strong main cast, the film boasts not one but two entertaining love stories. Deutch and Powell are simply very lovable presences on screen, and their relationship’s progression is very natural and believable. This results in seemingly simple scenes turning out to be very moving and memorable, such as the now famous pizza scene. With sharp dialogue and energetic pace, the film revives the genre for streaming glory. It is one of the best rom-coms to come out in the 2010s.

5

‘Long Shot’ (2019)

Image via Lionsgate

Long Shot sees the unlikely pairing of Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), the U.S. Secretary of State, and journalist Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen). They reunite after so many years when Charlotte used to babysit Fred. Now, the outspoken Fred is recruited to be her speechwriter as she gears up for a presidential campaign.

Long Shot is one of the most unique rom-coms to ever be released. It combines romance, raunchy comedy and even political satire into one film. The central relationship between Charlotte and Fred is very well-balanced and doesn’t feel like a total romantic wish fulfillment. Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen are incredibly hilarious in this film but also can be vulnerable when the story calls for it. The film also has a fun supporting cast and cameos which includes Alexander Skarsgård and Andy Serkis. It’s a refreshing and very welcome twist on the romantic comedy formula.

4

‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018)

Image via Netflix

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before follows Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor), a shy high school student whose private love letters are accidentally mailed to every boy she has ever had feelings for. As all the boys question her letters, she gets into a fake relationship with one of the recipients, Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo), to convince another crush that she no longer has feelings for him while Peter agrees to this to make her ex jealous.

Based on a bestselling book by Jenny Han, the film was a phenomenon when it was released on Netflix. It uses the tried-and-true fake relationship trope while also being sincere and heartfelt to teenage emotions and drama. Lara Jean is a well-rounded and relatable protagonist whose insecurities make her easy to root for, while Peter, initially cold, evolves into a thoughtful person as their relationship progresses. Lana Condor and Noah Centineo are simply lovable as their characters. The movie also has warm family dynamics and comforting atmosphere that add to its qualities. The film is followed by two sequels and a spin-off series, but this first film is a lightning in a bottle.

3

‘Palm Springs’ (2020)

Image via Hulu

Palm Springs follows wedding guests Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) as they are trapped in a mysterious time loop where they endlessly relive the same day. Embracing the freedom, the pair indulge in reckless adventures before confronting the emptiness that accompanies endless repetition. They begin questioning not just how to escape the loop, but also wonder if they could have a proper relationship in the future.

The time loop is a premise that has been used in virtually every genre ever since Groundhog Day popularized it. However, Palm Springs utilizes it to explore its emotional themes instead of using it as a cheap gimmick. The themes of loneliness and personal growth resonate strongly as the film hits the comedic beats. The chemistry between Samberg and Milioti feels so effortless that the high-concept premise flows without any obstacle. The film is also supported by a strong ensemble that includes J.K. Simmons, Camila Mendes and June Squibb. Released during the pandemic, it is one of the best films of 2020.

2

‘Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)

Image via Warner Bros.

Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), expecting a simple trip to meet his family in Crazy Rich Asians. Instead, she discovers that Nick is part of the wealthiest and most influential families in Asia. Rachel is scrutinized by Nick’s family and friends who question whether their world is the right place for her.

Beyond its glamorous world and cultural specificity, the film succeeds in resonating with a global audience. The core story about Rachel’s journey to prove herself to Nick’s family is very compelling and relatable. Director Jon M. Chu is able to translate the cultural customs and traditions for a broad audience, which contributed to the film’s box office success. The movie also marked a significant cultural milestone by featuring a predominantly Asian cast in a major Hollywood romantic comedy. With strong performances from Constance Wu, Michelle Yeoh and Gemma Chan, the film proved that classic romantic comedies can still thrive when paired with fresh perspectives like this.

1

‘Cha Cha Real Smooth’ (2022)

Image via Apple TV+

Cha Cha Real Smooth follows Andrew (Cooper Raiff), a recent college graduate who finds himself uncertain about his future while working as a party host for bar and bat mitzvahs. During one of these parties, he meets Domino (Dakota Johnson), a young mother navigating her own complicated life while raising her autistic daughter. They form a friendship at first but then their relationship becomes deeper.

Combining coming-of-age and romance themes, Cha Cha Real Smooth breaks away from the traditional structure of a rom-com. Instead, it focuses on the messy realities of growing up as well as being an adult with responsibilities. The dialogue is very intimate, which adds to the authenticity of it all. The performances by writer-director Raiff and Johnson further strengthen the film. This film features arguably the best Dakota Johnson performance so far. Its romance feels bittersweet because it recognizes that genuine connections do not always lead to conventional happy endings. The film was a Sundance darling when it premiered, earning the festival’s Audience Award in 2022.

Cha Cha Real Smooth

Release Date

January 23, 2022

Runtime

107 minutes

Director

Cooper Raiff

Writers

Cooper Raiff