You really don’t have to spend a ton to have the best date nights. My formula is easy = heartwarming, funny and romantic movies to watch, cuddled up with your loved one!
While this genre offers too much to choose from, I believe some of them may not be as good—at the end of the day, you still want to watch something exciting, right?
Don’t worry! To make sure you have the best rom-com movies to watch on your date night, I have filtered through a few hundred movies and shortlisted 30 that I found to have a nice story, are funny and worth watching with your loved one!
This one will make sure that there’s sparks flying all over your living room! Whatever kind of romantic story you’re in the mood for, You’ll certainly find something in this list of best rom-com movies!
Table of Contents
1. Words on Bathroom Walls – 2020
Director: Thor Freudenthal
Duration: 1h50m
Main Actors: Charlie Plummer, Taylor Russell, Andy Garcia
High school senior Adam has a lot going on alright! He gets diagnosed with schizophrenia and as an aspiring chef, he goes on to start Catholic school.
However, he is hell-bent on keeping his condition a secret until he meets Maya. Maya is the complete opposite of Adam; she’s outspoken and carefree, which is what Adam hopes he will be.
Will they both complement each other and help each other out? The director does a beautiful job of delivering a powerful message that nobody should be defined by their mental illness.
2. 13 Going on 30 – 2004
Director: Gary Winick
Duration: 1h 38m
Main Actors: Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Judy Greer, Andy Serkis
All 13-year-old Jenna wants in this best-rom-com movie is to be 30 and to have the time of her life. Little does she know that her dreams are about to come true.
When she wakes up in the body of a magazine editor one morning, she discovers that her life has taken some strange turns. One is that she has not spoken to her long-time best friend, Matty, who also has a huge crush on her.
Will Jenna’s journey of self-discovery lead her to figure out her priorities or does she want to just go back to her 13-year-old self, where life was far simpler? Director Winick sets the stage beautifully to deliver an excellent rom-com for your Friday date nights!
3. Always Be My Maybe – 2019
Director: Nahnatchka Khan
Duration: 1h 41m
Main Actors: Ali Wong, Randall Park, Keanu Reeves
Ali Wong’s directorial debut, Always Be My Maybe, follows successful chef Sasha Tan and her childhood best friend, Marcus Kim, an unsuccessful musician.
Sasha runs into Marcus in her hometown where she is set to open her new restaurant. Sparks instantly fly as soon as they meet but much has changed and these lovebirds have a lot to work on before they can live happily ever after.
But can they overcome their adversities and stay together? Only time will tell!
4. The Half of It – 2020
Director: Alice Wu
Duration: 1h 44m
Main Actors: Leah Lewis, Alexxis Lemire, Daniel Diemer
Director Alice Wu brings this queer love best rom-com movie to life inspired by a French play. The movie follows Ellie Chu who helps a jock, Paul, in her school to fall in love with a girl.
Unfortunately for him, Ellie is definitely in love with this girl. The movie however is less about the love triangle and more about the friendship that blossoms between Ellie and Paul.
The story really talks about how you usually end up connecting with who and what matters more in life, so that you become the person you need to be. What a wonderful perspective!
5. About Fate – 2022
Director: Maryus Vaysberg
Duration: 1h 40m
Main Actors: Emma Roberts, Madelaine Petsch, Britt Robertson
About Fate is a story about two strangers who agree to pretend as a couple for a wedding happening on New Year’s Eve.
Their arrangement, however, takes an unexpected turn when they start to have real feelings for each other. Director Maryus Vaysberg creates unbelievable chemistry with Emma Roberts and Thomas Mann.
So much so you will almost believe that they are actually falling for each other. But will it actually become a relationship? Time to find out!
6. Straight Up – 2020
Director: James Sweeney
Duration: 1h 35m
Main Actors: James Sweeney, Katie Findlay, James Scully
This might be a complicated story but it doesn’t mean that it can’t be one of the best rom-coms I’ve watched recently.
The story is about Todd who is very articulate and has OCD. He is also gay, for the most part of his life. But everything is set to change when he meets Rory.
Rory is a straight woman but has vowed to avoid intimacy for her own reasons. This, however, causes Todd to question his sexuality. Together, they decide to give a chance to their relationship – but can it survive without sex?
The chemistry between them, including their banter, has an old-school charm and will definitely get you mushy on the couch.
7. My Policeman – 2022
Director: Michael Grandage
Duration: 1h 53m
Main Actors: Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, David Dawson
Based on a novel, My Policeman is set in the 1950s and inspired by the real-life relationship of writer E.M. Forster and Bob Buckingham.
It follows Tom, a young police officer who is in a love triangle between Marion, a school teacher as well as Patrick, a museum curator.
While Tom has strong feelings for Patrick, he still marries Marion, which seems to be a safer choice. But what about Patrick?
A beautifully crafted story and one of the best rom-com movies made of forbidden love and changing social conventions, My Policeman is surely a must-watch movie!
8. The Holiday – 2006
Director: Nancy Meyers
Duration: 2h 18m
Main Actors: Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet
Probably one of the best rom-com movies ever made, The Holiday is about two young women, Amanda and Iris, who agree to swap homes to escape their problems.
Although both are facing difficulties with their love lives, this swap meant that they met dashing other halves! Find out what actually happens – will this swap be forever?
9. Long Shot – 2019
Director: Jonathan Levine
Duration: 2h 5m
Main Actors: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron, June Diane Raphael
Babysitter rom-com? Oh yes! Except, this time the girl who babysits eventually becomes Secretary of State and the baby is an out-of-work journalist!
The babysitter played by Charlize Theron, hires Seth Rogen, to become her speech writer, but little does she know that he will go on to steal her heart.
The chemistry of both actors was spot on, and if this isn’t one of the best rom-com movies you’ve watched, I’m not sure which will top your list!
10. Sylvie’s Love – 2020
Director: Eugene Ashe
Duration: 1h 54m
Main Actors: Nnamdi Asomugha, Tessa Thompson, Ryan Michelle Bathe
Looking for one of the best rom-com movies with an escapist love story? Then you have to watch Slyvie’s Love.
The story is about Robert, a musician who meets Slyvie, an ambitious filmmaker during summer and shares a whirlwind of a romance. They then meet years later and realize that their feelings for each other never really went away.
But Sylvie is already married to someone else!
Will they ever get together? And will Sylvie ever confront her own desires despite all the societal expectations of her as a woman? You’ve got to find out!
11. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – 2018
Director: Susan Johnson
Duration: 1h 39m
Main Actors: Lana Condor, Noah Centineo, Anna Cathcart
One of the best romantic comedies of recent times, this movie follows Lara-Jean Covey, who writes letters to all her crushes but never delivers them!
One fine day, chaos ensues when these letters are accidentally mailed out! Mostly because one letter was meant for her elder sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh! In order to avoid any awkward encounter with her sister’s ex, Lara Jean gets into a pretend relationship with Peter Kavinsky.
The director takes a different approach in this one to explore the common theme of friendship and love! A must-watch for me!
12. Crazy Rich Asians – 2018
Director: Jon M. Chu
Duration: 2h 1m
Main Actors: Constance Wu, Awkwafina, Henry Golding
All the crazy talented Asians in one movie? Yes, you heard that right! This one makes for one of the best rom-com movies because of how relatable it will be, especially if you and your partner come from different family backgrounds.
The story centers around Rachel and Nick who come from very different families and how their relationship is put to the ultimate test.
Can Rachel navigate the intricate social circles of the elites and win the approval of Nick’s mom?
Although this theme has been explored before, director Jon M. Chu delivers a beautiful, funny, and heartwarming story of friendship, love, and, of course, standing up for one’s values.
13. Lovers Rock – 2020
Director: Steve McQueen
Duration: 1h 10m
Main Actors: Micheal Ward, Kadeem Ramsay, Francis Lovehall
Looking for a little 80’s romance? Then you must watch Lovers Rock. This story follows Martha who sneaks out to a party although she has been restricted by her parents.
There, Martha meets Franklyn, and they instantly connect. They share many intimate moments, dancing and singing to the music.
But the party came with its own set of challenges that Marth and Franklyn had to navigate.
Can they successfully keep the romance going, even if it’s just for one night? The story explores themes of societal expectations amidst young love like both the characters.
14. Silver Linings Playbook – 2012
Director: David O. Russell
Duration: 2h 2m
Main Actors: Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro
Another best rom-com to ever be produced, Silver Linings Playbook is a story about Pat, a man who suffers from bipolar disorder and who is released from the hospital and goes on to live with his parents.
There, he meets Tiffanny, who offers to help Pat reconnect with his wife, Nikki, on the condition that he be her dancing partner in an upcoming dance competition.
Both form an unexpected bond and through this, Pat lets go of the fact that he needs to patch himself back with his wife.
He now is interested in opening up to a new relationship with Tiffany. Will their relationship solidify amidst all the chaos, and challenges?
15. The Lovebirds – 2020
Director: Michael Showalter
Duration: 1h 27m
Main Actors:Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Anna Camp
Jibran and Leilani witness a murder and find themselves in a dangerous situation together. Then, unfortunately, they get falsely accused of the murder.
If you think things took a serious turn, then you’re wrong. In their journey to clear their name and solve the murder, they meet many odd and colourful characters, in addition to their own banter, which keeps this entire movie light and easy to watch.
Will their bond stand the test and will; they manage to prove their innocence?
16. The Big Sick – 2017
Director: Michael Showalter
Duration: 1h 27m
Main Actors: Kumail Nanjianim Emily V. Gordon, Emily
Another heartwarming, best rom-com movie I’ve watched, The Big Sick is about Kumail, a Pakistani-American comedian who falls for Emily, a grad student.
Both face a huge challenge due to the differences in the familys’ cultures. However, it doesn’t stop their love from blossoming until Emily unfortunately falls sick and is placed in an induced coma.
Emily eventually wakes up from the coma but their relationship is a little more tense now. Can Kumail navigate his relationship and his family’s cultural expectations?
17. Something From Tiffany’s – 2022
Director: Daryl Wein
Duration: 1h 27m
Main Actors: Zoey Deutch, Leah Jeffries, Kendrick Sampson
Lily is just like any girl who dreams big about finding love and success in New York City. However, all this changes when she receives a mysterious box from her late grandmother.
The box contains a key to a safe deposit box, which sets Emily on a quest to discover the secrets of her grandmother’s past.
Lily then uncovers many stories of love and sacrifice, and with the help of unexpected friends, she also learns about herself. Will Lily uncover her grandmother’s greatest secrets?
The director weaves a romance story beautifully with the theme of love and self-discovery in this one.
18. No Hard Feelings – 2023
Director: Gene Stupnitsky
Duration: 1h 43m
Main Actors: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Matthew Broderick
Although widely thought of as a comedy movie, No Hard Feelings is strewn with themes of love and friendship. The story follows Maddie, a broke woman who is trying to save her home, which her mom left behind.
Maddie would do anything at this point and so she comes across a peculiar job ad in the newspaper. Percy’s parents are looking for a ‘girlfriend’ to prepare him for college and introduce him to the life of parties and girls.
Maddie goes on to get the job and starts teaching Percy everything he ‘needs’ to learn but in that process, she realizes that her view of Percy changes.
Will Maddie stick to the plan or will this become something unexpected altogether?
19. Set It Up – 2018
Director: Claire Scanlon
Duration: 1h 45m
Main Actors: Glen Powell, Zoey Deutch, Lucy Liu
How to make your work life easier? Keep your boss happy! That’s what Harper and Charlie, two overworked assistants in New York City, need to do. But their bosses never seem to stop working as they have no other life outside of work.
To change this, both Harper and Charlie hatch a plan to set up their bosses on a date with each other.
Hoping that this will occupy their bosses, Harper and Charlie spend a lot of time working on their plan, only to discover some strong sparks between them.
But will their bosses fall for each other, will the plan work and will this give Harper and Charlie what they want?
20. Someone Great – 2019
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Duration: 1h 32m
Main Actors: Gina Rodriguez, DeWanda Wise, Brittany Snow
Not all the best rom-com movies are about finding love and success in a relationship. Some are about finding yourself after love. Someone Great is exactly that.
It follows Jenny who is dumped by her boyfriend of 9 years because she lands her dream job as a music journalist across the country.
Jenny then is determined to have the best night out in New York City with her best friends, Blair and Erin before she moves.
Their night is filled with karaoke singing and concerts but with each step, Jenny starts confronting her feelings about her boyfriend.
The director delivers a beautiful and heartwarming romantic comedy about friendship and learning to love yourself again.
21. Brittany Runs a Marathon – 2019
Director: Paul Downs Colaizzo
Duration: 1h 43m
Main Actors: Jillian Bell, Michaela Watkins, Lil Rel Howery
Another best rom-com movie on this list is Brittany Runs a Marathon. It follows the main lead, Brittany in New York who isn’t very health conscious and when her health catches up on her, Brittany has no choice but to start running with her neighbor, Catherine.
To motivate herself, Brittany sets a huge goal that is to run the New York City Marathon. Will Brittany eventually run the marathon and turn her life around from before?
Although it is more comedy than romance, the story is heartwarming and funny which would make for a fantastic and laidback date night!
Watch here: Amazon Prime
22. The Map of Tiny Perfect Things – [2021]
Director: Ian Samuels
Duration: 1h 39m
Main Actors: Kathryn Newton, Kyle Allen, Lily Lumpkin
Sci-fi and rom-com rolled into one? Count me in! The movie revolves around Margaret and Mark, who are both stuck in a time loop, which means they are stuck reliving the same day over and over again.
One day they both discover each other and decide that they should make the best of their day. So they start to explore the wonderful things in their unchanging day by creating a ‘map of tiny perfect things’.
Eventually, Mark and Margaret fall for each other, but things get complicated when all Margaret can think of is breaking the loop while Mark is content to stay within it.
Will they break the loop and escape it together?
23. Love, Actually – 2003
Director: Richard Curtis
Duration: 2h 14m
Main Actors: Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Colin Firth
Love Actually is one of the best rom-com movies ever made and you should never skip this movie if you haven’t watched it. It follows the lives of several characters who are connected in London, during Christmas.
The Prime Minister is in love with a junior crew; a French widow finding love with a waitress who doesn’t speak English, a graphic designer falling for her married co-worker – so many relationships, so little time!
Through all these quirky, funny and heartwarming stories, the director of this film explores different forms of love and bonds that you have with your loved ones, including how much stronger they are especially during festivities!
24. P.S. I Love You – 2007
Director: Richard LaGravenese
Duration: 2h 6m
Main Actors: Gerard Butler, Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Gerry’s sudden death from a brain tumor leaves his wife, Holly, heartbroken and withdrawn. However, little does she anticipate that on her 30th birthday, she will get a cake and a message from Gerry!
The message is written in 10 letters before Gerry passes and ends with ‘P.S. I Love You’. He continues to push Holly to confront her feelings and to rediscover herself.
One such letter sends Holly to Ireland where she meets William, a charming man whom she eventually falls for. But can Holly really get out of her grief and live life to the fullest despite not forgetting their love? Only time will tell.
25. Something’s Gotta Give – 2003
Director: Nancy Meyers
Duration: 2h 8m
Main Actors: Diane Keaton, Jack Nicholson, Keanu Reeves
Who says love has any age? At 60 plus, Harry loves dating younger women. When he takes Marin, his newest girlfriend to her mom’s beach house, he unexpectedly meets Erica, Marin’s mom.
Everything becomes far more complicated when Harry suffers from a heart attack at the beach house. While recovering there, he ends up spending more time with Erica, only to discover that he is falling for her.
Will Harry pursue Erica although he vowed to never be with someone his age?
26. A Rainy Day in New York – 2020
Director: Woody Allen
Duration: 1h 32m
Main Actors: Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Selena Gomez
Gatsby and Ashleigh head to NYC for a weekend trip. It is supposedly a romantic getaway but their plans go sideways quickly.
Ashleigh proceeds to go interview a well-known director, Roland Pollard. Meanwhile, Gatsby bumps into Chan, his ex-girlfriend’s younger sister. As Gatsby spends time with Chan he can’t help but think if he might find a new connection with Chan.
Will Ashleigh’s relationship withstand this test? The beautiful and rainy New York City lends a picturesque backdrop in this best rom-com movie I’ve seen lately.
27. Finding You – 2021
Director: Brian Baugh
Duration: 1h 59m
Main Actors: Rose Reid, Jedidiah Goodacre, Katherine McNamara
Finley met Beckett while she was in Ireland for a semester abroad. Beckett was there filming a fantasy action movie nearby.
Despite coming from different backgrounds, they both start a friendship. Finley helps Beckett loosen up, and Beckett, on the other hand, helps Finley rediscover her passion in music. Soon enough, this friendship starts turning into romance.
Unfortunately, Beckett’s controlling father disapproves of this relationship and they both are faced with some challenges. Can they overcome the challenges and find love?
28. I Want You Back – 2022
Director: Jason Orley
Duration: 1h 51m
Main Actors: Isabel May, Charlie Day, Jenny Slate
Peter and Emma, both dumped by their exes, get together to get back at them. Unfortunately, their exes have already moved on, and their plan is to stop them from moving on.
As their plan gets laid out and comes to life, things start to get extremely complicated.
Will they succeed in their plan to sabotage their exes’ relationships? The director puts together a funny and heartwarming story that is going to make you laugh and get emotional at the same time!
29. Isn’t it Romantic – 2019
Director: Todd Strauss-Schulson
Duration: 1h 29m
Main Actors: Rebel Wilson, Adam DeVine, Liam Hemsworth
Natalie hates rom-coms and one day is mugged in the subway. Unfortunately or fortunately, when she wakes up, she finds herself in a weird reality where her entire life has turned into a romantic comedy!
In the beginning, Natalie enjoys the attention, her dream job offer and an encounter with a handsome client by the name of Blake. But soon enough, she starts missing her real friendships.
Can Natalie break away from her rom-com world?
The movie is shot with many hilarious scenes and romantic moments which is sure to keep your date night light and fun! One of the best rom-com movies I’ve watched lately!
30. Red, White & Royal Blue – 2023
Director: Matthew Lopez
Duration: 1h 59m
Main Actors: Nicholas Galitzine, Taylor Zakhar Perez, Uma Thurman
The son of the first female president, Alex has a huge crush on the Prince of England, Henry. Their families however are political rivals and therefore Alex has to pretend to dislike Henry publicly. This further escalates when a staged fight at a royal wedding goes viral.
To improve this situation, Henry and Alex are told to pretend to be good friends. When they spend time together during photo ops and interviews, sparks fly.
Will Alex and Henry sacrifice their duties and responsibilities for their love? Even if they do, how will they navigate the pressures of their family that they also love?
