Romantic comedies have a special kind of magic. They make us laugh, cry a little, believe in love again, and quote the same lines for decades. Whether you’re planning a cozy movie night, searching for a comfort watch, or building the ultimate rom-com binge list, this guide to the best romantic comedies has you covered.
From classic black-and-white charmers to modern hits and international favorites, this is the ultimate list of the 100 best romantic comedies of all time—movies that prove love is messy, hilarious, and totally worth it.
The best romantic comedies work because they blend relatable relationships, sharp humor, and emotional payoff. No matter the decade, the formula still hits:
Two flawed people
A misunderstanding (or ten)
Witty banter
A breakup montage
A grand romantic gesture
And somehow… we never get tired of it.
It Happened One Night (1934) – The original rom-com blueprint
Roman Holiday (1953) – Audrey Hepburn at her most charming
Some Like It Hot (1959) – Gender-bending comedy perfection
The Philadelphia Story (1940) – Sophisticated and sparkling
His Girl Friday (1940) – Rapid-fire dialogue still unmatched
An Affair to Remember (1957) – The tearjerker standard
Bringing Up Baby (1938) – Screwball chaos done right
The Apartment (1960) – Romance with real emotional depth
Sabrina (1954) – Love, fashion, and Paris vibes
When Harry Met Sally (1989) – The gold standard of modern rom-coms
Pretty Woman (1990) – A modern Cinderella story
Notting Hill (1999) – “I’m just a girl…” enough said
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994) – British wit at its best
You’ve Got Mail (1998) – Enemies to lovers, email edition
10 Things I Hate About You (1999) – Shakespeare, but make it teen
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002) – Family chaos and heartfelt love
Runaway Bride (1999) – Julia Roberts supremacy
Sleepless in Seattle (1993) – Destiny, but make it cozy
While You Were Sleeping (1995) – Accidental love done right
Clueless (1995) – A rom-com disguised as a fashion icon
Love Actually (2003) – Multiple love stories, one holiday classic
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003) – Peak chemistry
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) – Messy, relatable, iconic
Hitch (2005) – Dating advice meets romance
The Wedding Planner (2001) – Comfort food cinema
Serendipity (2001) – Fate-driven romance
27 Dresses (2008) – Enemies to lovers energy
Music and Lyrics (2007) – Underrated and adorable
Two Weeks Notice (2002) – Grumpy/sunshine perfection
Just Like Heaven (2005) – Romance with a supernatural twist
Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Glamour, heart, and representation
The Big Sick (2017) – Funny, raw, and deeply human
Set It Up (2018) – A true rom-com revival
Palm Springs (2020) – Time loops + romance = surprisingly deep
Always Be My Maybe (2019) – Childhood friends done right
Love, Simon (2018) – Sweet, sincere, and joyful
About Time (2013) – Romantic comedy that sneaks up on you
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) – Gen-Z classic
Ticket to Paradise (2022) – Divorced parents, tropical chaos
Plus One (2019) – Weddings, wine, and complicated feelings
Say Anything (1989) – The boombox scene lives forever
She’s All That (1999) – The makeover movie era
Easy A (2010) – Smart, sharp, and self-aware
The Kissing Booth (2018) – Messy but addictive
Love, Rosie (2014) – Missed chances and long-term love
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008) – One night, one city
The Half of It (2020) – Quiet, thoughtful, and modern
A Walk to Remember (2002) – Romantic, emotional, unforgettable
The Spectacular Now (2013) – Realistic and bittersweet
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008) – British teen chaos
Amélie (France) – Whimsical romance at its finest
My Sassy Girl (South Korea) – Hilarious and heartbreaking
Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (India) – A cultural phenomenon
Love Me If You Dare (France) – Playful and intense
Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Thailand) – Sweet and sincere
The Lunchbox (India) – Subtle, mature romance
Romantics Anonymous (France) – Shy love done beautifully
What’s Your Number? (UK) – Modern dating dilemmas
Letters to Juliet (Italy/USA) – Love across generations
Something’s Gotta Give (USA) – Love has no age limit
The Holiday (2006) – Cozy perfection
Mamma Mia! (2008) – Singing, sunshine, and romance
Overboard (1987) – Questionable premise, undeniable charm
Down with Love (2003) – Retro fun with a twist
Leap Year (2010) – Ireland + fake dating
Kate & Leopold (2001) – Time travel romance
Moonstruck (1987) – Passion, family, and fate
The Proposal (2009) – Fake marriage, real chemistry
Working Girl (1988) – Ambition meets romance
French Kiss (1995) – Enemies, travel, love
Sleeping with Other People (2015) – Surprisingly mature
They Came Together (2014) – Rom-com parody gold
Obvious Child (2014) – Honest and funny
Plus One (2019) – Friendship to love done right
The Five-Year Engagement (2012) – Love isn’t always easy
Ruby Sparks (2012) – Creative and unsettling
About Last Night (2014) – Modern dating realism
Love & Other Drugs (2010) – Chemistry overload
Begin Again (2013) – Music, love, healing
High Fidelity (2000) – Breakups, records, self-reflection
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) – Love and memory
Her (2013) – Romance in the digital age
500 Days of Summer (2009) – Not a love story (really)
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) – Messy people, real love
The Lobster (2015) – Dark, weird, unforgettable
Lost in Translation (2003) – Quiet connection
Midnight in Paris (2011) – Nostalgia and romance
Punch-Drunk Love (2002) – Unconventional and intense
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) – Love, video games, chaos
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012) – Love at the end
The Princess Bride (1987) – True love never dies
As Good as It Gets (1997) – Growth and second chances
Before Sunrise (1995) – One night, endless conversation
Before Sunset (2004) – Love, years later
Before Midnight (2013) – Real relationships
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) – Multiple love stories done right
The Hating Game (2021) – Workplace enemies to lovers
Letters to Juliet (2010) – Romantic escapism
One Day (2011) – Love across time
When Harry Met Sally (1989) – Because it deserves saying twice
The best romantic comedies aren’t just about falling in love—they’re about timing, growth, humor, and vulnerability. Whether you love classic Hollywood charm, modern realism, or international gems, this list proves there’s a rom-com for every mood and every stage of life.
So grab a blanket, pick a movie, and let yourself believe in love (again). 💕🍿