Unlock the Ultimate Feel-Good Movie List: The 40 Romantic Comedies That’ll Have You Laughing, Crying, and Rewiring Your Heart – Ranked and Revealed!
Ever wondered why romantic comedies have this magical ability to both tug at your heartstrings and tickle your funny bone, making them an eternal favorite? Maybe it’s because they’re like that perfect playlist—just the right mix of laughter, love, and a pinch of chaos that keeps us hooked every single time. Whether it’s the classic “When Harry Met Sally” moment or a quirky twist on Shakespeare’s tales, rom-coms have this knack for showing us that love isn’t always neat, but it sure is entertaining. So, if you’re ready to dive deep into the world where laughter meets romance, and maybe find your next favorite film (or binge!), you’re in for a treat. Let’s unwrap the best romantic comedies of all time, handpicked by Harper’s BAZAAR editors just for you. LEARN MORE
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Something Borrowed (2011)
Based on the book of the same name by Emily Giffin, Something Borrowed tells the tale of two best friends whose friendship is challenged by a man. Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) has grown up in the shadow of her friend Darcy (Kate Hudson)—which includes conceding the man she likes, fellow lawyer Dex, to her bestie. But on Rachel’s 30th birthday, she accidentally reveals her crush to Dex, throwing her whole world into jeopardy.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
Confessions of a Shopaholic is both a traditional rom-com and a love letter to shopping, based on the book series by Sophie Kinsella. Isla Fisher stars as Rebecca Bloomwood, a writer with an awful shopping habit who lands a job giving advice in a financial magazine. There, she meets editor Luke (Hugh Dancy), with whom she has a surprising connection, despite having wildly different approaches to money. But can Rebecca curb her shopping habit before the debt collectors catch up to her?
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) are childhood best friends who have a dramatic falling out as teenagers. Sixteen years later, they reconnect as adults, and easily rekindle their friendship. However, romantic feelings remain and things get complicated, particularly when Sasha starts dating a well-known celebrity.
About Last Night (2014)
About Last Night is based on David Mamet’s 1974 play Sexual Perversity in Chicago, and its star-studded cast includes Regina Hall, Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, and Joy Bryant. The story follows two sets of best friends who engage in relationships with one another. Danny, Debbie, Bernie, and Joan attempt to build romantic relationships that will last in the real world, but love is never simple.
Anyone but You (2023)
Loosely based on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Anyone but You stars Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney as warring acquaintances Bea and Ben. Thrown together at a wedding, Bea and Ben pretend they’re dating to stop their meddling friends from trying to set them up. But the more time they spend together, the more obvious it becomes that their fiery chemistry is legit.
Red, White and Royal Blue (2023)
Adapted from Casey McQuiston’s best-selling romance novel of the same name, Prime Video’s Red, White and Royal Blue portrays the enemy-to-lovers love story between Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the son of the President of the United States, and Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine), a member of the British royal family.
Materialists (2025)
Lucy (Dakota Johnson) is a highly sought-after matchmaker for New York City’s wealthy elite. Despite her streak of successful pairings, she herself isn’t convinced that she has found “the one.” While being courted by a handsome and rich financier (Pedro Pascal) who promises to give her the life she has always dream of, Lucy finds herself getting pulled back to her past—specifically, to her broke ex-boyfriend, John (Chris Evans).
The Wedding Planner (2001)
Jennifer Lopez is the rom-com queen for a reason, with The Wedding Planner proving that viewers love to watch J.Lo fall in love onscreen. Mary (Lopez) is a workaholic wedding planner who is unlucky in love until she discovers an unexpected spark with Steve (McConaughey) after he saves her life. The only problem? She’s planning his imminent wedding to an heiress.
Hitch (2005)
Will Smith plays Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a “date doctor” who helps men land dates with the women of their dreams. Sworn off of love, Hitch finds himself falling for journalist Sara (Eva Mendes), who seems just as cynical as he’s always been. While he attempts to work his magic on behalf of his clients, Hitch helplessly tries to impress Sara—and fails horribly.
Fire Island (2022)
Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, the film focuses on a group of gay friends who travel to Fire Island every year. Noah (Joel Kim Booster) is this story’s Elizabeth Bennet, and he finds himself clashing with his very own Mr. Darcy, Will (Conrad Ricamora). As the group of friends enjoy a fun-filled vacation, Noah questions whether he may have found an important connection.
Last Holiday (2006)
Georgia (Queen Latifah) quits her job after receiving a sudden and unexpected terminal diagnosis. She embarks on her dream vacation to a luxury hotel in the Czech Republic, where she challenges herself to live life to the fullest. Despite finding a kinship with world renowned Chef Didier (Gérard Depardieu) and winning a ton of money in the casino, Latifah misses coworker Sean (LL Cool J) from back home.
Set It Up (2018)
Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) are both assistants to demanding bosses. Together, they hatch a plan to set up Kristen (Lucy Liu) and Rick (Taye Diggs) in an attempt to make their own work lives less stressful. However, as their plan starts to work, the two assistants find they might have an unexpected connection beyond their shared hijinks.
How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
Stella (Angela Bassett) is a 40-year-old single mom who hasn’t had the best luck in love. When her friends convince her to take a vacation, she heads to Montego Bay, Jamaica, where she meets 20-year-old Winston, a local chef’s assistant who invites her to a party. They keep in touch, even once Stella returns home. But can they really make their unexpected romance work?
Imagine Me and You (2005)
At her own wedding to Hector (Matthew Goode), Rachel (Piper Perabo) locks eyes with florist Luce (Lena Headey) in the congregation. Newly married, Rachel keeps running into Luce, who reveals she’s a lesbian and isn’t interested in Rachel’s husband’s best friend. The more time she spends with Luce, it becomes apparent that Rachel’s sexuality isn’t as clear-cut as she once thought.
The Proposal (2009)
When publishing executive Margaret (Sandra Bullock) gets threatened with deportation to her home country of Canada, she convinces her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), to marry her in exchange for a promotion. Now, the two must convince their immigration officer that their romance is real by flying to Andrew’s Alaska hometown, where Margaret bonds with his eccentric family.
Bros (2022)
In Bros, Billy Eichner and Luke Macfarlane play Bobby and Aaron, two gay men living in New York who find themselves drawn to one another, despite both being commitment-phobes. After dating for several months, and experiencing multiple personal and professional failures together, the pair break up. But as they pursue their dreams independently, Bobby and Aaron find out that their connection may be more powerful than they realized.
She’s the Man (2006)
After her school cuts all funding to the girls’ soccer team, Viola (Amanda Bynes) switches places with her twin brother, who is set to attend an elite boarding school. Now flimsily disguised as “Sebastian,” Viola has a few weeks to make the boys’ soccer team and prove her naysayers wrong. She only has one little problem: she has a massive crush on her roommate, Duke (Channing Tatum).
Emma (2020)
We might not have romcoms today if it wasn’t for Jane Austen. Director Autumn de Wilde captures Austen’s romanticism and sense of humor in this 2020 adaptation of Austen’s 1815 novel, which follows a young woman named Emma (Anya Taylor-Joy) who attempts to stave off boredom in her small village by matchmaking those around her.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
Nia Vardalos serves as writer and star in the My Big Fat Wedding franchise. In the first movie, Toula is a single 30-year-old who works at her family’s restaurant in Chicago when she meets teacher Ian (John Corbett). Although he doesn’t notice her at first, he quickly falls in love with her once she grows in confidence and comes out of her shell.
Romancing the Stone (1984)
Until now, romance novelist Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) has only ever written about love and adventure, but never experienced it herself. Upon learning that her sister has been kidnapped, Joan travels to Colombia to pay a ransom. There, she meets exotic bird smuggler Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas), whom she loathes immediately. Together, they attempt to find Joan’s sister.
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