They say romance is dead, but the romantic comedy genre is very much alive and kicking. From its humble beginnings in 1918 with the silent film Mickey—which raked in nearly $400 million adjusted for inflation—to today's streaming sensations, the rom-com has evolved while keeping its core ingredients: love, laughter, and two flawed but lovable leads with undeniable chemistry. Think Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo in 13 Going on 30, or Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy in the Before trilogy. The genre is thriving, and 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year. Here are five upcoming rom-coms you absolutely cannot miss.
1. Heartstopper Forever (July 17, 2026, Netflix)
The beloved Netflix series Heartstopper is getting the feature-film treatment with Heartstopper Forever. Based on Alice Oseman's acclaimed YA graphic novels, the show has been a beacon of modern representation, earning rave reviews across three seasons. This final chapter follows Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) as they stand on the cusp of adulthood, facing the possibility of going their separate ways. Directed by Wash Westmoreland (co-director of Still Alice), the film also stars William Gao, Yasmin Finney, and Corinna Brown. It promises to be one of the most wholesome and heartwarming movies of the summer.
2. One Night Only (August 6, 2026, Theaters)
From director Will Gluck, who brought us the smash hit Anyone But You—the highest-grossing live-action Shakespeare adaptation ever—comes One Night Only. This time, Gluck teams up with Top Gun: Maverick's Monica Barbaro and Masters of the Air's Callum Turner. Set in an alternate reality where pre-marital sex is legal only one night a year, two New Yorkers find love on that very night. Think The Purge meets rom-com. With Gluck's track record for cheeky, chemistry-fueled tales, this one is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
3. Practical Magic 2 (September 11, 2026, Warner Bros.)
Nearly 30 years after the original, the Owens sisters are back. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman reprise their roles as Sally and Gilly Owens in this long-awaited sequel to the 1998 cult classic. Set 25 years later, the story follows the sisters as they continue to battle the family curse, while Sally's daughter (played by Joey King) begins developing dangerous powers and uncovers dark secrets. Susanne Bier (Bird Box, The Perfect Couple) takes over directing duties. For fans of magical romance, this is a must-see.
4. Verity (October 2, 2026, Theaters)
Colleen Hoover's novels have become box-office gold, and her latest adaptation is Verity. The story follows a struggling writer (Dakota Johnson) who is hired to complete a bestselling series for an acclaimed author (Anne Hathaway) who can no longer write. But when she discovers a hidden manuscript, dark questions arise. Anne Hathaway reunites with director Michael Showalter (The Idea of You), and the cast also includes Josh Hartnett and Ismael Cruz Córdova. This psychological thriller-rom-com hybrid is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
5. Sense and Sensibility (October 16, 2026, FX on Hulu)
No rom-com list is complete without a period drama, and this new adaptation of Jane Austen's classic promises to deliver. While details are still under wraps, the project is generating buzz for its fresh take on the timeless story of the Dashwood sisters. Expect wit, heartache, and, of course, a happy ending. For more on what's streaming soon, check out our coverage of Sigourney Weaver's 'Holes' Digs Its Way to Paramount+ in May 2026.
Whether you're a fan of teen romance, magical realism, or classic love stories, 2026 has something for everyone. Mark your calendars and get ready to swoon.
