Once written off as box-office poison, the romantic comedy has staged a glorious comeback over the last decade. While superheroes and cinematic universes dominated the 2010s, rom-coms quietly found a new home on streaming platforms, where fresh voices and diverse stories breathed life into the genre. From book adaptations to original tales, these films prove that love—and laughter—never goes out of style. Here are the 10 best romantic comedies of the past 10 years, ranked.
10. 'Upgraded' (2024)
Ana Santos (Camilla Mendes) is a hardworking art gallery intern who gets an unexpected upgrade to first class on a work trip to London—and meets charming William (Archie Renaux). But when she pretends to be the CEO of her company, she must keep up the charade while juggling her actual job. This modern Cinderella story refreshingly puts Ana's career ambitions front and center, making the romance feel earned. Mendes leads with confidence, and the film delivers likable characters, believable stakes, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. It's one of Prime Video's solid romantic picks.
9. 'Anyone But You' (2023)
Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) have a disastrous first date, but months later they're forced to pretend to be a couple at a destination wedding in Australia. Drawing from Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, this enemies-to-lovers romp works because of the electric chemistry between its leads. Their on-screen spark was so intense it sparked real-life rumors, and the film became a sleeper hit during the crowded Christmas release window. It marked a triumphant return of rom-coms to theaters.
8. 'People We Meet on Vacation' (2026)
Based on Emily Henry's bestselling novel, this film follows best friends Poppy (Emily Bader) and Alex (Tom Blyth), who take annual summer trips despite being polar opposites. After a falling out, they reunite for a wedding and must confront their past. The friends-to-lovers trope is handled with warmth and authenticity, thanks to Bader and Blyth's palpable chemistry. While the title is a bit misleading (they didn't meet on vacation!), the emotional payoff is modern and satisfying. Expect more Henry adaptations to follow.
7. 'Always Be My Maybe' (2019)
Childhood friends Sasha (Ali Wong) and Marcus (Randall Park) reconnect 16 years after an awkward teenage encounter. Sasha is now a celebrity chef, while Marcus still lives in San Francisco. This Netflix gem stands out for its cultural specificity and emotional maturity. Wong and Park are comedic dynamos, and their natural chemistry makes every awkward moment and romantic gesture feel real. Plus, Keanu Reeves delivers a killer cameo you won't forget.
6. 'Set It Up' (2018)
Two overworked assistants, Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), scheme to set up their demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) so they can get some time off. As their plan unfolds, Harper and Charlie develop a friendship that blossoms into romance. This film is a masterclass in the workplace rom-com, with sharp writing and a cast that clicks perfectly. It helped kick off Netflix's rom-com renaissance.
5. 'The Big Sick' (2017)
Based on the real-life love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, this film follows a Pakistani comedian who falls for a grad student, only to face cultural clashes and a medical crisis. It's hilarious, heartfelt, and groundbreaking in its portrayal of interracial relationships. The film earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay and remains a high-water mark for the genre.
4. 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' (2018)
Lara Jean Covey's secret love letters are mailed out, turning her life upside down. This Netflix adaptation of Jenny Han's novel became a cultural phenomenon, launching Lana Condor and Noah Centineo to stardom. It's sweet, charming, and celebrates the awkwardness of teenage love with authenticity. The film spawned two sequels and a devoted fanbase.
3. 'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)
Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's family—only to discover they're one of the wealthiest families in Asia. This groundbreaking film was the first major studio rom-com with an all-Asian cast in 25 years. It's a lavish, funny, and heartfelt exploration of love, family, and identity. The wedding scene alone is worth the price of admission.
2. 'Palm Springs' (2020)
Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) are stuck in a time loop at a wedding in Palm Springs. This sci-fi twist on the rom-com formula is hilarious, existential, and surprisingly romantic. It premiered at Sundance and was snapped up by Hulu, becoming a quarantine favorite. The film's clever premise and sharp dialogue make it a modern classic.
1. 'The Half of It' (2020)
Shy, straight-A student Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis) agrees to write love letters for a jock, only to find herself falling for the same girl. This Netflix film from director Alice Wu is a tender, queer take on the Cyrano de Bergerac story. It's less about grand gestures and more about the quiet moments of connection. The film earned critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of identity, friendship, and first love. It's the best rom-com of the last decade because it dares to be different—and succeeds beautifully.
For more great entertainment rankings, check out our list of the most flawless comedy series of the past two decades and the best animated movies of 2026 so far.
