Romantic comedies have had a comeback over the last decade. After audiences seemed to grow tired of them in the early 2000s, they disappeared from theaters for a while. But the genre found new life through streaming, fresh perspectives on familiar formulas, and stars with chemistry so strong that they make even a predictable ending worth it. Some movies tried to reinvent the rom-com, while others stuck to the tried and true. These are some of the best rom-coms released in the last 10 years.
1. The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick is based on the real-life relationship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, which gives the movie authenticity. Kumail plays a version of himself, a comedian who falls for Emily despite knowing his traditional Pakistani family expects him to accept an arranged marriage. Their relationship becomes even more complicated when Emily is diagnosed with a serious illness and is placed in a medically induced coma. Somehow, the heavy subject matter makes for a genuinely funny film without undermining the seriousness of what happened. It’s about falling in love, but also about family, expectations, and figuring out what you’re willing to risk for another person.
2. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Crazy Rich Asians brought back the glamorous, theatrical rom-com. Constance Wu plays Rachel, who goes to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick to meet his family. There, she discovers that his family isn’t just wealthy; they’re unimaginably rich. Unfortunately, Nick’s mother doesn’t approve of Rachel. The lavish parties, mansions, expensive clothes, and opulent wedding make every scene gorgeous, but this beauty contrasts sharply with the conflict between Rachel and Nick’s mother. It was also notable for bringing an Asian cast to a major Hollywood studio film. It gave rom com audiences the grand romance they had been missing.
3. Set It Up (2018)
Set It Up feels like a throwback to the workplace romantic comedies that were so huge in the ’90s and early 2000s. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell play overworked assistants who decide their lives would be easier if their demanding bosses would find love. Their matchmaking scheme means they must spend plenty of time together, and it’s not difficult to guess what happens next. The predictable setup doesn’t hurt the movie because Deutch and Powell have electric chemistry. Its success showed that audiences still appreciated a simple romantic comedy.
4. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Lara Jean has secretly written love letters to every boy she’s ever had feelings for, never intending for any of them to actually read them. But someone mails the letters, turning her private crushes public. She eventually agrees to a fake relationship with Peter Kavinsky, and naturally, the fake romance doesn’t stay fake for long. Lana Condor and Noah Centineo’s onscreen connection helped make the movie a huge hit on streaming platforms. In the process, teen romantic comedies were back.
5. Palm Springs (2020)
Palm Springs takes a familiar romantic comedy and puts it inside a Groundhog Day-type time loop. Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti play two wedding guests who are stuck reliving the same day over and over, including all the wedding day festivities. The confusion morphs into endless consequence-free partying, giving filmmakers an excuse to include several hilarious scenes. But after numerous repeats, eternity starts looking less fun. Once emotions get involved, everything shifts. The life-on-repeat premise gives the movie a unique way of exploring commitment, loneliness, and what it means to choose a life with someone. This strange and funny movie is one of the most original rom coms of the decade.
6. Fire Island (2022)
Fire Island is loosely based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. It’s a modern romantic comedy about a group of gay friends vacationing together. Joel Kim Booster plays Noah, who is determined to help his best friend find romance before focusing on his own love life. That plan gets complicated when he meets the seemingly cold and judgmental Will. The movie uses familiar Austen-esque misunderstandings alongside modern dating tropes and typical friendship scenarios. It’s funny and romantic, but the friendships are at the center of the story.
7. Rye Lane (2023)
Rye Lane follows two strangers who meet right after both have gone through painful breakups. The random encounter turns into a day spent wandering around South London, talking about their exes and getting pulled into ridiculous situations. The movie is playful, colorful, and fast-paced. It is not a formulaic romantic comedy. David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah make the attraction between their characters seem quite natural. It’s a sweet modern love story that doesn’t need a gimmick to work.
8. Anyone But You (2023)
Anyone But You proved that audiences will still enjoy a predictable old-fashioned rom com when given leads with powerful chemistry. Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell play Bea and Ben, whose first date is a disaster. However, they’re unexpectedly reunited at a destination wedding. To cope with the stressful dynamics of the weekend, they pretend to be a couple. Naturally, fake coupling and initial hostility turn into something softer. The movie became a surprise box-office hit.