Whether it’s Valentine’s Day or just another day spent with your loved one, there’s no better way to end the night than by watching one of the best romantic comedies on Netflix. Or Netflix and chilling, as some would say.
Netflix has lots of romantic comedies worth watching. But which ones should you actually watch? If you want something lighthearted, happy, and dramatic, here are the best romantic comedies to watch on Netflix on Valentine’s Day and beyond.
1. Up In the Air (2009)
IMDb: 7.4 | RT: 91%
Up in the Air was nominated for many Oscars and it’s easy to see why. It stars George Clooney as Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizer. He’s a man who enjoys travelling by plane and is on his way to achieving 10 million air miles—something he’s very proud of.
When his new co-worker, played by the brilliant Anna Kendrick, has an idea that threatens his lifestyle, he tries to show her the importance of his job. All the while he finds himself falling for another frequent flier played by Vera Farmiga.
Considering this movie was directed by Jason Reitman, who also created the great Juno, you’re in for a good ride with Up in the Air.
2. As Good as It Gets (1997)
IMDb: 7.7 | RT: 85%
If you think of Jack Nicholson, you probably think of his head peering through the door in The Shining. However, his performance in As Good as It Gets reminds just how much range he has, starring here as an obsessive-compulsive writer who is cranky towards everyone.
That is until he has to look after a dog, which softens him up, and he starts forming an unlikely friendship with his gay artist neighbor and a single mother waitress. This is a great story about acceptance and positivity.
3. About Time (2013)
IMDb: 7.8 | RT: 69%
If you want a bit of science fiction with your romantic comedy, About Time is the way to go. It stars Domhnall Gleeson as Tim, who discovers he can travel through time. He then uses this to change things that have happened in his life, and ultimately uses it to date Mary, played by Rachel McAdams.
Both actors are on top form and this is a movie that is sure to make you cry, so get the tissues ready. Although Tim thinks his powers are improving his life, he soon discovers that even he can’t escape from some of life’s most common problems.
4. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
IMDb: 6.5 | RT: 65%
This American comedy rests on the charm of its two leads, Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks. The pair star as the titular Zack and Miri, platonic roommates who fall into a tough financial situation and decide to film a porn film together to make some money.
Of course, they develop real feelings for each other and have to deal with the consequences. Zack and Miri Make a Porno is every bit as rude and hilarious as you’d expect and also features great cameos from Justin Long and Craig Robinson.
It’s one of the best comedies on Netflix, romantic or otherwise.
5. Yes Man (2008)
IMDb: 6.8 | RT: 46%
Jim Carrey stars in Yes Man, playing a character who has grown tired of his repetitive life. Looking to mix things up, he attends a seminar that encourages him to say yes to literally everything he encounters.
That leads him into many new opportunities, like getting a job promotion and finding romance with Zooey Deschanel’s character. Sure, the story is a bit predictable, but you can’t really go wrong with a Jim Carrey comedy.
6. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)
IMDb: 6.7 | RT: 91%
You might know Spike Lee from films like Malcom X or BlacKkKlansman, but he started in the feature-length game with She’s Gotta Have It. Despite its age and low budget, this film stands up to the test of time.
Tracy Camilla Johns leads as a woman who doesn’t know what type of man she wants to date. To help her decide, she decides to date three very different people at the same time. The story goes to unexpected places and is well worth your time. And if you enjoy it, Spike Lee adapted it into a Netflix TV series in 2017.
7. The Spectacular Now (2013)
IMDb: 7.1 | RT: 91%
The Spectacular Now is an authentic coming-of-age story that tells the tale of Miles Teller’s character, a smooth and cocky party lover who wakes up outside after a night of revelry and meets Shailene Woodley’s reserved-yet-sweet character. From there they form an unlikely romance.
Both the young leads are on exceptional, raw form and bubble with believable chemistry. This is so much more than your traditional young adult movie and will connect with you no matter your age.
8. Hitch (2005)
IMDb: 6.6 | RT: 68%
Hitch stars Will Smith, and he’s charming and delightful in his role as a love guru who can help others find true love, but can’t win the girl of his dreams. Eva Mendes plays the target of his affections, and Kevin James brings a healthy dose of humor as Smith’s hopeless client.
It’s a predictable premise right from the start, but that doesn’t prevent Hitch from delivering a solid, heartwarming story that hits all the right notes for Valentine’s Day and beyond. It’s nothing special, but it’s easy to watch and easy to love.
9. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
IMDb: 6.5 | RT: 88%
The Incredible Jessica James won’t knock your socks off with its standard, predictable, low-key narrative and characters. But it’s fun nonetheless. Jessica Williams brings her best performance as Jessica James, elevating a potential dud into a pleasantly watchable film.
The story’s a simple one: recently split-up woman hits it off with a recently divorced man, but things get complicated when their pasts meet up with them. Can they overcome their hindrances? You’ll have to watch to find out.
The Incredible Jessica James was produced and released by Netflix, and it’s one of the best original Netflix movies to watch.
10. Sleeping With Other People (2015)
IMDb: 6.5 | RT: 64%
Sleeping With Other People is an independent film that puts a twist on the traditional rom-com premise: two serial cheaters meet by happenstance years after having a one-night stand, pledge to remain just friends, but find that much harder than they thought.
Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie are awesome in their roles, and the story is a breath of fresh air among all the other clichéd rom-coms out there.
11. Obvious Child (2014)
IMDb: 6.8 | RT: 90%
The premise of Obvious Child doesn’t sound like it has much comedy potential. Jenny Slate stars as a stand-up comedian who breaks up with her boyfriend, has a one-night stand, and ends up pregnant. She then decides to have an abortion.
It’s an undeniably sensitive subject, but Obvious Child tackles its themes of bravery, honesty, and acceptance with real feeling and nuanced humor. This film is a refreshing take on a controversial topic.
12. Man Up (2015)
IMDb: 6.8 | RT: 80%
In the modern world of swiping and online dating, Man Up feels quite refreshing. Lake Bell stars as a woman who has been single for many years and has given up on the idea of falling in love.
However, things look to change when she bumps into Simon Pegg’s character. He mistakes her for his blind date, and she decides to go along with it. Both Bell and Pegg are great and carry this breezy, short film to victory.
The Best Romantic Comedies to Watch Through the Year
There are a lot of great rom-coms on Netflix that will last you well beyond Valentine’s Day, so start adding them to your watchlist now. Then, even after Valentine’s Day, when you’re in the mood for a romantic night-in, you can watch one of these comedies with your partner.
Netflix is great for other holidays besides Valentine’s Day too. So here are the best Christmas movies to watch on Netflix.
Read the full article: The Best Romantic Comedies on Netflix This Valentine’s Day
