30 best romantic comedies of the last 5 years

Few genres make audiences feel as good as a romantic comedy, and the best romantic comedies over the past 5 years offer a variety of stories that expertly elicit as many swoons as laughs. The genre remains as popular as ever, and the best romantic comedies released in the last five years have told some of the most original stories yet. Today's romantic comedies feature more diverse casts and often invert traditional romantic conventions.

While romantic comedies are known for their tropes, some modern and recent romantic comedies are trying different and creative settings while their characters are more representative of millennials, Gen Z, and younger audiences. Characters in Modern Romantic Comedies Still Live Fantastic Lives full of meet-cutes and deus ex machina moments, while also featuring more serious themes, such as not being successful at work, being rejected and being single after a long relationship. The best recent romantic comedies are a breath of fresh air in the genre.

30

The Fallen Guy (2024)

Starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt

It's always fun to see the rom-com genre collide with other genres, like in The fallen guy. A remake of the 1980s Lee Majors television series, Ryan Gosling stars as Colt, a Hollywood stuntman who leaves the business after a serious accident. However, when his ex-girlfriend (Emily Blunt) has her directorial debut threatened following the disappearance of her leading man, he returns to the world of cinema to track down the missing movie star.

The electric chemistry between the two stars is a big part of the film's success…

The fallen guy manages to do a lot, as it's a fun action film with great sets and hilarious comedy. However, one of the most successful elements is the romance between Gosling and Blunt. The electric chemistry between the two stars is a big part of the film's success, but it's also bold enough to put its relationships at the forefront alongside the stunt sequences. Audiences will find themselves rooting for this charming couple to make everything work just as much as they're rooting for Gosling to save the day.

29

Fly me to the moon (2024)

Starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum

Period romantic comedies are very rare in the genre, but Fly me to the moon manages to not only tell a charming romance story set in the 1960s, but also make it revolve around a key moment of the time. Fly me to the moon stars Channing Tatum as the flight director for NASA's proposed trip to the Moon, which is quickly losing public support. Scarlett Johansson is introduced as a brilliant public relations agent tasked with making the mission more appealing to the average American.

The film follows the old trope of two people with very different approaches reluctantly forced to work together. However, the Apollo mission creates a unique and exciting setting for a familiar story. It also helps that both leads are endlessly charming with Johansson in particular having a lot of fun with her seasoned professional who has a bit of a conman's energy. While there have been many space race films over the years, the novel certainly adds a new element to the story..

28

Music (2024)

Starring Rudy Mancuso and Camila Mendes

Sometimes romantic comedies can be dismissed as only catering to fans of the genre who want to see the typical things that romantic comedies are known for. However, there are examples in the genre that are more inventive with their characters and stories, offering something new to this type of story. Rudy Mancuso co-wrote, directed and stars Music as Rudy, a young man who suffers from synesthesia, hearing music in everyday sounds.

As he explores his love of music, his mother tries to find him a perfect date, while he begins to fall in love with a woman he just met, Isabella (Camila Mendes). The film has a vibrant energy, especially through Rudy's eyes. However, it is most charming when it focuses on the relationship between Rudy and Isabella. Despite the cinema's fanciful flourishes, in essence, is a relatable story about someone who meets a person who seems to understand how they see the world when no one else does.

27

Cold Hot (2024)

Starring Lacey Chabert and Dustin Mulligan

Netflix's 2024 Christmas movies were quickly a huge holiday hit for the streamer, but it has certainly emerged as the surprise gem of the Christmas season. Hot cold tells the story of Kathy (Lacey Chabert), a young widow from a small town who magically brings to life a snowman who turns out to be an attractive man (Dustin Mulligan). As she tries to hide this magical secret from the rest of the town, she teaches “Jack” what it means to be human and forms a bond with him.

The premise is certainly silly, but it works largely thanks to the fact that Mulligan leans into the tone with her funny, charming, and wry performance. While the setup may raise some questions about how this novel actually works, Hot cold the title should serve as a note on how seriously the film should be taken, as wonderfully plays up the modern tropes of the holiday romantic comedy while also pleasing fans of the genre.

26

Updated (2024)

Starring Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux

Camila Mendes had a big year in romantic comedies in 2024, consolidating herself as one of the new stars of the genre. While Music was undoubtedly another showcase for filmmaker Rudy Mancuso, Updated depends entirely on Mendes' charms in the lead role. The film serves as a modern update of Cinderella with Mendes playing Ana, an overworked and underappreciated intern working in the art world who is placed in first class during her work trip to London, which leads to a case of mistaken identity and a potential romance with wealthy William (Archie Renaux).

The film has a lot of fun playing with the classic fairy tale, while Mendes is the ideal protagonist for such a story. She is charming, funny and captivating, making the audience root for her whenever she can't catch a break. The film wisely focuses more on Ana getting the recognition she deserves, but with a romance angle, with a conclusion that goes against convention, but still pleases everyone..

25

Anyone But You (2023)

Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell

Of course, there have been a lot of great romantic comedies in the last five years, but Anyone but you drew a lot of attention for proving that this type of film still attracted box office sales. It didn't hurt that the film starred two of Hollywood's biggest emerging stars with Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell playing two single people with a controversial history. When they are invited to the same wedding, they decide to avoid the embarrassment by pretending to be a couple.

Powell and Sweeney have established themselves as true Hollywood stars, sharing excellent chemistry that elevates the entire film. Anyone but you is a throwback to the era of '90s romantic comedies, embracing well-known tropes and even serving as a loose Shakespearean adaptation with aspects of Much Ado About Nothing. The film's box office success will likely lead to more confidence in the genre.

24

Elementary (2023)

Starring Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie

Pixar's best films showcase the studio's excellent sense of humor. However, Elementary it was the first time the animation studio embraced a full rom-com story. Of course, they do it in typical Pixar fashion, with a smart, familiar world to set the story in. Elementary is about a world occupied by the four elements and follows a girl from a fire family named Ember and a boy from a water family named Wade who form a connection.

As with most Pixar releases, the world-building is one of the best aspects of the film. However, as well as being a story about the blossoming of this unexpected relationship, it is also a story of immigrants and community with some very valuable messages. Although the film initially appeared to be yet another box office flop to continue Pixar's recent troubles, it has remained strong thanks to word of mouth and solid reviews, showing that there is still a lot of magic in Pixar's original films.

23

Assassin (2024)

Starring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona

Glen Powell has delivered another excellent romantic comedy recently, but it's drastically different from Anyone but you. Assassin is loosely based on a true story and stars Powell as Gary Johnson, a surveillance expert and college professor who works helping police take down people who try to hire hitmen to commit murders. Gary proves to have a knack for undercover work, convincingly posing as a series of different guns for hire. However, everything gets complicated when he falls in love with one of his potential clients, played by Adria Arjona.

Powell co-wrote the film with director Richard Linklater and the two do an excellent job of finding the perfect tone in this complicated story. It's funny and sometimes a little heightened, but there's also a real level of suspense and incredible sensuality. The result is one of the most unique romantic comedies in recent years and one that may please those who normally avoid the genre.

22

Good luck to you, Big Leo (2022)

Starring Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack

Age differences in romantic comedies can be off-putting and problematic in many cases, but Good luck to you, Big Leo finds a way to make it work and even make it catchy. The film also has a unique approach to a relationship in a film of its kind, as it stars Emma Thompson as an older woman who feels unfulfilled in her sex life to date. She decides to make a list of several things she would like to try and hires a sex worker (Daryl McCormack) to help her eliminate these items from her life..

The film is basically a double feature, telling its story over the course of several meetings, all inside a small hotel room. Thompson and McCormack have wonderful chemistry as these two strangers embark on a very intimate journey with each other. However, the intimacy really comes from their conversations in which they open up and find similarities and differences. It's a romantic comedy in which the relationship doesn't really turn into romance, but rather into friendship.

21

Rye Lane (2023)

Starring David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah

After David Jonsson's excellent performance in Alien: Romulusthere will probably be a lot more people looking for your previously underrated romantic comedy Rye Street. The film seems to be inspired by films like Before sunrise because it can simply accompany two people throughout the day as they get to know each other and establish a connection. Jonsson plays Dom, while Vivian Oparah plays Yas, two strangers who recently went through breakups and met by chance and decided to spend the day making each other feel better..

The two leads have great chemistry in roles that allow them to be silly, heartbroken, and adventurous as they gradually realize that the end of their previous relationship wasn't the end of the world. It's the kind of quiet, simple romantic comedy that can make a big impact simply through its relatable characters, sharp humor, and engaging conversations.

20

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Starring Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman

Jennifer Lawrence stars in romantic comedy No hard feelingsa film that was released in 2023 and was one of his most raunchy yet funniest twists. The film had the chance to cause controversy, as Lawrence played a young woman who agrees to help a teenager lose his virginity when your parents offer you a new car in exchange for the deed.

Lawrence took part in this role and showed a different side to his already incredible acting talent.

Although an older woman seducing a teenager might have been a bad idea, the film remains a sweet story, albeit with some highly lewd scenes. Lawrence took part in this role and showed a different side to his already incredible acting talent. The film also featured some fun supporting characters, with the boy's parents played by Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti.

Jennifer Lawrence received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Comedy or Musical and the film also received a Critics Choice Awards nomination for Best Comedy. Furthermore, No hard feelings became a hit on Netflix.

19

Someone I Used to Know (2023)

Starring Alison Brie and Jay Ellis

Someone I knew is a film directed by Dave Franco that arrived in 2023 with Alison Brie starring as showrunner of a reality show called Dessert Island. Upon learning that her show has been cancelled, she decides to take a break from TV and visit her mother in Washington, where she meets her ex-boyfriend.

As expected in a romantic comedy, they get back together and then she finds out after they sleep together that he is about to get married and her mother, unaware of what happened, asks Ally to film the wedding. This seems like a perfect setting for a romantic comedy with lots of uncomfortable situations and is similar to classics like My best friend's wedding.

However, this ends up overcoming the familiar stories and is a film with good depth and characters realizing what they should be doing in life, without cheating with a false happily ever after ending for Ally at the end. It has some interesting things to say about a comedy and was a surprising film, but one that has been almost completely forgotten.

18

Red, White and Royal Blue (2023)

Starring Taylor Zakhar Perez and Nicholas Galitzine

Red, White and Royal Blue is a Prime Video original romantic comedy that features a LGBTQ+ love story between the son of the President of the United States and Prince Phillip, Duke of Cambridge. As with many romantic comedies, the two men don't start off well and neither likes the other after an embarrassing incident.

However, their parents force them to act as friends for better relations between the countries, with neither leader realizing that their children would end up falling in love. The film has received mostly positive reviews from critics, with a 76% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and offers a more inclusive romantic experience for viewers at home.

It also received praise later in the year, with the GLAAD Media Awards naming it the Queer Fan Favorite of the year while also nominating it for Best Movie – Streaming TV. He also received a nomination at the Producers Guild of America Awards for Best Producer of Broadcast or Television Motion Pictures.

17

I Want You Back (2022)

Starring Charlie Day and Jenny Slate

I want you Back is a more irreverent romantic comedy starring Charlie Day (It's always sunny in Philadelphia) and Jenny Slate (Parks and Recreation). With the two comedic television actors leading the way, the film tells the story of two people who have just been abandoned by their romantic partners.

They become friends and try to help each other in their new lives after the breakup. However, they decide that they will help each other in trying to win back their exes, who have already moved on. However, as is expected in films of this type, the two end up falling in love along the way.

Critics loved the film, and it achieved a good 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. The cast received praise for their performances and it's a romantic comedy that not only features laughter and romance, but also has a great story about learning to move forward in life, even if it's not what the couple expected along the way.

16

Phantom (2023)

Starring Chris Evans and Ana De Armas

Ghost is a film that has some big stars behind it and some successful directors leading the project. Chris Evans plays against type as a star-crossed romantic who goes to London to meet a woman he had a one-night stand with after a date. However, when he arrives, a criminal kidnaps him and his old boyfriend has to save him. This is Oscar-nominated actress Ana de Armas (Blonde), who is a highly trained secret agent.

Seeing the former Captain America constantly needing to be saved made it worth watching. The Apple TV+ original film was written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, the team who wrote Dead Pool and Deadpool 2 and was directed by Dexter Fletcher, who previously directed the Oscar-nominated film Rocket Man.

Although critics hated the film (with a 25% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), the audience score was much higher. This makes it an audience-friendly film and a romantic comedy worth watching for anyone who just wants to have fun.

15

The Perfect Discovery (2023)

Starring Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers

One of the best recent romantic comedies, The perfect discovery is a Netflix original film that arrived on the streaming service in 2023. Although it is inspired by a novel of the same name by Aunt Williams, fans of the book will find several differences in the film.

In a cast full of talent, Gabrielle Union leads as Jenna, a woman just coming out of a decade-long relationship. After starting a new job, Jenna is attracted to a much younger man (Keith Powers).

Although they go through many obstacles when they meet, including the fact that Jenna works for her mother (Gina Torres), they work well together. Even more than the romantic aspect of the story, the two characters find a way to pursue their professional aspirations while falling in love.

14

To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021)

Starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo

To All the Boys: Always and Forever is the final chapter of Jenny Han For all the boys trilogy on Netflix. Follows Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) as she struggles to choose a university to attend after her dreams of going to the same school as Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo) are shattered.

Although Lara Jean has already learned many love lessons in the first two films, this time, She learns that she can't put aside what she wants in life for loveeven if it makes your relationship more difficult.

The final chapter of their story allows a grounded approach to the two going to different universities after spending the last two years of high school together.

Although Lara Jean and Peter have a mostly fairytale romance, the final chapter of their story allows for a grounded approach to the two going to different universities after spending the last two years of high school together.

13

Crush (2022)

Starring Rowan Blanchard and Auli'i Cravalho

Another High School Romantic Comedy, 2021 Crush is a Hulu original. Unlike Netflix, Hulu doesn't have many recent romantic comedies made just for the platform, and Crush is certainly unique. Has a sarcastic sense of humor that represents some teen comedy tropes while subverting others.

After all, the love triangle at the center of the story concerns three young people. Roman Blanchard stars Crush as Paige, a teenager who joins the track team to get closer to her crush (Isabella Ferriera). While training, however, she ends up getting closer to her crush's sister, AJ (Auli'i Cravalho).

The two sisters are co-captains of the track team, which means Paige ends up in their orbit, further confusing their feelings. What makes the film work is that Blanchard has fantastic chemistry with the two leads by her side.

12

Palm Springs (2020)

Starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti

Since then Groundhog Day debuted in 1993, sci-fi projects were fascinated by the idea of ​​a time loop. While most time loop films provide a morality tale where the protagonist needs to learn his lesson and are not necessarily romantic comedies, Palm Springs do the science fiction concept in the perfect circumstance for a romantic comedy.

Although Sarah is new to the time loop, Nyles is not.

After Sarah (Cristin Milioti) hooks up with Nyles (Andy Samberg) at her sister's wedding, she finds herself pulled into a vortex that makes her repeat the day. Although Sarah is new to the time loop, Nyles is not.

He repeated the day so many times that he developed a more relaxed attitude towards the circuit, having fun and doing things he wouldn't necessarily do on a daily basis. Sarah, on the other hand, is determined to find a way to end this. It's the differences between them that make them so fun to watch together.

11

Single until the end (2021)

Starring Michael Urie and Philemon Chambers

Holiday romances are incredibly common. Hallmark rules them when it comes to tears, but this Netflix original romantic comedy is both sweet and hilarious. It features some tried-and-true romantic comedy tropes like fake dating and friends to lovers, and it's easily one of the best holiday romantic comedies of the last five years.

In Single until the end, Peter (Michael Urie) goes home for the holidays, convincing his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to pretend to be your boyfriend after your most recent relationship ends.

His mother (Kathy Najimy), however, sets him up on a blind date, and the two discover that perhaps there are real feelings behind the relationship they were pretending to have. The film, which was released in 2021, won the GLAAD Media Awards for Best TV Movie and also earned Joel S. Rice a Producers Guild of America Award.