The Ultimate Guide to Romantic Comedies on Netflix

Romantic comedies or Rom Coms are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. With Netflix being the most popular streaming service globally, there are numerous romantic comedies to choose from.

Whether you are in the mood for an old classic or a new release, Netflix has got you covered. In this article, we will highlight the best romantic comedies available on Netflix in 2023. Read on for more information about each of them! 

1. What is a Romantic Comedy?

1.1. The genre and its history

A romantic comedy is a genre of film that combines elements of romance and humor. Typically, it follows a couple through a series of humorous obstacles that they must overcome to be together. The genre has a long history dating back to the early days of cinema, and it remains popular with moviegoers today.

The roots of the romantic comedy can be traced back to the silent film era, with films like Charlie Chaplin's "City Lights" and Harold Lloyd's "Safety Last!" These films often incorporated comedic situations and romantic plotlines, and they set the stage for the modern romantic comedy.

In the 1930s and 1940s, the romantic comedy genre really took off. Films like "It Happened One Night" and "The Philadelphia Story" helped establish the formula that would come to define the genre: a mismatched couple who initially dislike each other but eventually fall in love. These films were often witty, sophisticated, and starred some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Clark Gable.

In the 1980s and 1990s, the romantic comedy saw a resurgence in popularity. Films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "Pretty Woman" became box office hits, and a new generation of stars, including Meg Ryan and Julia Roberts, became synonymous with the genre. These films often updated the formula for modern audiences, with more sexually explicit content and a focus on career-oriented women.

1.2. Why it's a popular genre for moviegoers？

There are a few reasons. For one, it's a genre that's easy to relate to. We've all experienced the ups and downs of romance, and the humor in these films can help us see the lighter side of those experiences. Additionally, romantic comedies often offer a form of escapism, allowing us to get lost in a world where love conquers all. Finally, the romantic comedy is often seen as a "feel-good" genre, offering a sense of comfort and hope in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and unpredictable.

Overall, the romantic comedy is a genre that has stood the test of time. While the formula may have evolved over the years, the core elements of romance and humor remain as appealing to audiences today as they were a century ago.

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2. The Top 7 Romantic Comedies on Netflix

2.1. Emily in Paris

"Emily in Paris" is a Netflix series that premiered in 2020, created by Darren Star, the man behind hit shows such as "Sex and the City" and "Younger." The show follows the story of Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins, a young American woman who moves to Paris for work. 

Emily in Paris is an ex-pat rom-com starring Lily Collins, who plays the titular ex-pat. The story follows a young marketing professional from Chicago to France where she sells perfume and fine cheese. Along the way, she falls head-over-heels in love with a charming and hunky chef, played by Lucas Bravo. The basic idea of the movie is played up to a cute extreme in the first fight, but overall, the movie is a satisfying love story.

2.2. To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Another popular rom-com is "To All the Boys I've Loved Before." This YA novel adaptation stars Lana Condor and is based on the Jenny Han novel.

It follows Lara Jean, an unwitting girl who accidentally sends five letters to five boys, only to find out that her love letters were actually sent to five different boys.

Although the storyline may be clichéd, it's still visually stunning and has a good message to send out to the world.

2.3. Ryan Gosling's rom-com

In Ryan Gosling's new rom-com, Officer K, a newly hired blade runner for the Los Angeles Police Department, unearths a dark secret that could plunge society into chaos. To find the missing blade runner Rick Deckard, Officer K sets out to discover the true nature of the secret. But if he can't find Deckard in time, the world will end up in utter chaos.

The plot is fairly predictable, but there are some funny moments sprinkled throughout. And while Gosling is often unfazed by the roles he plays, he remains cool and affectless. "Crazy, Stupid, Love" isn't his best film, but the actor has a history of inhabiting emotional nonentities. Other films where Gosling has played a replicant include Blade Runner 2049 and "Lars and the Real Girl" as well as the ridiculously charming and adorable Ken doll in "The Gray Man."

The plot revolves around a top-secret team that the Agency hires to perform dirty jobs. The members of the team are known as the Sierra Six. While they are the highest ranking members of the secret squad, they are responsible for protecting the Agency from treason. As a result, the Agency outsources some of its dirty jobs to the Sierra Six. But this makes for a very funny and genuinely heart-warming rom-com.

2.4. Zoey Deutch's rom-com

Zoey Deutch is currently working on a new rom-com with Glen Powell and it has already been praised for its fresh chemistry. The actress has already been referred to as the Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks of the millennial generation, but she has admitted that she regrets filming one scene in the movie. The film centers on two overworked corporate assistants, Harper Moore and Charlie Young, who team up with their overbearing bosses to set them up with each other and fall in love.

Set It Up was a wildly successful film for Netflix and the duo have reunited for a new romantic comedy called "Most Dangerous Game." Like the previous film, "Most Dangerous Game" isn't a sequel, but it does star the two actors again.

The new film will be produced by Treehouse Pictures, the studio that brought us the Michael B. Jordan movie That Awkward Moment, and the Iraq war drama Sand Castle. The Netflix rom-com is set to go into early 2020. Both actresses and director Powell will serve as executive producers.

A key moment in Set It Up happens when Harper and Charlie sneak into Duncan's room using the fire escape. The two are in love, and the scene is one of the most memorable moments in the movie. Fans have hailed the scene as an instant classic and even the most romantic rom-com scene in history. So if you're looking for a romantic comedy on Netflix, you'll want to give Zoey Deutch a chance to show us what she's made of.

2.5. She's Gotta Have It

"She's Gotta Have It" is a Netflix series based on the 1986 film of the same name by legendary filmmaker Spike Lee. The show premiered in 2017 and ran for two seasons before being canceled.

The series follows the story of Nola Darling, played by DeWanda Wise, a young artist living in Brooklyn who is juggling relationships with three different men. The show explores themes of sexuality, race, and gentrification, among others, and is known for its bold and unapologetic portrayal of black sexuality.

DeWanda Wise's performance as Nola has been widely praised, with many viewers finding her to be a strong and compelling protagonist. The show also features a talented supporting cast, including Anthony Ramos, Lyriq Bent, and Cleo Anthony, who bring depth and nuance to their respective roles.

One of the most significant aspects of "She's Gotta Have It" is its exploration of the gentrification of Brooklyn. The show depicts the struggles of working-class black residents as they are pushed out of their homes by wealthy white newcomers. It's a timely and relevant topic that adds a layer of social commentary to the show.

Overall, "She's Gotta Have It" is a bold and unapologetic series that challenges the status quo and breaks down barriers. While it may not have had the longest run on Netflix, it's still a significant piece of television that's worth checking out for anyone interested in socially relevant storytelling.

2.6. She's Just Not That Into You

When you're feeling down and need a pick-me-up, she's Just the show you need. This romantic comedy is based on a self-help book by Ben Affleck, titled "He's Just Not That Into You." The series follows the lives of nine people who are having trouble finding love.

There is one common thread among the nine, Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin), who is a single mom who works at a hospital and dates men. She learns from her new friend Alex (Justin Long) how to date and meet new people.

Anna has a close friendship with Alex's friend Conor, who misinterprets her playful affection for a romantic interest. In addition to her relationship with Alex, Mary Harris works in advertising sales for a gay newspaper. She also helps Conor promote his real estate business. As a result of this job, Mary Harris meets a lot of guys online and is constantly checking her emails, Myspace messages, and phone calls.

He's Just Not That Into You on DIRECTV isn't currently on Netflix, but you can find it streaming on FuboTV, HBO Max, Peacock Premium, and Sling TV. You can also rent the show on Spectrum On Demand and Direct TV. If you're looking for a good comedy with a romantic theme, you'll want to give this series a try.

2.7. Claire Scanlon's rom-com

While Set It Up has all the perks of a rom-com, it is not without its flaws. The film is far from a perfect rom-com, and its characters aren't believable, but the chemistry between Deutch and Powell is instantly likable. The two stars starred in Richard Linklater's 2016 comedy Everybody Wants Some, and it's clear why they clicked so well.

Aside from being a delightful rom-com, Claire Scanlon's film is an homage to classic romantic comedies. Set It Up stars Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, and Taye Diggs, and is directed by the talented Claire Scanlon. We spoke with Scanlon about her process for making the film and her own favorites for date nights.

The director has been credited with rejuvenating the rom-com genre, thanks to her strong cast and diverse cast. Her romantic comedy features Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch, who play an overworked assistant.

The two women conspire to set up their bosses and hope for some downtime. Scanlon says that she prioritized work over family during the shoot for "Set It Up." However, she did admit that she was pregnant while filming the movie.

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Final Words

If you're looking for a break from the usual fare on Netflix, look no further than the romantic comedies on the streaming service. From Netflix originals to modern classics, you can find some of the best rom-coms on the Internet.

In case you want to download these rom-coms to watch on your own device without an internet connection, instead of using the Netflix app, you should use a Netflix video downloader offered by a 3rd-party vendor because you can keep the downloads for as long as you wish to.

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