Love is a many splendored thing, full of joy, silliness, and slapstick. Or at least that's true of romantic comedies, in which lovers might begin as side-eying friends, business rivals, or strangers destined to swoon. Yet there's much more to this genre mash-up than simply jokes and love. You might find jubilant musical numbers, kooky characters, bouncy banter, luxurious settings, and even a madcap murderer!
Whatever you're seeking from a rom-com, we've got you covered with a top-tier selection plucked from classic cinema to the genre's '90s heyday to more modern spins on happily ever after. And there's no need to swipe right! Just hit play.
Here are the 10 best rom-coms now streaming on Max.
1. Crazy Rich Asians
A romantic film worth watching over and over. Credit: Warner Bros / Kobal / ShutterstockCrazy Rich Asians revitalized the rom-com genre upon its release in 2018. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Kevin Kwan, the story follows Chinese-American professor Rachel (Constance Wu), who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding), for a wedding only to discover that his family is one of the wealthiest in the country. Rachel is also forced to confront Nick's traditional mother, who believes she is not good enough to marry her son.
With dazzling visuals and snappy writing, this one is definitely worth revisiting. — Brooke Bajgrowicz, Entertainment Fellow
How to watch: Crazy Rich Asians is now streaming on Max.
2. Sliding Doors
If you can handle a dash of drama in your rom-com, you'll love writer/director Peter Howitt's 1998 head-spinner. Offering two tales of love for one subway ticket, Sliding Doors follows Londoner Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) on a splintered story of what happens to her if she catches her train or misses it. In one scenario, she catches her philandering boyfriend (John Lynch) in bed with another woman (a deliciously devilish Jeanne Tripplehorn). In the other, she arrives too late to expose his infidelity, so their relationship rumbles along while her other persona pursues passion with a charming stranger (John Hannah). Peppered with whimsy, warmth, and some shocking turns, this one will have you gasping, but leave you grinning. — Kristy Puchko, Film Editor
How to watch: Sliding Doors is now streaming on Max.
3. 50 First Dates
50 First Dates is one of those rom-coms you never remember loving quite as much as you do. (See what I did there?) Adam Sandler stars as a laid-back womanizer who falls head over heels for a woman with short-term memory loss, played by Drew Barrymore. This classically funny premise offers a framework for some killer comedic acting by the movie's entire cast, as well as a surprisingly sensitive reflection on what it means to love unconditionally. Plus, it's got penguins! And a walrus! — Alison Foreman, Entertainment Reporter
How to watch: 50 First Dates is now streaming on Max.
4. (500) Days of Summer
Sometime in the 2000s, romantic comedies stopped trying to be funny and started trying to say something meaningful, none more overtly than 500 Days of Summer. This indie darling breaks from rom-com formula to tell a non-linear story of a relationship coming together and falling apart. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s sincerity is palpable and Zooey Deschanel, as the object of his affection, is a quirky girl so quirky she single-handedly ushered in a new era of messy bangs for millions of women everywhere. With unexpected touches of surrealism and a stellar supporting cast, 500 Days of Summer is a satisfying watch for a love story that hits you right in the gut.* — Kristina Grosspietsch, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: (500) Days of Summer is now streaming on Max.
5. Singin’ in the Rain
A sing-along movie you'll fall in love with. Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockThough Singin' in the Rain is approaching its 70th birthday, it remains one of the most iconic films in its genre.
The musical catches up with film star Don (Gene Kelly) and chorus girl Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) as they get caught up in the transition from silent films to those with sound. Because Don's longtime romantic movie partner Lina (Jean Hagen) is not a skilled singer, Kathy is hired to record her voice over Lina's image. However, this causes tension to brew in Hollywood. — B.B.
How to watch: Singin’ in the Rain is now streaming on Max.
6. 13 Going on 30
If you haven't watched 13 Going on 30 yet, what exactly are you doing? An absolute staple of the rom-com genre, the film follows Jenna Rink, an awkward 13-year-old girl whose only birthday wish is to be "30, flirty, and thriving." Well, lucky for Jenna, her wish surprisingly comes true, and she wakes up the next day to find that she's now her 30-year-old self (played by the incomparable Jennifer Garner) in the ripe year of 2004. From timeless quotes to swoon-worthy romance and some of the most memorable scenes to ever bless a rom-com, 13 Going on 30 is a must-see. Plus, it'll give you the biggest crush on Mark Ruffalo ever. — Yasmeen Hamadeh, Freelance Contributor
How to watch: 13 Going on 30 is now streaming on Max.
7. Letters to Juliet
What better way to drown in romance than escape to Italy for a summer fling? In Letters to Juliet, a young woman named Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) is on a trip to Verona, Italy. If that name sounds familiar, it's because one of the greatest love stories of all time, Romeo and Juliet, was set in that small town. During her visit, Sophie visits Juliet's courtyard, a tourist attraction where visitors can write letters to their lovers. She finds a unique letter from 1957 that immediately captures her attention and sets her off on a quest to find its writer and reunite them with their long lost love. Are you already swooning?
From gorgeous shots of the Italian countryside to a surprise romance that'll have you kicking your feet in the air, Letters to Juliet is the perfect watch. And yes, you'll probably try to buy a ticket to Italy afterward. — Y.H.
How to watch: Letters to Juliet is now streaming on Max.
8. So I Married An Axe Murderer
Want a rom-com that's off the beaten path? Check out this oddball offering starring Mike Myers as a quirky poet who's looking for love but may have found an on-the-lam serial killer. Sure, Harriet (Nancy Travis) seems like a dream, boasting a great sense of humor, a varied arena of interests, and an appreciation for sex and nosy Scottish parents. But spurred by paranoia and a fear of commitment, this black comedy's romantic hero begins to fear her bodycount is more homicidal than horny.
A provocative play on the erotic thrillers of the '90s, So I Married an Axe Murderer is a wacky wild watch for a cozy night in. — K.P.
How to watch: So I Married An Axe Murderer is now streaming on Max.
9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Break out the Windex and fall in love with this film. Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockMy Big Fat Greek Wedding is just as loud, energetic, and sweet as you remember.
The sleeper movie hit has 30-year-old Toula (Nia Vardalos) meeting the handsome Ian Miller (John Corbett) one day while waiting tables at her family's Chicago restaurant. The pair reconnects after Toula begins working for a travel agency, and it's not long before Ian puts a ring on her finger. Unfortunately for Toula, before the wedding can happen, Ian must get the approval of her giant, overbearing Greek family. — B.B.
How to watch: My Big Fat Greek Wedding is now streaming on Max.
10. Blended
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore are without a doubt the best pairing ever. In Blended, the reigning king and queen of rom-coms return for another hilarious yet heartwarming story you'll want to watch whenever you're in the mood for love. The film follows Jim (Sandler) and Lauren (Barrymore), two single parents who meet on a blind date that goes horribly wrong. But unlike the lucky rest of us who can just ghost and block, Jim and Lauren accidentally end up in the same African safari resort while on vacation with their children. Can you guess what happens next? — Y.H.
How to watch: Blended is now streaming on Max.
Asterisks (*) indicate the entry has been modified from a previous Mashable list.
UPDATE: Jun. 27, 2023, 4:38 p.m. EDT This post has been updated to reflect current streaming options.
