If you’re a fan of the classic holiday rom-com Love Actually, you’re probably always on the lookout for more feel-good movies that will give you all the warm fuzzies. With its star-studded ensemble cast and multiple intertwining love stories, Love Actually has become a go-to favorite for many of us during the Christmas season. But what should you watch when you’ve already seen it a dozen times and are craving something similar?
Never fear, I’ve got you covered! As a Love Actually superfan myself, I’ve compiled a list of 18 movies that share a lot of the same charm, humor, and heartstring-tugging moments. So grab some popcorn, snuggle up under a cozy blanket, and get ready to fall in love with these delightful films.
1. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Before he brought us Love Actually, writer Richard Curtis warmed our hearts with this 1994 British classic. Four Weddings and a Funeral follows a group of friends as they navigate the ups and downs of love and loss over the course of—you guessed it—four weddings and a funeral.
The ever-charming Hugh Grant stars as Charles, a perpetual bachelor who unexpectedly falls for a beautiful American named Carrie (Andie MacDowell). But with Carrie popping in and out of London, their timing never seems quite right. Will they end up together, or will Charles lose his chance at true love?
With a similar multi-story structure to Love Actually and plenty of quirky British humor, Four Weddings and a Funeral is the perfect pick if you’re looking for another Richard Curtis rom-com to swoon over. Plus young Hugh Grant with floppy hair is pretty much irresistible.
2. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Speaking of irresistible Brits, let me introduce you to the lovably imperfect heroine of Bridget Jones’s Diary. Renée Zellweger stars as the titular Bridget, a 30-something single woman who vows to take control of her life, lose weight, and find a nice sensible boyfriend.
But Bridget’s love life gets complicated when she becomes torn between two very different men – her charming cad of a boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and the seemingly uptight but noble Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Who will win Bridget’s heart?
Based on the bestselling novel by Helen Fielding, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a witty, relatable, and swoon-worthy rom-com. The film was also co-written by Richard Curtis, so it has a very similar vibe and sense of humor to Love Actually. And if you enjoy it, there are two sequels to dive into next – Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Bridget Jones’s Baby.
3. Notting Hill (1999)
What happens when a famous American actress falls in love with a mild-mannered British bookshop owner? Pure rom-com magic, that’s what! Notting Hill stars Julia Roberts as Anna Scott, a Hollywood A-lister who strikes up an unlikely romance with the endearingly awkward Will Thacker, played by Hugh Grant.
But dating one of the most famous women in the world comes with its share of challenges, from snooty friends to invasive paparazzi. Can Will and Anna’s love survive the pressures of fame and the harsh media spotlight?
Written by Richard Curtis and also featuring a delightful supporting cast of British actors, Notting Hill is another must-watch for any Love Actually fan. It’s funny, heartfelt, and features an iconic romance for the ages. “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.” Swoon!
4. About Time (2013)
What would you do if you could travel back in time and get a second chance at life and love? That’s the intriguing premise of this charming British rom-com written and directed by Richard Curtis.
Domhnall Gleeson stars as Tim, a young man who discovers he has the ability to travel back in time. He decides to use his power to win the heart of the lovely Mary (Rachel McAdams). But Tim soon learns that even with the ability to turn back the clock, life and love can still be unpredictable.
With a touch of sci-fi fantasy mixed in with all the usual trappings of a Richard Curtis rom-com, About Time is a unique and utterly captivating film. It will make you laugh, cry, and want to cherish every precious moment with your loved ones. Keep the tissues handy for this one!
5. The Holiday (2006)
If you’re a sucker for a good “house swap” romance, then The Holiday is the perfect holiday treat. The film stars Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet as two unlucky-in-love women from opposite sides of the pond who decide to swap homes for the Christmas holiday.
Diaz’s Amanda is a high-powered Hollywood exec who trades her luxurious LA mansion for Winslet’s cozy English cottage. Meanwhile Winslet’s Iris escapes to Amanda’s posh pad in sunny California. Of course, both women end up finding unexpected romance in their new locales, with a little help from the charming Jude Law and Jack Black.
With its picturesque settings and delightful cast, The Holiday is like a big mug of hot cocoa – warm, sweet and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s the perfect movie to watch while you’re curled up by the fire on a chilly winter’s night.
6. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
This hilarious and heartfelt rom-com follows Cal (Steve Carell), a middle-aged man reeling from the sudden collapse of his marriage. Drowning his sorrows at a local bar, Cal meets handsome player Jacob (Ryan Gosling), who takes pity on the older man and offers to teach him how to be a master of seduction.
But even as Cal learns how to navigate the modern dating scene, he can’t seem to let go of his ex-wife Emily (Julianne Moore). To further complicate matters, Cal’s son has fallen for his babysitter, who has a major crush on Cal, while Jacob finds himself unexpectedly falling in love with the quirky Hannah (Emma Stone). It’s a tangled web of love and laughs!
With its interwoven storylines and stellar ensemble cast, Crazy, Stupid, Love has a lot in common with Love Actually. It’s a sweet, funny, and ultimately uplifting film about the crazy things we do for love. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love Ryan Gosling in a romantic comedy?
7. Valentine’s Day (2010)
Much like Love Actually, this star-studded rom-com follows a diverse group of Los Angeles residents as they navigate the highs and lows of love on the most romantic day of the year. From a florist (Ashton Kutcher) pining for his childhood sweetheart to a businessman (Bradley Cooper) having an affair with his smitten assistant (Anne Hathaway), Valentine’s Day weaves together a tapestry of love stories both sweet and complicated.
The absolutely stacked ensemble cast also includes Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Patrick Dempsey, Jamie Foxx, Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, and even Taylor Swift in her film debut. With so many famous faces popping up, it’s like playing a delightful game of “spot the celebrity”!
While it may not be the most groundbreaking or critically-acclaimed rom-com, Valentine’s Day is a fun, frothy confection that’s perfect for a girls’ night in or a date night on the couch. Pour some wine, unwrap a box of chocolates, and enjoy all the romance and eye candy.
8. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Based on the bestselling dating advice book, He’s Just Not That Into You is another ensemble rom-com in the vein of Love Actually. The film follows a group of Baltimore singles as they try to untangle the perplexing mixed signals of the modern dating scene.
There’s Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin), a hopeless romantic who can’t seem to stop chasing after uninterested men. Her co-worker Janine (Jennifer Connelly) is struggling to trust her husband Ben (Bradley Cooper), who can’t seem to stay faithful. And unlucky-in-love Mary (Drew Barrymore) is starting to wonder if all the good men are already taken.
With a cast that also includes Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, and Ben Affleck, He’s Just Not That Into You is a relatable and often painfully honest look at dating in the 21st century. It may not be as warm and fuzzy as Love Actually, but it still has plenty of humor and heart. And sometimes it’s just nice to know we’re not alone in our romantic struggles!
9. New Year’s Eve (2011)
From the same director as Valentine’s Day comes another holiday-themed ensemble rom-com. New Year’s Eve follows a group of New Yorkers as they prepare to ring in the new year and face big changes in their lives and relationships.
There’s the caterer (Katherine Heigl) who’s forced to work with her ex-boyfriend (Jon Bon Jovi) on a big New Year’s party. A terminally ill woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) who enlists a courier (Zac Efron) to help her complete her bucket list before midnight. And two expectant couples (Jessica Biel/Seth Meyers and Sarah Paulson/Til Schweiger) competing to win a cash prize by giving birth to the first baby of the new year.
With even more famous faces than its predecessor (including Robert De Niro, Halle Berry, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, and Sofia Vergara), New Year’s Eve is a glitzy, glamorous ode to fresh starts and new beginnings. It may be a bit cheesy and overstuffed, but it’s still a fun and festive way to vicariously experience the excitement of a New York New Year’s.
10. Serendipity (2001)
Do you believe in destiny? The characters in this charming New York-set rom-com sure do. John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale star as Jonathan and Sara, two strangers who meet cute while shopping for gloves at Bloomingdale’s during the Christmas season.
Despite feeling an instant connection, Sara insists that they must let fate determine if they are meant to be together. She writes her name and number inside a copy of Love in the Time of Cholera, which she sells to a used bookstore, and challenges Jonathan to find it. Years later, on the eve of her wedding to another man, Sara wonders if she made the right choice. Did she let her true love slip away?
With supporting turns from Molly Shannon, Jeremy Piven, and Eugene Levy, Serendipity is a sweet and whimsical romance about missed connections and second chances. It may be a bit contrived and predictable, but it’s still a delightful comfort watch for anyone who wants to believe in the magic of fate and destiny.
11. The Family Stone (2005)
If you love a good “home for the holidays” dramedy, then The Family Stone should be next on your watchlist. Sarah Jessica Parker stars as Meredith, an uptight New York businesswoman who travels to her boyfriend Everett’s (Dermot Mulroney) family home for Christmas.
But Meredith quickly finds herself at odds with Everett’s eclectic and outspoken family, especially his judgmental mother Sybil (Diane Keaton) and snarky sister Amy (Rachel McAdams). As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, Meredith starts to wonder if she really fits in with this tight-knit clan.
While it has its share of laughs, The Family Stone is ultimately a poignant and bittersweet story about the complexities of family dynamics and the true meaning of acceptance and love. With an outstanding ensemble cast that also includes Luke Wilson, Craig T. Nelson, and Claire Danes, this film is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and call your mom to tell her you love her.
12. The Proposal (2009)
In this delightful enemies-to-lovers rom-com, Sandra Bullock stars as Margaret, a high-powered book editor who suddenly finds herself facing deportation to her native Canada. Desperate to stay in the U.S., Margaret announces that she is engaged to her long-suffering assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), whom she has been mercilessly bossing around for years.
Andrew reluctantly agrees to go along with the charade, but insists that Margaret accompany him on a trip home to Alaska to meet his family and make the engagement seem legitimate. Cue the fish-out-of-water hijinks as the uptight Margaret tries to blend in with Andrew’s eccentric family and rugged hometown.
Of course, as they spend more time together and get to know each other beyond their work personas, Margaret and Andrew start to develop real feelings for each other. But with a sham marriage looming and Margaret’s career on the line, can they find a way to turn their fake romance into the real deal?
With crackling chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds and a scene-stealing supporting turn from Betty White as Andrew’s feisty grandma, The Proposal is a charming and hilarious rom-com that proves even the most unlikely couples can find love in the most unexpected places.
13. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this teen classic stars Julia Stiles as Kat Stratford, a sharp-tongued feminist who has no interest in dating or conforming to high school social norms. This poses a problem for her younger sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), who is forbidden by their overprotective father from dating until Kat does.
Enter Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger), a mysterious bad boy who is hired by Bianca’s would-be suitor Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to woo the prickly Kat and clear the way for Bianca to date. But as Patrick and Kat start to fall for each other for real, they both must confront their own insecurities and learn to open their hearts.
With its clever script, killer soundtrack, and outstanding young cast, 10 Things I Hate About You is a smart and sweet teen rom-com that still holds up more than 20 years later. Stiles and Ledger have incredible chemistry, and the film’s exploration of feminism, identity, and first love still feels fresh and relevant today.
14. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
In this classic romantic dramedy, Tom Hanks stars as Sam Baldwin, a recently widowed father who moves to Seattle with his young son Jonah (Ross Malinger) to start a new life. One night, Jonah calls into a radio talk show and shares the story of his father’s grief, which captures the heart of Annie Reed (Meg Ryan), a Baltimore journalist who becomes convinced that Sam is her destiny.
As Annie tries to track down Sam and Jonah in Seattle, Sam starts to open his heart to the possibility of love again. But with the two living on opposite sides of the country and having never actually met, can they overcome the obstacles and find their way to each other?
Directed and co-written by Nora Ephron (of When Harry Met Sally fame), Sleepless in Seattle is a charming and heartwarming romance that will make you believe in the power of fate and second chances. Hanks and Ryan are an absolutely iconic rom-com duo, and their chemistry is off the charts even though they barely share any screen time together until the very end. This is a must-watch for any fan of classic romantic comedies.
15. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Hanks and Ryan reunited with Ephron for this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance set against the backdrop of the early days of online dating. Hanks plays Joe Fox, the owner of a mega bookstore chain that is threatening to put the small children’s bookshop run by Kathleen Kelly (Ryan) out of business.
Unbeknownst to them, Joe and Kathleen have been anonymously corresponding via email for months, sharing their hopes, dreams, and deepest secrets. As they continue to clash in real life, they find themselves falling in love with their mysterious online pen pals. But can their virtual connection survive the revelation of their true identities?
With its clever premise, witty dialogue, and effervescent performances from Hanks and Ryan, You’ve Got Mail is a thoroughly charming and swoon-worthy romance for the digital age. It’s a love letter to both New York City and the joys of falling in love with someone’s mind and heart before ever meeting them in person. If you’re a sucker for bookshops, witty banter, and the thrill of an anonymous crush, this is the rom-com for you.
16. The Wedding Singer (1998)
In this adorable ’80s-set rom-com, Adam Sandler stars as Robbie Hart, a sweet but struggling wedding singer who gets left at the altar by his fame-hungry fiancée. Heartbroken and cynical, Robbie strikes up a friendship with Julia (Drew Barrymore), a kind-hearted waitress who is engaged to a womanizing jerk (Matthew Glave).
As Robbie helps Julia plan her wedding and teaches her to stand up for herself, the two start to fall for each other. But with Julia’s wedding fast approaching and Robbie’s ex back in the picture, will they be able to overcome the obstacles and admit their true feelings?
With its killer ’80s soundtrack, colorful retro fashion, and goofy-sweet chemistry between Sandler and Barrymore, The Wedding Singer is a delightful throwback rom-com that will make you laugh, swoon, and maybe even bust out some old-school dance moves. It’s a must-watch for fans of the Sandler-Barrymore duo or anyone who loves a good “right person, wrong time” romance.
17. While You Were Sleeping (1995)
In this charming mistaken-identity rom-com, Sandra Bullock stars as Lucy, a lonely Chicago Transit Authority token collector who has a secret crush on a handsome commuter named Peter (Peter Gallagher). When Peter is mugged and falls into a coma, Lucy saves his life but is mistaken for his fiancée by his family.
As Lucy gets to know Peter’s warm and welcoming family, she finds herself falling for his charming brother Jack (Bill Pullman). But with Peter still in a coma and the truth about Lucy’s identity looming, can she find a way to come clean and follow her heart?
With its cozy winter setting, lovable cast of characters, and sweet central romance, While You Were Sleeping is the perfect feel-good movie to watch snuggled up under a blanket with a mug of hot cocoa. Bullock is utterly endearing as the lonely Lucy, and her chemistry with Pullman is off the charts. This is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good “secretly in love with your sibling’s fiancé(e)” story.
18. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Last but certainly not least, we have the ultimate friends-to-lovers romantic comedy. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as Harry and Sally, two college graduates who share a contentious car ride from Chicago to New York and then keep crossing paths over the years.
As they navigate their own failed relationships and changing lives, Harry and Sally develop a close friendship based on shared neuroses, inside jokes, and a mutual love of complaining. But can a man and a woman really be just friends, or will sex always get in the way?
Written by the incomparable Nora Ephron and directed by rom-com master Rob Reiner, When Harry Met Sally is a hilarious, heartfelt, and endlessly quotable exploration of love, friendship, and the gray areas in between. Crystal and Ryan are comedy gold together, and the film’s honest and insightful look at modern relationships still resonates more than 30 years later.
From “I’ll have what she’s having” to “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible,” When Harry Met Sally is full of iconic moments and lines that have become part of the rom-com lexicon. It’s a true classic that every fan of the genre needs to see at least once (but preferably over and over again).
So there you have it – 18 delightful movies to watch if you love Love Actually and are looking for more feel-good rom-coms to warm your heart and make you believe in love again. From classic favorites to more recent gems, these films all share a common theme of love overcoming obstacles and bringing people together in unexpected ways.
Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet and simple romance or a more complex exploration of modern relationships, there’s something on this list for every rom-com fan. So grab your coziest blanket, pop some popcorn, and settle in for a marathon of heartwarming, hilarious, and hopelessly romantic movies. And maybe keep a box of tissues nearby, just in case – these films are known to provoke a few happy tears.
I hope this list has given you some great ideas for your next movie night or lazy Sunday afternoon. And if you have any other favorite films that remind you of Love Actually, I’d love to hear about them in the comments! Let’s keep spreading the love and celebrating all the wonderful ways that movies can bring us joy, comfort, and connection.
