If you’re like me, you absolutely adored the heartwarming, hilarious, and swoon-worthy gay rom-com Red, White & Royal Blue. The chemistry between Prince Henry and Alex Claremont-Diaz was electric, the banter was witty and sharp, and the love story was one for the ages. It’s the kind of feel-good movie that leaves you smiling for days.
So if you’re craving more movies that give you those same warm fuzzies, I’ve compiled a list of 18 films that capture a similar vibe. From classic rom-coms to more recent LGBTQ+ love stories, these movies all feature charming romances, lovable characters, and plenty of humor and heart. Grab some popcorn, get cozy, and enjoy!
1. The Thing About Harry (2020)
The Thing About Harry follows a premise very similar to Red, White & Royal Blue – enemies to lovers. Sam (Jake Borelli), a young gay man, is forced to carpool to his friend’s engagement party with his high school nemesis Harry (Niko Terho). But then Sam finds out that Harry has come out as pansexual, opening up the possibility of a love connection.
The two leads have fantastic chemistry that really drives the story. It hits a lot of the standard rom-com beats, but the writing is sharp and funny, and it’s refreshing to see a queer love story get the classic rom-com treatment. If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good romance, queue this one up.
2. Love, Simon (2018)
Get your tissues ready, because this one’s a tearjerker in the best way. Love, Simon was groundbreaking as the first major studio film to focus on a gay teen romance. Nick Robinson stars as Simon, a high school senior who is being blackmailed with emails he’s written to an anonymous gay pen pal. As Simon tries to navigate coming out to his family and friends, he’s also trying to uncover the identity of his crush.
It’s a poignant, empathetic look at the struggles of coming out as a teenager. But it’s also laugh-out-loud funny, romantic, and ultimately joyful and optimistic. The supporting cast is fantastic, especially Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel as Simon’s loving parents. This is a must-watch for any rom-com fan.
3. Bros (2022)
Bros made history as the first gay rom-com released by a major studio, and the first to feature an entirely LGBTQ+ principal cast. Comedian Billy Eichner co-wrote the screenplay and stars as Bobby, a podcast host who falls for Aaron (Luke Macfarlane), a macho lawyer who’s never been in a serious relationship.
Eichner and Macfarlane have scorching hot chemistry, and the script is packed with biting wit and pop culture references. But what makes Bros really special is how it digs into the specific joys and challenges of gay dating in a way that feels authentic and fresh. It’s raunchy, irreverent, and totally hilarious. Don’t miss this instant classic.
4. First Daughter (2004)
First Daughter may not have gotten the best reviews when it came out, but if you love a cheesy early 2000s rom-com, this one’s for you. Katie Holmes stars as Samantha Mackenzie, the daughter of the U.S. President who just wants a normal college experience. But of course, she falls for her undercover Secret Service agent James (Marc Blucas).
Yes, the premise is a bit silly and far-fetched. But Holmes and Blucas are so endearing together, you can’t help but root for them. Plus it has all the staples of the genre – goofy sidekicks, mistaken identities, dramatic gestures of love. Pour a glass of wine and enjoy this fluffy, feel-good romp.
5. Fire Island (2022)
This charming indie rom-com is a modern gay take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Comedian Joel Kim Booster stars as Noah, who heads to Fire Island with his group of queer best friends for their annual week of fun and debauchery. But this year, class differences and romantic entanglements threaten to derail the trip.
With a stacked cast including Bowen Yang and Margaret Cho, Fire Island is a razor-sharp and insightful look at racism, classism, and toxic masculinity within the gay community. But it’s also a joyful celebration of friendship and found family. The central romance between Noah and Will (Conrad Ricamora) is sexy and satisfying. This is an instant queer classic.
6. Alex Strangelove (2018)
This Netflix original movie stars Daniel Doheny as Alex Truelove, a high school senior who plans to lose his virginity to his girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein). But things get complicated when he meets a charming gay teen named Elliot (Antonio Marziale) and starts questioning his sexuality.
Alex Strangelove does a great job capturing the confusion and awkwardness of figuring yourself out as a teenager. The characters feel authentic, and the film strikes a nice balance between humor and heart. It’s a sweet, thoughtful coming-of-age story with a positive message about living your truth.
7. Saving Face (2004)
Before directing The Half of It, Alice Wu made her feature debut with this lovely lesbian rom-com. Michelle Krusiec stars as Wil, a successful Chinese-American surgeon living in New York who hasn’t come out to her very traditional mother (Joan Chen). But when her mother shows up pregnant and disgraced, their relationship is put to the test.
Saving Face is both culturally specific and universally relatable in its exploration of mother-daughter dynamics, familial expectations, and the fear of letting down those you love. The romance between Wil and Vivian (Lynn Chen) is tender and moving. This is a warm hug of a movie that will make you laugh and cry.
8. The Way He Looks (2014)
This Brazilian coming-of-age drama follows Leonardo (Ghilherme Lobo), a blind teenager who develops feelings for new student Gabriel (Fabio Audi). As their friendship grows, Leonardo starts to assert his independence and explore his sexuality for the first time.
With sensitive performances and lyrical cinematography, The Way He Looks is a touching portrait of first love and self-discovery. It normalizes disability in a way that’s refreshing and empowering. You’ll be swooning over the romance and rooting for these characters from start to finish.
9. Big Eden (2000)
This underseen gem stars Arye Gross as Henry, a successful but lonely New York artist who returns to his tiny Montana hometown to care for his ailing grandfather. Once there, he reconnects with his unrequited high school crush Dean (Tim DeKay) and forms a surprising bond with Pike (Eric Schweig), the shy Native American owner of the town’s general store.
Big Eden is like a warm blanket of a movie, with a quirky ensemble cast of lovable small-town characters who rally around Henry. The romance is understated but deeply moving, with a focus on healing and second chances. This is a perfect cozy movie to watch with a cup of tea on a rainy day.
10. The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy (2000)
Before he hit it big with Glee and American Horror Story, Ryan Murphy wrote and directed this charming slice-of-life rom-com about a group of gay friends in West Hollywood. Timothy Olyphant, Zach Braff, Dean Cain, and more play the tight-knit friend group dealing with careers, love lives, and the meaning of life.
While it may not break any new ground, The Broken Hearts Club is notable for portraying its gay characters as complex, flawed, lovable human beings, not just stereotypes. The cast has an easy, lived-in chemistry that makes their friendship feel authentic. It’s a warm, funny celebration of queer chosen family.
11. Imagine Me & You (2005)
Piper Perabo stars as Rachel, a blushing bride who locks eyes with florist Luce (Lena Headey) while walking down the aisle and immediately feels a spark. The only problem? She just got married to her longtime best friend Heck (Matthew Goode). As their friendship blossoms into something more, Rachel must choose between the life she’s always imagined and a chance at true love.
Imagine Me & You is an utterly charming British rom-com that puts a lesbian twist on a familiar set-up. Perabo and Headey have lovely chemistry, and Goode nearly steals the show as the sweet, clueless Heck. With lush visuals and witty banter, this is a delightful, feel-good love story.
12. The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995)
This 90s indie follows the unlikely romance between two very different teenage girls – working class tomboy Randy (Laurel Holloman) and straight-laced rich girl Evie (Nicole Ari Parker). As they fall for each other, they must contend with disapproving family and friends, as well as their own insecurities and differences.
Raw, honest, and tender, The Incredibly True Adventure was groundbreaking for its time in terms of queer representation. It captures the giddy, all-consuming feeling of first love, as well as the challenges of being a gay teen in an intolerant world. The two leads are wonderful together, and the film maintains a sense of humor and heart throughout.
13. Trick (1999)
Christian Campbell stars as Gabriel, an aspiring Broadway composer who meets go-go dancer Mark (J.P. Pitoc) and instantly falls for him. The only problem? They can’t find anywhere to hook up. What follows is a madcap night of missed connections, wacky friends, and musical numbers as Gabriel and Mark search all over New York City for a place to be alone.
Trick is sexy, funny, and romantic, with a game cast that includes Tori Spelling as Gabriel’s kooky best friend. The leads have scorching chemistry, and the film is refreshingly sex-positive in its depiction of gay desire and intimacy. It’s a feel-good romp with a lot of heart.
14. Latter Days (2003)
Steve Sandvoss stars as Aaron, a Mormon missionary who moves to Los Angeles and meets his openly gay neighbor Christian (Wes Ramsey). Despite their differences, they form a deep connection, forcing Aaron to question his faith and sexuality. But when Aaron’s church discovers their relationship, he’s sent away to a “treatment center” and the two must fight to be together.
Latter Days could easily veer into melodrama, but the grounded performances and sensitive writing keep it emotionally honest. It’s a moving story about the power of love to challenge long-held beliefs. The romance between Aaron and Christian is tender and passionate, with a hard-won happy ending that feels earned.
15. Touch of Pink (2004)
This delightful Canadian comedy stars Jimi Mistry as Alim, a gay Muslim man living in London whose active imagination conjures up the spirit of Cary Grant (Kyle MacLachlan) for advice. When his conservative mother comes to visit and pressures him to marry a woman, Alim must choose between his family’s expectations and his love for his boyfriend Giles (Kristen Holden-Ried).
Touch of Pink deftly balances humor and heart, with a light touch that keeps it from feeling heavy-handed. MacLachlan is hilarious as the suave, wisecracking Cary Grant, and Mistry brings depth and nuance to Alim’s inner conflict. It’s a charming, big-hearted romance about living authentically.
16. Shelter (2007)
Brad Rowe stars as Zach, an aspiring artist stuck working odd jobs to support his family. When his best friend’s older brother Shaun (Trevor Wright) comes to stay with them for the summer, Zach starts to develop feelings that force him to confront his sexuality and future.
Shelter is a tender, understated romance that feels grounded in reality. Rowe and Wright have a natural, easygoing chemistry that makes their relationship feel lived-in and authentic. The film also explores class differences and familial obligation in a way that adds depth to the central love story. It’s a gem of a movie that deserves to be more widely seen.
17. The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green (2005)
This quirky indie comedy follows Ethan Green (Daniel Letterle), a young gay man unlucky in love whose dating misadventures are chronicled in a popular comic strip. But as he bounces between an ex-boyfriend, a new love interest, and his meddling friends and family, Ethan starts to wonder if he’s ready for a real relationship.
Based on a long-running comic strip, Ethan Green has a unique visual style and offbeat sense of humor that sets it apart. The ensemble cast is game for anything, and Letterle makes Ethan a lovably neurotic protagonist. It’s a fun, irreverent look at the ups and downs of the gay dating scene.
18. All Over the Guy (2001)
This overlooked early 2000s rom-com stars Dan Bucatinsky and Richard Ruccolo as Eli and Tom, two very different guys set up on a blind date by their meddling best friends. After a disastrous first meeting, they begin an on-again, off-again courtship complicated by their own baggage and hang-ups.
All Over the Guy has a sharp, witty script elevated by the chemistry between Bucatinsky and Ruccolo. The supporting cast also shines, including early turns from Adam Goldberg, Andrea Martin, and Lisa Kudrow. It’s a sweet, neurotic love story that deserves more attention.
So there you have it – 18 movies to give you the same warm, fuzzy feelings as Red, White & Royal Blue. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic rom-com, a groundbreaking queer love story, or just a feel-good time, there’s something on this list for you.
Happy watching!
