The delightful romantic comedy Anyone But You, directed by Will Gluck, has captured the hearts of audiences with its charming enemies-to-lovers storyline, witty banter, and undeniable chemistry between leads Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. If you’ve fallen in love with this modern twist on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and are craving more feel-good romances, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 16 movies that are sure to satisfy your rom-com cravings.
1. Friends with Benefits (2011)
Friends with Benefits follows Dylan (Justin Timberlake) and Jamie (Mila Kunis), two jaded singles who meet in New York City and decide to embark on a no-strings-attached sexual relationship. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to develop deeper feelings that complicate their arrangement. With a star-studded supporting cast including Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman, and Woody Harrelson, this film offers plenty of laughs and heart. Director Will Gluck, who also helmed “Anyone But You”, brings his signature blend of raunchy humor and genuine emotion to this modern take on romance. Timberlake and Kunis have effortless chemistry, making their journey from friends to lovers feel authentic and engaging. Though the premise may seem familiar, Friends with Benefits manages to subvert rom-com clichés and deliver a fresh, funny, and touching story about the challenges of finding love in the digital age.
2. 27 Dresses (2008)
In 27 Dresses, Katherine Heigl stars as Jane, a perpetual bridesmaid who has been in 27 weddings but never as the bride. When her younger sister Tess (Malin Åkerman) falls for Jane’s boss George (Edward Burns), the man she secretly loves, Jane finds herself planning their wedding. To make matters worse, Jane’s encounters with Kevin (James Marsden), a cynical wedding reporter covering the nuptials, forces her to reevaluate her views on love and relationships. Heigl shines in the lead role, bringing warmth and relatability to Jane’s people-pleasing nature and romantic struggles. The film gently pokes fun at wedding culture while still reveling in the fairy-tale aspects of love and marriage. With a charming cast and a script that balances humor and heart, 27 Dresses is a delightful addition to the rom-com genre that will make you believe in happily ever afters.
3. 50 First Dates (2004)
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore reunite in 50 First Dates, a sweet and silly romantic comedy about love and memory loss. Henry (Sandler), a commitment-phobic veterinarian in Hawaii, falls for Lucy (Barrymore), a charming art teacher. However, he soon discovers that due to a car accident, Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss and forgets him every day. Determined to win her heart, Henry must find creative ways to make Lucy fall in love with him over and over again.
The film’s unique premise allows for plenty of hilarious and heartfelt moments as Henry tries to navigate Lucy’s condition. Sandler and Barrymore’s undeniable chemistry, honed in their previous collaboration “The Wedding Singer”, elevates the material and makes their romance feel genuine. With a tropical setting, a memorable supporting cast, and a touching message about the power of love, 50 First Dates is a charming and unconventional rom-com that will leave you smiling.
4. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)
Crazy, Stupid, Love. is a witty and heartwarming ensemble comedy that explores love and relationships at different stages of life. After Cal (Steve Carell) is blindsided by his wife Emily’s (Julianne Moore) request for a divorce, he befriends Jacob (Ryan Gosling), a smooth-talking player who teaches him how to rediscover his manhood and pick up women. Meanwhile, Cal’s son Robbie (Jonah Bobo) pines for his older babysitter Jessica (Analeigh Tipton), who harbors a crush on Cal. As the characters navigate their romantic entanglements, they learn valuable lessons about love, family, and self-discovery. The all-star cast delivers outstanding performances, with Gosling and Emma Stone’s sizzling chemistry being a particular highlight. Directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa deftly balance multiple storylines, creating a film that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. With its clever script, talented ensemble, and a surprising twist, Crazy, Stupid, Love. is a refreshing and sophisticated take on the rom-com genre.
5. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, 10 Things I Hate About You is a charming and quotable teen rom-com that launched the careers of Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. In order to date the popular Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), new student Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) must find someone willing to take out her abrasive older sister Kat (Stiles). Enter Patrick (Ledger), a mysterious bad boy who agrees to woo Kat for a price. As Patrick and Kat’s banter-filled romance blossoms, Cameron and Bianca navigate the ups and downs of high school relationships. The film’s sharp and witty dialogue, memorable performances, and iconic scenes (including Ledger’s swoon-worthy serenade) have made it a beloved classic. 10 Things I Hate About You effortlessly captures the angst and excitement of teenage love while offering a fresh and funny spin on a literary classic. With its talented young cast, killer soundtrack, and endearing romance, this film is a must-watch for any rom-com fan.
6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Produced by Judd Apatow, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a hilarious and heartfelt comedy about breakups, self-discovery, and moving on. After his TV star girlfriend Sarah (Kristen Bell) dumps him, a devastated Peter (Jason Segel, also the film’s writer) takes a Hawaiian vacation to mend his broken heart. However, he soon discovers that Sarah and her new rock star boyfriend (Russell Brand) are staying at the same resort. As Peter attempts to navigate his feelings and win Sarah back, he finds himself drawn to the hotel’s charming receptionist Rachel (Mila Kunis). The film’s raunchy humor, memorable supporting characters (including a scene-stealing Paul Rudd), and Segel’s vulnerable performance create a perfect blend of comedy and pathos. Director Nicholas Stoller allows the actors’ comedic talents to shine while still grounding the story in genuine emotion. With its idyllic setting, killer soundtrack, and relatable themes, Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly poignant rom-com that will resonate with anyone who has ever experienced heartbreak.
7. Ibiza (2018)
Ibiza is a fun and frothy Netflix original rom-com that follows Harper (Gillian Jacobs), a New York PR executive who travels to Barcelona for a work assignment. Her two best friends, Nikki (Vanessa Bayer) and Leah (Phoebe Robinson), decide to tag along for a girls’ trip. While partying at a club, Harper meets and instantly connects with Leo (Richard Madden), a hot DJ who is heading to Ibiza for a gig. On a whim, Harper and her friends follow Leo to the famous party island, leading to a wild and unforgettable adventure filled with music, dancing, and romance. Though the plot may be predictable, the film’s strength lies in the chemistry between its leads and the infectious energy of its talented comedic cast. The stunning Spanish locations and pulsing electronic soundtrack create a vivid and immersive atmosphere that will make you want to book a flight to Ibiza. While it may not break new ground, Ibiza is a breezy and entertaining escape that celebrates female friendship and the thrill of spontaneous romance.
8. Along for the Ride (2022)
Based on the popular YA novel by Sarah Dessen, Along for the Ride is a sweet and nostalgic coming-of-age romance set in the charming seaside town of Colby. Auden (Emma Pasarow), a studious and reserved teenager, spends the summer before college visiting her father and his new family. There, she meets Eli (Belmont Cameli), a mysterious fellow insomniac who helps her experience the carefree teen life she never had. As Auden and Eli embark on nightly adventures and open up to each other, they develop a deep connection that challenges them to confront their pasts and embrace their true selves. The film captures the magic and uncertainty of adolescence, with Pasarow and Cameli delivering tender and nuanced performances. Director Sofia Alvarez beautifully translates Dessen’s beloved novel to the screen, creating a dreamy and wistful atmosphere that will transport you back to your own teenage summers. With its themes of self-discovery, family, and first love, Along for the Ride is a gentle and heartwarming rom-com that will leave you with a sense of nostalgia and hope.
9. Holidate (2020)
Holidate is a festive and irreverent romantic comedy that puts a fresh spin on the fake dating trope. Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) are two strangers who are tired of being single on holidays. After a chance meeting, they agree to be each other’s platonic plus-ones for a year, attending holiday events together without the pressure of a real relationship. However, as they spend more time together and get to know each other, real feelings begin to develop, complicating their arrangement. Roberts and Bracey have great chemistry, making their banter-filled romance feel both fun and believable. The film gleefully skewers holiday rom-com clichés while still delivering the warm and fuzzy feelings that fans of the genre crave. With a talented ensemble cast, including Kristin Chenoweth and Frances Fisher, and a script that balances raunchy humor with genuine heart, Holidate is a delightful and entertaining watch that will get you in the holiday spirit no matter what time of year it is.
10. The Hating Game (2021)
Based on the popular romance novel by Sally Thorne, The Hating Game is a delightful enemies-to-lovers rom-com that will make your heart skip a beat. Lucy (Lucy Hale) and Joshua (Austin Stowell) are executive assistants at a publishing company who can’t stand each other. They engage in a constant battle of one-upmanship, trading barbs and playing mind games in their shared office. However, when they both vie for the same promotion, their rivalry takes a unexpected turn as they begin to develop feelings for each other. Hale and Stowell have sizzling chemistry, making their characters’ journey from hatred to love feel both believable and swoon-worthy. The film captures the novel’s witty banter and sexual tension while also adding its own charming touches. With a strong supporting cast, including Corbin Bernsen and Sakina Jaffrey, and a script that balances humor and heart, The Hating Game is a fun and flirty rom-com that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
11. Set It Up (2018)
Set It Up is a charming and clever Netflix original rom-com that puts a fresh spin on the classic matchmaking trope. Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell) are overworked assistants to two demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) in the same Manhattan office building. Desperate for a break from their hectic schedules, they hatch a plan to set up their bosses in the hopes that a romance will mellow them out. As Harper and Charlie scheme to bring their bosses together, they begin to develop feelings for each other, complicating their own relationship. Deutch and Powell have fantastic chemistry, making their characters’ banter-filled romance feel both fun and believable. The film’s sharp script, talented supporting cast, and New York City setting create a delightful and entertaining watch that will make you fall in love with rom-coms all over again. With its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a plot that keeps you guessing, Set It Up is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good love story.
12. Rye Lane (2023)
Rye Lane is a fresh and vibrant British romantic comedy that follows two twenty-somethings, Dom (David Jonsson) and Yas (Vivian Oparah), as they navigate heartbreak, friendship, and new beginnings in South London. After a chance meeting at a house party, Dom and Yas decide to spend the day together, wandering the streets of Peckham and opening up about their recent breakups. As they bond over their shared experiences and explore the neighborhood’s colorful sights and sounds, they begin to develop a deep connection that challenges them to confront their pasts and embrace their true selves. Jonsson and Oparah have incredible chemistry, making their characters’ journey feel both authentic and endearing. Director Raine Allen-Miller infuses the film with a unique visual style and infectious energy that captures the spirit of the city and its diverse inhabitants. With a killer soundtrack, laugh-out-loud moments, and a script that celebrates the joys and challenges of modern love, Rye Lane is a delightful and refreshing rom-com that will leave you with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.
13. The Proposal (2009)
The Proposal is a hilarious and heartwarming romantic comedy that proves that opposites can attract. Margaret (Sandra Bullock) is a high-powered book editor who faces deportation to Canada due to an expired visa. To avoid leaving the country, she convinces her long-suffering assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her in exchange for a promotion. However, when they travel to Andrew’s hometown in Alaska to meet his family, they must keep up the charade while also confronting their true feelings for each other. Bullock and Reynolds have fantastic chemistry, making their characters’ banter-filled romance feel both fun and believable. The film’s fish-out-of-water humor, stunning Alaskan scenery, and talented supporting cast (including Betty White and Craig T. Nelson) create a delightful and entertaining watch that will make you laugh and swoon in equal measure. Director Anne Fletcher balances the film’s comedic moments with genuine heart, allowing the characters’ emotional journeys to shine through. With its clever script, charming performances, and a plot that keeps you guessing, The Proposal is a classic rom-com that stands the test of time and continues to delight audiences with its blend of humor and romance.
14. Love & Other Drugs (2010)
Love & Other Drugs is a sexy and poignant romantic dramedy that explores the complexities of love and commitment in the face of illness. Set in the late 1990s, the film follows Jamie (Jake Gyllenhaal), a charming pharmaceutical rep who falls for Maggie (Anne Hathaway), a free-spirited artist with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. As their relationship deepens, they must navigate the challenges of Maggie’s condition and their own fears of vulnerability. Gyllenhaal and Hathaway deliver raw and nuanced performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters’ passionate and complicated romance. The film doesn’t shy away from mature themes or steamy scenes, making it a more adult-oriented entry in the rom-com genre. Director Edward Zwick balances the lighter moments with more serious explorations of the pharmaceutical industry and the impact of chronic illness on relationships. With its strong performances, thought-provoking themes, and a touching love story at its core, Love & Other Drugs is a refreshingly honest and emotionally resonant romantic comedy that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
15. Notting Hill (1999)
Notting Hill is a charming and iconic British romantic comedy that captures the magic of unexpected love. William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is a bumbling bookshop owner in London’s Notting Hill neighborhood whose life is turned upside down when he meets and falls for Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a famous American actress. As they navigate the challenges of their different worlds and the pressures of fame, William and Anna must decide if their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles in their way. Grant and Roberts have incredible chemistry, bringing warmth and humor to their characters’ unlikely romance. The film’s witty script, penned by Richard Curtis, is filled with memorable lines and heartfelt moments that have stood the test of time. With its picturesque London setting, talented ensemble cast (including a scene-stealing Rhys Ifans), and a soundtrack that perfectly captures the mood of each scene, Notting Hill is a delightful and timeless rom-com that continues to captivate audiences with its fairy-tale love story and gentle humor.
16. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Based on Helen Fielding’s bestselling novel, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a hilarious and relatable romantic comedy that has become a modern classic. Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget, a charmingly flawed thirty-something who decides to take control of her life by keeping a diary. As she navigates her career, friendships, and romantic entanglements with her caddish boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant) and the seemingly uptight Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), Bridget learns valuable lessons about self-love and acceptance. Zellweger’s endearing performance brings Bridget to life, making her struggles and triumphs feel authentic and relatable. The film’s clever script, which updates Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” for the modern era, is filled with laugh-out-loud moments and touching revelations. With its stellar supporting cast, including Jim Broadbent and Gemma Jones as Bridget’s parents, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the very end, Bridget Jones’s Diary is a heartwarming and hilarious rom-com that celebrates the messiness of life and love.
Whether you’re in the mood for classic adaptations, fake relationship hijinks, or fresh takes on the genre, these 16 movies are sure to satisfy your rom-com cravings. Each film brings its own unique charm, humor, and heart to the genre, ensuring that you’ll find your next favorite movie on this list. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with these charming, witty, and heartfelt films that capture the same magic as Anyone But You.
