Looking for the best rom com of all time? Just like you, I can’t seem to decide! Romantic comedies have held a soft spot in my heart for as long as I can remember. They always seem to be in the background of girl’s nights, breakups, and when I’m in need of a pick me up.
It felt only right to compile a list of the top 15 romantic comedies you MUST see in your lifetime. I don’t make the rules, but I truly believe you’re missing out if you haven’t watched all 15 on this list. Without any further introduction, let’s break down the best rom coms of all time – you can decide which earns the top spot.
To read a list of the 15 best rom coms of all time (including their plot summary + where to watch), look no further!
15 Best Rom Coms Of All Time:
- 10 Things I Hate About You
- Clueless
- The Princess Diaries
- Legally Blonde
- How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
- Crazy Rich Asians
- Set It Up
- 27 Dresses
- Anyone But You
- Crazy, Stupid, Love
- He’s Just Not That Into You
- The Proposal
- Love Actually
- Mamma Mia!
- Valentine’s Day
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
I don’t think I need to say more, but I will. 10 Things I Hate About You is an all-time rom com classic that makes you laugh, cry, and just fall in love with the idea of young love.
Plot Summary: A high school movie follows Kat and her sister Bianca as they navigate love in high school. When Bianca is forbidden from dating until Kat does, a plan is made to find a guy that will win Kat’s heart.
Where to Watch: Hulu, Disney Plus
2. Clueless
When I think of growing up and watching a rom com, Clueless is it. If you haven’t seen Cher’s iconic getting-ready scenes with her outfit computer- you need to. The fashion in this movie is top-tier, plus it’s absolutely hilarious.
Plot summary: In this iconic ’90s film, Cher, a wealthy and popular high school student, takes her new friend Tai under her wing, attempting to give her a makeover and find her love. As Cher lives her life in Beverly Hills, she begins to realize that her matchmaking skills may be affecting her own romantic prospects.
Where to Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
3. The Princess Diaries
I cannot get enough of this move! It’s witty, heartfelt, and the costumes / sets are gorgeous. Personally, I recommend a Princess Diaries 1 + 2 marathon. The second will have you peeing your pants laughing.
Plot Summary: A young girl named Mia discovers she is the heir to the throne of a small European principality, leading to a series of absolutely hilarious mishaps as she adjusts to life as a princess.
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
4. Legally Blonde
Legally Blonde is the movie that inspired both my favorite color and future career aspirations. There are very few movies I find incredibly witty and inspiring at the same time. Reese Witherspoon nailed this movie and I haven’t been the same since.
Plot Summary: After being dumped by her boyfriend for not being “serious” enough, sorority girl Elle Woods enrolls in Harvard Law School to win him back, only to discover her own potential and strength. If you haven’t seen this movie, just know it’s the basis for my entire personality.
Where To Watch: Max, Prime Video, Apple TV
5. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
I’d place a bet on the majority of people who have seen How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days rate it as the best rom com of all time. For very good reason too. The singing, the yellow dress, the basketball game – it’s all iconic.
Plot Summary: A journalist, Andie, bets that she can make a man fall in love with her and then promptly break up with her in 10 days, while the unsuspecting ad executive, Ben, bets he can make any woman fall in love with him in the same time frame. As their conflicting missions collide, they find themselves falling for each other despite their initial intentions.
Where To Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
6. Crazy Rich Asians
This is a staple rom com that everyone seems to watch on the airplane. Although it’s newer, Crazy Rich Asians humor, elegance, and ground-breaking casting has become a staple in the world of rom coms. It was also a HUGE obsession of mine for years.
Plot Summary: Rachel Chu accompanies her boyfriend Nick Young to Singapore for a wedding, only to discover that he comes from an incredibly wealthy and traditional family. As Rachel navigates the complexities of high society and familial expectations, she must decide whether love is worth the sacrifices required.
Where To Watch: Max, Peacock
7. Set It Up
If you’re looking for a top rom com that’s a little more underrated, Set It Up is your pick. This move is so easy to watch and rewatch. Best of all you get to see Glen Powell’s initial romantic comedy acting.
Plot Summary: Two overworked assistants, Harper and Charlie, create a plan to set up their demanding bosses in the hopes of gaining more free time for themselves. Unexpectedly, the two find themselves drawn to each other.
Where To Watch: Netflix
8. 27 Dresses
I’m going to go out and say it – this is might be my personal best rom com of all time! I know Katherine Heigel is controversial for being a diva (which I think is a lie), but she is absolutely fantastic leading this movie and the plot is so unique.
Plot Summary: Jane, a perpetually single woman, has served as a bridesmaid 27 times but has never been the bride herself. When she meets a charming journalist who wants to write a story about her wedding experiences, Jane begins to reassess her own views on love and commitment.
Where To Watch: Netflix, Disney Plus
9. Anyone But You
A new-comer to the classic rom com list, but I’m so here for it. So many of my friends have called this the best rom com they’ve ever seen. Although I personally think it’s a touch overrated, Glen Powell can grace my screen anytime.
Plot Summary: Despite having an amazing first date, Bea and Ben’s initial attraction flips to hatred. When they find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia (with both of their loved ones tying the knot), the pair pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances.
Where To Watch: Since it just finished showing in theaters, wherever you like to rent movies. I’m sure streaming services will pick it up soon.
10. Crazy Stupid Love
If you want to witness the start of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling’s costar journey together – Crazy Stupid Love is where it all begins. This movie makes me laugh at something new every time, especially the ending.
Plot Summary: After his marriage falls apart, Cal befriends a stylish bachelor named Jacob who teaches him the art of seduction and helps him navigate the dating scene. Meanwhile, various interconnected characters grapple with their own romantic struggles and desires and the ending meetup is too iconic to skip past.
Where To Watch: Hulu
11. He’s Just Not That Into You
This movie is the perfect choice for a girl’s night or anytime you need a pick me up. If you’re looking for something relatable about the frustrations of being in love with someone, this is the ultimate go to.
Plot Summary: This ensemble romantic comedy follows the interconnected lives of several Baltimore residents as they navigate the complexities of modern relationships. From unrequited love to infidelity, the characters truly emphasize every aspect of what it means to love.
Where To Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
12. The Proposal
Of all the movies on this list, The Proposal just gives off that warm and cozy feel. The filming is very Nancy Meyers-esque, meaning you’ll laugh and love the settings of each scene. Plus, who doesn’t love Ryan Reynolds?
Plot Summary: Margaret, a demanding Canadian book editor facing deportation, coerces her assistant, Andrew, into marrying her in order to keep her visa status. As they travel to Andrew’s family home in Alaska for a fake engagement, unexpected feelings come to light.
Where To Watch: Hulu
13. Love Actually
If you’ve heard the quote “love actually is all around us”, then you’ve experienced the magic of Love Actually. This British-centered holiday movie is a heart-warming take on what love looks like in all forms.
Plot Summary: Set in the weeks leading up to Christmas, this ensemble romantic comedy interweaves multiple love stories involving various characters in London. From unrequited love to unexpected connections, the film shows the different forms love can take.
Where To Watch: Prime Video, Apple TV
14. Mamma Mia!
A musical anyone?! Mamma Mia (1 + 2) is an incredibly witty romantic comedy that has one of the most impressive casts you’ve seen. Meryl Streep is in it, so if you’re not convinced to watch or rewatch, I don’t know what to say
Plot Summary: A young woman named Sophie invites three of her mother’s former lovers to her wedding on a Greek island in the hopes of discovering her father’s identity. As secrets are revealed and old flames are rekindled, Sophie navigates the ups and downs of love and family with the help of her mother and friends.
Where To Watch: Netflix, Prime Video
15. Valentine’s Day
It felt only right to round-out this list with an ensemble cast celebrating love in a romantic comedy form. I love seeing how all the story lines intertwine in the end, plus Taylor Swift acts in it. Enough said.
Plot Summary: This ensemble romantic comedy follows the interconnected lives of several Los Angeles residents as they navigate the ups and downs of love on Valentine’s Day. From new romances to old flames, the characters experience various twists as they celebrate the holiday of love.
Where To Watch: Hulu
So… Which Is The Best Rom Com Of All Time?
I really don’t know how to pick the best rom com of all time, but I do have my personal favorites. Legally Blonde is always a hit for me, but He’s Just Not That Into You really transformed my view on what love is. Regardless of your favorites, there’s something on this list for everyone, so give something new (or well loved) a try!
What is your favorite rom com? Let me know in the comments!