Top 10 Best Rom-Coms of the 2020s So Far
#10: “Love Hard” (2021)
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Truly a love story for the modern ages, “Love Hard” explores how people make connections on dating apps and the potential for catfishing that comes along with that particular method of introduction. Natalie Bauer is from Los Angeles and Josh Lin is from New York but that did not stop them from matching. After a series of long phone calls where they really hit it off, Natalie flies to New York to meet Josh in person and spend Christmas with him. The only problem? His face is completely different. He offers to introduce her to the real Josh, who’s actually named Tag and happens to be an old friend, if only Natalie will pose as Josh’s girlfriend for the week. If you’re looking for an uplifting, endearing holiday watch, this is the one!
#9: “The Half of It” (2020)
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If you’re sorely missing a good high school rom-com, this is the entry for you! Ellie is good at writing – so good, that she’s able to make a little extra cash by writing essays for her classmates. When Paul asks her to write a love letter to the girl he likes, Aster, she declines on the grounds of morality. Unfortunately, she finds herself in a situation where she really needs the money and reluctantly takes him up on his offer. The big problem here? Ellie also has a crush on Aster. This movie transcends the typical love story – and even the typical love triangle – by employing themes like grief, differences in sexual orientation, and unexpected friendships that turn into found family.
#8: “The Lovebirds” (2020)
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Rom-com meeting murder mystery is such a unique blending of genres. It’s not the first movie to do it, but it definitely takes things up a notch. A lot of the dialogue was actually improvised which makes sense because much of the conversations between Jibran and Leilani feel a step above the written word. With Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae at the helm, we knew we were in good hands – and that was before the whole murder plot even began. These two bicker about everything under the sun, never mind something as monumental as accidental complicity in a crime. A murder being the thing that unites a couple on the verge of breaking up is unconventional, but that just might be what this decade of film is all about!
#7: “Father of the Bride” (2022)
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Did we need another “Father of the Bride” reboot? Probably not. But boy, are we glad we got one! From the very start, we knew we were in for something different. Andy Garcia, as Billy Herrera, makes the trials and tribulations of his immigration story pretty much his whole identity. He’s worked tooth and nail to provide for himself and his family, and in his mind, he’s done everything right. So then why does his wife want a divorce? This is only the beginning of the whirlwind, because his daughter comes home shortly after with some news of her own. Andy Garcia deserves all the praise for his portrayal of a traditional man learning to let go of the past and appreciate what’s right in front of him.
#6: “The Broken Hearts Gallery” (2020)
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Did we watch this movie just because of Dacre Montgomery? Listen, all we’ll say is that casting him did not do the film any disservice. “The Broken Hearts Gallery” follows Lucy as she tries to navigate her way through a horrible breakup. She meets Nick when she accidentally gets into his car, thinking it’s the Lyft she ordered. Nick, making us fall in love with him immediately, takes her home despite not being a paid driver. The two run into each other again later on, at a moment where Lucy isn’t doing so hot. And, together, they manage to turn heartbreak into something beautiful.
#5: “Fire Island” (2022)
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It’s felt like Jane Austen adaptations have been everywhere lately, but we’re certainly not complaining. With all the sentimentality, wit, and critique of classism Austen is known for, “Fire Island” brings us a touching story about intimate connection. This, of course, comes amid parties, seascapes, and tons of flirting. Praised for its complex and nuanced queer representation, this movie gives us so much more than just romance and comedy. There’s phenomenal dialogue, even better delivery, and so many moments that examine what it is to be a human under a scanning probe microscope.
#4: “I Want You Back” (2022)
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Here’s a lesson about respecting people’s wishes and letting go. After each being broken up with – scenes that are both hilariously painful, by the way – Peter and Emma happen upon each other. While their exes have both moved on, Emma and Peter have most definitely not. And so they get to talking and form a plan to try and get their old partners back using each other. What happens next is a turbulent ride along a love hexagon, with interesting successes, failures, hope, and heartbreak. Each actor absolutely shines in their role, which makes this one an easy watch on the comedy front.
#3: “Rye Lane” (2023)
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Calling all art enthusiasts! These two have such a sweet love story. Yas and Dom meet in a gender-neutral bathroom of an art exhibit, an exhibit it turns out they’ve both attended in support of their mutual artist friend. They’ve both also suffered recent breakups, but that’s only part of what bonds them. Their chemistry is just amazing, from the beginning. Both a little awkward and both wanting to be somewhere else in life, their conversations are just delightful to witness. Somewhat reminiscent of Wes Anderson films, this gem is sure to charm broken hearts and love birds alike.
#2: “Anyone but You” (2023)
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Here it is! The movie that practically revived the rom-com genre. Starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, we get a story that fits so perfectly in the genre we can hardly believe it. While they have possibly the meet-cute of the decade, the way their relationship unfolds after that is a rollercoaster with several loop-the-loops. With misunderstandings and hurt feelings aplenty plus the introduction of exes, there’s lots in the way of these two getting together. But, their impeccable chemistry and the whole fake relationship thing have us rooting for them until the very end. Plus, Sweeney and Powell’s comedic abilities are nothing short of impressive.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The Lost City” (2022)
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“Upgraded” (2024)
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“Spontaneous” (2020)
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“Licorice Pizza” (2021)
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“Lisa Frankenstein” (2024)
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#1: “Palm Springs” (2020)
It’s Groundhog Day, but make it a rom-com! As “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” was nearing its end, we were just itching to see Andy Samberg take center stage again. He does so spectacularly in Hulu’s “Palm Springs”, accompanied by Cristin Milioti who does a great job of keeping up with his natural comedy. After Sarah follows Nyles into a cave one night, she ends up stuck in a time loop with him, and also a man named Roy. The day is forever November 9th, which also happens to be the day of her sister’s wedding. Sarah and Niles experience pretty much the entire spectrum of human emotion in this time loop together, which is certainly one way to form an unbreakable connection with someone.
Which recent rom-com made you feel all the things? Let us know in the comments.
