Top 10 Greatest Rom-Com Songs of All Time

Based on the popular Jenny Han book series, this adaptation took Netflix by storm in 2018. However, it wasn’t just Noah Centineo and Lana Condor who delivered breakout performances. That same year, “I Like Me Better” helped put musician Lauv on the map. Though the track had been successful internationally, it didn’t peak on the US charts until a month after the film’s release. In the movie, Lara Jean is obsessed with classic rom-com references, so this song about young love is a fitting soundtrack for her own modern day romance.

This song is the standout track from the Gin Blossoms’ incredible 1996 album. A few years later, the hit ended up joining the star-studded soundtrack of “How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.” The early 2000’s box office smash is overflowing with chemistry between Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson’s characters, and it all builds to the film’s final scene. The catchy pop rock song plays over a motorcycle chase, and the lyrics "Anywhere you go, I'll follow you down" capture the movie's themes of obsessive love and true romance.

This witchy film isn’t your typical romantic comedy, but it’s become a cult classic for good reason. Starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock, the film features a cast of strong female leads, and Stevie Nicks is the perfect addition. Her rendition of “Crystal” is actually the song’s third recording, but this is the only version where Nicks sings the melody. Her voice is mesmerizing, and the choruses feel almost like an incantation. The legendary musician has two songs on the soundtrack, and her unique style helps bring the mystical movie to life.

Oftentimes, rom-coms are remembered for an iconic trope, line, or scene. In the case of this 90’s flick, that unforgettable moment is Laney descending the stairs to this song. After the movie became a box office success, the track spent months in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100. The movie and song became so intertwined that the Italian release was even officially titled “Kiss Me.” Sung by Sixpence None the Richer, the track earned the group a Grammy nomination, and it was one of the highest-selling singles of the year.

Nothing hits quite like this inspirational 80’s anthem. In 1987, it became the theme song for “Mannequin,” an off-beat romantic comedy about an Egyptian spirit that comes to life in a window display. While the bizarre movie wasn’t the biggest success, this track certainly was. Not only did Starship’s hit earn the movie an Oscar nomination, but it also topped charts internationally and became the band’s third number one single. The music video features clips from the film, turning the duet into a somewhat bizarre but perfectly 80’s cinematic masterpiece.

When Whitney Houston first joined this groundbreaking cast, she wasn’t planning on doing any music for the 1995 film. However, with some persuasion from producer and composer Babyface, this hit song was born. The track showcases a more tender side to the singer’s powerful voice, and it’s one of her most memorable performances. It isn’t very often that a soundtrack can rival its film's success, but this female led project does just that. Featuring Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Brandi, and more, the album earned eleven Grammy nominations, with “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” accounting for four of them.

When rising star Madonna was first pitched to sing this slow dance track, not everyone thought she was the best choice. However, they were quickly proven wrong when the song became an even bigger success than “Vision Quest” itself. Hot off the tails of “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl,” her feature in the film went on to earn the musician her very first Grammy nomination. Following a sea of 80’s love ballads, the pop artist brought a unique edge to this love song that marked a shift in her well-known sound.

Usually, romantic comedies focus on feel-good montages or happily ever afters. Though in the case of this 1984 Gene Wilder film, it’s the meet cute between a gusty grate and a flowing red dress that stands out. Yet, the scene’s legacy is still eclipsed by the soundtrack’s massive lead single. Not only did the Stevie Wonder hit earn three Grammy nominations, but it also collected both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. The chart-topping Motown song was a global success, and it has remained a cherished classic to this day.

This Roxette song and 90’s rom-com seem destined for each other, but that wasn’t always the case. Not only was the initial draft of “Pretty Woman” written as a gritty drama, but the pop track also started as a Christmas tune. However, a genre switch and a few dubbed lyrics later, the perfect pairing was born. In the film, the Swedish duo croons over the limo sound system as Vivian drives away. The bittersweet moment of realization is a standout scene, and thanks to the movie’s success, both the song and album went on to sell millions of copies around the globe.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“She,” “Notting Hill” (1999)
The Iconic Cover of the UK Hit

“City of Stars,” “La La Land” (2016)
A Tender Moment in the Movie Musical

“Love Again,” “Love Again” (2023)
The Soundtrack Features Celine Dion’s Comeback Song

“Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip-Hop),” “Brown Sugar” (2002)
Erykah Badu & Common’s Grammy-Winning R&B Track

In 1989, a singular scene in a teen rom-com took a successful musician and made him part of film history. There’s no question that the image of John Cusack holding a boombox over his head has stood the test of time. After the movie’s release, the already popular Peter Gabriel track had another wave of success, climbing the charts for the second time. Even to this day, the song and the rom-com have become nearly inseparable. The singer even humorously commented that it seems he and Cusack will always be “trapped together” in the romantic gesture’s legacy.

Which of these songs do you think best capture that rom-com feeling? Let us know in the comments below.