Entertainment
The Best Rom Coms On Netflix UK
There's nothing quite like sticking on a rom com when you're suffering through a hangover, feeling a bit down, or just after a brain massage of a viewing session. And it's fair to say that one platform in particular has become something of a home for the genre, so we've compiled a list of the best rom-coms on Netflix UK for you to stream to your heart's content.
Netflix is a reliable place to find some of your old favourites, like classic Nora Ephron or Richard Curtis movies. But in the past few years, it's also helped champion a return to form for the genre with new rom-com originals ready to steal your heart. New additions like To All The Boys I've Loved Before, Always Be My Maybe, and Someone Great are updating the format for the 21st century with much-needed diversity and creating new boyfriends for the Internet while they're at it.
Though the quality isn't always consistent, they're still reliably watchable. See the recent Falling Inn Love, which according Elle U.S. to was "hate-watched" by lots of Twitter-users. And, due to the platform's significant subscriber numbers, and the popularity of the rom-com originals, it's a cultural moment when a new one is released. Case in point: viewers are so invested in the To All The Boys world that it boosted sales of Yakult after its release, as Bloomberg reports. It might not be the only platform doing the genre justice, but it's certainly playing a major part.
So grab a cosy blanket and line up your favourite snacks, because our pick of the best Netflix rom coms is here to make your movie marathon dreams come true.
‘He's Just Not That Into You’
He's Just Not That Into You was among the first rom com extravaganzas to feature a much-hyped cast of well-known actors. From Ben Affleck and Bradley Cooper to Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston, the 2009 flick showcased the romantic trials and tribulations of nine people in Baltimore. The film is weirdly tied to Sex and the City, per the Telegraph, after one of the series' consultants said the immortal line at work, turning it into a bestselling self-help book. It's a wonder that some of the dating tips are still applicable a decade later, but here we are. — Lauren Sharkey
‘Always Be My Maybe’
Remember that Keanu Reeves dinner scene that went viral, well, everywhere? That was all thanks to Netflix’s own rom com production, Always Be My Maybe. The directorial film debut of Nahnatchka Khan, per The Atlantic, the boy meets girl, they move apart, then reunite years later tale features a truly heart-warming love story. Will Marcus (Randall Park) and Sasha (Ali Wong) get together in the end? With her high-flying career and his worries, the path definitely looks like a twisty one. — Lauren Sharkey
‘Mystic Pizza’
Anything with Julia Roberts in the credits is a definite must-watch, and 1988 film Mystic Pizza does not disappoint. Yes, the title sounds super odd, but when you realise it’s just the name of the pizza parlour that Roberts and her two female co-stars work in, everything begins to make sense. Anyway, the trio-led film isn’t just about delicious pizza. It’s also a charming, funny, coming-of-age story. As legendary film critic Roger Ebert wrote: “The movie isn’t really about three girls in love; it’s about three girls discovering what their standards for love are going to be.” — Lauren Sharkey
‘Hitch’
“My guilty pleasure” reads the headline of a Guardian article on Will Smith’s 2005 rom com, Hitch. And it certainly is. Smith plays Alex “Hitch” Hitchens, a professional date doctor that is nowhere near as sleazy as his profession makes him sound. In fact, he’s a pretty good guy, trying his best to help hapless men, like Albert (Kevin James), secure a hopefully long-lasting relationship. But his own attempts to find love don’t run too smoothly. All in all, it’s proof that being yourself is the best you can be in the world of romance. — Lauren Sharkey
‘Four Weddings & A Funeral’
The first Richard Curtis film to feature the British rom com icon that is Hugh Grant, Four Weddings & A Funeral also stars the likes of Andie MacDowell, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Rowan Atkinson. People thought the 1994 film would be a real flop, reports Stylist, but it surprisingly became the highest-grossing British film in history at the time. There’s weddings aplenty, awkward declarations of love, and even a nod to the royal family. Definitely one to watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. — Lauren Sharkey
‘Isn’t It Romantic’
Isn’t It Romantic is an antidote to the more pedestrian rom com. It follows the story of rom com hater Natalie (Rebel Wilson) as she falls into a fantasy world where romance movie stereotypes are everywhere. Peppered with references to classics like Pretty Woman and Serendipity throughout, this film is not only funny but does have some genuinely lovely moments that will make you feel mushy AF. The film was released on Netflix in the UK in February 2019 and according to Digital Spy fas their fourth most popular film release of the year. — Aoife Hanna
‘Coming To America’
One of Eddie Murphy’s most popular films, Coming To America is about a young African prince who chooses to leave his luxurious and easy life behind in order to find his own wife. And where does he choose to go and live? Why New York City of course. Even getting a job for the first time at a fast good chain called McDonnells (sound familiar?). It's here that he meets his dream woman: the boss’ daughter. This movie fuses all the best parts of a classic comedy. With fish-out-of water themes, funny misunderstandings, and, of course, a big reveal. Murphy’s insanely OTT positivity and eagerness is both cringe-worthy and adorable in equal measure. And now is definitely good time for a recap as Metro reports that a second film is on the way. — Aoife Hanna
‘Clueless’
Long before there was Mean Girls there was Clueless. And before Clueless there was Jane Austen's Emma, which this film is based on. It's the story of Cher, who, although assumed ditzy by her some of her peers, is actually fiercely smart, independent, and observant. She’s got a heart of gold and is super close to her very grumpy lawyer father after her mum died “in a fluke accident during a routine liposuction operation.” Her journey to find Mr Right is a somewhat unusual one but you guys will fall in love with the fashion long before he even appears. — Aoife Hanna
'When Harry Met Sally'
When Harry Met Sally centres around the title characters as they attempt to resist sexual attraction in order to preserve a genuine friendship. Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, this '80s classic follows both Harry and Sally from the day they meet, and right through the following 12 years — during which several chance encounters occur. However, as their lives progress in New York City, the question at the centre of the film remains the same: can men and women ever just be friends? — Sam Ramsden
'That Awkward Moment'
That Awkward Moment follows the story of three best buddies (Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, and Miles Teller), who each find themselves at a very awkward place in their current dating relationships — commonly known as the "so, where is this going?" phase. Efron stars in the 2014 romantic flick as Jason, and when his relationship eventually crumbles, his two best pals agree to the ultimate act of solidarity, and decide to remain single until he's ready to get back in the dating game. — Sam Ramsden
'Two Weeks Notice'
Hugh Grant has been at the helm of several iconic romcoms throughout his career. However, Two Weeks Notice stands out as one the actor's very best, and with Oscar-winner Sandra Bullock by his side, Grant stars as a millionaire real estate developer — with a questionable attitude toward his employees. However, after being taken for granted for way too long, his right-hand woman (Bullock) eventually decides to call it quits, and, you guessed it, hands in her two weeks notice. — Sam Ramsden
'Just Go With It'
Starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler, Just Go With It boasts quite the complex origin story, and is based on the 1969 film Cactuc Flower — which itself is an adaptation of a Broadway production, that was originally inspired by a French play, titled Fleur de cactus. Confused? Well, you should be. However, this 2011 flick has all the ingredients you need for the perfect romcom, and follows the story of a man who lies to his girlfriend about being a divorced family man — which forces him to enlist the help of an employee and her children. — Sam Ramsden
'Good Luck Chuck'
The 2007 U.S. comedy Good Luck Chuck focuses on one man's attempt to break an apparent curse, in which women go onto find their real true love after sleeping with him just once. In order to find the woman of his dreams, Charlie Logan (Dane Cook) sets out on a mission to halt his string of bad luck — which, has in turn, made him extremely popular with single women on the lookout for love. — Sam Ramsden
‘Along Came Polly’
Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston star in Along Came Polly, a story about the tightly-wound Reuben who is hit with the bombshell of his wife’s infidelity while on their honeymoon. After reconnecting with a childhood friend, Reuben becomes inspired to live life on the edge, and in turn, begins to reevaluate his regimented life as it begins to fall apart.
‘The Perfect Date’
Based on Steve Bloom’s 2017 novel The Stand-In, this Netflix original rom-com follows high school student Brooks Rattigan who launches his very own app in an attempt to earn some extra cash before leaving for college. On the app, Brooks offers his services as a fake date. However, genuine feelings with for one person mean things quickly become mighty complicated.
‘Think Like A Man’
Adapted from Steve Harvey’s novel Act Like a Lady, the 2012 rom com Think Like a Man centres on four women, each of whom aim to solve problems in their relationships after stocking up on advice from a best-selling book. However, the men in their lives soon become wise to their actions, and the tables are quickly turned.
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