Whether you’ve already planned a candlelit dinner for two followed by some Netflix and Chill, are hosting a chaotic Galentine’s marathon, or have absolutely nothing planned at all (no judgement here—the popcorn is better when you don’t have to share), we have you covered. From the timeless classics that defined the genre to the modern hits currently dominating your social feeds, we’ve curated the 14 best rom-coms to watch this Valentine’s Day. Spanning every delicious trope imaginable—from the high-tension “enemies-to-lovers” to the slow-burn “friends-to-lovers”—this is your guide to a night of cinematic escapism.
Set It Up (2018)
If you’ve ever stared at your inbox and wondered if an office romance could actually flourish amidst the fluorescent lights and endless spreadsheets, this movie is here to romanticise your work life. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell play two chronically overworked assistants who decide to set up their nightmare bosses just to get some free time. Naturally, while they’re busy engineering a fake romance for their superiors, they stumble into a very real one themselves. It’s fast-paced, genuinely funny, and serves as a vital reminder that even a shared late-night pizza in the breakroom can feel like a date if the chemistry is right.
People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
For those who spent their summer holidays devouring Emily Henry’s novels, this adaptation of her 2021 bestseller is a literal dream. We follow Poppy and Alex—total polar opposites who have spent every summer together for a decade until a mysterious “incident” ruined everything. It’s essentially When Harry Met Sally for the millennial set, jumping through time to show how their friendship slowly simmered into something more. It offers a much-needed dose of “will-they-won’t-they” tension that proves that it’s time to finally book that trip with your frustratingly charming friend.
Pretty Woman (1990)
A businessman hires a sex worker to be his plus-one for a week of high-society events in LA, and, spoiler alert, they find more than just a business arrangement. This is the film that made Julia Roberts a global superstar, and for good reason; her charisma is off the charts. While the “Cinderella” premise is a bit of a fantasy, the chemistry between her and Richard Gere is undeniable. Plus, the scene where she returns to the boutique that snubbed her remains one of the most satisfying moments in cinema history. Big mistake. Huge.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Ever since Peter Kavinsky became the world’s collective crush with that smooth pocket-spin move, this film has secured its spot as a modern classic. Lara Jean Covey’s life is upended when her private, hypothetical love letters are accidentally mailed to her former crushes, forcing her into a “fake dating” pact with the school’s golden boy, Peter Kavinsky. Lana Condor is utterly charming as the introverted heroine navigating the fallout of her secret heart being exposed. It’s sweet, stylistically gorgeous, and manages to capture the terrifying, dizzying rush of first love without being overly saccharine. Whether you’re here for the aesthetics or the romance, it’s a total winner.
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
Is it even a romantic comedy if someone isn’t arguing in a New York deli? In this classic, Rob Reiner explores the age-old conundrum of whether men and women can truly be just friends without sex getting in the way. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are a match made in banter heaven, but it’s the late, great Carrie Fisher who nearly steals the show. It’s witty, it’s observant, and it features the greatest “run through the city” finale ever filmed.
Anyone But You (2023)
After a press tour defined by “are-they-or-aren’t-they” PR stunts that had the entire internet convinced Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney were actually a thing, the film finally arrived to deliver on all that manufactured tension. The story sees the pair go from a disastrous first date to pretending to be a couple at a destination wedding in Australia. While the script leans heavily into the “enemies-to-lovers” trope, the chemistry between the leads is powerful enough to power a small village. It’s a bit of a throwback to those glossy, slightly chaotic ’90s comedies—think high stakes, beautiful scenery, and two very attractive people being intensely stubborn.
Love Actually (2003)
While technically a Christmas film, love is a year-round sport. This sprawling ensemble piece follows eight different couples navigating the highs and lows of romance in the lead-up to the holidays. From a Prime Minister falling for his staff to a man professing his love via cue cards (creepy or cute? You decide), it’s a chaotic, star-studded marathon. With a cast featuring everyone from Emma Thompson to Keira Knightley, it’s the cinematic equivalent of a warm hug—even if we all still haven’t forgiven Alan Rickman’s character.
The Kissing Booth (2018)
With Jacob Elordi starring as the ultimate heartthrob, standing at a towering 6’5” and looking effortlessly stylish in every frame, it’s easy to see why this film became an instant sensation. Elle Evans finds herself in a bit of a pickle when she ends up running a kissing booth at the school fair and locks lips with Noah Flynn—the bad-boy older brother of her lifelong best friend, Lee. The catch? She’s broken the “Friendship Rules” by falling for him. It’s a classic high-school romp full of secret trysts and loyalty tests. Interestingly, lead actors Joey King and Jacob Elordi actually dated during filming, which explains why that on-screen spark feels a little less “acting” and a lot more “actually smitten.”
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
This is arguably the most well-cast rom-com of the last two decades. After his wife (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce, middle-aged Cal (Steve Carell) is taken under the wing of a suave serial dater, Jacob (Ryan Gosling), who teaches him how to rediscover his “manhood.” The subplot featuring Emma Stone and Gosling is legendary—specifically that Dirty Dancing lift—and the various narrative threads collide in a backyard brawl that is genuinely hilarious. It’s a smart, slightly cynical, yet ultimately hopeful look at love across different generations.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Ali Wong and Randall Park are absolute perfection as childhood sweethearts who reconnect after fifteen years apart. She’s a celebrity chef; he’s still living at home and playing in the same local band. It’s a brilliant subversion of the “success gap” trope, anchored by a truly iconic (and incredibly bizarre) cameo by Keanu Reeves playing a heightened version of himself. It’s smart, culturally specific, and proves that sometimes the person who knows the 12-year-old version of you is the only one who really gets the adult version.
Notting Hill (1999)
“I’m also just a girl, standing in front of a boy…” (you know the rest). This urban fairy tale about a bumbling travel bookshop owner and the world’s biggest movie star is pure British comfort food. Hugh Grant is at his absolute peak here, delivering that signature brand of bashful, stammering charm that made the entire world fall in love with him, while Julia Roberts radiates old-school Hollywood glamour. While it’s unapologetically sweet, and yes, his flatmate Spike is utterly ridiculous, it remains an eternally charming love letter to London. It captures that slim, magical possibility that a chance encounter in a quiet corner of West London could actually change your life forever.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
If you’ve ever worried about meeting your partner’s parents for the first time, just be thankful you aren’t Rachel Chu. When she heads to Singapore to meet Nick’s family, she expects a quiet wedding weekend, only to discover he’s essentially the country’s most eligible bachelor and his mother (Michelle Yeoh) isn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet. It’s a feast for the eyes—the fashion, the food, and the sheer opulence are breathtaking—but at its core, it’s a classic story about staying true to yourself while fighting for the person you love.
The Proposal (2009)
Sandra Bullock plays a terrifying high-powered editor who, facing deportation to Canada, convinces her long-suffering assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her. What starts as a desperate legal sham becomes a hilarious weekend in Alaska meeting his eccentric family—including a scene-stealing Betty White. The banter between Bullock and Reynolds is top-tier, moving from genuine loathing to reluctant affection with perfect comedic timing. It’s a classic “fake-relationship-becomes-real” romp that never fails to deliver.
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
This is the ultimate “enemies-to-lovers” fix. When the First Son of the United States and the Prince of Wales cause a diplomatic scandal after a public scuffle, they’re forced into a “truce” to save international relations. Naturally, the bickering turns into a secret, high-stakes romance. It’s a glossy, heart-on-its-sleeve adaptation that balances the pressures of public life with the sweetness of a private connection. If you’re looking for something modern, witty, and unapologetically romantic, this is your winner.
Editor
Dorothy HoCredit
Lead Image: Courtesy of IMDb
