Australia, get ready to swoon over the best rom-coms streaming now on Netflix!
If you’re ready to fall in love and laugh your pants off, flick through our list of the best romantic comedies on Netflix.
Just in time for the weekend or any mid-week binge session, we’ve curated a list of the best romantic comedies on Netflix right now. While the film genre peaked all the way back peaked in the early 2000’s, it become a fan favourite even still to today, with the streamer leading the charge with a whole new slate of ‘will-they-won’t-they’ instant classics.
Whether you’re in the mood for love-struck dramas, classic fairytale remakes, and heart throbbing storylines, settle in with some popcorn or ice-cream as we share with you the top romantic comedy movies to watch on Netflix Australia now!
Bride Wars
All’s fair in love and war, right? You’ll soon find out in this sensational romantic comedy on Netflix. Bride Wars, released in 2009, pits two best friends Liv and Emma, played by the dynamic duo Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway respective, against each other in a no-holds-barred bridal showdown. While as young kids they dreamed of their perfect weddings, when a calendar mix-up leads to both their weddings scheduled on the same day, all bridal harmony flies out the window. With its slapstick humour and plenty of heartfelt moments, Bride Wars is a delightful reminder that sometimes, the biggest battles are with those we love the most.
Bridget Jones’s Diary
One of the best romantic comedies of all time, Bridget Jones’s Diary is the ultimate feel-good rom-com to snuggle up with this winter. Following the delightfully awkward and hilariously honest life of 30-something Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, as she navigates the turbulent waters of work, love, and self-improvement, all while keeping a diary that’s as witty as it is revealing. Featuring the supporting talents of Colin Firth and Hugh Grant in a love triangle of epic proportions, filled with steamy moments and plenty of laugh-out-loud situations. Bridget Jones’s Diary is a heartwarming tale of finding love and, more importantly, loving yourself. Stream it now on Netflix!
Friends With Benefits
Just friends? Casual sex? No emotional attachments? For most, this loop sounds like an absolute nightmare. However, for Jamie (played by Mila Kunis from That ’70s Show) and NSYNC’s Justin Timberlake, their friendship is soon taken to the next level with their not-so complicated idea of becoming friends with benefits. So with a dash of sex and a mix of emotions, their unique relationship becomes the highlight for one of the best romantic comedies on Netflix.
The Holiday
Imagine two women, both nursing broken hearts, deciding to swap homes for the holiday season to escape their romantic woes. What could go wrong, right? That’s the premise at the heart of this charming romantic comedy, The Holiday. Featuring an all-star ensemble cast of Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Jack Black, The Holiday is a feel-good escapade reminding us that love can find us in the most unexpected places. With its picturesque settings, witty dialogue, and a cast of characters you can’t help but adore, grab your popcorn, cozy up, and get ready for a festive rollercoaster of emotions that’s as sweet as a holiday cookie and just as satisfying!
How To Be Single
Riotously fun and refreshingly honest, How To Be Single explores the wild and unpredictable world of singlehood in New York City. Following the plight of Alice, played by Dakota Johnson, as she takes a break from her long-term boyfriend and embarks on a journey of self-discovery with the help of her unapologetically free-spirited friend Robin, played by Rebel Wilson. From navigating awkward one-night stands and trying to decode modern dating apps to figuring out how to enjoy her own company, Alice’s adventures are a rollercoaster of laughs, lessons, and love. With a perfect blend of humour and heart, How to Be Single celebrates the joys and challenges of finding yourself and reminds us that being single is about more than just waiting for Mr. or Ms. Right—it’s about enjoying the ride along the way.
Pretty Woman
Who doesn’t love Pretty Woman? One of the best romantic comedies of the 1990s, Pretty Woman tells the Cinderella-esque story of Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a spirited and savvy Hollywood Boulevard prostitute, and Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a suave and wealthy businessman. What starts as a business arrangement quickly turns into an unlikely romance filled with shopping sprees, fancy dinners, and heartfelt moments. Vivian’s quirky charm and honesty slowly melt Edward’s stoic exterior, while he introduces her to a life of luxury she never imagined. With its sparkling chemistry, memorable one-liners, and a fairy-tale twist on the romance genre, Pretty Woman is a joyous celebration of love that breaks all societal norms, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships are the ones that change us the most. A must-watch on Netflix!
The Proposal
Margaret Tate, a high-powered book editor played by Sandra Bullock, faces deportation to Canada and convinces her beleaguered assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to fake an engagement to save her job. That’s the premise at the heart of The Proposal, a 2009 rom com for a more mature audience. What follows is a hilarious and heartwarming trip to Andrew’s quirky Alaskan hometown, where the two must convince his eccentric family and a suspicious immigration officer that their love is real. Ryan Renolds and Sandra Bullock are a dynamic duo full of quick-witted banter and genuine chemistry that proves once and for all that opposites really do attract.
She’s The Man
Shakespeare has been the inspiration for many an adaptation, but few have been as laugh-out-loud funny as She’s The Man. This gender-bending rom-com turns Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night into a modern high school comedy of epic proportions, featuring Amanda Bynes as a spunky soccer player who disguises herself to join the boys’ team at his new boarding school. Chaos ensues as Viola navigates the tricky waters of teenage romance and locker room shenanigans. With a star making role for love interest Channing Tatum, slapstick comedy, and plenty of hilarious misunderstandings, She’s The Man is a delightful romp that celebrates the hilarity of high school and the importance of being true to yourself. Stream today on Netflix!
This is 40
While many of the entries on this list explore the foibles of young love, few mine the depths of adult romance in the same was as This is 40. Released in 2012, This is 40 stars Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann on the rollercoaster ride of middle-aged married life and the not-so-glamorous realities of turning 40. From surprise birthday meltdowns to their attempts at spicing up their marriage, our lead couple hilariously stumble through the chaos of everyday life. With sharp wit, awkward yet relatable situations, and an ensemble of eccentric characters, This is 40 offers a refreshingly honest and laugh-out-loud portrayal of the highs and lows of hitting that midlife milestone for one of the best romantic comedies on Netflix!
The Ugly Truth
Released in 2009 and starring Katherine Heigl as Abby, a lovelorn TV producer, The Ugly Truth follows the story of how two colleagues work together to improve their status both in the workplace and in their love lives. Guided by Mike who is played by Gerard Butler, a chauvinistic character in his own sense, Abby tests Mike’s relationship theories that are first deemed as inappropriate and over sexualised. “Women would have us believe that they are the victims; That we break their hearts for sport. That’s crap. They say they want romance, they say they want true love, but all they want is a check list.” One of the best romantic comedies on Netflix right now!
For more things to watch, be sure to add these Top Comedy TV Shows on Netflix to your list now. Or go international with our list of Netflix Australia’s 10 Best Foreign Movies to Stream Now.
