With romantic comedies releasing left and right, from Love & Gelato on Netflix, Cha Cha Real Smooth on Apple TV and Fire Island on Hulu, there’s plenty of love in the air for the summer. The perfect blend of love and laughs, romantic comedies are a confirmed sell for theatres and streaming services, and there’s more in store for the second half of the year.
However, there have been some great rom-coms released in 2022. In fact, fans vote for their favorite romantic comedies over on Ranker.
Note: Ranker lists are fan-voted, live, and continue to accrue votes, so some rankings may have changed after this publishing.
Book Of Love
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
Book of Love follows an uptight English book writer, whose new novel has failed miserably. However, he’s amazed to find out it’s done well in Mexico. When he travels to Mexico to promote it, he finds the reason for its success is that his Spanish translator, Maria, has re-written his failed novel into an erotica. The two are then asked to go on a book tour, where heads clash.
A perfect summer rom-com, with the hot summer vibe of Mexico mixed with the hot chemistry of the main leads. Book of Love is loved by fans for its cultural aspects and easy-going fun. While it’s not deep or moving like other rom-coms, it ticks all the boxes for a laidback night in.
Fire Island
Stream on Hulu
Fire Island is a modern-day retelling of classic literature, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. It follows two gay best friends as they take their annual trip to the Fire Island Pines. Things go as usual: parties, drinks, laughter, and love. But things change when they meet a pair of rich vacationers.
Fire Island is full of amazing actors that deliver a great performance to the screen. It has been praised for its fresh and natural reimagining of Austen’s novel while also staying true to the source material. The film is entertaining and is not solely focused on romantic love but love between friends, which is both refreshing and touching.
Moonshot
Stream on HBO Max
Set in a future with frequent space travel and a habitable Mars, Cole Sprouse and Lana Condor star as the main leads who sneak on a ship to Mars. With Sophie (Condor) wishing to be reunited with her boyfriend and Walk (Sprouse) wishing to go to Mars, hiding aboard the ship, feelings start to fly.
Condor and Sprouse fully embrace their characters, helping fans fall for their love story. Although set in a fantastical sci-fi world, this ordinary and simplistic story keeps the film grounded. Filled with moments of laughter and endearment, it’s a great watch for rom-com fans.
Father Of The Bride
Stream on HBO Max
Father of the Bride is a modern remake of the original from 1991. It follows a father coming to terms with letting go of his daughter as she plans her upcoming wedding. There’s family fun, love, and music - all that’s expected from a big Cuban-American family.
While the film is a remake of the classic rom-com, this film adds a fresh take on its predecessor. With its diversity and cultural details, it shows a new and exciting story for fans of the original. The comedy and tension are a perfect blend, all while ending with the wholesome romance everyone is looking for.
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande
Stream on Hulu
Good Luck To You, Leo Grande stars Emma Thompson as Nancy, a retired widower, who had a lackluster marriage. In an attempt to feel what she has lost, she books a hotel room and hires a sex worker for one fun, eventful night.
For a film with very little variety in setting, there is nothing missing. Emma Thompson puts on a great performance, with fans getting to see her in a new and fun light in this film about sexual awakening. Good Luck To You, Leo Grande has a level of honesty and empathy that fans truly appreciate and applaud. For a different take on a rom-com, this is a raw and endearing watch.
Love and Leashes
Stream on Netflix
Love and Leashes is Netflix’s newest Korean rom-com. It follows two co-workers who agree upon a contractual agreement on their sexual relationship, as they explore the world of pleasure and pain together.
This new look into BDSM is far different from previous films like Fifty Shades of Grey. It manages to remain sweet and sensual as it looks into the world of kinks. Fans appreciate its desire to not show this form of love as dangerous or "weird" and instead show it to be wholesome between the main leads. It offers a different take on what is often considered a scandalous concept.
The Valet
Stream on Hulu
The Valet follows superstar celebrity, Olivia, as she faces a PR disaster. The paparazzi catch her with her lover and there's a big problem: he’s married. As a result, Antonio, the valet driver in the background of the picture, is asked to pose as Olivia’s new boyfriend in an attempt to save her image.
This fake-dating scenario is perfect for trope rom-com lovers but will surprise them with how it subverts elements of the genre. With extremely likable leads and funny storytelling, it’s a great watch for rom-com lovers. The Valet is another heart-warming movie with some cultural details to develop the story deeper.
Marry Me
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
Jennifer Lopez’s new romance film, Marry Me, follows superstars Kat Valdez and Bastian, who have planned to hold their wedding in front of global crowds. However, when Kat finds out Bastain has been unfaithful moments before their vows, she decides to marry a fan in the audience instead.
This film is made for Jennifer Lopez, letting her show off her many talents as an actress and singer. The chemistry between Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson is palpable, making it the perfect swoon-worthy watch. Funny, light-hearted, and smart, Marry Me is waiting to subvert fans expectations.
I Want You Back
Stream on Amazon Prime Video
I Want You Back follows Emma and Peter, two people who thought they were set in their relationships: marriage, houses, kids. But that all changes when they both get dumped on the same weekend. The two of them hatch a plan to try to win their exes back, after discovering they’ve already moved on.
The whole cast gives amazing performances that elevate the rom-com above standard genre fare. It shows a chemistry-filled romance while never forgetting the comedy part of rom-com. It may be a little goofy at times but its sweet and wholesome moments balance those elements out. This is a perfect film for rom-com fans who want a little more complexity to its character and story.
Crush
Stream on Hulu
Crush, starring Rowan Blanchard and Auli'i Cravalho, follows a young aspiring artist in high school. After she's forced to join the track team, she uses it as the opportunity to finally get close to her crush. However, things go unexpectedly as she falls for a different track member.
Hulu's new rom-com film brings a light-hearted and fun story to its streaming platform. Crush is a lovely sapphic romance that may be cheesy here and there but provides fans with a wholesome teenage love story. A charming coming-of-age romance filled with awkward teenage antics that any fan will relate to.