Best Rom Com Movies On Netflix Critics Secretly Love

Last Updated: Written by Dr. Carolina Mello Dias
best rom com movies on netflix critics secretly love
best rom com movies on netflix critics secretly love
Table of Contents

Best Rom-Com Movies on Netflix: The Top 15 Beating Box Office in 2026

The best rom com movies on Netflix right now include Anyone But You, Always Be My Maybe, The Half of It, Set It Up, and To All the Boys I've Loved Before, all of which delivered strong box office returns or viral streaming success. These films combine witty dialogue, charming leads, and heartwarming endings that define the genre's appeal.

Top 10 Rom-Coms Ranked by Critical Acclaim & Box Office Performance

Rank Movie Title Release Year Rotten Tomatoes Score Box Office / Streaming Impact
1 The Half of It 2020 97% Netflix original; 97% critic score
2 To All the Boys I've Loved Before 2018 96% Sparked trilogy; global phenomenon
3 Set It Up 2018 92% Netflix original; 92% RT score
4 Always Be My Maybe 2019 89% Netflix original; Keanu Reeves cameo
5 The Incredible Jessica James 2017 88% Netflix original; critical darling
6 Someone Great 2019 84% Netflix original; strong female friendship
7 Alex Strangelove 2018 84% Netflix original; LGBTQ+ representation
8 Falling Inn Love 2019 71% Netflix original; New Zealand setting
9 Nappily Ever After 2018 71% Netflix original; cultural representation
10 Anyone But You 2023 54% $219M box office; sleeper hit

Why These Rom-Coms Beat Box Office Expectations

Anyone But You became a sleeper box office hit in 2023, grossing $219M globally despite modest critical reviews, proving rom-coms still draw theaters. Netflix originals like Set It Up and The Half of It achieved 90%+ Rotten Tomatoes scores, earning critical acclaim that traditional rom-coms rarely receive. The genre's resurgence stems from streaming platforms investing in diverse storytelling and global representation.

best rom com movies on netflix critics secretly love
best rom com movies on netflix critics secretly love
  • Always Be My Maybe features Ali Wong and Randall Park with a memorable Keanu Reeves cameo
  • To All the Boys I've Loved Before launched Lana Condor and Noah Centineo as rom-com stars
  • The Half of It offers a fresh queer twist on the Cyrano story with 97% RT score
  • Set It Up revitalized the workplace rom-com with Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell
  • Anyone But You grossed $219M worldwide, beating box office expectations

New 2026 Rom-Coms Coming to Netflix

Netflix announced three new romance movies for 2026, including Office Romance (June 5, 2026), Voicemails for Isabelle (June 19, 2026), and Heartstopper Forever (July 17, 2026). These films continue Netflix's commitment to original rom-com content with A-list talent and fresh narratives.

  1. Office Romance - Directed by Ol Parker, written by Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly; releases June 5, 2026
  2. Voicemails for Isabelle - Directed and written by Leah McKendrick; explores grief and emotional connection; releases June 19, 2026
  3. Heartstopper Forever - Directed by Wash Westmoreland; continues the beloved series; releases July 17, 2026

Classic Rom-Coms Still Streaming on Netflix

Beyond originals, Netflix hosts beloved classics like Pretty Woman, Hitch, The Proposal, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. These 2000s favorites feature Julia Roberts, Will Smith, Sandra Bullock, and Brad Pitt in iconic roles that defined the genre.

"Rom-coms allow you to get lost in the moment-by-moment nuances of courtship and supply you with a hefty dose of witty banter, unlike plot-heavy Oscar bait".

How to Choose the Best Rom-Com for Your Mood

Select films based on your preferences: watch The Half of It for thoughtful queer romance, Anyone But You for comedy with chemistry, Set It Up for workplace banter, or To All the Boys for wholesome teen love. Netflix's diverse catalog ensures something for every viewer.

For holiday watching, choose A Christmas Prince, Falling for Christmas, or Single All the Way for festive cheer. For breakup recovery, Someone Great celebrates female friendship after heartbreak.

Everything you need to know about Best Rom Com Movies On Netflix Critics Secretly Love

What are the best rom-com movies on Netflix right now?

The best rom-coms on Netflix are The Half of It (97% RT), To All the Boys I've Loved Before (96% RT), Set It Up (92% RT), Always Be My Maybe (89% RT), and Anyone But You ($219M box office).

Which rom-com beat box office expectations on Netflix?

Anyone But You grossed $219M globally, becoming a sleeper hit despite modest 54% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Are there new rom-coms coming to Netflix in 2026?

Yes-Office Romance (June 5), Voicemails for Isabelle (June 19), and Heartstopper Forever (July 17) are new 2026 releases.

What rom-coms have the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores on Netflix?

The Half of It leads with 97%, followed by To All the Boys I've Loved Before (96%), Set It Up (92%), and Always Be My Maybe (89%).

Which rom-coms feature LGBTQ+ representation on Netflix?

Alex Strangelove (84% RT) and The Half of It (97% RT) offer authentic LGBTQ+ stories.

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Dr. Carolina Mello Dias

Dr. Carolina Mello Dias holds a Ph.D. in Education Leadership from the University of São Paulo, with a concentration in Catholic and Marist pedagogy.

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