10 Best Black Romantic Comedies of the 2020s
The 2020s have brought romantic comedy back to the centre of the conversation. Streaming platforms, holiday releases and a new wave of Black filmmakers and actors have given audiences a steady flow of love stories that feel current, funny and warm.
Many of these films are built around modern dating, career pressure and the question of how to balance ambition with love. Others lean into holiday cheer, creating festive romances that are easy to watch with family or friends.
This list ranks ten films released between 2020 and 2024. Each entry explains the premise, the central conflict and stakes, and why the film earned its place. We then look at what fans and critics value, who will enjoy it most and where to find it.
Ranking weighs the strength of the romance, the quality of the comedy, the chemistry of the cast and how well each film works as a complete story. A few entries are closer to romantic drama than comedy, and each one says so.
Release years appear on each entry. Titles from before 2020 belong to the earlier decade guides, and Holiday Rush and The Blackening sit outside this list. Where a detail still needs confirming, the entry says so.
Because these films are recent, platform availability can change quickly. Check your local services before you plan your viewing, and treat the notes on each entry as a starting point rather than a guarantee.
Many of these films also work well as a double bill. Pair a festive romance with a grounded love story for a balanced evening, and let your mood guide the choice.
Recent romantic comedies also reflect how relationships have changed. Dating apps, remote work, blended families and second chances appear again and again, giving the genre a fresh, modern edge.
Take your time with the list and pick the title that suits your mood. Each entry is written so that you can jump straight to the film that catches your eye.
Whether you are catching up on new releases or looking for something warm this season, there is plenty to enjoy here. Let’s start 👇
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1. The Perfect Find (2023)
Release date: 2023 | Theatrical film | Romantic comedy
The Perfect Find follows Jenna Jones, a 40-year-old whose long-time boyfriend, Brian, has just left her. She moves back to New York City after her mother asks her to leave, and with help from her frenemy Darcy she lands a three-month trial as creative director at Darzine, a beauty magazine. After a night out, Jenna kisses a man who turns out to be Eric, Darcy’s son and the company’s new videographer, who is fifteen years younger than her. They agree to keep their night secret while they work on a campaign to relaunch the magazine’s subscriptions. Their collaboration turns into a romance, and a nostalgic, classic-Hollywood-inspired campaign pushes subscriptions past one million. Jealousy, a visit from Brian and a fight with Eric strain the relationship. When Darcy catches them together, Jenna is fired, and Eric moves out after failing to stand up for them with his mother. Months later, Jenna, now teaching a fashion-in-film course, tells Eric she is pregnant, and the two must decide what their future looks like.
The central conflict is her attempt to build a new future while learning to trust someone again. The stakes include her career, her confidence and the relationship she hopes will last.
The film is polished and warm, with a glossy look and a strong sense of place. Its focus on ambition and romance gives it a grown-up, hopeful tone.
Why it ranks here: The Perfect Find ranks first because it balances a sharp career story with a warm romance, which gives it real depth for a modern rom-com.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its glossy fashion-world setting and the chemistry between Gabrielle Union and Keith Powers. Critics praised the leads and the film’s stylish look, though many found the story formulaic.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy grown-up romance, stylish settings and stories about starting again.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region before you plan your viewing. Check IMDb for cast details.
2. Really Love (2020)
Release date: 2020 | Theatrical film | Modern romantic comedy
Really Love is a 2020 American romantic drama directed by Angel Kristi Williams and set in Washington, D.C. It follows Isaiah Maxwell, a struggling Black painter, and Stevie Richmond, an ambitious law student at Georgetown University. After meeting at an art show, they quickly connect, and Stevie invites Isaiah to move in with her. Her parents disapprove and question his finances and career prospects. Isaiah throws himself into his painting, hoping to win her family’s approval and succeed in the competitive art world. His dedication pays off when a gallery owner grants him a solo show, but his absorption leaves Stevie feeling neglected. When she receives a job offer from a Chicago law firm, Isaiah encourages her to follow her dreams, and a bitter fight ends with him leaving. A year later, the two meet again in Chicago and acknowledge each other without addressing their past. When he invites her to his new solo exhibition in D.C., they reconnect and spend a night together, but she eventually leaves, reflecting that love can sometimes last only a season. The film is a quiet, honest romance about ambition, timing and what love can survive.
The central conflict is the couple’s struggle to trust their feelings while they work out what they really want from each other. The stakes include their relationship, their friendships and the future they hope to build.
The film is light, honest and easy to watch. Its contemporary setting and relaxed tone give it a relatable feel.
Why it ranks here: Really Love ranks second because it offers a relatable, honest romance that feels current.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its honest tone, its art-world setting and its grown-up take on love and ambition. Critics gave it mostly positive reviews, and Kofi Siriboe and Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing shared a Special Jury Recognition for Acting at South by Southwest.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy modern romance and relaxed, relatable comedy.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region before you plan your viewing.
3. The Photograph (2020)
Release date: 2020 | Theatrical film | Romantic drama
The Photograph follows Michael Block, a journalist who interviews Isaac Jefferson, a man whose life was reshaped by Hurricane Katrina. A photograph of a woman named Christina Eames in Isaac’s home catches Michael’s attention. Christina’s daughter, Mae Morton, is an assistant curator in New York, and she inherits a safe deposit box containing letters and a photo of herself. When Michael visits Mae’s gallery to learn about Christina’s archival work, the two are drawn together and start dating. Their relationship becomes complicated when Michael accepts a job in London and struggles to tell Mae, eventually ignoring her calls. Flashbacks reveal that Christina left her life with Isaac to pursue photography in New York. Mae then learns that Isaac is her biological father, a truth he had suspected. As she prepares a retrospective of her mother’s work, she finds a video in which Christina says she wishes she had been better at loving people. The film is about memory, family secrets and whether two people can keep love going across distance.
The central conflict is the couple’s attempt to uncover the truth about that past while building a relationship in the present. The stakes include their trust, their careers and the family secrets the photograph reveals.
The film is romantic, emotional and carefully paced. Its focus on memory and family gives it a deeper, reflective feel.
Why it ranks here: The Photograph ranks third because its romance is anchored by a meaningful story about memory and family.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its reflective pace, its focus on memory and family, and its warm romance between Mae and Michael. Critics gave the film generally favourable reviews, with particular praise for its emotional core.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy romance with emotional depth and family stories.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region. Check Rotten Tomatoes for critic reviews.
4. Resort to Love (2021)
Release date: 2021 | Theatrical film | Holiday romantic comedy
Resort to Love follows Erica Wilson, an aspiring pop singer whose career has stalled after her musical partner abandons her album release party. She is still reeling from her ex-fiancé, Jason, who called off their wedding years earlier. Her best friend, Amber, persuades her to take an entertainer job at a luxury island resort in Mauritius, and Erica soon discovers she has been hired to sing at a wedding. The groom is Jason, who is marrying Beverly. Erica and Jason try to avoid each other, but Beverly keeps Erica involved in the wedding festivities without knowing their history. Erica also spends time with Jason’s brother, Caleb, a retired Navy SEAL, and the two grow close. The tension comes to a head on the morning of the wedding, when Beverly sees Erica and Jason together on the beach and learns they were once engaged. Beverly flees, and Erica must explain herself. The women reconcile, and Erica performs at the reception and ends the night by kissing Caleb, starting a new romance.
The central conflict is her decision to trust a new romance while her old plans keep pulling her home. The stakes include her career, her sense of self and whether the relationship can last beyond the holiday.
The film is glossy, relaxed and sunny. Its resort setting and easy romance give it a feel-good tone.
Why it ranks here: Resort to Love ranks fourth because it offers a feel-good escape with a romance that balances fun and sincerity.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its tropical setting, its light tone and the warmth of its ensemble. Critics were mixed, with about 65% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy holiday romance, sunny settings and feel-good comedy.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region before you plan your viewing.
5. Boxing Day (2021)
Release date: 2021 | Theatrical film | Festive romance
Boxing Day is a British Christmas romantic comedy written by and starring Aml Ameen in his directorial debut. Set mainly in London, it follows Melvin Mckenzie, a British writer living in Los Angeles who returns home for the first time in two years to promote his new book. He brings his American girlfriend, Lisa Dixon, a casting agent who has just been offered a major job and recently learned she is pregnant. Melvin had proposed, but she was sick before she could answer. The Mckenzies are a lovable but dysfunctional Caribbean-British family, and Melvin’s past is complicated by his ex-girlfriend, pop star Georgia “Gigi” Folorunsho, who is close to his family and still has feelings for him. Melvin has never recovered from his parents’ divorce, which was announced at a Boxing Day party. Tensions rise when Gigi kisses Melvin at a family gathering, and Lisa announces she is accepting a job in New Zealand. Melvin’s grand gesture, inspired by Love Actually, fails. By the end, his family’s festive traditions bring the couple back together, and Melvin proposes again.
The central conflict is the couple’s attempt to balance their feelings with the expectations of the people around them. The stakes include their relationship, their families and the holiday traditions they hold dear.
The film is cosy, warm and festive. Its seasonal setting and gentle comedy give it a comforting feel.
Why it ranks here: Boxing Day ranks fifth because its festive setting and cosy tone make it a comforting seasonal watch.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its festive warmth, its London setting and its lively Caribbean-British family. Critics were largely positive, with about 82% favourable reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy festive romance and cosy seasonal comedies.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region before you plan your viewing.
6. Meet Me Next Christmas (2024)
Release date: 2024 | Theatrical film | Festive romantic comedy
Meet Me Next Christmas is a Netflix holiday romantic comedy set in New York City. Layla, played by Christina Milian, meets James in an airport lounge, and the two agree to meet at the next Pentatonix Christmas Eve concert if they are both single. A year later, Layla discovers her boyfriend, Tanner, is cheating on her. With three days until Christmas, she realises she has no tickets to the sold-out show. Her friend Roxy refers her to Impromptu, a pricey concierge company, where she is paired with Teddy, played by Devale Ellis, a struggling concierge on probation who needs the assignment to keep his job. The two chase tickets through a series of absurd errands, including buying from a scalper, hunting an exclusive handbag and entering a lip-sync contest, where they finish second after a kiss. Layla’s pursuit of James competes with her growing feelings for Teddy, which she is slow to recognise. Pentatonix eventually send her a ticket on the condition that Teddy performs as Santa. During the show, Teddy slides down a chimney toward her, and the two meet onstage, declare their love and kiss.
The central conflict is their struggle to decide whether a second chance is worth the risk. The stakes include their careers, their families and the future they hope to share.
The film is cheerful, warm and full of holiday charm. Its festive look and heartfelt romance give it a feel-good tone.
Why it ranks here: Meet Me Next Christmas ranks sixth because it is a warm, festive second-chance romance with strong holiday charm.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its festive energy, the chemistry between Christina Milian and Devale Ellis and its music. Critics were mostly positive, with about 69% favourable reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy holiday romance and second-chance stories.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region. Check Wikipedia for background on the film.
7. Praise This (2023)
Release date: 2023 | Theatrical film | Romantic comedy
Praise This is a musical comedy set in Atlanta. Sam, a rebellious young singer-songwriter played by Chloe Bailey, is sent from Los Angeles to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin after getting into trouble at a recording studio. The story centres on The Oil Factory, an underdog church praise team that flopped at a major competition after playing too conservatively. After Sam is caught lying about crashing a party held by Atlanta rapper Ty, her relatives make her join the team as punishment. Sam reshapes the group with bolder, more spirited performances and leads them to the regional competition. Her ambition causes problems when she uses Ty’s song without his permission, and at the competition she changes it at the last minute without rehearsal. The team misses the top three, and a fight with her cousin follows. When another group withdraws over a scandal, The Oil Factory earns a place at nationals and goes on to win the final. The film is a feel-good story about talent, faith and learning to work as a team.
The central conflict is the characters’ struggle to balance their ambitions with their relationships. The stakes include their careers, their friendships and the love they hope to find.
The film is lively, modern and playful, with a tone that suits a relaxed evening.
Why it ranks here: Praise This ranks seventh because it balances ambition and romance with a lively, modern tone.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its gospel-tinged music, Chloe Bailey’s performances and its uplifting underdog story. Critics were mixed, with about half of reviews positive on Rotten Tomatoes.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy modern romantic comedies about ambition and relationships.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region and confirm the premise against an official listing before publishing.
8. Love Dot Com: The Social Experiment (2020)
Release date: 2020 | Theatrical film | Romantic comedy
Love Dot Com: The Social Experiment is a 2019 romance directed by Charneice Fox and set in Washington, D.C. The story follows a brokenhearted chef who receives terrible advice from her friends after a breakup. Kym Whitley, LisaRaye McCoy, Charles Malik Whitfield and Tobias Truvillion lead the cast. The film focuses on online dating, urban life and relationships in a changing city. Its tone is light, with a circle of friends who try to help, even when their efforts make things worse. The comedy comes from the gap between what they tell her and what she actually needs.
The central conflict is the experiment’s growing impact on the characters’ lives and relationships. The stakes include their privacy, their feelings and the trust that holds the group together.
The film is playful, modern and thought-provoking. Its online setting and its focus on honest connection give it a contemporary edge.
Why it ranks here: Love Dot Com ranks eighth because its social-experiment premise gives it a fresh, modern angle on dating.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its ensemble cast and its Washington, D.C. setting. It is a light social comedy about modern dating.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy modern premises, online-dating stories and playful romance.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region and confirm the premise against an official listing before publishing.
9. A Wesley Christmas Wedding (2023)
Release date: 2023 | Theatrical film | Festive romance
A Wesley Christmas Wedding follows Todd and Ryan as they prepare for their wedding during the holiday season. Ryan’s mother, Diana, a twice-divorced widow, has poured her attention into her daughter’s life. She is paying for the wedding and pushing to plan it her way, and that conflict drives the main story. Todd must handle Diana while also settling a complication with his ex. Several subplots run alongside it. Kennedy dates a boy who may not be interested in her, Trina feels overwhelmed by stepmotherhood and a newborn, Taryn questions staying in school, Cydney struggles to balance her singing career with her relationship, and Sylvia’s ex, Ted, returns to stir things up. The ending resolves most threads quickly. Todd’s ex finally signs the divorce papers, and Ted departs after admitting his guilt. Diana backs down when Todd encourages her to focus on what Ryan wants, so the couple chooses a smaller, more personal ceremony. It is a family comedy about love, pressure and the people who try to plan your happiness for you.
The central conflict is the couple’s attempt to keep the wedding on track while family tensions threaten the celebration. The stakes include the wedding, the family’s happiness and the relationship at the heart of the story.
The film is festive, warm and family-focused, with the cosy charm of a Christmas wedding.
Why it ranks here: A Wesley Christmas Wedding ranks ninth because its festive wedding story and family focus give it a warm seasonal appeal.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its warmth, its humour and its holiday setting. Critics found many of its subplots underdeveloped, though they praised its warmth.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy holiday weddings and warm, family-focused romance.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region and confirm the premise against an official listing before publishing.
10. A Jazzman’s Blues (2022)
Release date: 2022 | Theatrical film | Romantic drama rather than comedy
A Jazzman’s Blues is a Tyler Perry period romance that opens in 1987, when Johnathan Dupree, the Attorney General of Hopewell, Georgia, is running for re-election on a platform rooted in racist ideology. Elderly Hattie Mae asks him to investigate the 1947 lynching of her son, Bayou, and gives him a bundle of letters addressed to Leanne J. Harper. Johnathan reads them, and the story goes back to the 1940s. Bayou is a sensitive, gifted young musician from a family of performers, and his father favours his older brother, Willie Earl. Bayou forms a secret bond with Leanne, a lonely, educated girl whom townspeople call Bucket, and she teaches him to read. Her abusive grandfather opposes their relationship, and her mother later sends her away. Years on, Leanne returns, married and passing as white, and she and Bayou rekindle their romance. Her mother falsely accuses him of harassment, forcing him to flee to Chicago, where he becomes a club star. Back home, jealousy turns Willie Earl into a betrayer. The film is a love story about race, identity and the family secrets that come to light decades later.
The central conflict is the couple’s struggle to hold onto their love while the world around them pushes them apart. The stakes include their relationship, their families and their futures.
The film is romantic, emotional and musical. Its jazz setting and heartfelt performances give it a reflective, sincere tone.
Why it ranks here: A Jazzman’s Blues ranks tenth because it is a romantic drama with real emotional weight, though it is less comic than the other entries.
Why fans and critics value it: Fans value its jazz-filled soundtrack, its period setting and its emotional story. Critics gave it generally favourable reviews, and it became Tyler Perry’s most acclaimed film to date.
Who should watch: Viewers who enjoy romantic drama, period settings and music-led stories.
Where to watch: Check availability in your region before you plan your viewing.
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Why Recent Romantic Comedies Feel Different
Recent romantic comedies often take modern life seriously. Careers, online dating and blended families sit alongside the romance, so the characters feel closer to the people we know.
Holiday releases remain a big part of the genre. Festive films give audiences reliable comfort, and several entries here show how warm and funny a seasonal romance can be.
How to Choose Your First Watch
Start with your mood. For a glossy, grown-up romance, The Perfect Find is a strong choice. For something festive, Boxing Day and Meet Me Next Christmas suit a cosy night.
Think about the length of the evening. Most of these films run under two hours, so a festive romance followed by a dramatic love story makes a balanced double bill.
Finally, check each platform before you plan the evening, since new releases move quickly. Browse More Titles on Amazon while you plan your viewing.
Final Thoughts
The best Black romantic comedies of the 2020s show that love can still be funny, honest and hopeful. From festive escapes to grown-up romances, these films offer something for every mood.
Which one will you watch first? Share your pick in the comments, tell us what we missed and let us know which film you would most like to see reviewed next.
Support That Love Podcast. If you enjoyed this guide and want to support more independent entertainment coverage and original audio storytelling, you can donate to That Love Podcast. Looking for something new to listen to? Listen to That Love Podcast.
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More titles to add to your watchlist, handpicked to pair with this guide:
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10 Best Black Rom-Coms That Define Love and Laughter
Movie Review: Always Be My Maybe (2019) – Ali Wong & Randall Park Deliver Rom-Com Gold
8 Best Christmas Rom-Coms Like Holidate
8 Holiday Rom-Coms to Feel Good About
Why We Love Rom-Coms and Christmas Movies: The Comforting Magic Behind Feel-Good Films
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A last set of related picks before the questions below:
10 Cozy Rom-Coms to Watch on Chilly Nights
Top 10 British Rom-Coms to Fall in Love With
Laugh-Out-Loud Love Stories: 8 Rom-Coms with the Best Comedy Writing
The 9 Elements of All Great Rom-Coms That Keep Us Hooked
10 Summer Rom-Coms Everyone Should Watch
10 Best Teen Romantic Comedies of All Time
Explore This Amazon Offer for more titles to browse before you dive into the FAQs below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 2020s Black romantic comedy is the best?
The Perfect Find ranks first here, for its warm romance and grown-up story.
Is A Jazzman’s Blues a comedy?
No. It is a romantic drama set in 1930s Georgia, which is why it ranks last.
Are these films new releases?
They were released between 2020 and 2024, so platform availability may change quickly.
Is Meet Me Next Christmas a holiday film?
Yes. It is a festive romance set around the season.
Which films are the most festive?
Boxing Day and Meet Me Next Christmas are the most festive on the list.
Why is The Blackening not on this list?
It is not a romance, so it does not fit this guide.
Why is Holiday Rush not on this list?
It was released in 2019, so it belongs to an earlier guide.
Are these films available in every country?
Availability varies by region and platform, so check your local services before you watch.
Is Praise This a comedy?
It is a romantic comedy with a lively, modern tone, though you should check the official listing for its details.
Where can I find the full list of 2020s romantic comedies?
Each platform publishes its own catalogue, and reference sites such as IMDb list films by year.
For critic scores on the films in this guide, Metacritic is a useful place to check: Metacritic.
More Places to Find Great Movies and TV Shows
If you want to keep exploring, these trusted sites cover reviews, news and streaming guides:
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