9 Feel-Good Netflix Rom-Coms to Brighten Your Day
- Joao Nsita
- 19 hours ago
- 12 min read

In a world that often feels complicated and heavy, there's a unique and undeniable comfort in the warm embrace of a romantic comedy. It’s a genre built on a simple yet powerful promise: that love, laughter, and a happy ending are always within reach. The feel-good rom-com is a cinematic tonic, a two-hour escape into a world of witty banter, charming meet-cutes, and the soul-soothing certainty that everything is going to be alright. Netflix, with its vast and ever-growing library, has become a premier destination for those seeking this particular brand of joy. From fresh, modern originals that have revitalized the genre to beloved classics that feel like visiting old friends, there’s a perfect rom-com waiting to lift your spirits.
Whether you're nursing a broken heart, winding down after a long week, or simply in the mood for a story that will leave you smiling, this list is for you. We’ve curated nine of the most delightful, heartwarming, and genuinely funny romantic comedies available on Netflix right now. These films are more than just love stories; they are celebrations of friendship, self-discovery, and the hilarious, awkward, and ultimately beautiful journey of finding your person. They are the perfect companions for a cozy night in, and for those looking for something to watch on a less-than-sunny day, you might also appreciate these 10 Netflix shows that are perfect for binge-watching on a rainy weekend. So, get ready to laugh, swoon, and feel your heart grow a little warmer.

1. Set It Up (2018)
In the bustling, high-stress landscape of New York City, two overworked and under-appreciated assistants hatch a desperate plan. Harper (Zoey Deutch) is drowning under the demands of her formidable boss, former ESPN reporter Kirsten Stevens (Lucy Liu), while Charlie (Glen Powell) is at the beck and call of his volatile, high-powered venture capitalist boss, Rick Otis (Taye Diggs). Realizing their own lives are non-existent thanks to their employers' all-consuming careers, they orchestrate a modern-day Parent Trap to make their bosses fall in love, hoping a relationship will mellow them out and grant Harper and Charlie some much-needed free time.
What makes Set It Up a crown jewel in the Netflix rom-com pantheon is its perfect blend of classic genre tropes and fresh, contemporary energy. The chemistry between Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell is electric and effortless. Their late-night conversations over greasy pizza and their collaborative scheming are filled with the kind of sharp, rapid-fire banter that calls back to the golden age of screwball comedies. They are relatable, funny, and you can’t help but root for them, not just in their Cyrano de Bergerac-style mission, but in their own slowly blossoming connection. The film understands that the best love stories often sneak up on you when you’re busy making other plans. It’s a story about ambition, friendship, and the realization that the person you’re meant to be with might just be the one who has seen you at your most stressed-out and sleep-deprived. It’s a film that redefined what a modern rom-com could be, much like how some series have redefined their own categories, as seen in this list of top 10 Netflix originals that redefined their genres.

2. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
Based on the bestselling novel by Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is a heartfelt and charming teen romance that captured hearts worldwide. The story centers on Lara Jean Song Covey (Lana Condor), a shy high school junior who has written five secret love letters to the boys she's had crushes on, with no intention of ever sending them. Her life is turned upside down when her mischievous younger sister, Kitty, mails the letters out. Suddenly, Lara Jean has to face her past crushes, including the boy next door, Josh, who also happens to be her older sister's ex-boyfriend, and the popular and handsome Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo).
To avoid a confrontation with Josh, Lara Jean enters into a fake relationship with Peter, who wants to make his own ex-girlfriend jealous. What begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement soon evolves into something real and deeply felt. The film is a beautiful exploration of first love, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to let people see the real you. Lana Condor is perfectly cast as the dreamy and relatable Lara Jean, and Noah Centineo became an overnight sensation with his portrayal of the charming and surprisingly sensitive Peter. The film's aesthetic is warm and inviting, and its focus on family and sisterhood gives it a depth that elevates it beyond a typical teen romance. It’s a sweet, funny, and emotionally resonant film that spawned a beloved trilogy and became a cultural phenomenon. For fans of adaptations, it's a perfect example of a story brought to life, much like these [suspicious link removed].

3. Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Childhood sweethearts Sasha Tran (Ali Wong) and Marcus Kim (Randall Park) had a falling out as teenagers and haven't spoken in 15 years. Now, Sasha is a celebrity chef in Los Angeles, engaged to a successful and self-absorbed restaurateur, while Marcus is still living in their San Francisco hometown, working for his dad's air conditioning business and playing in a local band. When Sasha returns to San Francisco to open a new restaurant, she and Marcus reconnect, and the old sparks, along with a healthy dose of awkwardness, are instantly reignited.
Always Be My Maybe is a hilarious and heartfelt look at love, ambition, and the pull of home. Ali Wong and Randall Park, who also co-wrote the film, have an incredible, lived-in chemistry that makes their long history feel completely authentic. The film is laugh-out-loud funny, thanks in no small part to a scene-stealing and completely unhinged cameo from Keanu Reeves playing an exaggerated version of himself. But beyond the laughs, the film has a real emotional core. It explores the challenges of reconciling the people we've become with the people we once were, and it asks whether two people from different worlds can truly make it work. It's a smart, modern rom-com that celebrates Asian American culture and tells a universal story about finding your way back to the one who has always known you best.

4. Someone Great (2019)
Not all romantic comedies are about falling in love; some are about the love that gets you through a breakup. Someone Great is a powerful and poignant story about music journalist Jenny Young (Gina Rodriguez), who has just landed her dream job in San Francisco. The only problem? Her boyfriend of nine years (LaKeith Stanfield) isn't ready to leave New York, and they decide to break up. To nurse her broken heart and celebrate their time in the city, Jenny embarks on one last epic adventure with her two best friends, Erin (DeWanda Wise) and Blair (Brittany Snow).
Written and directed by Jennifer Kaytin Robinson, Someone Great is a vibrant and emotionally honest film about the importance of female friendship. While the romance and the breakup are the catalyst for the story, the true love story is the one between Jenny, Erin, and Blair. The film is a love letter to the friends who become your family, the ones who will dance with you in your kitchen, hold you while you cry, and help you piece yourself back together. The film's soundtrack is incredible, and its use of flashbacks beautifully illustrates the sweet and painful memories that come with the end of a long-term relationship. It's a film that acknowledges the pain of letting go while celebrating the joy of moving forward, making it a cathartic and ultimately uplifting watch for anyone who has ever had to start over. It’s a film that definitely sparked conversations, much like these 10 Netflix shows and movies that sparked global conversations in 2025.

5. The Kissing Booth (2018)
Based on the Wattpad novel by Beth Reekles, The Kissing Booth is a fun, frothy, and incredibly popular teen rom-com that became a viral sensation. The film follows the lifelong friendship of Elle Evans (Joey King) and Lee Flynn (Joel Courtney), who were born on the same day and have a set of strict friendship rules they've always lived by. Rule #9 is the most important: relatives of your best friend are strictly off-limits. This becomes a major problem when Elle finds herself falling for Lee's older, rebellious, and impossibly handsome brother, Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi).
When Elle and Lee decide to run a kissing booth at their school's fundraiser, Elle's first kiss ends up being with Noah, and a secret, forbidden romance begins. The film is a whirlwind of high school drama, secret make-out sessions, and the ultimate test of friendship. While it may not be a critical darling, its appeal is undeniable. It's a sweet, escapist fantasy that leans into all the classic teen movie tropes with infectious energy. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and the film has a bright, sunny aesthetic that makes it an easy and enjoyable watch. It’s the kind of movie that is perfect for a lazy afternoon, and for those planning their viewing schedule, it's good to know what's coming up, like the titles in 10 must-watch Netflix tv shows and movies coming in july 2025.

6. Holidate (2020)
Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) are two strangers who are completely fed up with being single during the holidays. They are tired of the family pressure, the awkward set-ups, and the pitying looks. After a particularly disastrous Christmas, they make a pact to be each other's "holidate" for every festive occasion throughout the next year. It's a purely platonic arrangement with no strings attached, designed to get their families off their backs. From New Year's Eve to St. Patrick's Day to the Fourth of July, they navigate every holiday together, offering each other a much-needed buffer from the expectations of the world.
Of course, as they spend more time together, their fake relationship starts to feel surprisingly real. Holidate is a raunchy and hilarious rom-com that puts a fresh spin on the "fake dating" trope. Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey have fantastic comedic chemistry, and their banter is sharp and witty. The film is unapologetically R-rated, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and cringe-worthy situations. It's a fun and festive ride that acknowledges the absurdity of holiday pressures while delivering a genuinely sweet and satisfying love story. It’s a great choice for when you want a rom-com with a bit more of an edge.

7. Love, Guaranteed (2020)
Susan Whitaker (Rachael Leigh Cook) is a sincere and hardworking lawyer who runs a small, pro bono law firm that is struggling to stay afloat. To save her firm, she takes on a high-paying case from a charming and quirky client named Nick Evans (Damon Wayans Jr.). Nick wants to sue a popular dating website called "Love, Guaranteed," which promises its users that they will find love after 1,000 dates. Nick has been on 986 dates without success and feels the company has not delivered on its guarantee.
As Susan and Nick work together to build their case, they spend a lot of time together, and naturally, sparks begin to fly. Love, Guaranteed is a classic, cozy rom-com that feels like a warm hug. It's a sweet and predictable story in the best possible way. Rachael Leigh Cook, a rom-com veteran, is as charming as ever, and Damon Wayans Jr. brings his signature comedic timing to the role of Nick. The film is a light and breezy watch with a genuinely heartwarming message about finding love when you least expect it. It's a perfect, low-stakes, feel-good movie that delivers on its own promise of a happy ending. For those who enjoy a bit of escapism, you might also be drawn to titles like Ransom Canyon.

8. Your Place or Mine (2023)
Debbie (Reese Witherspoon) and Peter (Ashton Kutcher) are best friends who are complete opposites. Debbie is a practical, routine-loving single mom in Los Angeles, while Peter is a stylish and spontaneous marketing executive in New York. Despite living on opposite coasts, they have maintained a close friendship for 20 years. When Debbie needs to travel to New York for a week to pursue a long-held dream, Peter offers to come to LA to look after her son, and they decide to swap houses.
Your Place or Mine is a charming and mature rom-com from Aline Brosh McKenna, the writer of The Devil Wears Prada and 27 Dresses. The film cleverly keeps its two leads apart for most of its runtime, allowing them to discover new things about each other by living in each other's spaces. It's a story about the love that can grow from a deep and lasting friendship and the realization that the perfect person for you might have been there all along. Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher are rom-com royalty, and they bring their signature charm to the roles. It's a sweet and sophisticated film that will appeal to anyone who believes in the power of a second chance at love. If you're looking for even more viewing options, you might find some in these 10 must-watch Netflix tv shows and movies coming in june 2025.

9. A Perfect Pairing (2022)
Lola Alvarez (Victoria Justice) is an ambitious wine executive from Los Angeles who, after being betrayed by a colleague, quits her job to start her own wine import company. Her first potential client is a family-owned winery in rural Australia. When the formidable owner of the winery is not interested in working with a small, unproven company, Lola, in a moment of desperation, offers to work as a "jillaroo" (a female ranch hand) on their sheep station to prove her worth.
Struggling with the hard physical labor, Lola finds a guide and friend in the handsome and mysterious station manager, Max (Adam Demos). As they work together under the stunning Australian sky, a connection begins to form. A Perfect Pairing is a delightful and picturesque rom-com that combines the "fish out of water" trope with a classic workplace romance. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the film offers a wonderful sense of escapism. Victoria Justice is charming as the determined Lola, and Adam Demos is a swoon-worthy leading man. It's a sweet, predictable, and utterly charming film that is perfect for anyone who dreams of leaving the city behind for a simpler and more romantic way of life. For more escapist viewing, you might enjoy this selection of 12 binge-worthy series for summer downtime.
Conclusion
In the vast landscape of streaming content, the feel-good romantic comedy remains a vital and beloved genre. The nine films on this list represent the best of what Netflix has to offer, each one providing a unique and delightful escape into a world of love, laughter, and light. They remind us of the simple joys of a well-told love story, the power of human connection, and the comfort of a happy ending. Whether you're drawn to the witty banter of Set It Up, the sweet nostalgia of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, or the picturesque charm of A Perfect Pairing, there is a film here to suit your mood and brighten your day. So, the next time you're looking for something to watch, turn to one of these cinematic treats and let yourself be swept away.

External Links
Rotten Tomatoes' Top 100 Romance Movies: Explore a wider range of critically acclaimed romantic films.
Vulture's Rom-Com Section: Read reviews, essays, and rankings of your favourite romantic comedies.
'Set It Up' Official Trailer: Watch the trailer for this fan-favourite Netflix Original.
Jenny Han's Official Website: Learn more about the author behind the 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' series.
Aline Brosh McKenna on IMDb: See the full filmography of the writer-director behind 'Your Place or Mine'.
Interview with the cast of 'Always Be My Maybe': Watch the cast discuss the film in an interview with BUILD Series.
FAQs
Are all these movies Netflix Originals? The majority of the films on this list, including Set It Up, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and Always Be My Maybe, are Netflix Originals. Availability of licensed films can sometimes change, but these are all currently available on the platform.
Do any of these movies have sequels? Yes, To All the Boys I've Loved Before is the first film in a trilogy, followed by To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and To All the Boys: Always and Forever. The Kissing Booth also has two sequels, The Kissing Booth 2 and The Kissing Booth 3.
Are these movies suitable for all ages? The ratings vary. Films like To All the Boys I've Loved Before and A Perfect Pairing are generally teen-friendly (rated PG-13 or equivalent). Others, like Holidate and Someone Great, are rated R or equivalent and are intended for mature audiences. It's always best to check the rating.
Which of these films are based on books? To All the Boys I've Loved Before is based on the novel by Jenny Han, and The Kissing Booth is based on the novel by Beth Reekles.
I love 'Set It Up'. Are there any other movies like it? If you love the witty banter and workplace romance of Set It Up, you might also enjoy Your Place or Mine for its mature characters or Love, Guaranteed for its classic rom-com feel.
Which movie has the best soundtrack? While taste is subjective, Someone Great is particularly well-known for its excellent and emotionally resonant soundtrack, which plays a central role in the story.
Are there any LGBTQ+ rom-coms on Netflix? Yes, Netflix has a growing collection of LGBTQ+ rom-coms. While not featured on this particular list, titles like Single All the Way and the series Heartstopper are highly recommended.
Which of these movies is the funniest? If you're looking for laugh-out-loud moments, Always Be My Maybe (especially the Keanu Reeves cameo) and the R-rated humour of Holidate are strong contenders.
Are these movies available in all countries? Netflix Originals are typically available globally. However, the availability of licensed films can vary by region. It's always a good idea to check your local Netflix library.
Where can I find reviews for these movies before I watch? Websites like Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, and Metacritic are excellent resources for reading both critic and audience reviews for films.
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