A Guide To the Best Romantic Comedies Streaming on Netflix
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[Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures][/caption]We're always looking for a good romantic comedy, be it for a movie night with friends or a rainy Sunday afternoon in solitude. In recent years the output has been bleak — will anyone admit to seeing Gigli, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, or The Ugly Truth? — but we can't help but hope and pray that soon an adorable on-screen couple will whisk us away to a land of meet-cutes and apartment parties in a tidy 90 minutes.
What If seems like our best bet. Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan, it explores the timeless question of whether or not men and women can just be friends — thanks to Kazan's significant other and DanRad's unrequited love. The man formerly known as Harry Potter has proven himself through a variety of stage and screen roles, and Kazan has an innate likeability we kind of just want to ask her out to coffee. Don't let us down, you guys!
If you can't get to the theater this weekend, there's still plenty of rom com to enjoy. Here are 10 classic, perfect movies available for your instant viewing pleasure. Grab a Netflix account and let's get started.
Clueless (1995)
You thought we'd leave this off the list? As if! Amy Heckerling's modernization of Emma is complete perfection from start to finish, and only gets better with age. (Sadly, "Surfing the crimson wave" makes a lot more sense once you've hit puberty.) Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd have a natural, hilarious banter that totally makes us forget they once were related (by marriage). There's a reason why people still quote this movie on a daily basis, and Katy Perry is dying to be in the musical adaptation.
Something's Gotta Give (2003)
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[Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures][/caption]Diane Keaton in flawless and stain-free white turtlenecks, Jack Nicholson acting like a boss, and Keanu Reeves reminding us that he's a dreamboat (when he isn't feeling sorry for himself). If you can't get behind this 50-plus love story, at least indulge in Nancy Meyers decor porn.
Love Actually (2003)
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Not only a fine holiday film, but an important (and divisive) cultural touchstone. With so many intersecting and unrelated stories, there's something for everyone: naked, aging rockers, lobsters, drunk Midwesterners, a curmudgeon with poor taste in jewelry, and Hugh Grant dancing – just to name a few.
The Wood (1999)
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Yes, it's a film about a wedding, but the real romance is between stars Omar Epps, Taye Diggs, and Richard T. Jones.
The Switch (2010)
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[Photo Credit: Miramax Films][/caption]Jason Bateman plays Wally, who is only slightly less together than Michael Bluth of Arrested Development (try as he might). Sure, the premise is wonky — everybody hold on to their sperm! — but Bateman is just so darn likeable, we don't mind. Jennifer Aniston has been in her share of terrible rom coms, but this one is totally inoffensive and perfect for a lazy afternoon viewing in between orders of takeout.
Broadcast News (1987)
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[Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox][/caption] Holly Hunter plays a career-driven news producer, who's forced to juggle a demanding job and the affection of two male coworkers. Basically, a better version of 2010's Morning Glory. Also, William Hurt '80s-babe factor is criminally underrated.
Drinking Buddies (2013)
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Jake Johnson and Olivia Wilde are co-workers and best friends. Their chemistry is off the charts, but they're dating other people. It's a classic will they?/won't they? for the mumblecore set. Yes, it's talky, but in only a few minutes you'll feel like you've been hanging with friends you've known forever. Just be sure you have enough beer on hand for your viewing party.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
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[Photo Credit: FilmDistrict][/caption]Johnson and Aubrey Plaza answer an ad from a man looking to travel back in time (Mark Duplass). What transpires is a unexpectedly lovely story about companionship and possibility.
Much Ado About Nothing (2013)
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[Photo Credit: Lionsgate][/caption]Enjoy this modern and accessible gateway into the world of Shakespeare, featuring some of your favorite performers from shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Firefly, and Angel. Then, figure out how you can get invited over to Joss Whedon's house for fancy soiree.
Sabrina (1995, 1954)
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[Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures][/caption]While she's the daughter of a chauffeur, life isn't too bad for Sabrina (not of the teenage witch variety). That's right, ladies. When two rich brothers — one who's outgoing and one who's shy, because that's how it always goes — take a liking to you, you've suddenly got First World Problems. Both the 1954 original and Harrison Ford-helmed remake are available to stream. And while the original might be better, you've got to choose between Humphrey Bogart and Ford. Sorry Bogey, but we'll take a ride in Ford's car any day — if only for Star Wars stories. (P.S. If you're a casting director and you're reading this, please give Greg Kinnear better roles!)