Skip all the duds and follow this list if you want a Netflix movie night full of rom com gems.
We could all use a little dash of love right now. After all, spring is in full swing, the weather’s slowly warming up, and many of us would prefer to have our Nicholas Sparks moment in the rain. But what’s to watch out there? Avoid the duds with this comprehensive list of the best rom coms on Netflix in May. This includes movies just coming on to the platform so you can be first to watch them. Grab the popcorn and get ready to swoon.
Classic Rom Coms and Old Favorites
You’ve Got Mail
Joe and Kathleen simultaneously fall in love online while being bookstore-owning nemeses in real life. One of the best of the Nora Ephron era of classic rom coms, You’ve Got Mail is the slow-burn enemies-to-friends-to-lovers that you need right now. Sure, the couple falls in love in the low tech era of AOL Instant Messenger, but you can just imagine them sliding into each other’s Instagram DMs now.
27 Dresses
Jane loves to help her friends and acquaintances have the best wedding possible, which probably explains why she’s been a bridesmaid 27 times. But when sassy journalist Kevin takes an interest in her story, she has to examine what’s really going on with life. Just admit it: You fell in love with James Marsden because of this movie. No? Just me?
Knocked Up
After one drunken night together, Ben and Alison have to accept the fact that they’re now forever linked thanks to a surprise pregnancy. While things might have been a nightmare while making the movie, Judd Apatow still ended up with a sweet masterpiece about two unlikely people falling for each other in the weirdest circumstances.
Blended
They had one blind date and now these two single parents are stuck at a resort together. Good thing their kids like the idea of them falling in love. This is proof that some families can be unconventional but still so full of love. (And it’s a great movie to watch after 50 First Dates–another Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler gem.) Blended arrives on Netflix May 1st.
New Fare and Hidden Gems
Plus One
The rom com you never heard of but need to watch, Ben and Alice are friends with the same irreverent and ironic humor, so it only makes sense when they decide to be each other’s plus-ones for wedding season. But in a platonic way, they swear. This one is often hard to find on streaming services, so you should watch it while you can.
Long Shot
Charlotte is going to be running for president and she hires Fred, the boy she used to babysit, to be her speech writer on the campaign trail. While there’s lots to love about this hilarious and touching romantic comedy, the real winner here is the undeniable chemistry between Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron. If they fell in love in real life, I would totally believe it.
Anyone But You
A brand new rom com that came out at the end of 2023, this story based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” hits all the classic rom com beats that have been missing from recent romantic comedies. Sometimes it’s just fun to watch enemies become lovers. This one is fresh on Netflix, so you can watch it while it’s still relevant.
Yesterday
Musician Jack gets hit by a bus and wakes up in a world that has never heard of the Beatles. Doing what most of us would have done if we only had musical talent, he writes all their songs and claims them as his own. And boy, does he become famous for it. But it’s hard to have an honest and loving relationship with your crush when you’re living a lie.
Love Again
Mira lost the love of her life in a tragic accident and still holds on to his death two years later. Meanwhile, Rob, who was broken up with right before his wedding, starts to get sad texts on his new work phone. Will these two come together thanks to the old number of a now-dead boyfriend? Don’t listen to the critics on this one. While it was universally panned by pros, the audiences loved it.
Netflix Originals
Happiness for Beginners
Helen signs up for a month-long beginner’s hiking trip and is surprised to find her brother’s friend Jake has signed up, too. How can she get over the end of her marriage when she has someone she knows tagging along? This is the movie I suggest any time someone asks me for an underrated gem. It’s perfect. You’ll love it, I promise.
Set It Up
Executive assistants Harper and Charlie just want some time to breathe, so they agree to set up their respective bosses. It’s a lot of work, but they’re used to the long hours. And it doesn’t hurt that they can become friends in the process. Is that what’s happening, or is something else brewing underneath all that friendly banter?
Love at First Sight
Based on a young adult novel, this cute movie finds two strangers falling for each other on a flight to London. But after saying goodbye to each other at Heathrow, neither can quite let go of the idea of their romantic moment. Will they find their way back or will it just be one of those meet-cutes that never went anywhere? (This is a movie, you know the answer.)
Mother of the Bride
Emma has been in London for a year while finding herself abroad. When she finally comes home, her mom is just expecting to reconnect with her daughter. Little does she know, Emma is engaged–and getting married in a month in Thailand. This one is brand new and coming to Netflix May 9.
