The 10 Best Romantic Comedies of the 2010s

14 hours ago11 min read

The 10 Best Romantic Comedies of the 2010s

Welcome to a cinematic stroll down memory lane, where love meets laughter in the most unexpected ways! As we sit here on March 13, 2025, looking back at the 2010s, it’s clear that decade was a golden era for romantic comedies—a time when the genre stretched its wings, broke old molds, and embraced new voices. From the heartfelt realism of Silver Linings Playbook to the glitzy charm of Crazy Rich Asians, the 2010s redefined what a rom-com could be, blending timeless tropes with fresh perspectives on mental health, cultural identity, and modern relationships. Whether you’re streaming these classics on Netflix (US/UK) or revisiting them via Blu-ray, they remain as captivating now as they were then.

The romantic comedy has always been a comfort food of film—think When Harry Met Sally or Pretty Woman—but the 2010s took that recipe and spiced it up. Directors like David O. Russell and Richard Curtis, alongside rising stars like Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, pushed boundaries, weaving humor and heart with deeper narratives. This wasn’t just about boy-meets-girl anymore; it was about boy-meets-girl-with-bipolar-disorder (Silver Linings Playbook), or girl-pretends-to-be-a-player-to-prove-a-point (Easy A). The decade saw the rise of streaming giants like Netflix, breathing new life into the genre with hits like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Set It Up, proving rom-coms could thrive beyond the multiplex.

What makes these 10 films stand out? It’s their ability to balance the escapist joy we crave—those swoony meet-cutes and grand gestures—with a willingness to tackle real-world complexities. The Big Sick dives into intercultural love with raw honesty, while La La Land pairs its dazzling musicality with a bittersweet nod to ambition’s cost. Teen tales like Easy A and To All the Boys brought sharp wit and diverse leads, while Crazy Rich Asians smashed box-office records (over $238 million globally) with its all-Asian cast—a Hollywood first in 25 years. Add in time-travel quirks (About Time), workplace shenanigans (Set It Up), and a Keanu Reeves cameo (Always Be My Maybe), and you’ve got a lineup that’s as varied as it is vibrant.

This blog celebrates these gems, ranked not by box-office haul or Rotten Tomatoes scores (though Silver Linings Playbook’s 92% and La La Land’s 91% don’t hurt), but by their lasting impact on the genre and our hearts. We’ll explore how Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence sparked Oscar-worthy magic, how Emma Stone became the decade’s rom-com queen, and how films like Crazy, Stupid, Love wove multi-generational tales with effortless charm. Available on platforms like Netflix (US/UK for To All the Boys, Set It Up), Hulu (US for Silver Linings), or Prime Video (UK for Crazy Rich Asians), these movies invite rewatches and new discoveries alike.

The 2010s proved romantic comedies could be smart, inclusive, and bold—think Always Be My Maybe’s Asian-American lens or The Big Sick’s real-life roots—while still delivering the warm fuzzies we adore. As we unpack each film, from their standout performances to their cultural ripples, you’ll see why they set a high bar for the 2020s. So, grab your popcorn, cue up your streaming queue, and let’s dive into a decade where love wasn’t just crazy or stupid—it was transformative.

1. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

David O. Russell's "Silver Linings Playbook" redefined what a romantic comedy could be in the 2010s. Starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, this film masterfully blends humor and charm with genuine drama and emotion. The story follows Pat Solatano Jr. (Cooper), a man with bipolar disorder trying to reconcile with his ex-wife, who forms an unexpected connection with young widow Tiffany Maxwell (Lawrence).

What sets "Silver Linings Playbook" apart is its nuanced portrayal of mental health issues within the framework of a romantic comedy. The film doesn't shy away from the complexities of its characters' struggles, yet it maintains a hopeful and often humorous tone. Cooper and Lawrence's chemistry is electric, with both delivering powerhouse performances that earned them Academy Award nominations (with Lawrence winning Best Actress).

The film's success lies in its ability to tackle serious themes while still delivering the warmth and humor expected from a romantic comedy. It's a perfect example of how the genre evolved in the 2010s, becoming more willing to explore deeper, more complex narratives.

2. Easy A (2010)

Will Gluck's "Easy A" starring Emma Stone is a clever, witty take on the teen romantic comedy genre. Inspired by "The Scarlet Letter," the film follows Olive Penderghast (Stone) as she navigates high school life and rumors about her sexual exploits.

Stone's breakout performance is the heart of the film, showcasing her impeccable comedic timing and charisma. The script is sharp and quotable, filled with clever dialogue that elevates it above typical teen fare. "Easy A" also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Stanley Tucci and Patricia Clarkson as Olive's refreshingly understanding parents.

What makes "Easy A" stand out is its smart commentary on slut-shaming and double standards in high school, all while maintaining a light, entertaining tone. It's a film that manages to be both thoughtful and laugh-out-loud funny, setting a high bar for teen comedies in the decade.

3. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" is a multi-generational romantic comedy that weaves together several interconnected love stories. Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, and Julianne Moore, the film explores love and relationships at different stages of life.

The film's strength lies in its ensemble cast and the way it balances multiple storylines. Carell and Gosling's unlikely friendship provides many of the film's funniest moments, while Stone and Gosling's chemistry hints at their future collaborations. The script is clever and heartfelt, offering insights into the complexities of modern relationships.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" stands out for its ability to appeal to a wide audience, offering something for viewers of all ages. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted, character-driven romantic comedies.

4. About Time (2013)

Richard Curtis's "About Time" adds a sci-fi twist to the romantic comedy genre. Starring Domhnall Gleeson and Rachel McAdams, the film follows Tim, a young man who discovers he can travel through time, as he uses his ability to pursue love and improve his life.

What sets "About Time" apart is its focus on the value of everyday moments and relationships, not just romantic ones. While the central love story between Tim and Mary is sweet and engaging, the film's emotional core lies in Tim's relationship with his father (Bill Nighy) and his growing appreciation for life's simple pleasures.

The time travel element is used sparingly and effectively, serving the emotional narrative rather than dominating it. "About Time" is a thoughtful, heartwarming film that uses its fantastical premise to explore very real, relatable themes about love, family, and making the most of our time.

5. The Big Sick (2017)

Based on the real-life love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, "The Big Sick" brings cultural specificity and authentic emotion to the romantic comedy genre. Nanjiani stars as himself, a Pakistani-American comedian who falls in love with Emily (Zoe Kazan), a white American woman, against the wishes of his traditional Muslim family.

The film stands out for its honest portrayal of cultural conflicts and the challenges of interracial relationships. It doesn't shy away from difficult conversations about identity and family expectations. What makes "The Big Sick" truly special is how it balances these heavier themes with genuine humor and warmth.

Holly Hunter and Ray Romano, as Emily's parents, add depth to the story, especially as Emily falls ill and Kumail must navigate his relationship with her family. "The Big Sick" is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in romantic comedies, offering a fresh, authentic voice to the genre.

6. La La Land (2016)

While primarily known as a musical, Damien Chazelle's "La La Land" also fits beautifully into the romantic comedy genre. Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the film tells the story of an aspiring actress and a jazz musician falling in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles.

"La La Land" stands out for its stunning visuals, memorable music, and the palpable chemistry between Stone and Gosling. The film captures the magic and romance of classic Hollywood musicals while telling a very modern story about the sacrifices required for success in the entertainment industry.

What makes "La La Land" a great romantic comedy is its bittersweet exploration of love and ambition. It doesn't shy away from the hard choices its characters must make, offering a more nuanced take on the "happily ever after" typically found in the genre.

7. To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)

Based on Jenny Han's novel, "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" became a surprise hit for Netflix and helped revitalize the teen romantic comedy subgenre. Starring Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey, the film follows the aftermath of her secret love letters being mailed to her crushes.

The film's success lies in its charming lead performances, particularly Condor's relatable portrayal of Lara Jean and Noah Centineo's charismatic turn as Peter Kavinsky. Their chemistry and the film's sweet, sincere tone resonated with viewers, sparking a renewed interest in teen rom-coms.

"To All the Boys I've Loved Before" stands out for its positive representation of an Asian-American lead character and its fresh take on familiar rom-com tropes. It proves that there's still a strong appetite for well-made, heartfelt romantic comedies among younger audiences.

8. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

Based on Kevin Kwan's bestselling novel, "Crazy Rich Asians" is a glamorous, fun-filled romantic comedy that also made history as the first major Hollywood studio film in 25 years to feature a majority Asian cast. Starring Constance Wu and Henry Golding, the film follows Rachel Chu as she travels to Singapore to meet her boyfriend's incredibly wealthy family.

What sets "Crazy Rich Asians" apart is its lavish production design and its exploration of cultural identity and family expectations within the framework of a romantic comedy. The film offers a fresh perspective on familiar rom-com tropes, set against the backdrop of Singapore's high society.

The stellar ensemble cast, including scene-stealing performances from Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh, adds depth and humor to the story. "Crazy Rich Asians" proves that representation matters, and that diverse stories can have universal appeal.

9. Set It Up (2018)

"Set It Up" is a delightful return to the classic romantic comedy formula, with a modern twist. Starring Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell as two overworked assistants who try to set up their demanding bosses (Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs), the film is a charming exploration of love in the workplace.

What makes "Set It Up" stand out is its sharp dialogue and the genuine chemistry between Deutch and Powell. The film cleverly subverts expectations, allowing its characters to grow and change in believable ways. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of well-crafted romantic comedies, even in the age of streaming.

"Set It Up" helped spark a rom-com renaissance on Netflix, proving that there's still a strong audience for the genre when done well.

10. Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, who also co-wrote the script, "Always Be My Maybe" offers a fresh perspective on the friends-to-lovers trope. The film follows childhood friends Sasha and Marcus who reconnect as adults after 15 years apart.

What sets "Always Be My Maybe" apart is its exploration of Asian-American identity and its subversion of romantic comedy tropes. The film doesn't shy away from discussions of class and cultural expectations, all while maintaining a hilarious and heartfelt tone.

The film also features a scene-stealing cameo from Keanu Reeves, playing an exaggerated version of himself, which became one of the most talked-about movie moments of 2019. "Always Be My Maybe" showcases the importance of diverse voices in romantic comedies, offering a unique and authentic story that still hits all the right rom-com notes.

Conclusion

The romantic comedies of the 2010s demonstrate the genre's ability to evolve and stay relevant. From the dramatic depth of "Silver Linings Playbook" to the cultural specificity of "The Big Sick" and "Crazy Rich Asians," these films prove that there's still plenty of life in the rom-com format.

What sets these films apart from their predecessors is their willingness to engage with real-world issues and diverse perspectives while still delivering the warmth and humor that audiences expect from the genre. They tackle themes like mental health, cultural identity, and the complexities of modern relationships with nuance and authenticity.

Moreover, the success of films like "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and "Set It Up" on streaming platforms shows that there's still a strong appetite for romantic comedies, especially when they offer fresh takes on familiar tropes.

As we move into a new decade, these films set a high bar for future romantic comedies. They prove that the genre can be smart, inclusive, and emotionally resonant while still providing the escapism and joy that have always been at the heart of great rom-coms.

10 FAQs

Why are romantic comedies from the 2010s considered different from earlier decades?Romantic comedies from the 2010s often tackle more complex themes, offer more diverse perspectives, and are willing to subvert traditional rom-com tropes.
Which 2010s romantic comedy was the highest-grossing?"Crazy Rich Asians" was the highest-grossing romantic comedy of the 2010s, earning over $238 million worldwide.
Did any of these romantic comedies win major awards?Yes, "Silver Linings Playbook" received numerous Academy Award nominations, with Jennifer Lawrence winning Best Actress.
How did streaming platforms impact romantic comedies in the 2010s?Streaming platforms like Netflix helped revitalize the genre, producing hits like "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" and "Set It Up."
Which 2010s romantic comedy is considered the most critically acclaimed?"Silver Linings Playbook" is often cited as the most critically acclaimed romantic comedy of the decade.
Did any of these films spawn sequels or franchises?Yes, "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" became a successful trilogy on Netflix.
How did representation improve in romantic comedies during the 2010s?Films like "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Always Be My Maybe" featured predominantly Asian casts, while "The Big Sick" explored interracial relationships.
Which actors became rom-com stars during this decade?Actors like Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, and Noah Centineo became associated with the genre during the 2010s.
Did any directors specialize in romantic comedies during this period?While no director exclusively made rom-coms, filmmakers like David O. Russell and Richard Curtis made significant contributions to the genre.
How did social media and technology influence romantic comedies of the 2010s?Many films incorporated elements of social media and modern technology into their storylines, reflecting changing dating dynamics.