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The art of the “rom-com,” the romantic comedy, is often overlooked. However, I think making a good romantic comedy is a true skill. Films like When Harry Met Sally or How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days come to mind first, and both are great examples of a good romantic comedy, with perfect premises, a good slow-burn romance, and a great cast. However, both of them are from twenty years or more ago. What’s up with that? Most of modern romantic comedies are nowhere near the level that “classic” rom-coms are at, instead, there is a surplus of movies with overdone storylines, no romantic chemistry between the leads, or simply just too cheesy. But recently, I’ve found some modern gems that have given me hope for a rise in romantic comedies that are at the classic rom-com level. 

Here are some of the best:

Set it Up, 2018 (Netflix): One of the best. The romance feels like the kind you get from a good Emily Henry book, with solid banter and good tension. Overall, a cute movie.

Palm Springs, 2020 (Hulu): Less of a romance-focused movie, more comedy for sure. Andy Samberg. This was a favorite with a guy who did not enjoy rom-coms before he saw this one (as well as the others on this list) and it inspired me to deep dive for more good romantic comedies. 

Plus One, 2019 (Tubi): Maya Erskine. Lots and lots of weddings. Friends to lovers. Not my favorite of this list, but still a good watch (and a free one on Tubi).

No Hard Feelings, 2023: If you have not already heard about this movie, it is definitely worth the watch, the comedy, premise, romance—all of it is good.

I Want You Back, 2022 (Amazon Prime Video): Do I love this movie in part because Charlie Day is in it? Yes. But is it also just a fun movie with a sweet romance? Definitely.

Crazy Rich Asians, 2018 (Hulu): Such an amazing movie, with an amazing cast. Just watch it.

Love at First Sight, 2023 (Netflix): Airports and fate. Based on the book The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight, which I have read and would recommend, you must take it with a grain of salt, because I read the book when I was in middle school. But the movie was adorable, and a (mostly) lighthearted watch.

Those are my top finds from the past five years, and I am always looking for more, as well as hoping that more movies like these will continue to be released!! The rom-com is a beautiful thing when done right, and I have found that many people who have negative preconceived notions of the genre warm up to it when you show them one of these or even a classic great romantic comedy. So, whether you’re new to the genre or a seasoned regular, I hope you try watching one of these, and maybe see what I see in them! 

Alexandra Garrand is new to Her Campus, and Lasell University, but she is very excited to be a part of the community! Alexandra is a freshman at Lasell University and is currently studying Elementary Education so she can hopefully teach the third grade. Outside of school, Alexandra enjoys spending time with her friends, ceramics, reading, and the outdoors. She is almost always walking somewhere, in shoes that are less than suitable to be walked in.