10 best rom-coms on HBO Max in 2023

Love is many glorious things, full of joy, sillyness and slapstick. Or at least that’s the case with romantic comedies. In this case, the lovers could start out as sideways friends, business girlfriend rivals, or doomed strangers. But there’s more to this genre mashup than just jokes and love. You might find hilarious musical numbers, quirky characters, bouncy jokes, gorgeous settings, and even a maniacal killer!

Whatever your rom-com cravings, you’ll find the best selection, from classic films to the genre’s heyday of the 90s and even modern spins. No need to swipe right. Just press play.

Here are the 10 best rom-coms currently streaming on HBO Max(opens in new tab).

1. When Harry met Sally

Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, this classic romantic comedy follows two University of Chicago alumni who meet together on a drive to New York City. As soon as the two meet, they discuss whether or not a man and a woman can be “just friends”, but over the course of 12 years they have clashed many times and were forced to face this issue.

When Harry met Sally A timeless and comforting work that blends the reality of urban romance with the fantasy of falling in love with a friend. plus: I have what she has — Brooke Bajgrowicz, Entertainment Fellow

How to watch: When Harry met Sally(opens in new tab) Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

2. sliding door

If you can handle a little drama in a romantic comedy, you’ll love writer-director Peter Howitt’s 1998 Headspinner.. One subway ticket offers two love stories, sliding door London resident Helen Quilley (Gwyneth Paltrow) follows the snippets of what happens to her when she misses or misses her train. In one scenario, she catches her misogynistic boyfriend (John Lynch) in bed with another woman (the deliciously devilish Jeanne Tripplehorn). Another is that she arrives too late to reveal his infidelity, so while her other persona pursues a passion with an attractive stranger (John Hannah), they relationship is not going well. Sprinkled with whimsical, warm and shocking turns, this game will leave you gasping and grinning. — Christy Puchco, film editor

How to watch: sliding door Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

3. crazy rich asians

crazy rich asians reinvigorated the romantic comedy genre with its 2018 release. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Kevin Kwan, the story tells the story of Chinese-American Professor Rachel (Constance Wu), her boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding), and his family at their wedding to become one of the richest men in the country. Rachel is also forced to confront Nick’s traditional mother, who believes she is not good enough to marry her son.

With dazzling visuals and snappy writing, this is definitely worth a revisit. — BB

How to watch: crazy rich asians(opens in new tab) Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

Four. (500 days of summer

At some point in the 2000s, romantic comedies stopped trying to be funny and started trying to say something meaningful. 500 days of summerThis indie darling breaks away from the rom-com format to tell a non-linear tale of relationships coming together and falling apart. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s sincerity is palpable, and his affectionate Zooey Deschanel is a quirky girl, single-handedly ushering in a new era of messy bangs for millions of women everywhere. With unexpected surrealism and gorgeous supporting characters, 500 days of summer is a satisfying watch with a heart-wrenching love story. * — Kristina Grosspietsch, freelance contributor

How to watch: (500 days of summer Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

Five. if you sing in the rain

but if you sing in the rain It’s approaching its 70th birthday, but it remains one of the most iconic films in its genre.

Movie star Don (Gene Kelly) and chorus girl Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) are caught up in the transition from silent to sound. Don’s longtime romantic film partner Lina (Jean Hagen) is not an accomplished singer, so Cathy was hired to record her voice in Lina’s image. However, this causes tension in Hollywood. — BB

How to watch: if you sing in the rain(opens in new tab) Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

6. come to america

Looking for something ridiculously funny? Revisit the classic 1988 fishing comedy for some outrageous laughs. Eddie Murphy stars as a spoiled African prince who leaves his kingdom to find a bride in bustling New York City. Trading in humble fast-food worker uniforms for royal robes, he and his surly best friend (Arsenio Hall) cross paths with all manner of colorful New Yorkers (many of whom Murphy and Hall But in all its hijinks and hilarity, the main focus of this story is the romance between the prince and the queen native (Shari Headley) who rules his mind.

Relax, laugh out loud, swoon, and enjoy all that Soul Glow. — KP

How to watch: come to america Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

7. You’ve got mail

In the early days of the internet, before the world was flooded with dating apps, there was AOL Instant Messenger. Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan), a small bookstore owner, in this 90s rom-com of hers, Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), whose family owns a huge bookstore chain. It’s a way to meet anonymously. Although the two flirt online, they dislike each other in real life, which threatens to get in the way of their blossoming romance.

We mourn the acquisition of Kathleen’s bookstore, You’ve got mail It features a surprisingly well-rounded female lead, especially considering the decade it was released. Also, who doesn’t love Tom Hanks? It’s a movie. — BB

How to watch: You’ve got mail (opens in new tab)Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

8. So I married an ax killer

Need a rom-com off the beaten path? Check out this quirky production starring Mike Myers as an eccentric poet looking for love. Indeed, Harriet (Nancy Travis) is her dreamy, with her great sense of humor, wide range of interests, and appreciation for sex and nosy Scottish parents. But driven by paranoia and a fear of commitment, the romantic hero of this Black Her comedy begins to fear that her body count is more murderous than libido.

A provocative play on a 90s erotic thriller, So I married an ax killer It’s a quirky wild clock for cozy nights. KP

How to watch: So I married an ax killer Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

9. my big fat greek wedding

my big fat greek wedding It’s as loud, energetic, and sweet as you remember.

In the hit sleeper movie, 30-year-old Tula (Nia Vardalos) meets handsome Ian Miller (John Corbett) one day while waiting for a table at her family’s Chicago restaurant. After Tula starts working at her travel agency, her pair reconnect and it doesn’t take long before Ian puts a ring on her finger. Unfortunately for Tula, Ian must get the approval of a huge and intimidating Greek family before her wedding can take place. — BB

How to watch: my big fat greek wedding(opens in new tab) Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

Ten. philadelphia story

A dazzling gem that reigns supreme in screwball comedy is this 1940 classic, directed by George Cukor. Based on the Broadway hit that thrilled audiences, philadelphia story Push a trio of screen legends into a tantalizing love triangle. Katherine Hepburn stars as a Philadelphia socialite who is poised to remarry after divorcing her debonair ex (Cary Grant). But when he and a charming tabloid reporter (James Stewart) sabotage her family’s pre-wedding arrangements, sparks fly and love blows.it’s not a matter of If There is a wedding, who will be the groom?

True to its subgenre, this entertaining film crackles with fast-paced banter, larger-than-life characters, spirited flirtation, and daffy humor. Critics cheered, and the Academy awarded Donald Ogden Stewart Best Screenplay and Stewart Best Actor (his first win!) — KP *

How to watch: philadelphia story(opens in new tab) Streaming on HBO Max.(opens in new tab)

asterisk

Indicates that the entry has changed from the previous Mashable list. Updated: February 7, 2023 at 4:38 PM EST