10 of the Best and Most Captivating Romantic Movies of 2024

Watching such works might not offer a deeper understanding of the meaning of life, but they leave a special warmth and tranquility in the heart of every viewer. So, let’s take a closer look at the films that made 2024 a little cozier.

Number 10: Find Me Falling

A simple story, beautiful music, lovable characters, heartfelt performances, breathtaking scenery, and a rekindled romance.

At number ten, we have Find Me Falling, which captures the hearts of romantic genre fans with its familiar yet unique narrative. The film offers a beautiful blend of romance and self-discovery. Harry Connick Jr. plays a rock star who seeks a break from the spotlight. Through Find Me Falling, viewers journey to the stunning landscapes of Cyprus, where Connick’s character reconnects with an old friend, played by Agni Scott. The relationship between these two leads unfolds against a family-oriented backdrop, delivering warmth and emotional depth to audiences.

The movie introduces some unique twists for its genre, with the family situations and past decisions of the characters serving as barriers to their rekindled romance. These elements add layers of complexity, making Find Me Falling stand out among other rom-coms. However, the themes explored might not appeal to everyone. Before diving in, note that the film received a score of 60 on Metacritic—a typical rating for rom-coms. Initially titled The Islander, Mira Sorvino was initially cast opposite Harry Connick Jr. The movie is distributed by Netflix.

Number 9: Players

A rivalry between two reporters—will our clever and lovable Lucy emerge victorious in the game of love this time?

At number nine, we have Players. Fans of the series Lucifer have a strong reason to watch this film: it stars our beloved Lucy, known for his devilish charm. Gina Rodriguez joins the cast as Mac, a sports journalist famous for her strategic but shallow approach to relationships. When she crosses paths with war reporter Nick, everything changes. Nick challenges her to rethink her casual tactics.

As the bond between Mac and Nick evolves, tensions with her best friend Adam create complications. This title blends emotional connections with romantic tension and humor. The involvement of Mac’s friends in her love life adds a layered comedic charm.

While the movie’s outcome is predictable, Players offers an enjoyable and funny experience. Watching Mac’s transformation and the development of her relationship with Nick captivates rom-com fans. Set in New York—the iconic city of romantic comedies—Players is perfect for fans of Lucifer, Tom Ellis’s charismatic performances, and the romantic-comedy genre. Don’t miss this unique experience with Tom Ellis in Players!

Number 8: Which Brings Me to You

Two wounded souls, two characters with painful past experiences—can a joyful relationship blossom between Jane and Will?

At the eighth spot on our list is Which Brings Me to You, a romantic comedy adaptation of the novel by Julianna Baggott and Steve Almond. Directed by Peter Hutchings, this film stars Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff as the main characters, Jane and Will. Both are emotionally scarred by past relationships, meeting at a wedding. After a failed attempt to connect initially, they decide to spend the next 24 hours together. During this time, they share deep and painful memories of their past relationships. The story explores whether two people with complex, painful backgrounds can build a genuine and successful relationship.

Which Brings Me to You delivers moments guaranteed to bring a few tears to fans of the genre. It’s the first film on our list to garner a relatively positive reception from critics, boasting a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes—a notable achievement for a romantic comedy. Critics, including those at The New York Times, praised the film for its smart narrative structure. In a world where most rom-coms aim solely to entertain and provide fleeting enjoyment, Which Brings Me to You offers a deeper and more emotional storyline.

Number 7: Lisa Frankenstein

No one—whether a fan of rom-coms or Frankenstein’s monster—could have imagined the story of Lisa Frankenstein.

Securing the seventh spot on our list is Lisa Frankenstein, a film that introduces a fascinating twist to the traditional rom-com formula. Who ever thought to mix romantic comedy with gothic horror? No one! And yet fans are thrilled it happened.

Set in the 1980s, Lisa Frankenstein follows a teenage girl, played by Kathryn Newton, who accidentally revives her dream man—a handsome gentleman from the Victorian era. The film is directed by Zelda Williams, the talented daughter of the legendary Robin Williams.

While incorporating gothic elements, Lisa Frankenstein offers a fun and humorous experience for rom-com lovers. It masterfully blends the genre's classic tropes with numerous nods to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. The most delightful aspect of the film is witnessing Zelda Williams' directing prowess and how she continues her father’s legacy.

Although the film failed to achieve commercial success, it resonated with audiences, earning an 82% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. As Zelda Williams’ first feature-length directorial effort, many in the industry believe it’s a promising start. If you’re looking for a unique and entertaining twist on rom-coms, Lisa Frankenstein is a must-watch!

Number 6: Upgraded

A fresh, modern take on the classic Cinderella story, complete with numerous plot twists that captivate the audience with the evolving relationship between the two main characters.

The sixth spot on this list is held by the surprising and unconventional film Upgraded! The story centers on Ana, played by Camila Mendes, a young woman who begins an ambitious internship in the art world. She works hard to impress her boss, Claire, portrayed by the lovely Marisa Tomei, who many recognize as Aunt May from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Ana’s life takes a dramatic turn when her travel class is unexpectedly upgraded to first class, leading her to meet William, played by Archie Renaux. Mistaking Ana for the art director of her company, William unwittingly pulls her into a world of luxury and privilege. Instead of correcting him, Ana dives into this opulent new life, navigating countless opportunities while attempting to keep her elaborate lie from unraveling.

This film has made strides toward critical approval, earning a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Many critics describe it as a modern retelling of Cinderella. The cast is packed with beloved stars, including Lena Olin, a familiar name for fans of the brilliant series Hunters.

Number 5: The Idea of You

Can love blossom between a woman nearing her 40th birthday and a man in his early twenties?

At the halfway point of our list is The Idea of You. Anne Hathaway stars as a middle-aged woman who finds herself romantically drawn to a much younger pop singer, played by Nicholas Galitzine, during the Coachella music festival. The film delves into the complexities of relationships where the woman is significantly older than the man. How does society perceive such a romance?

Based on Robin Lee’s bestselling novel, The Idea of You explores the tension between fame and love. The storyline, paired with Hathaway’s performance, has turned this into one of the most discussed rom-coms of the year. Its cinematography by Jim Frohna and a memorable score by Savan Kotecha elevate the film.

While its ending may not resonate with everyone, it is undeniably emotional. Production on the film began in 2018, and Anne Hathaway was confirmed as the lead three years later. Despite initial skepticism about adapting such a controversial novel, The Idea of You offers a distinct perspective and is worth watching for its unique narrative.

Number 4: Musica

Fans of Rudy Mancuso will undoubtedly enjoy this film, which channels his charm directly into Musica.

Coming in at number four is Musica, a movie no one expected but everyone welcomed! Among all the films on this list, Musica leans heavily on comedy, thanks to its leading man. Rudy Mancuso, a familiar face from the Vine era (the original TikTok), wrote, directed, and stars in this project.

Camila Mendes appears again as one of the film’s main characters. Scoring an astonishing 96/100 on Rotten Tomatoes, Musica is arguably one of the strongest rom-coms of the year.

This coming-of-age story follows Rudy, a young man living in New York City. Due to his synesthesia, Rudy perceives the world differently—everyday sounds become a vibrant symphony in his mind. Struggling with his Brazilian-American roots and his love for music, Rudy embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

After ending a long-term relationship with Hailey, Rudy falls for Isabella, played by Camila Mendes. Like Rudy, Isabella also has Brazilian-American heritage and understands his unique experiences. Meanwhile, Hailey begins to express interest in reconciling with Rudy.

For fans of Rudy Mancuso’s humor and wit on Instagram, Vine, and TikTok, Musica is a must-watch!

Number 3: Fly Me to the Moon

A fresh, imaginative spin on the Apollo 11 moon landing, Fly Me to the Moon combines romance and historical fiction with Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum leading the cast.

Taking the third spot on our list, this Columbia Pictures production features an all-star lineup, including Jim Rash (Community), Ray Romano (The Irishman), and the ever-charming Woody Harrelson. The story unfolds amidst the iconic Apollo 11 launch, focusing on a turbulent romance. Scarlett Johansson stars as Kelly Jones, a marketing expert tasked with salvaging NASA’s public image, while Channing Tatum plays Cole Davis, a launch director responsible for overseeing the moon landing.

The film explores the chaotic relationship between Kelly and Cole, whose contrasting responsibilities make their lives increasingly complicated. As the mission faces potential failure, Kelly is instructed to film a fake moon landing to be used in case the actual mission doesn’t succeed. This leads to a series of comedic and heartfelt moments.

Critics praised the performances, particularly Johansson and Tatum, whose chemistry elevates the film. If you enjoy comedies that poke fun at historical events, Fly Me to the Moon is a must-watch, blending sharp humor with stellar talent.

Number 2: The Fall Guy

The energy, talent, and chemistry that Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt bring to every scene in The Fall Guy are truly remarkable.

Securing second place is the much-anticipated The Fall Guy! This rom-com-action hybrid showcases the impeccable comedic timing of Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt, paired with high-octane stunts. The film tells the story of a stuntman grappling with the challenges of his profession while attempting to rekindle a romance with his ex-lover.

The film’s captivating blend of humor, action, and heartfelt moments is amplified by the lead duo’s chemistry, making The Fall Guy a standout for audiences seeking more than a formulaic rom-com. The movie is a thrilling and enjoyable experience that earns its place near the top of the list.

Despite its appeal, The Fall Guy struggled commercially, earning $181 million against a $150 million budget, resulting in a $50 million loss for Universal Pictures. However, the film was praised for its ambitious stunts and engaging performances.

Notable cast members include Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Hannah Waddingham, with Jason Momoa making a cameo appearance. The film also made a significant impact in Australia, creating over 4,015 jobs during its production, with 1,000 crew members and 3,015 extras contributing to the project. Loosely inspired by the original The Fall Guy TV series, this adaptation has sparked debate among critics about its creative liberties.

Number 1: Hit Man (2024)

Glen Powell delivers a stellar performance as a psychologist and philosopher posing as a hitman in a romantic comedy like no other.

Taking the top spot on our list is Hit Man (2024), a film that stands apart as both a remarkable rom-com and an exceptional movie overall. Critics and audiences alike have showered this film with praise, cementing its status as a standout of the year. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts an impressive 95% score, while Metacritic reviews aggregate to a solid 83/100—an extraordinary achievement for a romantic comedy!

Glen Powell not only stars as the lead but also co-wrote the screenplay. He plays Dr. Gary Johnson, a professor of psychology and philosophy who works undercover for the New Orleans Police Department, pretending to be a hitman. His job? To lure in individuals seeking to hire assassins and bring them to justice.

Everything changes when Gary meets Madison, played by Adria Arjona (Andor), a woman desperate to escape her abusive husband. As their relationship deepens, Gary faces moral dilemmas and tough choices that challenge his convictions.

The film is a masterful blend of comedy, action, and romance, offering a fresh and creative take on the genre. Powell’s performance has even earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

If you’re only going to watch one film from this list, Hit Man (2024) comes highly recommended for its unique, engaging, and imaginative storytelling. Prepare to be entertained on every level!