Five essential rom-coms to binge on Netflix this weekend

If you are in the mood for charming characters falling in love with witty banter and a sprinkle of romance, look no further. We have just what you need to binge this weekend on Netflix.

From classic love stories to quirky adventures, some of these are old classics, and some are contemporary. If formulaic boy-meets-girl stories are not your jam, there are other options.

We have curated this list in our ongoing series of essential binges, so make sure to check our other recommendations as well.

Here are five essential romcoms to binge on Netflix this weekend or add to your evergrowing watchlists. Happy binge-watching!

Five films to binge on Netflix this weekend:

Notting Hill (1999)

Notting Hill is a timeless classic that has made audiences swoon and smile for over two decades. Directed by Roger Michell and penned by the talented Richard Curtis, the film stars Hugh Grant as William Thacker, a charming yet ordinary British bookseller, and Julia Roberts as Anna Scott, a Hollywood superstar.

When their paths unexpectedly cross, it sets the stage for a delightful romance filled with humour, ups and downs, and the challenges of fame and love.

Set It Up (2018)

Set It Up is a modern rom-com that offers a fresh take on the classic genre. Directed by Claire Scanlon and written by Katie Silberman, the film stars Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell as two overworked assistants who hatch a plan to set up their demanding bosses to gain some much-needed free time.

As they navigate their veritably filmy matchmaking scheme, they discover more than they bargained for, including a budding romance of their own.

Badhaai Do (2022)

Badhaai Do (transl. Give Congratulations) is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni. The film explores the concept of a lavender marriage, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar as a gay cop and a lesbian school teacher, who enter into a sham marriage to appease their families but find their path to a unique blended family.

With a talented ensemble cast including Gulshan Devaiah, Chum Darang, Sheeba Chaddha, and Seema Pahwa, Badhaai Do is a glimpse into the lives of regular Indians trying to find acceptance in a country that is still not okay with queer joy.

Palm Springs (2020)

Palm Springs is not your typical rom-com; it’s a genre-bending, time-loop adventure that offers a unique twist on love and existentialism. Directed by Max Barbakow and written by Andy Siara, the film stars Andy Samberg as Nyles and Cristin Milioti as Sarah, two wedding guests trapped in an infinite time loop.

As they relive the same day over and over again, they develop an unconventional bond and explore the deeper meaning of life and love. The film also features J. K. Simmons as Roy Schlieffen, who is also trapped within the same time loop.

Love at First Sight (2023)

Love at First Sight is a charmingly whimsical rom-com directed by Vanessa Caswill with a screenplay by Katie Lovejoy based on Jennifer E. Smith’s 2011 novel The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight.

On a flight from New York to London, Hadley and Oliver cross paths and form a connection in an instant. However, their budding romance faces a seemingly insurmountable obstacle when they lose each other at customs. How they choose to make fate happen makes Love at First Sight one of Netflix’s bonafide rom-com gems.