Romantic comedies Netflix and its push for original films, the romantic comedy genre has seen a surge in films over the last few years.
Granted, not every Netflix romantic comedy is great but at least fans have content to indulge in year-round now. Besides, even the worst romantic comedies have a way of making viewers feel something, even if it's mild irritation with its cheesiness. While Netflix does strikeout from time to time, it also produced some of the best romantic comedies of the last ten years.
Best: Someone Great (2019) - 82%
Someone Great is not your typical romantic comedy. In fact, the film begins with the main couple post-breakup, leaving the rest of the space to follow Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) as she tries to make sense of her years-long relationship while trying to have a fun night out with her friends.
While the typical romantic comedy tropes are prevalent, the heart and appeal of Someone Great stems from the friendship shared between Jenny, Blair (Brittany Snow), and Erin (DeWanda Wise).
Worst: The Wrong Missy (2020) - 34%
David Spade is no stranger to the trials and tribulations of movie reviews, having starred in some amazing comedies and some lackluster ones. Unfortunately, Spade and the The Wrong Missy.
One of the reasons The Wrong Missy has such a poor approval rating is in the lack of originality. In the film, Spade's character thinks he's inviting an attractive woman he connected with at the airport on a work vacation but it turns out he texted his free spirit blind date, who he did not hit it off with.
Best: Work It (2020) - 83%
Netflix's newest romantic comedy Work It certainly has proven to be a fan favorite after only being out for one week. Released in August of 2020, Work It stars an amazing young cast that includes Sabrina Carpenter, Jordan Fisher, Keiynan Lonsdale, and Liza Koshy.
The film follows Quinn (Carpenter) an over-achieving high school student who decides she needs to her high school dance team in order to diversify her resume for college. Work It manages to combine all the best tropes from romantic comedies and dance films.
Worst: The Kissing Booth (2018) - 17%
The Kissing Booth is the definition of a cheesy romantic comedy but not even its overdramatic romantic antics can save it from its dreaded 17% rating. Despite its poor ratings, its one of Netflix's most-watched films and has turned into a small franchise for the streaming giant.
While there are some swoon-worthy moments in the film, they don't make up for the sexist and stereotypical nature of the film that works to set the genre back twenty years. Instead of giving Elle (Joey King) the power she deserves over her relationship, she is at the beck and call of the boys around her.
Best: Always Be My Maybe (2019) - 89%
Not only do Ali Wong and Randall Park star in the phenomenal Netflix original Always Be My Maybe, but they also co-wrote the film along with Michael Golamco. The film currently has an 89% rating and Netflix has claimed that it was viewed 32 million times over.
Always Be My Maybe follows Sasha (Wong) who has just moved back to her hometown when she runs in with her childhood sweetheart Marcus (Park), whom she hasn't spoken to in 15 years.
Worst: The Last Summer (2019) - 17%
The Last Summer is filled with up and coming young talent like KP Apa, Maia Mitchell, and Tyler Posey but not even they could save the Netflix film from its ill reviews. The plot follows a group of high school graduates as they try to enjoy their final summer together while also trying to figure out what their futures hold for their lives.
The film was released in May of 2018, just in time for the summer holiday but even that couldn't help it. However, the film did manage to get nominated for three Teen Choice Awards the following year.
Best: Set It Up (2018) - 92%
While most of Netflix's romantic comedies tend to appeal to teen viewers, the 2018 Netflix original Set It Up is a rom-com for the twenty-something-year-olds in the world.
The film follows Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), two overworked assistants who decide to set their pushy bosses up so that they can go back to having a life. As Harper and Charlie spend more time together to orchestrate their bosses' relationship, they end up falling for each other too.
Worst: Desperados (2020) - 15%
Desperados is another new Netflix romantic comedy to premiere this year. With a cast that includes Nasim Pedrad and Lamorne Morris, it's a shame that the film didn't deliver greatness as so many had hoped.
While there is no denying that Pedrad and Morris have tons of chemistry, the story failed to make the film entertaining and fresh enough to captivate audiences. The film relies too much on outdated gags instead of letting the chemistry of its leads carry the film.
Best: To All The Boys I've Loved Before (2018) - 96%
Chances are if Love, Simon. Instead, this book to screen adaptation released on Netflix where it blew expectations out the water and became one of the most-watched films on the streaming service.
With a rating of 96%, To All The Boys I've Loved Before is also Netflix's most critically-acclaimed romantic comedy. The teen classic proves that the fake dating trope continues to work for rom-com fans.
Worst: Naked (2017) - 0%
There are not many films that can say they have a time loop.
Many criticized the film for trying and failing to emulate the classic film Groundhog Day, which also follows a man stuck in a time loop. With its dumb gimmicks and unoriginal plot, nothing could save Naked from its horrible rating.