HBO Max is still going strong. While it’s most notably given fans access to previously hard-to-stream Studio Ghibli hits, new Warner Bros. theatrical releases, and a little sitcom known as Friends, It has also given many popular rom-coms a new platform.
The streaming service’s expansive library features many longtime swoon-worthy favorites as well as modern romantic classics. We’re here to highlight some of the biggest rom-coms across the decades. While a few of the films below can be accessed via HBO Go and HBO Now (explained here), you definitely won’t find them all together on Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+.
Here are 10 of the best rom-coms on HBO Max that you can stream now.
1. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
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Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star in this classic romantic comedy about two University of Chicago grads who meet on a drive to New York City together. Though the pair debate about whether a man and a woman can ever be “just friends” upon their meeting, they’re forced to confront this question many times as they bump into one another over a 12-year period.
When Harry Met Sally is timeless and feel-good, blending the realities of city romance with the fantasy of falling for a friend. Plus: I’ll have what she’s having.
Where to watch: When Harry Met Sally is now streaming on HBO Max.
2. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
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Crazy Rich Asians revitalized the rom-com genre upon its release in 2018. Based on the best-selling book of the same name by Kevin Kwan, the story follows Chinese-American professor Rachel (Constance Wu), who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick (Henry Golding), for a wedding only to discover that his family is one of the wealthiest 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 one is definitely worth revisiting.
Where to watch: Crazy Rich Asians is now streaming on HBO Max.
3. Two Weeks Notice (2002)
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Ahhhh, there’s nothing like a good ol’ 2000s romantic comedy, is there? In the very of-the-era Two Weeks Notice, a lawyer (rom-com fave Sandra Bullock) reconsiders leaving her job after her indecisive but charming boss (other rom-com fave Hugh Grant) takes a liking to the Harvard grad set to replace her.
The plot might be predictable, but it’s still plenty entertaining due to its charismatic leads and lighthearted script.
Where to watch: Two Weeks Notice is now streaming on HBO Max.
4. Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
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Though Singin’ in the Rain is approaching its 70th birthday, it remains one of the most iconic films in its genre.
The musical catches up with film star Don (Gene Kelly) and chorus girl Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) as they get caught up in the transition from silent films to those with sound. Because Don’s longtime romantic movie partner Lina (Jean Hagen) is not a skilled singer, Kathy is hired to record her voice over Lina’s image. However, this causes tension to brew in Hollywood.
Where to watch: Singin’ in the Rain is now streaming on HBO Max.
5. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
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In the early days of the internet — before the world became flooded with dating apps — there was AOL Instant Messenger. This is how small bookstore owner Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) anonymously meets Joe Fox (Tom Hanks), a man whose family owns a giant bookstore chain, in this ’90s rom-com. While the two flirt with one another online, their dislike of each other in real life threatens to get in the way of a blossoming romance.
Although we’re still mourning the cooperate takeover of Kathleen’s bookstore, You’ve Got Mail features a surprisingly well-rounded female lead, especially considering the decade it was released in. Also, who doesn’t love Tom Hanks? It’s an all-time classic film for a reason.
Where to watch: You’ve Got Mail is now streaming on HBO Max.
6. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
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My Big Fat Greek Wedding is just as loud, energetic, and sweet as you remember.
The sleeper movie hit has 30-year-old Toula (Nia Vardalos) meeting the handsome Ian Miller (John Corbett) one day while waiting tables at her family’s Chicago restaurant. The pair reconnects after Toula begins working for a travel agency, and it’s not long before Ian puts a ring on her finger. Unfortunately for Toula, before the wedding can happen, Ian must get the approval of her giant, overbearing Greek family.
Where to watch: My Big Fat Greek Wedding is now streaming on HBO Max.
7. Emma (1996)
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Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma has gone through its fair share of reimaginings over the year. But no matter how many times it’s been remade, the 1996 version still holds up.
In this take, Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Emma Woodhouse, a young socialite living in 19th-century England who likes to play matchmaker. Despite a family friend and her father discouraging this habit, she continues to put couples together. However, it’s not long before her plans backfire and she gets tied into the romance herself. Fans of period dramas will love watching one of Austen’s best unfold.
Where to watch: Emma is now streaming on HBO Max.
8. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
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A fanciful coming-of-age story about a girl who escapes the social pressures of junior high by turning 30 overnight? It sure sounds like a blast.
13 Going on 30 is one of those films that’s hard to forget because it’s just so fun. It has colorful costumes, memorable dance numbers, and an amusing story. Not to mention, Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo make some fine childhood-friends-turned-lovers.
Where to watch: 13 Going on 30 is now streaming on HBO Max.
9. High Fidelity (2000)
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High Fidelity might not be the first movie that comes to mind when you think of a romantic comedy, but there is romance (though it gets pretty messy) and there is lots of humor (though most of it’s dry and sarcastic). This is all just part of its appeal. High Fidelity pushes past traditional film formulas as its Chicago record store owner (John Cusack) reconsiders his many failed relationships. It does this while showing off one rockin’ soundtrack.
If you already watched last year’s gender-flipped remake, it might be time to go back to the famous original.
Where to watch: High Fidelity is now streaming on HBO Max.
10. Emma (2020)
Image: Focus Features
Did you watch the ’90s Emma and think, I want more of this? Did you watch The Queen’s Gambit and wonder where else you could catch Anya Taylor-Joy? Look no further.
Opening in theaters early last year, Emma delighted Jane Austen fans with a fresh, funny, and pretty adaption of one of her most iconic stories. While it stays largely faithful to its source material, its newfound energy and wit make it feel like magic.
Where to watch: Emma is now streaming on HBO Max.