These Are the Best Romantic Comedies of 2018

This Netflix original is based on the first book in Jenny Han's bestselling series, which follows the story of Lara Jean Covey (played by Lana Condor), a high-schooler whose secret love letters to former crushes accidentally get circulated to those boys. Not only does this teen movie refreshingly feature an Asian-American girl as the protagonist, but it also gifted us with our new Netflix crush, Noah Centineo, whose character pretends to be Lara Jean's boyfriend until (spoiler alert!) real feelings develop between the two. The best part: since the book series is a trilogy, we potentially have two sequels coming our way!

In a nod to classic romantic comedies, this Netflix original is about two demanding workaholics (played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs) who unwittingly bring together their overworked assistants (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell) as they attempt to play matchmaker with their bosses. Deutch's and Powell's performances are so fun and flirty that they have even been compared to that of rom-com legends Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks, and they might even convince you that the two stars are dating IRL (though, unfortunately, they're not). Lucky for us, Set It Up is getting a sequel, so we'll get to see even more matchmaking and flirty fun as the story that single-handedly restored our faith in romantic comedies continues.

Based on Kevin Kwan's hilarious and international bestselling trilogy, this movie tells the story of a New Yorker (played by Constance Wu) who agrees to spend the Summer in Singapore with her boyfriend (played by Henry Golding) and his family, only to learn that the man she hopes to marry is filthy-, lavishly, crazy-rich — and also the most eligible bachelor in the country. As if it wasn't enough that this film is insanely fun and a true original, Crazy Rich Asians has also provided Hollywood with some desperately needed Asian representation. Even between all of the old money, new money, intergenerational conflict, and ruthless social climbing, there's still plenty of romance (and also plenty of fodder for a sequel!).

In a follow-up to the Broadway sensation turned 2008 musical rom-com, Mamma Mia!, this film serves as both a sequel and a prequel to the original, flashing back to Donna's life before she was a mom (and before she met all of her potential suitors). Even with 10 years of anticipation, this film did not disappoint. As well as reacquainting fans with old faces, we were introduced to their younger equivalents, and all of the ABBA hits left out of the original got to make their film debut. Few movies are as pure fun and incredibly sweet as this one, so let's just say we wouldn't be opposed to a third installment of Donna and Sophie's story.

Based on Becky Albertalli's much-praised Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this feel-good rom-com stars Everything, Everything's Nick Robinson as Simon, a closeted 17-year-old who falls in love with a classmate who calls himself Blue via online correspondence — except he doesn't know his classmate's identity. This John Hughes-esque movie marks the first time that a major studio focused on a gay teen romance, giving hope to see a whole lot more LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood. It also helps that the soundtrack for this movie is actually unreal.

On their third anniversary, a couple looks back on their relationship and contemplates breaking up in the offbeat indie drama Happy Anniversary. You might recognize its leads, Ben Schwartz and Noël Wells, as Jean-Ralphio on Parks and Recreation and Rachel on Master of None. While we love our light and breezy romantic comedies, Happy Anniversary is a refreshing look at what happens after the meet-cute. Sam and Molly, like many who find themselves in long-term relationships, struggle to accept the idea that love isn't just grand, romantic gestures and passion — it's hard work, tears, and struggle. Their journey is full of witty banter, realistic arguments that probably hit pretty close to home for us all, and lots of love.

Directed by Craig Johnson, Alex Strangelove features an adorable cast and a beautiful story of self-discovery. It follows Alex Truelove (Daniel Doheny), a popular high schooler who is banking on losing his virginity to his girlfriend Claire (Madeline Weinstein). But in typical high school fashion, nothing goes as planned. Things get a little more complicated when Alex realizes he has a crush on a cute guy from another school. Alex Strangelove is a modern look at the struggle of coming to terms with sexuality in an age where everything is "progressive," and learning that everyone deserves a right to be true to who they are — even if the journey to doing so might be filled with heartbreak, missteps, and plenty of tears.

Lily James can do no wrong in our book, and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society is the latest movie that proves just that. If you loved Atonement, you're going to love this movie that tells the story of a writer named Juliet Ashton (James) who heads to Guernsey Island in the aftermath of World War II. There, she meets the adorable Dawsey Adams (Michael Huisman). While the film is more of a romantic-drama than a comedy, it's filled with enough witty banter for us to decide it fits the bill. The romance between Juliet and Dawsey is certifiably swoon-worthy and the film has a surprisingly dark edge, handled masterfully by Four Weddings and a Funeral director Mike Newell. Trust us, this is a must see.

This (super cheesy) film is a sequel to A Christmas Prince, and if you haven't already seen it, you absolutely must. This movie follows Amber, the future Aldovian queen, through her ups and downs of the days leading up to her wedding with Prince Richard as she learns that being a royal is harder than it's cracked up to be.

Jennifer Aniston stars in the Netflix dramedy based on the New York Times bestselling book by Julie Murphy, which follows an outspoken, curvy, Dolly Parton-obsessed teenager named Willowdean (Danielle Macdonald) as she navigates life under the rule of her overbearing pageant queen mother (Aniston) in small town Texas. Willowdean decides to regain her confidence by entering the beauty pageant run by her tmother (who nicknames her "Dumplin'," hence the title) and leads us through a beautiful story, that, for once, allows its character to fall in love with herself without having to lose weight or change her physical appearance. Her insanely sweet romance with private school student Bo is secondary to the plot, but still adorable enough to garner Dumplin' a place on this list.

Related:

Why Making Dumplin' Was a "Dream Come True" For Screenwriter Kristin Hahn and Jennifer Aniston