From classics to hidden gems.

Even though many prefer a much more passionate trope of enemies to lovers when it comes to fictional romance, Bridgerton has once again reminded the viewers how truly fun it may be to fall in love with someone you’ve known for years before. Though Colin and Penelope’s unique bond set the high bar, the viewers now have to fill the void before the release of part 2.

If you have nothing to watch until June 13 and have been charmed by friends to lovers romantic trope, go ahead and check out the list of 8 best romantic movies that fit the bill below.

When Harry Met Sally … (1989)

Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan as Harry and Sally, this film is one of the gems that is considered the blueprint for romantic comedy, and is so influential that it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 2022.

Addressing the centuries-old question of whether a man and a woman can ever be just friends, the film follows Harry and Sally through years of chance encounters, hoping to be something more than friends for each other, but fearing the consequences of such a commitment.

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

This movie would be a perfect choice for those who enjoyed the setup of How I Met Your Mother, but don’t really want to sit through several seasons to find out the answer. Definitely, Maybe is the story of a single father explaining the story of his romance and subsequent divorce with her mother to his 11-year-old daughter.

Another trope that Definitely, Maybe heavily implies is a second chance at romance, so if you are a fan of such stories, this will be a good addition to your watchlist.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

One of the most popular movies in the genre came out in 2004 and remains just as popular two decades later, constantly making appearances in various pop culture media.

Starring Jennifer Garner as the lead and Mark Ruffalo as her best friend who ends up being much more than she expected, this movie tells the story of a young girl who had the chance to look into the future and make the right decision back in her teenage years. A dream that many 30 year olds wish they had.

Love, Rosie (2014)

Even if the love is very real from the beginning, that doesn’t mean the romance will be linear. A mistake made by best friends Rosie and Alex when they were both 18 years old set off a chain of events that pushed them further apart.

Only decades later do they finally resolve what turned out to be a simple misunderstanding and find their way back into each other’s lives, giving love a second chance.

LOL (2012)

If you are willing to overcome a wave of shudder that runs through your veins when you see the title of this movie, you might find a wonderful and slightly nostalgic story for everyone who misses the high school drama.

Lola and Kyle are friends who realize their feelings and start dating when Kyle’s best friend Chad cheats on her and they break up. The complicated relationship between the group of friends leads to many misunderstandings that cause Kyle and Lola to break up, but that doesn’t mean the story is over.

Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)

For true ’80s high school nostalgia, skip all of the above and head to Some Kind of Wonderful, a story that will enchant you with brilliant writing and amazing costumes and sets.

While the premise of a tomboy girlfriend of a popular guy realizing she has feelings for him while he is oblivious and starts dating a popular girl instead may seem tired, the vulnerability in the actors’ performances makes it stand out from the rest.

Friends with Benefits (2011)

Starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis, this movie is a new classic among other romcoms.

Whether because of the lead couple or the realistic and relatable premise, the story of Dylan and Jamie trying their best to deny their own feelings in favor of the friends with benefits arrangement they once had, still tops many of the romcom charts.

Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004)

There is a reason why the 2000s are universally recognized as the golden era of romance, and this film is one of the reasons.

Though lesser known than others, this romantic tale of impressionable Rosalee, her celebrity crush Tad, and her best friend Pete is a great example of how years of friendship can mean much more than a burning but meaningless passion based solely on looks.