You already know all about the original movies hitting Netflix in May [1], and you've marked your calendar for the original shows premiering and returning [2], but what about some good, old, feel-good content? Romantic comedies aren't quite what they used to be — truth be told, what they "used to be" is frequently problematic, so perhaps that's a good thing — but there are plenty of options from the '90s and early '00s streaming on Netflix. In addition to the classics, Netflix is debuting at least one charming and progressive option with the LGBTQ teen film The Half of It. While you settle in with your watchlist this month, make sure these titles are on it!
The Half of It
Ellie, the local shy overachiever, runs a quiet business "ghostwriting" essays for a price. When the school's sweet but awkward jock asks for help writing love letters to a pretty girl, Ellie makes two surprise discoveries: she actually likes being his friend, and she has a crush on the same girl.
Watch The Half of It on Netflix. [4]
Just Go With It
A brokenhearted surgeon pretends to be married so that he can enjoy casual affairs rather than getting involved too deep again. Then he meets a woman who changes his mind — and who's not interested in an "affair." In order to win her, he enlists his assistant to pose as his "ex-wife," setting off a whole chain of awkward romantic chaos.
When it's available: May 22
The Lovebirds
A couple isn't sure if their relationship is going to survive — and then they have to worry if they're going to survive at all after accidentally getting sucked into a murder mystery. As they try to navigate the bizarre web of lies and clear their names, they also come to a realisation about the future of their relationship.
Watch The Lovebirds on Netflix. [5]
Valentine's Day
On the holiday dedicated to love, the love stories of several couples intersect in unexpected ways. Among the couples we follow are a newly engaged duo with cold feet, an army captain on her way home, a closeted gay football player, and several seemingly "stable" couples facing down new obstacles.
Watch Valentine's Day on Netflix. [6]
Always Be My Maybe
After growing up together, two best friends wreck their relationship in a single night. 15 years later, they reconnect, but they've still got some growing up to do if they're going to make it work.
Watch Always Be My Maybe on Netflix. [7]
Failure to Launch
Hey, remember when Matthew McConaughey [8] was "that rom-com guy"? He stars with Sarah Jessica Parker [9] in this comedy about a 35-year-old who just won't leave home and the woman his parents hire to charm him into leaving.
Watch Failure to Launch on Netflix. [10]
Falling Inn Love
An American exec wins a rustic, run-down inn in New Zealand. What starts out as a quick project instead turns her life upside down, as she falls in love with the inn itself and with the charming contracter who's helping her flip the property.
Watch Falling Inn Love on Netflix. [11]
Just Friends
An uncool teenage boy is desperately in love with his best friend, but she doesn't return his feelings and he leaves, heartbroken. When they reconnect ten years later, though, there might be a spark between them after all.
Watch Just Friends on Netflix starting Apr. 1.
The Kissing Booth
Signing up to run the kissing booth [12] at the school carnival brings a teenage girl together with her longtime crush. The only problem? He's her best friend's brother, and the new couple have to keep their relationship secret in order to avoid a big blowup.
Watch The Kissing Booth on Netflix. [13]
About Time
An awkward young man is let in on his family's secret: a genetic ability to travel through time. He uses his newfound abilities — with some hiccups along the way — to win the heart of the love of his life, while also revisiting his complicated relationship with his father.
Watch About Time on Netflix. [14]
Life As We Know It
Although their best friends are married, Holly and Eric despise each other. Their whole lives change, though, when their friends die in an accident, leaving them with joint custody of a baby girl and forcing them to navigate this new life together.
Watch Life As We Know It on Netflix. [16]
Mansfield Park
In one of Jane Austen's lesser-known romances, a young girl, Fanny, is sent to live with wealthy relatives. She grows up constantly aware of her lesser position, but when a brother and sister move into a nearby home, Fanny and her cousins become entangled in a messy web of romantic complications.
Watch Mansfield Park on Netflix. [17]
The Perfect Date
In need of money for college, a high school senior creates an app to offer his services as the "perfect" fake date for any event. His brilliant (and lucrative) plan hits a snag when he develops real feelings for someone and has to figure out whether to come clean or risk losing his chance.
Watch The Perfect Date on Netflix. [18]
Sleeping with Other People
After a brief fling in college, Lainey and Jake become best friends, supporting each other through a series of failed relationships. As time goes on, though, their relationship starts to dance back towards romance, although neither one of them wants to admit it, so they try their best to ignore it — with messy results.
Watch Sleeping with Other People on Netflix. [20]
Someone Great
A trio of friends try to support each other through major romantic turmoil. Jenny lands her dream job but loses her boyfriend, Erin is afraid to take the next step forward with her girlfriend, and Blair is tangled up in a hate-sex relationship with a rival she might not hate after all — but they've all got each other to lean on.
Watch Someone Great on Netflix. [21]
To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Two high school students agree to fake-date in order to solve their individual relationship problems. As they pretend to be in love and spend time together, they start to develop real feelings for each other. But there's still the small matter of her leaked love letters and his jealous ex.
Watch To All the Boys I've Loved Before on Netflix. [22]
To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You
Lara Jean and Peter's new relationship hits a speed bump when the last recipient of Lara Jean's secret letters shows up. As she struggles with feelings for two guys, Lara Jean has to figure out what she really wants out of life — and love.
Watch To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You on Netflix. [23]
Valentine's Day
On the holiday dedicated to love, the love stories of several couples intersect in unexpected ways. Among the couples we follow are a newly engaged duo with cold feet, an army captain on her way home, a closeted gay football player, and several seemingly "stable" couples facing down new obstacles.
Watch Valentine's Day on Netflix. [24]