There's something undeniably heartwarming about watching two best friends fall in love. Maybe it's the sense of familiarity and comfort that comes with seeing two people who already know and care for each other embark on a romantic journey. Maybe it's the feeling of rooting for a relationship that feels predestined, as if these two people were always meant to be together. Whatever the reason, the best-friends-to-lovers trope has remained popular for decades, appearing in countless films and television shows.
At its core, the best-friends-to-lovers trope is about the transformative power of love. It's about taking a relationship that was once purely platonic and watching it evolve into something deeper and more meaningful. It's a journey that can be both heartwarming and heart-wrenching, as the characters navigate the complexities of falling for their best friend and potentially jeopardizing the relationship they already have. So, whether you're a fan of the trope or you're simply looking for a feel-good love story, these movies are sure to warm your heart and leave you rooting for the couple every step of the way.
Updated on September 23, 2024: If you need some warm romance this upcoming cozy season, this article has been updated with even more friends to lovers movies.
25 Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Sasha Tran & Marcus Kim
In Always Be My Maybe, two childhood friends reconnect after 15 years apart and realize they have feelings for each other. As they navigate the challenges of adult life and the expectations of their respective social circles, they must decide if they are brave enough to risk everything for a chance at love. The film stars Ali Wong and Randall Park as Sasha Tran and Marcus Kim respectively, and needless to say, the actors play their roles remarkably well. It's up there as one of the best rom-coms on Netflix.
Sensational On-Screen Chemistry
Owing to Park and Wong's genuine chemistry on-screen, Always Be My Maybe would become both a critical and commercial success for Netflix, debuting to millions of concurrent viewers and getting rave reviews from critics for its wholesome storyline and compelling characters. The film's director, Nahnatchka Khan, would later go on to direct Totally Killer in 2023. Stream on Netflix.
24 Plus One (2019)
Ben King & Alice Mori
Plus One follows the story of two friends who decide to attend every wedding they are invited to as each other's plus one. The film stars Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid as Alice Mori and Ben King, respectively. As the two journey together, they begin to develop feelings for each other and must decide if they are ready to take their relationship to the next level.
Like Mother, Like Son
This film features a solid premise with plenty of room for a budding relationship to grow. Though its emotional stakes are low, the fun found throughout Mori and Quaid's respective performances make Plus One an entertaining rom-com worth experiencing. Audiences will also enjoy seeing the queen of romance Meg Ryan's son venture into the feel-good genre, doing so spectacularly. Stream on Netflix.
23 Yesterday (2019)
Jack Malik & Ellie Appleton
Yesterday stars Himesh Patel as Jack Malik, a struggling musician who wakes up in a world where no one has ever heard of the Beatles. When he starts performing their songs as his own, he becomes an overnight sensation. His childhood friend, Ellie – played by Lily James – encourages him to take this musical endeavor to the next level. As they tour together, they begin to realize they have feelings for each other, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Ellie is engaged.
A Quirky Approach to the Rom-Com Genre
It's a bizarre premise for a rom-com, but the overwhelming amount of sentimentality and reverence for the Beatles makes Yesterday an entertaining watch through and through. Along with scoring big at the box office, Yesterday would be a big hit for director Danny Boyle, who previously directed films like Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, Steve Jobs, and Slumdog Millionaire. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
22 Love & Basketball (2000)
Quincy McCall & Monica Wright
Two childhood friends and longtime next-door-neighbors share a mutual passion for basketball and end up falling in love with one another as they pursue the exciting sport in Love & Basketball, which features the talents of Omar Epps and Sanaa Lathan as aspiring professional athletes Quincy McCall and Monica Wright. Though the pair's relationship first began as a friendship in their youth, Quincy and Monica's endearing bond transforms into a romance, though their demanding careers end up posing a risk to their newfound love.
Both a Romance & Sports Drama Hit
Love & Basketball is a semi-autobiographical drama based on director and writer Gina Prince-Bythewood's own personal life, and the filmmaker set out "to do a black When Harry Met Sally." Not only did the compelling movie depict a wholesome and organic romance between the lifelong pals, but it also positively represented women's sports and was equally a moving love story and underrated basketball flick. Epps and Lathan shine in their respective roles, with their easygoing chemistry captivating audiences. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
21 Drive Me Crazy (1999)
Nicole Maris & Chase Hammond
Melissa Joan Hart further capitalized on her '90s It Girl status when she starred alongside fellow heartthrob Adrian Grenier in the teen rom-com Drive Me Crazy, in which the duo portray former best friends and neighbors Nicole Maris and Chase Hammond, who devise a scheme to win over their respective crushes by pretending to be a couple in an effort to make them jealous. Naturally, the popular Nicole and troublemaker Chase begin to reconnect and their friendship and faux romance begins to turn into something real and meaningful.
When Cinema & Music Collide
Famously named after Britney Spears' chart-topping song "(You Drive Me) Crazy", the nostalgic '90s gem was not a critical darling but nonetheless attracted a passionate fanbase upon its release, with many flocking to theaters to see the Sabrina the Teenage Witch star headline a rom-com. Millennials will likely remember that both Hart and Grenier even starred in Spears' music video for the tune, further promoting the teen classic and helping it become a modest box office success. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
20 Made of Honor (2008)
Tom & Hannah
Hot off the heels of his swoon-worthy performance as McDreamy (A.K.A. Dr. Derek Shepherd) in Grey's Anatomy, Patrick Dempsey decided to wade into the rom-com waters and appeared opposite Michelle Monaghan in Made of Honor. In the sweet flick, Dempsey stars as serial dater Tom, who makes the stunning realization that he is madly in love with his best friend Monica, though the epiphany comes at a terrible time: Monica is engaged to be married to a charming Duke she met in Scotland.
Dempsey Continues His Hollywood Hot Streak
Made of Honor is a delightful gender-swapped version of My Best Friend's Wedding, and Dempsey reunited with fellow Grey's Anatomy star Kevin McKidd (Dr. Owen Hunt) in the fun and playful flick. While the rom-com was ultimately deemed formulaic and uninspired, the refreshing chemistry between Dempsey and Monaghan was singled out, with audiences awarding the movie a B+ CinemaScore and Made of Honor earning a Teen Choice Award nomination for Choice Movie - Bromantic Comedy. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
19 The Switch (2010)
Wally Mars & Kassie Larson
In The Switch, Kassie Larson (Jennifer Aniston) wants to become a single mother. To accomplish this, she resorts to utilizing a sperm donor. Despite her best friend, Wally Mars (Jason Bateman), sharing an interest in helping her, Kassie opts to find a separate donor. However, a freak accident leaves them both with a bizarre discovery seven years later, as it's revealed that Kassie's son is directly related to Wally.
A Refreshing Exploration of Love & Parenthood
Ethical implications aside, this motion picture isn't just a funny romance story. It also explores parenthood and marriage from an interesting lens, made more compelling by the dual performances of Bateman and Aniston. The child actor playing Kassie's son, Thomas Robinson, gives a truly heart-touching performance as well. It's a film whose greater story is carried by its charismatic characters, and given the direction provided by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, there are plenty of laughs to be found as well. Stream on Pluto.
18 When We First Met (2018)
Noah Ashby & Carrie Grey
When We First Met follows the story of Noah Ashby, who is given the chance to travel back in time to the night he met his dream girl for the first time. In order to finally win her over, he relives the night over and over, ultimately learning more about himself in the process. Sooner or later, he may have to realize that some things in life weren't meant to be.
DeVine Showcases His Charisma
Adam DeVine plays Noah in When We First Met, and though he pursues the affection of Avery Martin (Alexandra Daddario) throughout this cheesy adventure, he ultimately realizes that his true love lies with Carrie Grey (Shelley Hennig) instead. It's a classic twist on a typical rom-com formula, but it's given some creative elements with its reliance on time travel. A year after When We First Met, Adam DeVine would get an opportunity to star in HBO's The Righteous Gemstones, which is still ongoing to this day. Stream on Netflix.
17 Brown Sugar (2002)
Sidney Shaw & Dre Ellis
Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan portrayed lifelong best friends who share a mutual passion for hip hop music in Brown Sugar, which follows the unbreakable bond between Sidney and Dre as they started out as childhood friends and together dominate the music industry as adults. The duo continues to stay in contact with one another and nurture the bond they established as children, yet when Dre becomes engaged to an entertainment attorney, the longtime friends must face the romantic feelings they've harbored for one another.
A Star-Studded Ensemble Cast
Brown Sugar was both a critical and commercial success, grossing $28 million at the box office and receiving praise for the charming performances of both Diggs and Lathan as well as fellow supporting stars Queen Latifah and Mos Def, with their on-screen camaraderie being praised. The stellar soundtrack for the engrossing rom-com was also celebrated, and Brown Sugar was also nominated for a whopping seven NAACP Image Awards, including a nod for Outstanding Motion Picture. Stream on Pluto.
16 Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! (2004)
Rosalee Futch & Pete Monash
Undeniably one of the 2000s most underappreciated romantic comedies is the charming flick Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, which stars Kate Bosworth as Piggly Wiggly store worker Rosalee Futch, who finds her boring everyday life turned upside down after she wins a highly-coveted date with the handsome movie star Tad Hamilton (Josh Duhamel) as part of a publicity stunt. When her loyal and self-deprecating best friend Pete (Topher Grace) discovers the romance, he must find a way to let Rosalee know he is helplessly in love with her.
Easy, Breezy Rom-Com Viewing
The unique and creative premise of Win a Date with Tad Hamilton! paired with Bosworth's plucky performance as Rosalee and her chemistry with both Duhamel and Grace helped it attract some appreciation from moviegoers, though it failed to make a splash at the box office. The rom-com has an old-fashioned feel to it and is easy-viewing for fans of the heartwarming genre, and viewers will likely find themselves torn over the love triangle that emerges between Rosalee, Tad, and Pete. Stream on Pluto.
15 The DUFF (2015)
Bianca Piper & Wesley Rush
The DUFF is the story of a high school student named Bianca (Mae Whitman), who discovers that she is the "Designated Ugly Fat Friend" – aka, "DUFF" – in her social group. She decides to reinvent herself with the help of a charming classmate, Wesley (Robbie Amell). As they work together, they begin to develop feelings for each other, and must endure the challenges of high school amid their insecurities.
A Modernized Teen Comedy
The DUFF is a teen comedy similar to that of Easy A and Mean Girls, and while it may not reach the highs of either film, it's more than serviceable as a comedy. Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell have enough chemistry to make their relationship feel authentic, and it's made more intriguing by the typical drama you'd find in high school romances. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
14 The F Word (2013)
Wallace & Chantry
The F Word, alternatively known as What If, tells the story of Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), a young man who falls for his best friend's cousin, Chantry (Zoe Kazan), but is hesitant to risk their friendship for a chance at love. As they explore their complicated relationship, they must decide if their feelings are worth the risk.
Radcliffe's Eclectic Hollywood Resume
Though more than a decade old by this point, The F Word is still incredibly entertaining to this day. Radcliffe continued his trend of doing just about whatever role he wanted, later exemplified by 2016's Swiss Army Man, and Zoe Kazan beautifully balanced the film's comedy and romance in equal measure. Michael Dowse, the film's director, would later venture into action comedies with 2020's Coffee & Kareem and 2019's Stuber. Stream on Hoopla.
13 One Day (2011)
Dexter Mayhew & Emma Morley
One Day is the story of two friends, Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) and Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway), who spend one day together each year on the same date and watch their relationship evolve over two decades. As they traverse their paths and experience different relationships, they continually find themselves drawn back to each other and must decide if they are meant to be more than just friends.
A Tried-and-True Romantic Drama
A tale as old as time, One Day saw mixed reviews but modest audience reception overall. A series adaptation of One Day, both based on the original book by David Nicholls, was released on Netflix in February 2024 and garnered widespread critical acclaim from viewers, with Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall taking over the lead roles of the star-crossed lovers. If you ask us the Netflix series is far superior but don't take our word for it, check out both versions for yourse.f Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
12 No Strings Attached (2011)
Emma Kurtzman & Adam Franklin
No Strings Attached follows the story of two longtime friends, Emma Kurtzman (Natalie Portman) and Adam Franklin (Ashton Kutcher), who decide to have a casual, "no strings attached" relationship. However, they quickly realize they have deeper feelings for each other. As they navigate the challenges of commitment and the expectations of their respective social circles, they must decide if they are ready to take their relationship to the next level.
A Winning Rom-Com Formula
It's a formula we've seen before, but for 2011, the concept was admittedly pretty novel. Portman and Kutcher are as lovable as ever, and the direction provided by Ivan Reitman, who previously directed comedies like Kindergarten Cop and Stripes, gives this story some much-needed comedy. It's hard to find any major faults with No Strings Attached, making it a terrific film for a relaxed viewing session. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
11 Flipped (2010)
Juli Baker & Bryce Loski
Flipped is the heartwarming story of Juli Baker (Madeline Carroll) and Bryce Loski (Callan McAuliffe), two young friends who grow up together and fall in love over several years. As they go through the challenges of adolescence and their insecurities, they must decide if they are meant to be more than just friends.
Reiner Dazzles Once Again
This romantic dramedy film floundered when it debuted in 2010, but it has since seen a modern reappraisal due to its realistic depictions of teenage personalities. Rob Reiner, the film's director, certainly knows how to deliver compelling stories like this, given that he rose to fame with films like Stand by Me and When Harry Met Sally. Flipped is, overall, an underrated cult film that deserves the warm recognition it sorely missed when it originally premiered. Stream on Max.
10 Love, Rosie (2014)
Rosie Dunne & Alex Stewart
Love, Rosie follows the story of Rosie Dunne (Lily Collins) and Alex Stewart (Sam Claflin), who are two best friends separated by circumstance. However, despite their time spent apart, they remain connected through their love for each other. As they grow up and experience different relationships, they are continually drawn back to each other and must decide if they are meant to be more than just friends.
Collins & Claflin Make an Endearing Duo
Taking inspiration from Cecelia Ahern's 2004 novel, Where Rainbows End, this pleasant film is arguably the most straightforward example of two best friends falling in love. Lily Collins shows off her impressive range in this film, having originally starred in films like The Blind Side and Priest, while Sam Claflin provides some impressive chemistry prior to his extreme role in 2018's The Nightingale. Stream on Pluto.
9 Just Friends (2005)
Chris Bander & Jamie Palamino
Just Friends is a romantic comedy about a high school outcast named Chris, played by Ryan Reynolds, who returns home after years away and reconnects with his childhood best friend, Jamie, played by Amy Smart. Battling with his insecurities, Chris takes time to work on himself and is now a successful music executive. As they spend time together, they realize they have feelings for each other, but their past and present complications stand in the way of a potential romance.
Reynolds Becomes a Certified Leading Man
It's not the most timely film on this list, but what it lacks in contemporary values, it makes up for with everything else. Ryan Reynolds and Amy Smart play an impressive duo here, and for Reynolds especially, it would be an important stepping stone prior to his roles in Definitely, Maybe and Ghosted.Reynolds and Smart even reunited for an Aviation Gin commercial in 2023. Rent/Buy on Prime Video.
8 13 Going On 30 (2004)
Jenna Rink & Matty Flamhaff
13 Going On 30 follows the story of a young girl, Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner), who wishes to be "thirty, flirty, and thriving" before waking up as a successful adult. As she navigates her new life, she reconnects with her childhood best friend, Matty Flamhaff (Mark Ruffalo). She soon realizes that she has feelings for him, amid the other troubles that come with adulthood.
A Beloved Rom-Com Classic
13 Going On 30 is an incredible rom-com, not only garnering praise for its cutesy storytelling but for its overall positive messaging. It would be an especially prominent film early in Mark Ruffalo's acting career, and its incredible success at the box office netted it a place in heartwarming rom-com history in large part due to Ruffalo and Garner's umatched chemistry. Stream on Hoopla
7 My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
Julianne Potter & Michael O'Neal
My Best Friend's Wedding is a particularly iconic rom-com. Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) is a woman who realizes she is in love with her best friend, Michael O'Neal (Dermot Mulroney), just as he is about to marry someone else. As she tries to win him over, she must confront her feelings and decide if she is willing to risk their friendship for a chance at love.
Fan-Favorite '90s Classic
Though this film's ending may not be what you expected, it certainly earned My Best Friend's Wedding a spot as one of the best rom-coms of all time. My Best Friend's Wedding would be a particularly important star vehicle for Julia Roberts, who would later go on to star in Notting Hill and Runaway Bride shortly afterward. It's a heartwarming film that's sure to leave you feeling all fuzzy inside. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
6 Reality Bites (1994)
Lelaina Pierce & Troy Dyer
Reality Bites tells the story of a group of young friends, specifically Lelaina Pierce (Winona Ryder) and Troy Dyer (Ethan Hawke), navigating the challenges of adulthood and finding their place in the world. As they spend more and more time together, they realize that they're drawn to each other, only ever capitalizing on these feelings in a haze of alcohol and rash decision-making. They must decide if they are ready to take their relationship more seriously, or remain as friends — if that's even an option.
Stiller's Dazzling Directorial Debut
Though the romance featured here is only one part of a much larger puzzle, Reality Bites presents a captivating story with plenty of emotional highs and lows. It's a notable film for Ben Stiller, as Reality Bites would serve as his feature-length directorial debut. Like other films in this collection, it initially debuted to mixed reviews, but near-universal praise was doled out to Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke's brilliant performances. Rent/Buy on Apple TV+.
Comments
Post a Comment