8 Rom-Coms on Netflix Worth Rediscovering

From "Alex Strangelove" to "Always Be My Maybe", these forgotten Netflix gems deserve another chance.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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While Netflix is known for its endless scroll of content, some of its best romantic comedies have slipped under the radar. This list highlights 8 hidden gems, from the heartfelt "Alex Strangelove" to the endlessly rewatchable "Set It Up", that deserve a second look this Valentine's Day.

Why it matters

Romantic comedies have a special place in the hearts of many viewers, but with so much content available, some truly great films can get lost in the shuffle. This list aims to uncover Netflix's hidden rom-com treasures and give them the attention they deserve, reminding audiences of the genre's enduring appeal and ability to deliver heartwarming, funny, and genuinely clever stories.

The details

The 8 films highlighted range from coming-of-age tales like "Alex Strangelove" to chaotic adventures like "The Lovebirds", and even classics like Spike Lee's "She's Gotta Have It". Each movie offers a unique perspective on love and relationships, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with real emotional depth. Whether it's the sharp banter of "Set It Up" or the vibrant friendship at the core of "Someone Great", these forgotten gems prove that the rom-com is far from a dying genre.

  • "Alex Strangelove" was released in 2018.
  • "The Lovebirds" was released in 2020.
  • "The Incredible Jessica James" was released in 2017.
  • "Marry Me" was released in 2022.
  • "She's Gotta Have It" was released in 1986.

The players

Alex Strangelove

The protagonist of the 2018 coming-of-age film of the same name, who must confront his sexuality after meeting a charming, openly gay teenager.

Jibran and Leilani

The central couple in the 2020 comedy "The Lovebirds", who find themselves caught up in a bizarre murder mystery.

Jessica James

The aspiring playwright protagonist of the 2017 film "The Incredible Jessica James", who goes on a date with a man recovering from a recent divorce.

Kat Valdez and Charlie Gilbert

The lead characters in the 2022 film "Marry Me", who impulsively decide to get married after Kat's fiancé's infidelity is revealed.

Nola Darling

The independent young woman at the center of Spike Lee's 1986 film "She's Gotta Have It", who juggles multiple sexual relationships.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

These forgotten Netflix rom-coms prove that the genre is far from dead, offering heartfelt, funny, and genuinely clever stories that remind us why audiences fell in love with the rom-com in the first place. From the authenticity of "Alex Strangelove" to the enduring charm of "Set It Up", these hidden gems deserve a second chance to capture the hearts of viewers.