Move over, Richard Curtis - a new generation of romantic comedies has captured the British public's heart, according to a comprehensive new ranking that reveals our changing tastes in on-screen romance.
The New Guard of Romantic Comedy
Gone are the days when Hugh Grant's bumbling Englishman and Julia Roberts' charming American dominated our romantic viewing. Today's audiences are falling for more nuanced, authentic portrayals of love that reflect modern relationships in all their messy, complicated glory.
The survey, which analysed viewing habits and audience ratings across major streaming platforms, uncovered some surprising favourites that have quietly become the romantic comfort watches of our time.
Modern Classics That Stole Our Hearts
Leading the pack is the unexpected Australian gem Colin from Accounts, which has charmed British viewers with its raw, awkward and deeply relatable portrayal of two imperfect people navigating the complexities of modern dating. The series proves that sometimes the most romantic stories are the ones that feel real enough to happen to any of us.
Close behind sits the enduring favourite New Girl, with Zooey Deschanel's quirky teacher Jess and her unlikely romance with Nick Miller continuing to resonate with audiences years after the series finale. Their slow-burn relationship represents the friends-to-lovers trope at its very best.
Streaming Era Romance Revolution
The ranking reveals how streaming services have revolutionised our access to romantic content, allowing international hits like Colin from Accounts to find devoted audiences far beyond their home countries. British viewers have demonstrated a particular appetite for romantic stories that feel authentic rather than fairy-tale perfect.
Other notable entries in the top rankings include several Netflix original films and series that have become the equivalent of modern-day comfort blankets - the go-to choices for cosy nights in when only a guaranteed happy ending will do.
Why These Rom-Coms Resonate
What sets these modern favourites apart is their willingness to embrace imperfection. Today's most beloved romantic stories feature flawed characters, awkward encounters, and relationships that require work rather than magical instant connections.
This shift reflects changing audience expectations, with viewers increasingly seeking stories that mirror their own experiences rather than presenting unattainable romantic ideals. The success of these series and films suggests that in an increasingly digital world, we still crave stories about human connection - we just want them to feel real.
As the romantic comedy genre continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: the British public's enduring love for a good love story, especially when it comes with a healthy dose of laughter and characters we'd actually want to be friends with.
