Netflix dumps an avalanche of original content on the world, pretty much constantly. (And we are v v grateful.) That original content takes several forms. There are the high-quality, prestige series, like Orange Is the New Black, Stranger Things, and The Crown. There are thought-provoking, important documentaries like Athlete A and 13th. There are also addictive and/or borderline bizarre docuseries, like Making a Murderer and Tiger King. But one place where Netflix has really started to shine is as the world’s number one distributor of original romantic comedies.
Think about it: Romcoms had their heyday in theaters back in the ’90s and early ’00s, but with the exception of a few big name exceptions like Crazy Rich Asians, the romantic comedy has basically become an endangered species in theaters. On Netflix, though. romcoms aren’t just surviving, they’re thriving. And within the general romcom category, there’s a smaller subcategory of romantic comedy that Netflix is really killing it in: The teen romcom.
When it comes to Netflix teen romcoms, it doesn’t get much more quintessential than The Kissing Booth. The popular movie has already spawned a sequel, The Kissing Booth 2, and a third film in the series (The Kissing Booth 3, obviously) is reportedly due out in 2021. If you’ve already watched The Kissing Booth and The Kissing Booth 2 more times than is technically healthy for a single human to do, but you’re not ready for the kitschy teen romcom vibes to end, here are 14 other movies like The Kissing Booth to watch right now.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
If you love the endearing earnestness of The Kissing Booth, then it’s a no-brainer that you’ll love Netflix’s other flagship teen romcom, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
10 Things I Hate About You
Not every movie is good enough to feature a truly iconic scene. 10 Things I Hate About You (which is a modern retelling of The Taming of the Shrew) has two: Heath Ledger serenading Julia Stiles on the bleachers and the couple’s epic paintball date.
The DUFF
Mae Whitman is in top form as the titular DUFF (designated ugly, fat friend—the truly terrible kind of title only the meanest of high school minds could conceive) in this movie that hits all of the big teen romcom tropes—the “ugly duckling” makeover, the popular jock falling for the “nerdy” girl, secret schemes, the whole nine, really.
She’s All That
When people poke fun at ’90s romcoms, they’re basically just poking fun at She’s All That, which is the ultimate “ugly duckling” makeover teen movie. It also epitomizes the secret schemes/inappropriate bets that impact people’s real lives sub-genre. Oh, and the popular jock falling for the nerdy girl sub-genre. So let’s just say She’s All That paved the way for The DUFF.
Sixteen Candles
Speaking of paving the way, let’s throw it all the way back to the original “popular jock falls for nerdy girl” teen movie:Â Sixteen Candles. Some of the jokes don’t age well (like, at all), but the encapsulation of teen angst is timeless.
Mean Girls
Mean Girls definitely takes the title as the ultimate modern classic teen comedy. No, the romance aspect isn’t as front and center as in other movies on this list, but Aaron Samuels’ hair does look sexy pushed back.
The Half of It
Classic romcoms come with old school issues—like a seriously problematic lack of diversity and representation. Netflix’s The Half of It takes a classic romcom plot (guy asks “nerdy” girl to help him woo the girl of his dreams) and gives it a much-needed modern update (said “nerdy” girl is also crushing on the object of the boy’s affection).
High School Musical
Three words: Zac. Efron. Singing.
Actualy, two more words: And. Dancing.
17 Again
If you’re vibing Mr. Efron circa the early aughts, add 17 Again to your mental to-watch list. In it, Zac plays a grown man (played in his grown form by Friends alum Matthew Perry) who is magically transformed into his 17-year-old self again for a second chance at the glory and life he thinks he missed out on the first time around.
Love, Simon
If you’re looking for the kind of teen romcom that will trigger full-on butterflies in your stomach and bring the emotional range to stick with you, Love, Simon is it.
A Cinderella Story
As the title implies, this is a modern take on Cinderella, with prime, post-Lizzie McGuire Hilary Duff in the role of the underdog lead and ultra-prime, One Tree Hill-era Chad Michael Murray as the Prince Charming love interest.
John Tucker Must Die
A lot of this one is very anti-rom, but it makes up for it in being extra, extra com. It focuses on three girls who are being two-timed (erm, three-timed?) by popular player John Tucker and decide to get even by recruiting a fourth girl to turn the tables on him.
Easy A
Do you remember reading The Scarlet Letter in high school and feeling like it was a tragically relatable story in modern times? Because Easy A shows just how true that is—but, you know, in a funny way.
Naomi and Ely’s No Kiss List
Fighting over potential S.O.s is a surefire way to ruin a friendship—which is why Naomi and Ely (who are both firmly into people with man parts) have a strict rule not to go after people they both like. Those people are placed on a No Kiss List, a system that works great until they both fall for the same guy and the whole off-limits list idea falls apart.