My 14 Favorite Rom-Coms Set In NYC—Ranked From Worst To Best

Why is it that the best rom-coms usually take place in America’s largest city? Not only is the atmosphere itself magical and romantic (especially during Christmastime), but also the writing for these movies almost never disappoints. According to writer Bilge Ebiri, New York is a place that brings all kinds of people together, which makes it “an ideal cinematic setting for finding unlikely romance.”

Here are my 14 favorite rom-coms that are set in NYC ranked from worst to best:

14. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

A 13-year-old girl transforms into a 30-year-old woman overnight after making a wish on her birthday. I personally found it a bit hard to relate to Jenna given that I never wanted to be 30 when I was 13, and I absolutely hated how she treated Matt as a teenager. However, I do appreciate her character development. Good for her for getting to redo her life, marry her best friend, and move into the life-sized version of the doll dream house Matt built for her when she was 13!

13. Marry Me (2022)

What happens when a famous pop star and a schoolteacher randomly wed on the spot? Evidently, they each grow to sincerely love each other for who they are regardless of their differing social statuses and backgrounds. And I couldn’t be more grateful for this movie bringing the rom-com genre back to theaters! Did I mention the credits give major When Harry Met Sally vibes?!

12. Just My Luck (2006)

Ashley (Lindsay Lohan) accidentally trades her good luck for bad luck with Jake (Chris Pine) when the two share a kiss at a costume party. Not going to lie, the writing isn’t excellent, but Lohan and Pine’s chemistry fortunately (pun intended) make up for it!

11. The Nanny Diaries (2007)

If you’re heartbroken that Steve Rogers/Captain America (Chris Evans) and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) didn’t end up together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe like I am, then this is the rom-com for you! Johansson and Evans star as Annie the Nanny and Hayden (a.k.a. “Harvard Hottie”) who are neighbors in a NYC apartment building who fall for each other. The only reason for this low ranking is due to the romance not being as much of the focus as Annie’s dynamic with the X family. If Annie and Hayden had more screen time, this movie would have been ranked much higher. 

10. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Nora Ephron was truly a genius for writing and directing this beautiful masterpiece, and without a doubt shipped Meg Ryan with Tom Hanks on screen. A reporter from Baltimore falls for a man from Seattle while listening to him on the radio and writes him a letter asking him to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day. 

If I were to be honest, I probably wouldn’t have appreciated this movie as much if I hadn’t already seen You’ve Got Mail, only because Ryan’s and Hanks’ characters barely interact until the end. That being said, the ending makes the entire movie, and I adore this unique love story!

9. Serendipity (2001)

10 years after the night they met, Jonathan and Sara look for each other and wonder if they’re destined to be together. This movie has everything: love at first sight. Fate. Christmas in the Big Apple. Frozen hot chocolate. Can’t complain! Plus, this film makes great marketing for Serendipity3’s classic NYC location.

8. Made of Honor (2008)

This film gives us what My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) doesn’t. When Tom realizes that he is in love with his engaged best friend, Hannah, he tries to win her over by being the best maid of honor. Spoiler, he succeeds! This movie demonstrates the importance of marrying your best friend, who will always be down to grab Chinese food and dessert.

7. 27 Dresses (2008)

“B-B-B-B-B-BENNIE AND THE JETS!” If you’ve seen this movie and claim you can’t hear this picture, you’re lying to yourself. I can’t believe this iconic scene was almost cut! 

Having been a bridesmaid 27 times, Jane Nichols struggles to support her sister who is getting married to the man she secretly loves. Meanwhile, Kevin Doyle, a pessimistic reporter, sees Jane’s story as an opportunity for a front-page headline. Weddings and the enemies-to-lovers trope make my heart happy, so this easily won me over.

6. When in Rome (2010)

Because who doesn’t love Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel?! Definitely an underrated rom-com. After taking some coins from a magical fountain in Rome back home with her to New York City, Beth (Bell) attracts a few unlikely suitors. Then there’s Nick (Duhamel), whom she is falling for. Is he, however, simply under a spell like the other men, or is this true love?

5. You’ve Got Mail (1998)

When I think of the word “wholesome,” I think of this movie. This is a wholesome story of two rival bookstore owners falling in love solely from an emotional bond that they anonymously developed over the internet, which eventually transfers over to real life once they get past their differences and become friends. Think modern day Pride & Prejudice with chat rooms.

4. When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Apparently, I have a thing for chaotic duos singing duets together. Despite the movie being predictable, the script is impeccable and most certainly Nora Ephron’s greatest. This enemies-to-friends-to-lovers story debates whether a man and a woman can be strictly platonic. It ends, however, teaching us that your spouse should also be your best friend.

“I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” This line Harry says to Sally has got to be one of the best declarations of love there’s ever been!

3. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

“Do not answer this call, it’s Derek Smeath.” A woman’s obsession with shopping gets out of control when it begins to take a toll on her finances, relationships, and career. Regardless of Rebecca Bloomwood’s debt collector always stressing me out, I love everything about this movie – the NYC fashion, the journalism world, the romance, Rebecca’s relationship with her best friend/roommate, the theme of overcoming addiction, and of course, Hugh Dancy!

2. Enchanted (2007)

This is an example of a movie from my childhood that I not only love because it’s nostalgic but also because it’s actually very good. A Disney fairytale that is self-aware, this rom-com does an incredible job merging the animated and live-action worlds together. 

Giselle, a young maiden from a fantasy world, is sent to New York City where she meets cynical divorce lawyer Robert Philip. While Robert is reminded that true love exists, Giselle learns that true love is much deeper than merely a first encounter with a charming prince. Here’s hoping the sequel releasing on Disney+ next month will live up to the original!

1. The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)

Last but not least, not only the best Spider-Man movie in my opinion, but also the best rom-com (and dare I say even my favorite movie) ever! While marketed as a superhero/comic book film, it very much serves as a romantic comedy as well, given the whole nature of Peter Parker/Spider-Man and Gwen Stacy’s relationship: awkward high school nerd who is also a vigilante with spider powers falls for awkward high school nerd whose father is the captain of the NYPD and is anti-vigilantes. Literally all their scenes together from their meet-cute to their first kiss give off rom-com vibes – adding to the many reasons why the ending to the sequel was uncalled for.

The reason Peter and Gwen’s romance is my all-time favorite is not only because of how they make simplicity work incredibly well with their insane chemistry but also considering how genuinely pure and healthy their dynamic is. They are truly each other’s equal and best friend – just like Harry and Sally but with a superhero twist.

Closing Thoughts

Most of the best quality rom-coms like Enchanted and You’ve Got Mail take place in NYC. Whether you wish to see opposites attract or best friends fall in love, I recommend checking out these listed favorites!

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