10 Teen Rom-Coms Every Gen Z Viewer Is Obsessed With Right Now
Teen romantic comedies have taken over the streaming world, becoming the go-to comfort genre for Gen Z.
ENTERTAINMENT
11/18/20257 min read


Whether it's the thrill of a new crush, the chaos of high-school drama, or the joy of watching characters finally confess their feelings, teen rom-coms deliver everything—from laughter and butterflies to relatable coming-of-age moments.
With fresh storylines, diverse characters, binge-worthy plots, and that perfect mix of romance and humour, these movies and shows continue to trend across Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. If you’re in the mood for something cute, funny, emotional, or nostalgia-filled, this list has exactly what Gen Z is obsessed with right now.
Here are the 10 teen rom-coms taking over screens and hearts across the globe.
1. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (Netflix)
A beautifully sweet and modern high-school romance, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before follows Lara Jean, an introverted dreamer whose life turns upside down when her private love letters accidentally get mailed to all her crushes. What starts as an awkward disaster quickly turns into an unexpected fake-dating arrangement with the school’s most charming boy, Peter Kavinsky.
With its soft aesthetics, adorable chemistry, and relatable teen emotions, the movie captures the joy and confusion of first love perfectly. It’s wholesome, witty, and deeply comforting—one of those rom-coms Gen Z watches again and again for the feel-good vibes.
2. Sierra Burgess Is a Loser (Netflix)
A modern retelling of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac story, Sierra Burgess Is a Loser blends awkward humour, teenage insecurities, and surprising emotional depth. The story follows Sierra, a smart but socially overlooked teenager who gets caught in a mistaken-identity romance after a popular girl’s number mix-up leads to unexpected messages from the school heartthrob.
What begins as a funny catfishing situation slowly turns into a heartfelt journey of self-acceptance, friendship, and learning to love yourself beyond labels. With its relatable themes, imperfect but real characters, and a sweet musical backdrop, this rom-com strikes a chord with Gen Z viewers who appreciate authentic, feel-good storytelling.
3. The Half of It (Netflix)
The Half of It is a heartfelt and intelligent teen rom-com that brings a refreshing twist to the classic love-triangle storyline. The film follows Ellie Chu, a shy and introverted student who helps her classmates with schoolwork to support her father. When the sweet but awkward Paul asks her to write love letters to the girl he likes, Ellie agrees—only to realize she’s falling for the same girl herself. The setup leads to a beautifully layered story about unexpected connections and the complexity of first love.
What makes The Half of It stand out is its emotional depth and gentle storytelling. Instead of focusing solely on romance, the film explores friendship, identity, loneliness, and the courage it takes to be honest about who you are. With its thoughtful writing, relatable characters, and quiet charm, this LGBTQ teen rom-com has become a favourite among Gen Z viewers who want a story that feels real, meaningful, and unforgettable.
4. Never Have I Ever (Netflix)
Never Have I Ever is a wildly popular teen rom-com series that captures the messy, funny, and emotional rollercoaster of high-school life. The story centres around Devi Vishwakumar, a smart but impulsive Indian-American teen who is determined to transform her social life after a tough year. What follows is a chaotic mix of academic pressure, big crushes, awkward decisions, and constant misadventures that feel painfully relatable for Gen Z.
Beyond the humour, the series beautifully explores themes of grief, cultural identity, friendship, and complicated family relationships. Devi’s journey—filled with growth, mistakes, and heartfelt moments—makes the show both entertaining and deeply human. With its diverse cast, sharp writing, and addictive drama, Never Have I Ever has become a comfort-watch favourite that Gen Z keeps coming back to.
5. Love, Simon (Hulu / Disney+)
Love, Simon follows the heartfelt and emotional journey of Simon Spier, a closeted teen trying to navigate high school while keeping a big secret. When an anonymous online romance starts to blossom, Simon finds himself experiencing first love in a way he never expected—sweet, confusing, thrilling, and terrifying all at once. His story of accepting himself, opening up to others, and finding the courage to live authentically makes this film deeply relatable for Gen Z.
The movie balances humour, romance, and vulnerability beautifully, giving viewers a warm, uplifting experience. Its diverse characters, honest storytelling, and empowering LGBTQ representation have made Love, Simon one of the most beloved modern teen rom-coms. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll—comforting, inspiring, and full of heart.
6. The Kissing Booth (Netflix)
The Kissing Booth dives straight into classic high-school drama with Elle Evans at the centre of it all. What starts as an innocent school fundraiser turns into a whirlwind of crushes, secret feelings, and unexpected romance. Elle finds herself torn between her lifelong loyalty to her best friend Lee and her growing attraction to his older brother Noah—leading to messy arguments, sneaking around, and heart-fluttering moments that keep viewers hooked.
The film captures everything Gen Z loves in a teen rom-com: fun, chaos, friendship drama, and a love story that feels exciting and unpredictable. With its energetic vibe, relatable teen conflicts, and strong chemistry between the characters, The Kissing Booth has become one of Netflix’s most talked-about and rewatched teen hits. It’s light, entertaining, and perfect for anyone who loves a feel-good high-school romance.
7. Cruel Summer (Hulu)
Cruel Summer isn’t your typical teen rom-com—but its mix of romance, tension, and mystery has made it incredibly popular among Gen Z. Set across three summers in the 1990s, the story follows two teenage girls whose lives intertwine in shocking and unpredictable ways. Along the way, viewers get glimpses of teen crushes, complicated friendships, and emotional connections that add a soft romantic layer to an otherwise dark narrative.
What truly keeps Gen Z hooked is the show’s gripping storytelling, unexpected twists, and constantly shifting perspectives. Every episode reveals a new layer of truth, making the emotional moments hit even harder. With its blend of suspense, drama, young love, and intense character arcs, Cruel Summer offers a fresh take on teen romance—making it a must-watch for viewers who enjoy a thrill with their feelings.
8. Dash & Lily (Netflix)
Dash & Lily is a charming, festive teen rom-com that brings the magic of New York City to life during the holidays. The story follows two teens—optimistic Lily and cynical Dash—who begin exchanging dares, secrets, and heartfelt notes through a red notebook they hide around the city. Without ever meeting, they start forming a unique connection that feels adventurous, sweet, and full of holiday spirit.
What makes the series truly binge-worthy is its wholesome vibe, cosy winter setting, and the way it celebrates vulnerability, hope, and young love. Each episode feels like a warm cup of hot chocolate, blending romance, humour, and self-discovery. With its dreamy visuals and feel-good storytelling, Dash & Lily has become a Gen Z favourite for anyone craving a light, joyful, and uplifting teen romance.
9. Alex Strangelove (Netflix)
Alex Strangelove is a witty, emotional, and refreshingly honest teen rom-com that follows Alex Truelove, a high-achieving student with a seemingly perfect life and a sweet girlfriend. But everything turns upside down when he meets Elliot, a confident and charming teen who makes Alex question his identity and the feelings he has always assumed were clear. The movie blends awkward humour with heartfelt moments, capturing the confusion and excitement of discovering who you really are.
What makes the film resonate strongly with Gen Z is its authenticity. It doesn’t shy away from the messy, complicated parts of teenage life—friendships changing, relationships shifting, and emotions becoming harder to label. Through its diverse cast, relatable storytelling, and honest portrayal of sexual identity, Alex Strangelove becomes more than just a rom-com; it’s a story about self-discovery, acceptance, and the courage to be vulnerable. It's funny, sweet, and surprisingly touching—perfect for a modern, open-hearted teen audience.
10. Tall Girl (Netflix)
Tall Girl follows the heartfelt journey of Jodi, a teenager who has always felt out of place because of her height. Constant teasing, insecurities, and the pressure to fit in make high school a daily challenge. But when a new foreign exchange student enters the picture and catches her attention, Jodi begins to see herself—and her worth—in a whole new light. The film beautifully portrays her struggle to embrace her uniqueness while navigating friendships, crushes, and expectations.
What makes Tall Girl such a comforting rom-com is its warm message about self-confidence and staying true to who you are. Jodi’s growth feels relatable and empowering, showing that love becomes easier to find once you start loving yourself first. With its sweet romance, light humour, and positive themes, this movie has become a Gen Z favourite for when you want something uplifting and feel-good.
Teen rom-coms offer a perfect escape—full of charm, humour, and the rollercoaster of young love. They explore friendships, identity, heartbreak, and hope in ways that feel real and relatable to Gen Z. Whether it's a cosy weekend plan, a late-night binge, or a feel-good pick-me-up, these movies and shows provide instant comfort and entertainment.
With new stories constantly dropping on streaming platforms, the teen rom-com universe is only getting bigger—and Gen Z is loving every bit of it.

















