9 Grown-Up Rom-Coms for a Cosy UK Night In

Sometimes you don’t want sugary fluff — you want a rom-com that feels a little more lived-in. These picks keep the charm but add sharper dialogue, messier feelings, or a quietly tender edge. Think of them as rom-coms for when you want warmth without the cartoon polish.

Here’s a UK-friendly list you can dip into whenever the sofa and a hot drink are calling.

1) About Time

Soft, grounded, and quietly profound, this one balances romance with a sense of perspective about the people who matter most. It’s a gentle reset film — a reminder to slow down and notice the good bits.

Hook: A warm, reflective rom-com that feels like a hug. Revisit it via About Time.

2) When Harry Met Sally

The gold standard for sharp, conversational rom-coms. The back-and-forth is still electric, and the movie’s playful curiosity about love stays fresh on every rewatch.

Hook: Fast talk, real chemistry, and lots of “is it love or just timing?” energy.

3) Bridget Jones's Diary

Messy, self-deprecating, and endlessly likeable. It’s a rom-com that lets the lead be imperfect without making her the punchline.

Hook: A comfort watch with just enough chaos to keep things human.

4) The Big Sick

Warm, funny, and emotionally honest without getting heavy. It’s the kind of rom-com that leans into awkwardness and still feels generous.

Hook: Big feelings, small moments, and a lot of heart.

5) Crazy Rich Asians

Glamour and scale, yes — but the real spark is the emotional stakes under all the shine. A modern rom-com that’s both escapist and grounded.

Hook: A glossy, big-swing rom-com that still lands the intimacy.

6) Silver Linings Playbook

Offbeat, messy, and full of brittle humour. The romance grows out of two complicated people meeting each other at the right (and wrong) time.

Hook: For when you want your rom-com a little raw around the edges.

7) The Holiday

Cosy, nostalgic, and gently funny — a rom-com that thrives on low-stakes comfort and easy charm. Perfect for an unhurried night in.

Hook: A soft-focus, feel-good pick that never tries too hard.

8) 500 Days of Summer

A rom-com that plays with expectations, memory, and how we rewrite our own stories. It’s a smart one for a post-watch chat.

Hook: A relationship story that’s honest about how we see the past.

9) The Apartment

Bittersweet and grown-up, with a romantic core that sneaks up on you. It’s a classic for a reason, but it still feels emotionally modern.

Hook: A gentle slow-burn that blends humour with quiet longing.

How to choose your rom-com tonight

• For easy comfort: Pick the warm, low-stakes watches that are all vibes and soft landings.
• For sharper dialogue: Go for the talky classics that trade in rhythm and wit.
• For something a bit different: Choose the rom-coms that bend the formula just enough.

If you want a quick way to pick a mood, use this movie-night decision framework to narrow the field fast.

Streaming availability changes across UK services, so use each title’s watch page to compare options before you press play. If you want an easy starting point for browsing, a Prime Video free trial keeps the decision simple.

Start your Prime Video free trial →

Final takeaway

The best rom-coms for adults don’t sand off the rough edges — they keep the charm and let the feelings be real. Pick one that matches your mood, settle in, and let the dialogue do the work.