Although it is not exactly the season for romance, love is certainly in the air for film enthusiasts. The year 2026 has proven to be a banner year for the romantic comedy genre. To help you find your next favorite watch, we are highlighting three exceptional films that have received critical acclaim and impressive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
3. ‘Voicemails for Isabelle’ (2026)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
The story follows Jill (Zoey Deutch), an aspiring baker in San Francisco struggling to make ends meet while coping with the tragic loss of her younger sister. As a unique way to process her grief, she leaves detailed voicemails on her late sister’s phone. However, she is unaware that the number has been reassigned to Wes (Nick Robinson), an Austin-based real estate agent.
As Wes begins listening to these intimate digital confessions, he finds himself falling for her. The narrative creates a compelling emotional dilemma: how can Jill ever return his feelings when she is completely unaware of his existence? The film is currently available to stream on Netflix.
2. ‘Finding Emily’ (2026)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 89%
This lighthearted film centers on Owen (Spike Fearn), who meets a university student named Emily at a party but mistakenly gets a phone number missing a digit. Determined to find her, he plasters the campus with flyers, which inadvertently attracts the attention of a different Emily (Angourie Rice), a psychology student seeking a case study on irrational romantic behavior.
While the film did not receive major hype during its late-summer release, critics have praised it for its breezy tone and charm. It is a refreshing, unpretentious story that culminates in a memorable ending featuring an original song performed by Fearn. It is currently available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms, including Prime Video.
1. ‘Pillion’ (2025)
Rotten Tomatoes score: 99%
Featuring an almost perfect critical rating, Pillion offers a bold take on the genre, often described as cinema’s first “rom-dom.” The story focuses on Colin (Harry Melling) and Ray (Alexander Skarsgård), a couple whose relationship is deeply rooted in the BDSM subculture, with Ray as the dominant partner and Colin as the submissive.
While the film includes explicit themes, it is fundamentally a tender romantic drama about personal growth and intimacy. Colin, a traditional romantic at heart, longs for a deeper connection beyond their physical arrangement, forcing both men to confront their vulnerabilities. According to critics, it is one of the most original and moving love stories released in recent years, outperforming many major award-winning titles. You can watch Pillion on HBO Max.