There was a time when watching a gay film almost guaranteed a tragic ending. Someone dies, someone leaves, or love remains unspoken. As a queer viewer, I used to brace myself every time—because even the most beautiful stories often ended in heartbreak.
Then along came a new wave of gay romantic comedies. Films that didn’t ask us to suffer for love, but to laugh, blush, and enjoy the ride. I still remember grinning through Love, Simon in a packed cinema, realizing how rare it felt to see a gay teen romance treated with the same sweetness as any straight rom-com. Or the pure joy of Fire Island, where inside jokes, camp humor, and happy couples made me feel like the screen was finally speaking my language.
This list brings together some of the best gay rom-coms with happy endings from the last decade—movies that celebrate queer love not with tragedy, but with laughter and hope. They may not all be perfect, but each one gave me something I’d been waiting for: a reason to leave the theater smiling.
Best Gay Romantic Comedies
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2018 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / Teen
Seventeen-year-old Simon Spier has two big secrets: no one knows he’s gay, and he’s fallen for an anonymous classmate online. His attempt to uncover “Blue’s” identity leads to a mix of comedy, drama, and heartfelt discovery, ultimately changing his life forever.
Love, Simon proved that a queer teen rom-com could be just as funny and sweet as its straight counterparts. Instead of heavy melodrama, it gives us a joyful, witty, and touching coming-out story. It’s refreshing to see a gay romance framed as part of everyday life, with humor, charm, and a heartwarming finale that leaves you wanting to hug Simon and say: “Love you, Simon!”
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2020 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy
Sam, a witty and openly gay man from Missouri, reconnects with his former high school rival Harry on a road trip to a friend’s engagement party. Forced to spend time together—including an unexpected night in a roadside motel—the two begin to see each other in a new light.
The story is fairly predictable, but the chemistry between the leads and the film’s easy humor make it an enjoyable watch. Strong background music and the charm of the actors add to the experience, making it a lighthearted rom-com perfect for a casual evening.
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2021 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / Holiday
To avoid family pressure during the holidays, Peter convinces his best friend Nick to pose as his boyfriend for Christmas. But when Peter’s mom sets him up with a handsome local trainer, things get complicated, forcing Peter to confront his real feelings.
This Netflix holiday rom-com is more about warmth than drama. What stands out is the supportive family dynamic—Peter’s relatives fully embrace his sexuality, even encouraging him to find love. Combined with the cozy Christmas setting, the film becomes a festive, feel-good celebration of queer love and acceptance.
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2022 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy
Written and starring Billy Eichner, Bros follows Bobby and Aaron, two very different men who might just fall in love—if they can stop being busy, sarcastic, and stubborn.
As the first gay romantic comedy produced by a major Hollywood studio, Bros is both groundbreaking and funny. It balances sharp humor with sincere romantic moments, offering visibility to LGBTQ+ love in mainstream cinema. Despite modest box office numbers, its cultural significance and sweet ending make it a must-watch.
🇺🇸 USA / UK | 📅 2023 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / Romance
Alex Claremont-Diaz, the son of the U.S. President, clashes with his longtime rival—Prince Henry of Britain—at a royal wedding. When their feud threatens international relations, they’re forced to fake a friendship for the press. But fake smiles soon turn into something deeper, putting Alex’s family, politics, and heart on the line.
Adapted from Casey McQuiston’s hit novel, this Amazon Prime rom-com is pure fan-service in the best way. It’s funny, romantic, and unapologetically optimistic. With its mix of royal fantasy and political stakes, it’s quickly become a modern queer rom-com classic with a truly happy ending.
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2022 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy
Two best friends head to the iconic queer vacation spot of Fire Island with a group of companions for a week of sun, wine, and mischief. What begins as a carefree getaway soon becomes a journey of self-discovery, love, and friendship.
A sharp, hilarious queer twist on Pride and Prejudice, Fire Island is filled with inside jokes, camp energy, and heartfelt moments. It’s one of the funniest and most authentic gay rom-coms in recent years, celebrating community as much as romance.
🇮🇪 Ireland | 📅 2020 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / Coming-of-Age
Set in 1990s Ireland, Eddie and Amber—one gay, one lesbian—pretend to be a couple to avoid bullying at school. Their arrangement leads to funny situations, but also a touching friendship that helps them face their identities with more courage.
With its blend of humor and heartfelt moments, Dating Amber is both entertaining and meaningful. The faux-dating setup adds plenty of laughs, while the Irish setting brings charm and authenticity. It’s bittersweet at times but ultimately hopeful, capturing the awkward, tender journey of queer adolescence.
🇬🇧 UK | 📅 2018 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy
Benjamin, a socially awkward young filmmaker, is about to premiere his second feature at the London Film Festival. Just as his anxiety peaks, he meets Noah, a charming French musician. Their relationship throws Benjamin into new levels of panic, humor, and love.
Directed by comedian Simon Amstell, Benjamin is a quirky British rom-com full of self-deprecating humor and charm. It feels both personal and universal, blending awkward comedy with a sweet love story. Imperfect yet endearing, it’s a hidden gem in modern queer cinema.
🇹🇼 Taiwan | 📅 2022 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / Fantasy
Straight-laced cop Wu Ming-Han accidentally picks up a red wedding envelope and finds himself forced into a ghost marriage with Mao Bang-Yu, a recently deceased gay man. To break the curse, Wu must help Mao fulfill his unfinished wishes, leading to an unlikely bond.
This Taiwanese genre-bending rom-com mixes comedy, fantasy, mystery, and LGBTQ+ themes with surprising warmth. What could have been absurd turns into a story of friendship, acceptance, and love. Its originality and emotional core explain why it became a breakout hit across Asia.
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2009 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy / Black Comedy
Steven Russell, a conman with a flair for deception, meets the love of his life, Phillip Morris, while in prison. Determined never to be separated, Steven hatches outrageous schemes to stay close to Phillip, leading to both chaos and hilarity.
Starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, this outrageous black comedy is based on a true story. It’s bold, funny, and surprisingly romantic, proving that even the most unconventional circumstances can lead to true love.
🇺🇸 USA | 📅 2007 | 🎬 Romantic Comedy
Two straight firefighters, Chuck and Larry, pretend to be a gay couple to secure domestic partner benefits. But when their fake marriage draws scrutiny, they must live together and navigate the hilarious chaos that follows.
A loud, over-the-top Hollywood comedy that uses queer marriage as a setup for laughs. While not subtle, it has moments of surprising warmth and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Campy, ridiculous, but entertaining.
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