The latest wave of romantic comedies has fans buzzing after the first trailer for Anyone But You dropped—its “toxic exes forced to fake a relationship” premise sparked a flurry of reactions. Beyond this, several upcoming releases echo familiar rom‑com beats: mistaken‑identity setups, opposites‑attract pairings, or dramatic location backdrops. Here’s a roundup of the most talked‑about new films in that vein, complete with tone, context, and why they’re generating buzz.
Fan Reactions Fuel the Anyone But You Buzz
The Anyone But You trailer immediately split viewers. Some praised the chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell, while others called out the formulaic setup. One viewer dismissed it bluntly: “Isn’t this formula overused?” Another complained it felt more like “Fifty f‑‑‑ing Shades” than a rom‑com . Meanwhile, director Will Gluck admitted the teaser misfired, joking that if people thought it was a thriller, “wipe that [teaser] out of your memory”—the film is actually a wild, R‑rated rom‑com set in sunny Australia .
Other Rom‑Coms Riding the Anyone But You Vibe
You, Me & Tuscany – April 10, 2026
This romantic comedy stars Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page in a sunny, mistaken‑engagement setup. A young cook squats in a Tuscan villa and pretends she’s engaged to the owner’s cousin to save face—a trope Anyone But You fans might recognize . Expect sweeping landscapes and chemistry-driven escapism.
People We Meet on Vacation – Released January 9, 2026 on Netflix
Based on Emily Henry’s bestselling novel, this story follows two best friends who vacation together every summer until romance brews. Fans of slow‑burn emotional development should take note . The film drew 17.2 million viewers its debut weekend .
All That She Wants
Triggering both awkward humor and genuine connection, this rom‑com centers on a post‑breakup adventure gone wrong—Annie Murphy’s character has a one‑night stand with a younger man who turns out to be someone she babysat. It’s a quirky premise with potential surprises .
Goodbye Girl
This upcoming film flips the breakup script: a professional “break‑up artist” is hired to dump a groom for the bride, only to fall for him instead. Starring Kiernan Shipka and Cole Sprouse, the romantic flip adds a playful meta twist .
Chasing Summer
A dramedy infused with rom‑com energy, Iliza Shlesinger stars as a woman who returns to her hometown after heartbreak and unemployment. She’s surrounded by old friends and former flames that reignite the messiness of romance .
Bold Rom‑Com Twists and Genre Mash‑ups
Not all upcoming romance films follow standard rom‑com tropes. Some mix genres or play with tone:
- Slanted combines body horror with sharp satire on beauty standards—an unconventional romantic angle darker than the usual fare .
- Eternity, starring Elizabeth Olsen, blends fantasy and rom‑com in the afterlife, where the protagonist must choose between two husbands .
- The adaptation of Wuthering Heights, directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, brings gothic intensity to the romance genre .
Why These Films Matter Now
Romantic comedies are finding fresh life in 2026 by leaning into familiar tropes with inventive setups. Fans seeking the match‑made‑for‑escapism formula of Anyone But You now have a lineup rich in mistaken identities, exes‑to‑lovers arcs, travel‑inspired settings, and genre‑bending mash‑ups. They cater to widely varied tastes—from lighthearted comfort to edgy reinvention.
What Fans Are Watching Next
Here’s what to keep an eye on:
- You, Me & Tuscany (April 10): for its picturesque setting and charming premise.
- The Drama and Reminders of Him: both building on trending book adaptations and wedding‑drama hooks .
- Genre mash‑ups like Eternity and Slanted for viewers craving something darker or more thought‑provoking.
- Adaptation hype around Wuthering Heights, promising passion and controversy .
Final Take
If the Anyone But You trailer left you skeptical or excited—or both—you’re not alone. The rom‑com genre in 2026 is rich with films that echo its beats while exploring fresh angles. Whether it’s sun‑soaked Tuscan escapes, witty break‑up setups, or mind‑bending afterlife romance, there’s a title for every mood. Audiences are watching, reacting, and deciding which rom‑com tropes still resonate—and which might get a clever twist next.
