These aren’t whirlwind romances; they are slow burns, meticulously building tension and emotion until the moment of undeniable realization arrives.
From childhood pacts to unexpected sparks ignited after years of platonic camaraderie, these films explore the tender, often hilarious, and ultimately deeply satisfying transition from friendship to undeniable romance.
No Strings Attached (2011)
No Strings Attached, directed by Ivan Reitman, was released in 2011 and is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Emma Kurtzman (played by Natalie Portman) and Adam Franklin (played by Ashton Kutcher). The plot revolves around the idea of having a relationship without emotional commitments or romantic expectations, focusing on the dynamics of “friends with benefits”.
The movie explores how Emma and Adam attempt to maintain a purely physical relationship without getting emotionally involved. As they navigate through this seemingly straightforward dynamic, they encounter unexpected challenges and discover that separating the physical aspect from the emotional one is not always as easy as it seems.
Made of Honor (2008)
Made of Honor plays with the traditional concept of gender roles in weddings and offers a unique perspective on romantic and friendship relationships. The comedy unfolds as Tom tries to understand his own feelings and grapple with the possibility of losing Hannah forever. With touches of humor and heartfelt moments, the film provides an entertaining blend of laughter and romance.
The story follows Tom and Hannah, two close friends since college. When Hannah goes to Scotland for work, Tom realizes he has romantic feelings for her. However, before he can express his feelings, Hannah returns engaged. Tom is invited to be the “maid of honor” at Hannah’s wedding.
One Day (2011)
One Day is one of the many films that have been hugely successful and fall into the Friends-to-Lovers category. Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess star in the romantic drama directed by Lone Scherfig, based on a script developed by David Nicholls. The production isn’t afraid to explore raw emotions and challenging moments in the characters’ lives, adding layers of authenticity to the narrative and addressing universal themes related to love and friendship.
The story follows Dexter and Em, who, after spending a night together on their college graduation night, meet every year on the same date to see where they are in their lives. Sometimes they are together, and sometimes they are not, on that day.
Friends with Benefits (2011)
Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis joined forces in 2011 to bring to life Friends with Benefits, the romantic comedy of 2011 directed by Will Gluck that quickly became a classic in the genre. The narrative addresses modern themes of relationships in the digital age and offers a blend of humor and more reflective moments on the nature of love and friendship in contemporary life.
The plot follows Dylan Harper and Jamie Rellis, who decide to establish a purely physical relationship without emotional commitments. As they try to maintain a physical connection without involving romantic feelings, the line between friendship and romance becomes blurred. Throughout the movie, both characters explore the possibility of having a “no-strings-attached” relationship.
Past Lives (2023)
Past Lives is one of the great romantic gems that 2023 brought, directed and written by Celine Song. Not only is it a fantastic choice for fans of love, friendship, and friends-to-lovers style movies, but it also doesn’t lack humor and drama.
The story follows Nora and Hae Sung (portrayed by Greta Lee and Teo Yoo), two childhood friends deeply connected, who are separated after Nora’s family immigrates from South Korea. Twenty years later, they reunite during a fateful week to confront love and destiny.
13 Going On 30 (2004)
13 Going On 30 is remembered as one of the most iconic films of 2004, featuring great leads, a standout soundtrack, impressive performances, and scenes that still remain relevant in pop culture. The Friends-to-Lovers-style romantic comedy, directed by Gary Winick, stars Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo in the roles of Jenna Rink and Matt Flamhaff.
The plot follows Jenna, a 13-year-old girl who, after making a wish at her birthday party, wakes up the next day in the body of her 30-year-old self. As Jenna navigates her new adult life, she realizes the choices she has made and how they impact her relationships, especially her friendship with Matt.
The Duff (2015)
Although The Duff is a romantic comedy centered around self-discovery, many have considered it a Friends-to-Lovers-style story due to the main characters transitioning from a forced friendship to a romantic relationship. While it doesn’t strictly follow the narrative arc of typical films, it has gained appreciation for its fresh and contemporary approach to teenage relationships.
The plot follows Bianca, a high school student who instigates a social revolution after discovering she has been labeled as “the designated ugly fat friend” by more popular students. Mae Whitman portrays the main character, with Robbie Amell as Wesley Rush, and Bella Thorne as Madison Morgan.
The F Word (2013)
The F Word, also known as What If, is a Canadian romantic comedy released in 2013. The film, directed by Michael Dowse, features Daniel Radcliffe as Wallace and Zoe Kazan as Chantry, the main characters. The chemistry between the two actors is undeniable, and the movie itself stands out for its fresh and humorous approach to romantic relationships and friendship, offering a charming and appealing perspective on the challenges of emotional connections.
The plot follows Wallace, who befriends Chantry but discovers that she has a boyfriend. Despite the situation, Wallace and Chantry decide to try to maintain their friendship, exploring whether it’s possible to be friends without romantic complications.
Love, Rosie (2014)
Love, Rosie is considered a good Friends-to-Lovers-style film for several reasons. The plot follows Rosie and Alex, close friends since childhood, as they navigate the complexity of their relationships over the years.
Lily Collins and Sam Claflin, who portray Rosie and Alex, manage to convey authenticity and palpable chemistry on screen, engaging the audience emotionally in their story. The plot follows the duo, who have been best friends since they were 5 years old, so they might not be meant for each other… or could they be?
When We First Met (2018)
When We First Met is considered a Friends-to-Lovers film because it explores the theme of a friend developing romantic feelings for another over time. The movie follows Noah, played by Adam Devine, who uses a magical time-traveling machine to try to change the outcome of a night when he met the woman of his dreams, Avery, portrayed by Alexandra Daddario. As Noah revisits the past on several occasions, the film plays with the dynamics of friendship and the possibility of it evolving into something more.
Additionally, the charismatic cast and the comedic situations the main character finds himself in have contributed to its appeal. While it may not be considered a masterpiece, the film has been praised for entertaining audiences with its fresh approach.