America’s Most Beloved Romantic Comedies: A State-by-State Look This Valentine’s Day
As February arrives, Valentine’s Day takes its place in the spotlight, inviting everyone—whether spending the day with a partner, a group of friends, or even solo—to enjoy the timeless tradition of watching a romantic comedy. There’s no better way to celebrate love, laughter, and connection than by cozying up with a heartwarming film that never fails to deliver a feel-good ending.
A recent survey of 3,000 Americans, paired with IMDb’s definitive list of top-rated romantic comedies, reveals fascinating insights about the nation’s rom-com preferences. With a remarkable 70% of Americans planning to watch a rom-com this Valentine’s Day, it’s clear these films continue to be an enduring holiday favorite.
Highlights from the National Survey
– “The Princess Bride” is America’s top romantic comedy for Valentine’s Day.
– “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Love Actually” share the runner-up position, while “Pretty Woman” is also a national favorite.
– Bradley Cooper leads as the country’s most adored rom-com actor, with Ben Affleck as a close second.
– Among actresses, Emma Stone claims the top spot, followed by Julia Roberts.
Most Popular Romantic Comedy Movies by State
The Top Romantic Comedies Capturing Hearts Across the U.S.
Romantic comedy fans are united this Valentine’s Day as they revisit the classics that have charmed generations. Here’s a look at the three films that have won the nation’s affection:
- The Princess Bride
- 10 Things I Hate About You & Love Actually (tied)
- Pretty Woman
At the head of the list, Rob Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” stands out as the ultimate rom-com, especially beloved in states like Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Texas. This mix of romance, comedy, and adventure is more than a cult classic—it generates an impressive 127,000 average monthly Google searches nationwide.
Tied for second place, “10 Things I Hate About You” and “Love Actually” both resonate strongly with viewers. “10 Things I Hate About You”, a late ‘90s take on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew”, continues its legacy 26 years after release, adored by audiences in states such as Alabama, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Wyoming.
Simultaneously, “Love Actually” remains a staple for romantic movie nights, especially during the holidays. Despite its association with Christmas, it fascinates viewers during Valentine’s week as well. The film sparked 1.2 million searches in December alone, and it is the go-to rom-com in states including California, Colorado, Maryland, Montana, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.
Completing the top three, Garry Marshall’s “Pretty Woman” remains an American classic, boasting the highest U.S. ticket sales in rom-com history and grossing over $463.4 million worldwide. This beloved film is especially popular in Florida, Kentucky, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
America’s Favorite Rom-Com Stars: Leading Actors and Actresses
A great romantic comedy relies heavily on its cast’s charm and chemistry. Here are the performers winning the most hearts nationwide:
Top Male Rom-Com Actors:
- Bradley Cooper
- Ben Affleck
- Channing Tatum
Top Female Rom-Com Actresses:
- Emma Stone
- Julia Roberts
- Jennifer Aniston
Bradley Cooper’s performances in films such as “Silver Linings Playbook,” “He’s Just Not That Into You,” and “Valentine’s Day” have made him the nation’s favorite, enjoyed particularly in California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania.
Ben Affleck follows, appreciated for his work in films like “He’s Just Not That Into You” and supported by fans from Delaware, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, and Missouri. Channing Tatum, with credits in “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” and “Dear John,” rounds out the top three, with a strong fan base in Connecticut, Indiana, and Louisiana.
For actresses, Emma Stone’s performances in “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “La La Land” have earned her admiration from viewers in 21 states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, and New York. Julia Roberts, best known for “Pretty Woman,” continues her reign as a rom-com legend, especially in Alabama, Florida, and Kansas. Jennifer Aniston’s relatable characters from films like “Just Go With It” and “Along Came Polly” have fans in Arkansas, Delaware, and Indiana.
Rom-Com Watching Habits in America
Curious about how and why Americans enjoy romantic comedies on Valentine’s Day? According to survey findings, these films collect over 3 million views per month in the U.S.
The leading reason for tuning in is to boost happiness, closely followed by the desire to unwind and relieve stress. Only a minority reported that rom-coms leave them feeling down or envious, and thus tend to avoid them altogether.
States Most Enchanted by Romantic Comedies
When it comes to Valentine’s viewing traditions, Nevadans lead the way, with 89% planning to watch a rom-com, making them the most devoted fans in the country this year. California (70%) and Texas (67%) follow closely.
Interestingly, while Valentine’s Day gets the spotlight, “Galentine’s Day” is also a major draw—especially for Mississippians, 63% of whom report planning a rom-com binge with friends.
Summary: Romantic Comedies Standing the Test of Time
Whether or not you’re a fan of sentimental love stories, romantic comedies remain a mainstay of Valentine’s Day celebrations. For those who eagerly anticipate binge-watching, those who choose to skip the holiday, or those seeking comfort in familiar stories, these films continue to unite viewers and spark joy year after year.
Research Approach: How Data Was Collected
For this analysis, researchers relied on IMDb’s ranking of the all-time highest-rated romantic comedies and surveyed 3,000 Americans nationwide. Respondents shared their favorite films, preferred actors and actresses, and personal viewing habits. Google search data for each title was gathered using Ahrefs, providing insight into nationwide interest.
Surveying was completed on January 31, 2025.
