Aromantic comedyis pretty much the key to anyone’s heart. What can be more entertaining than a movie that is, at its very core, built to make you laugh and set off the butterflies in your stomach? However, constructingthe perfect rom-comis not easy. With so many out there, for people to watch, a memorable leading man is just as important as an engaging, funny, and heartwarming plot. With names like Mark Ruffalo, Adam Sandler, Hugh Grant, and even Tom Hanks fitting that bill, the standards for being a heartthrob in a rom-com are incredibly high.
Update July 06, 2025: This article has been updated with even more great romantic comedy leading men.
A rom-com is nothing without the all-too-important leading man to make our hearts burst out of our chests. Throughout film history, casting the perfect actors to play certain roles can make or break the movie-watching experience. For a romantic comedy, the balance between being charismatic and irrefutably lovable is a true test for any actor. In fact, there are many who have graced our screens and have completely embodied the fuel to our hopeless romantic fantasies. Now, since we just love to talk about love so much, here is our ranking of some of the best leading men in romantic comedy history.
14Kevin Costner
Kevin Costneris one of the most versatile actors of all time. Of course, he is well-known for his roles in both great action and drama films such asThe Untouchables,Field of Dreams, JFK,and many others. However, he doesn’t get enough credit for his rom-com films.Bull Durham, Tin Cup, Rumor Has It,andThe Upside of Angerare all classics. Costner knows how to be serious in very serious roles. But it shouldn’t be lost that the Academy Award-winning actor is cleverly funny and loving in the romantic comedies that made movie lovers fall in love with him. His demeanor and expressions are very hard to forget and very hard not to love.
13Glen Powell
A relatively new addition to the list, but one who has left an impact. WhileGlen Powellis known more for action films like Top Gun: Maverick or the horror-comedy series Scream Queens, Powell left an impression as the star of the popular Netflix rom-com,Set It Up. Powell will next co-star in the romantic comedyAnyone But Youalongside Sydney Sweeney, which is set for release on June 25, 2025. Powell looks to have a look career ahead of him and one that is perfect for romantic comedies.
12Henry Golding
Henry Goldinghas not been on our entertainment radars for that long, but, man, has he made an imprint. In 2018,Crazy Rich Asianscame out and completely shifted the romance genre in profound ways. Also, we got introduced to a brand new instant heartthrob in the rom-com space: Henry Golding. Golding plays Nick Young, the son of an elite and very wealthy family from Taiwan.
Related:The Best Romantic Comedies of the 2010s, Ranked
This film, also starring Constance Wu, Awkwafina, and Michelle Yeoh,explores Asian cultureacross multiple generations alongside a beautiful (and unbelievably hilarious) love story. Continuing along with the heartthrob narrative, Golding also starred in a holiday rom-com calledLast Christmasnext toGame of Thronesstar Emilia Clarke. With his career just beginning to blossom into superstardom, we cannot wait until he graces our screens again as a leading man.
11Michael Ealy
Michael Ealyis perfect for a rom-com and with titles likeAbout Last Night,Think Like a Man, andKissing Jessica Steinas a part of his filmography, he did not disappoint in filling in the role of leading man. The recipe for a good rom-com includes incredible chemistry between the leading actors, witty jokes, loads of heart, and charisma. Well, with Ealy as a leading man, all the boxes are checked. Whether you’ve seen him as Danny Martin inAbout Last Nightor as Dominic in theThink Like A Manfilm series, you know that he has earned a place on this list.
10Paul Rudd
Everyone thinks ofPaul Ruddas one of the best comedic actors and jokesters of the last two decades. This is certainly true. One of the reasons Rudd was such a great pick for Ant-Man was the series was looking to build a believable romance between him and Hope, and Rudd had plenty of experience in that department. FromThis is 40toCluelesstoI Love You, Man,these are just a few of the great rom-coms that Rudd has starred in. His creativity, lovably-funny mannerisms, and quotes make him a rom-com and overall acting icon.
9Patrick Dempsey
Of course, “McDreamy” made the cut. TheGrey’s Anatomystar has a very strong history of performing in great rom-coms.Made of Honor, Enchanted, Valentine’s Day,andBridget Jones’s Babyare four of the best rom-coms thatPatrick Dempseyheadlined. It’s hard not to look at Patrick Dempsey and understand why his nickname inGrey’s Anatomywas “McDreamy.” His experience in dramatic films and shows, his good looks, and his quietly brilliant touch of comedy is what earned him one of the top spots on this list.
8Mark Ruffalo
We all knowMark Ruffaloas Bruce Banner/Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if you are at all familiar with the earlier projects in his career, Ruffalo was already making us swoon long before he became a superhero. Ruffalo was the perfect combination of witty, charming, and incredible romantic lead for a rom-com. He starred in 2004’s13 Going On 30alongside Jennifer Garner, 2005’sJust Like Heavenwith Reese Witherspoon, and with Keira Knightley in the 2014 musical rom-comBegin Again, just to name a few of his projects. With a history in rom-coms like that, no wonder we couldn’t ignore him as a leading man in this beloved genre.
7Heath Ledger
10 Things I Hate About Youdefined a generation and remains a romantic comedy that has aged like fine wine. The lateHeath Ledgerstarred in this late-90s masterpiece as the mysterious and brooding Patrick Verona. Ledger and his costar Julia Stiles made movie magic together and cemented the actor’s place in the rom-com ranks. Even to this day, every woman out there is waiting for their very own Heath Ledger to dance across a flight of stairs, serenading us with those kind eyes and stunning voice. He was just too good to be true, and we could not take our eyes off of him.
6Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaugheyis one of the most well-loved actors working in the industry today. We all just love to drool over McConaughey, but there is nothing quite like his performance in a classic romantic comedy. Under that genre of film, McConaughey and Kate Hudson were absolutely jaw-dropping in 2003’sHow To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. And how could we look over McConaughey inThe Wedding Planner?Failure to Launch? McConaughey in a rom-com ischef’s kiss, and we love to look back at the magic he created.
Related:Highest-Grossing Romantic Comedies of All Time
5Tom Hanks
Time and time again, no matter what the project may be,Tom Hankshas never failed to steal the hearts of audiences all over the world. For years, Hanks has captivated us with his undeniable talent, golden retriever energy, and his ability to hone his role as a leading man in a rom-com. We haveYou’ve Got Mailfrom 1998, the absolute classic that isSleepless In Seattle, and, of course, production forMy Big Fat Greek Weddingall under Hank’s already extensive filmography. What more can we say? One of the most genius rom-com actors and producers out there.
