Big Apple romantic comedies to watch before ‘Dating & New York’

Love is in a New York state of mind.

Few places are as romanticized by Hollywood as the streets of New York — gone are the garbage-lined sidewalks of Hell’s Kitchen, the accompanying aromas, and tourists packed like sardines in a pre-COVID Times Square.

Jonah Feingold’s “Dating & New York” is a love letter to the Harrys and Sallys who have influenced decades of Manhattan-set love stories.

Here are some romantic comedies set against the Big Apple backdrop to check out before “Dating,” which hit theaters and VOD on Friday.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Three things never go out of style: Audrey Hepburn, Tiffany’s and New York romances, all of which make up Blake Edwards’ Oscar-winning film that, while diverting from Truman Capote’s novella of the same name, immortalized socialite Holly Golightly (Hepburn) in cinematic history. Holly takes a shine to new neighbor Paul (George Peppard), only for her past to threaten her present and future.

Available to rent or buy on Video on Demand

Annie Hall (1977)

Judging Woody Allen by his work and not the horrific allegations against him certainly proves difficult these days. Even so, the last comedy to win the Academy Award for Best Picture continues to influence comedies, particularly romantic ones, thanks to the neuroses- and self-deprecation-fueled rhythmic dialogue. Add in the gifts of Diane Keaton’s hats, a Truman Capote cameo, and Paul Simon acting and it truly was a sign of the times.

Available to stream on Showtime and Hoopla Digital

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

The pinnacle of wisecracking, fast-talking, Farrah Fawcett hair-wielding goodness, Nora Ephron’s Oscar-nominated script may read as outdated with a “men and women can’t be friends” thesis at its core. But the chemistry between Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan and their neuroses surrounding love, mortality, and days of the week underpants remains timeless as ever in Rob Reiner’s 1989 favorite.

Available to stream on HBO Max

You’ve Got Mail (1998)

We could go on and on about Nora Ephron’s penchant for plopping Meg Ryan in New York alongside a favorite American everyman to banter with, this time Tom Hanks.

“You’ve Got Mail” is a late-20th-century take on the 1937 Hungarian play “Parfumerie,” swapping snail mail for AOL and warring Budapest colleagues for competing bookstore owners Kathleen Kelly, of the independent The Shop Around the Corner (a nod to the 1940 film adapted from Miklós László's play) Joe Fox’s family empire, Fox Books.

Available to Stream on HBO Max

Serendipity (2001)

John Cusack’s Jonathan and Kate Beckinsale’s Sara are both spoken for when they meet and realize they’ve got an irreplaceable bond, which they put to the test years later when they’re right around the corner from saying “I do” to others ( including John Corbett).

Available to rent or buy on Video on Demand

Maid in Manhattan (2002)

A one-sided “Prince and the Pauper” tale for the early aughts, Jennifer Lopez stars as Marisa, a hotel maid and aspiring hotel manager who falls for Ralph Fiennes’ senate candidate Chris after he mistakes her for a kindhearted socialite.

Available to stream on HBO Max and Hoopla Digital

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Before Mark Ruffalo energized superhero fans everywhere as the zillionth Hulk, he stole hearts as Matty, Jenna Rink’s (Jennifer Garner) childhood best friend-turned-foothold after her wish to skip from 13 to “30, flirty and thriving” comes true. The perfection that is the film’s 80s soundtrack would be more than enough to recommend it. The lasting charm only helps.

Available to stream on HBO Max, HBO and Hoopla Digital

Hitch (2005)

Will Smith’s Alex “Hitch” Hitchens specializes in helping men land the women of their dreams — something he struggles to do for himself when gossip journalist Sara (Eva Mendes) throws him off his game and he gets too invested in her and the plight of client and friend Albert (Kevin James).

Available to stream on fuboTV and Freeform On Demand

How to Be Single (2016)

This one’s never gotten its due, and it’s about time romantics fix that. Dakota Johnson anchors the film as Alice who breaks up with her college boyfriend (Nicholas Braun, who plays Cousin Greg on “Succession”) to relish tumbling down the rabbit hole of frenetic modern dating, helped along by partying best friend Robin (Rebel Wilson), big sister Meg (Leslie Mann), and a truly fantastic haircut.

Available to stream on HBO Max and HBO