The Best Rom Coms Ever – From A Romantic Comedy Expert
I’m decidedly a no-shame romance lover – for exactly the reason that “critics” find them unbearable. Sure, they follow predictable tropes (enemies to lovers, fake boyfriend, office romance, friends to lovers, etc), with impossibly pretty people that always end with a happy ending. FINE BY ME. Sure, I like a fresh plot, too, and I am discerning because there are so many where the writing is weak and, even worse, the chemistry is bad (or low stakes/poor tension). Many lean far too far into the “com” when what we really want is the “rom”. So, I’m that friend – an expert in most things romance (books, TV shows, movies). Don’t watch Anora, Baby Girl, All of You, or the Materialists on your special date night, despite what the critics say (unless you want to feel icky afterwards). Listen to me. These really nail it in the purely happy romantic, feel-good ways that are fun and easy to watch (mostly). Welcome to the best rom coms ever list:)
Y’all. Anne Hathaway as the hottest 40-year-old being courted by Hollywood’s next leading man (and a solid crush of mine), Nicholas Galitzine (if you don’t know him now, you will). He was in the pop musical film of Cinderella and is SUCH a compelling actor. The writing, the music, the acting, the steamy chemistry… 15/10. (There are 2-3 pretty steamy scenes, so don’t watch with your parents or tweens). Fresh and smart. I’ve seen it 12 times (many while flying and working).
This one might seem pretty cheesy unless you know that it’s a contemporary version of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, and that’s why the plot is full of these follies and misunderstandings that can otherwise be annoying (at the beginning at least). But with Glenn Powell, Sydney Sweeney, and a fantastic supporting cast set in a world (Australia) that gives Nancy Meyers on the beach for a Gen Z audience, this movie is GREAT. They have incredible chemistry and the writing is hilarious. Brian even watched it in the theater with me (he and I both love Glenn Powell). I’ve seen it 5 times.
A new one that everyone is raving about, and Brian and I really loved it, too. You will cry at the beginning due to her relationship with her sister (so TW there). The acting is great, the chemistry is spot on, and the world they live in (San Francisco) is beautiful. But seriously, grab the tissues.
Already in my top 5 of all time. I read the book by Emily Henry (of course), and the movie is even better. It’s a friends-to-lovers with Emily Bader (Hollywood’s next biggest star), who carries that movie on her pinky (she is so god damn good). It’s sweet and funny and a coming-of-age in all the ways that I felt in my 20s. Elliot has watched it with me twice (she loves it and I skip through the only and quite steamy sex scene), so I think it’s mostly tween and teen-friendly.
Do not watch without tissues and probably not the best date night (because you’ll be blubbering). A mom (the mom of all moms played by Connie Britton, for God’s sake) has left a list for her beloved daughter to do before she can get her inheritance. Sofia Carson plays the daughter perfectly. It’s set in New York, very coming-of-age with a lot of healthy mid-20s relationship plot points. But seriously, TW – dying mom + cancer.
A serious movie that is much more romance, with a lot of heaviness. It follows a couple over 10 years with a lot of ups and downs, starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh. Fantastic acting, sets, direction (so more of a good film than my typical rom com). It’s a great date night movie, but also very sad, so it’s not going to be light and easy, FYI.
This really shouldn’t be on a “best” list, but it’s fresh in my brain, and I liked it enough. A sweet enemies-to-friends-to-lovers situation. A young LA girl has to go on 40 dates in 40 nights to get her grandma to help her pay her rent (obviously). She needs motivation to help break her out of her habits and her shell. I enjoyed it, while pinning (so yes, it’s more of a double-screener to put on in the background).
I don’t know why this movie didn’t blow up. It’s about two people who meet on an overnight flight to Europe, and their emotional connection is so fast and deep that they seemingly fall in love. They try to reconnect after landing, on the other side of the world. The acting is what does it for me in this one – they are both fantastic. The writing is great, too – excellent dialogue and a few scenes near the end (regarding a parent’s funeral) that were so memorable and special.
First off, don’t watch this until you READ the book. And prepare yourself for a fun night with your partner (or your imagination). This book is steamy, with the tension dialed up to an 11. The movie version is better than I had thought it would be, probably because Lucy Hale is so good. This one might be dancing on the line of dumb, but I’ve watched it 3 times, so… Might be a better alone night with a glass of wine, because I’m not sure Brian would tolerate the antics, but I enjoyed the hell out of it.
A classic, obviously. And another one set in the now almost non-existent magazine industry. The first time you watch this you’ll be embarrassed by how much you like it. The plot is so cliché and shallow, but they both sell it; you believe in them, and there are some strangely hilarious moments having to do with a tiny yappy dog. It’s as dated as it is good – VERY. Brian loves this one, too.
Finally a new one from 2019 that is becoming a go-to in the background. Great acting and sweet story. Just talking about it makes me excited to watch it again.
It’s practically perfect. Sandra and Ryan are so good, Betty White (and all the other silly character actors) entertain thoroughly, and it has enough heart to really root for them the whole way.
I’ve never not watched this on a plane (usually while working, so yes, double-screening it). I worked in the magazine industry in New York in my 20s, so this certainly speaks to me, but even if I didn’t, I’m sure I would love it. Anne and Meryl kill it, and it has heart, glamour, and some hunky love. The second one isn’t as good, but I will likely rewatch it many times as well (because those are all my friends now!).
I watched this twice in the same week. The two leads have such good chemistry and all the acting is great. I, again, apparently love the “hustling in the magazine industry as a 20-something” genre, but maybe we all secretly do?
I can’t. It’s too funny. And has heart with the girl friendship situation. I know you have all seen it, but just watch it again. You’ll be so happy you did.
YOU GUYS. No one has seen this movie, and it’s VERY VERY VERY good, cute, and a great one if you are with a partner to watch. It’s a rom-com meets coming-of-age, and those are my two favorite movie genres. Yes, it’s about the first time they have sex, and it’s allllllllll the things.
’90s angst meets Shakespeare. It’s not particularly amazing, but I love when it’s on TBS. Plus… Heath. Another Shakespeare adaptation that my daughter didn’t like (yet, she’s only 10).
How is this not a more popular classic? I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie. They have such great chemistry, and it’s coming-of-age in a really fun 2000s kind of way. If you haven’t seen it, please rent it.
While many people think this tale of a movie is cheesy, I, for one, love watching it over and over. The cast is incredible (as seen above). Definitely. Not maybe.
Pretty much the exact same plot as The Notebook (have you noticed that?) but I’m a huge Josh Lucas fan, and I think this movie is entertaining from New York to Alabama.
YES. UGH. All-star cast, about love and relationships. Emma and Ryan’s love + Steve’s hilariously depressing character makes me smile. I’ve watched it no less than 14 times (on planes, in the background while working – pure comfort).
A favorite for Elliot and me (my 10-year-old daughter). Set in the magazine industry in the aughts, Jennifer Garner wakes up a 30-year-old editor fighting for her job (and to get back to her roots). Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner – what more do you want???
This is lesser-known, but it is GOOOOOOOD. It’s one of the few romantic comedies that Brian loves as much as I do. This one is about a girl who moves next door to a normal teenage boy, and she is a porn star. It’s not what you think. It’s full of heart and romance. Plus Elisha Cuthbert, Emile Hirsch, Timothy Oliphant – so good.
That’s right. Dirty Dancing is my #1 movie OF ALL TIME, and there is no shame in my Patrick Swayze-loving game. And you know what? After I made Brian watch it recently, it’s also one of HIS favorite movies. The acting, the production design, the music, the romance – EVERYTHING is so good. And Patrick Swayze truly was a national treasure. I’m counting down the days that we can watch this with the kids (thinking 14?). If you haven’t watched this lately, you should – it doesn’t date.
Listen, you might want Sleepless in Seattle, or You’ve Got Mail to be on this list, and they are great for sure, but I think it’s a generational thing and Meg Ryan + Tom Hanks have never done it for me in a re-watchable way. Now of course, Pretty Woman is missing here, as are a million others that I might add over time, so bookmark this and keep coming back. If you like high-brow dramatic films, I’m not your gal. But if you like light-hearted, entertaining, fresh but easy-to-watch comforting rom coms, I got you:)
For a very different movie list (ha!), check out my favorite family-friendly movies🙂
Opening Image Credit: Photo by Kaitlin Green
