Romantic comedies are a fan favorite across the world. They can bring people together in a way that is like none other. People bond over their favorites, and love breaking them down to the details. Rom-coms can also be extremely controversial, by the debate of which rom-com is the best. As Valentine’s day is just around the corner, binge watching romantic comedies is the perfect seasonal activity. If you are like me, you want to know which rom coms are worth the watch, and which ones are a waste of time. This article goes into detail about the do’s and don’ts of watching rom-coms and which ones are worth watching, to save you from a lot of disappointment. I also give a bonus movie, to watch in case one of these isn’t for you. So I present to you, my top 10 romantic comedies, as of February of 2024.
At number 10, an adorable story that is loved by many, Flipped. Flipped is a more recent romantic comedy, making its debut in 2010. This film stars Madaline Carroll and Callan McAuliffe, in a sweet story about 2 childhood neighbors. It is addictive, a comfort movie, and unfortunately not very well known. It is extremely underrated for the effect the story has made. It takes place in the 1950s, when a new boy moves in across the street from a little girl. She immediately has a crush on him until years later suddenly things flip. Flipped keeps you on your toes as you desperately want the two to end up together, as many romantic comedies do. This movie should be talked about more, as it is worth the watch.
Taking the spot of number 9, the classic Sixteen Candles. Although this movie has some politically offensive references at this point of time, it is a classic, funny, rom com that represents the high school crushes and the chances of dreams coming true. This movie never fails to make you laugh, and gives the feeling of high school situations. Although many of the parts of the movie are not realistic it is a fun watch that is worth your time and attention.
For number 8, a very well-loved pick, The Princess Bride. As a classic, hysterical, vivid comedy, The Princess Bride is a fan favorite. It truly is a film for all ages and all people. It stars Robin Wright and Cary Elwes, two actors with incredible chemistry. The Princess Bride is quoted in everyday life and is extremely charismatic. The movie begins with a medieval story that is what many young girls dream of. A princess falling in love with a dreamy farm boy. It will always make you feel nostalgic with the filming style, coloring, and above all else it will never fail to make you laugh.
The one and only Clueless takes my spot of number 7. Clueless is loved around the world as an adaptation of the classic Jane Austen novel Emma. This story is also a perfect example of a rom com for all ages. It is modernized in a silly, romantic, unrealistic way which draws the audience to want to know what happens next. It is considered as a classic movie at this point in time, as it has become a fan favorite over the years. Starring Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd, and Brittany Murphy, it tells the story of young love with an age difference. The age difference definitely gets a little sketchy, along with the family ties. You can always rely on this movie as a comfort movie, and get a little comedic relief.
Taking the next spot of number 6, Sleepless in Seattle. This movie is definitely a heart wrenching, but so lovable. The story is incredibly good, and heartfelt. Starring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, a classic rom-com duo, their chemistry is almost unbeatable. When Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is suddenly widowed, he is left raising his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) on his own. When he wants love but is afraid to find someone other than his former wife. When Annie Reed appears in his life, everything changes. The ability this movie has to make you sob one moment, and laugh the next is insane, and it is definitely a roller coaster ride. Death is a very common subject in movies, but the way they incorporated the conflict in this film is impeccable. Why would you even consider not watching it?
Number 5 is quite popular and a fan favorite, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Starring the gorgeous Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, the two are adorable together and created an iconic movie, loved by so many. When Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is assigned to write a piece on losing a guy in 10 days, she finds the first boy (Matthew McConaughey) she finds attractive and manages to pull him, fall in love with him, and dump him, all in 10 days. Little does she know that he also has a bet to find a girl and keep her. The movie is truly so engaging, witty, and cute.
Starring yet again the fabulous duo Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, number 4 is none other than You’ve Got Mail. As one of the first movies to incorporate the internet, You’ve Got Mail is the story of 2 bookstore owners who are enemies. Kathleen Keely (Meg Ryan) owns a quaint bookshop which is competing with a commercial bookstore chain that goes in across the street, owned by Joe Fox (Tom Hanks). The two both try emailing a random dating site that matches them anonymously with each other, eventually unfolding into a heartwarming enemies to lovers story. I personally believe it is one of the best rom-coms to ever be written with its naturally witty script.
Taking the 3rd spot of my personal top 3, is 13 Going on 30. This movie is such a great pick for people of all ages. Starring Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, the two have amazing chemistry and it just makes you desperately want them together. When 13 year old Jenna Rink makes a wish with some magic dust on her 13th birthday, she wishes to be 30, flirty, and thriving. Miraculously, she wakes up as a 30 year old, having to learn about herself in this new life. She quickly realizes how much she misses life being simple as a 13 year old girl, and wants to go back. This movie is so incredibly underrated. It is such a classic, and is so iconic in so many ways.
Now for my personal top 2! At number 2, as a very hard choice, 10 Things I Hate About You. This movie is so famous for its storyline, and script. It is based on the Shakespeare classic play The Taming of the Shrew. Starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger, the 1999 film is a direct combination of high school life and a rom-com. Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles), a well known abrasive girl, is not interested in love, and focuses solely on her school work. When her sister Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) is not allowed to date unless Kat dates, Bianca is on a mission to find her sister a boyfriend, so that she can go out with an entitled upperclassmen model. The script is so well done, it is quoted so often in daily life, and in other movies. I personally believe this is the best teen movie ever made, especially because it is for all ages.
And now, as my #1 romcom, When Harry Met Sally. This is probably the most well known romcom movie to ever be made. It exceeds the hype around the movie, and just has such an amazing storyline. The story of friends to lovers never fails to bring a smile to faces. Starring Meg Ryan, who at this point is the best female rom com actress, as she has been in so many hits. It also stars Billy Crystal, who is so lovable in this film. As Sally (Meg Ryan) and Harry (Billy Crystal) have both just graduated from college, they carpool together to New York City to start their new lives. They do not know each other and after the car ride, they do not reunite for 6 years. The second time they meet they do not speak for a long time again. The third time they meet, they become friends. It is such an amazing film and is such a wonderful watch. It is certainly not overrated and a must watch.
As a bonus movie, just barely not making my top ten, none other than the beloved To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is written by the famous author Jenny Han, who also wrote The Summer I Turned Pretty series. The books she wrote were always a hit for teens from all ages. She then decided to produce a movie series after the books. The movies were a fan favorite, starring actors Noah Centineo, and Lana Condor. These movies are a sweet, innocent, introduction to romantic comedies for tweens and teens. You are instantly hooked, with the charming characters being witty and cute. The on screen chemistry is terrific, and definitely worth the watch. They give a great representation of what romcoms are and should be. The fact that this series was directed by both a man and a woman makes the movie more neutral and gives a natural feel.
