The Best Romantic Comedy Movies of All Time (According to Us)
A good romantic comedy film always brings us back to feeling that love is a great thing after all, and makes us feel that the cliché and not-so cliché story lines can happen to us as well. With tons of movies out there, these are still some of the best rom-com movies that will keep us wanting to re-watch them over and over again. Feel in love or be in love, and see the list for yourself.
On a scale of 1-10, how hopelessly romantic are you? Well, I would like to rank myself at an 11, but that would not be the most accurate choice. I am at a 20! I was a rather late 90s baby that was not exposed to the best romantic comedies of all time, missing out on some of the timeless classics. But, allow me to give you some of the most famous romantic comedies I know that you may be well aware of.
By romantic comedies, this refers to love stories that include some amount of comedy, usually to lighten-up the plot or make for an outburst of laughter! (in case you are looking for your favorite romantic movie here, that is on another list). The list is endless, and rankings may or may not always be accurate. But whether the love birds met on a blind date, during a cat-dog school affair, as not-so-close co-workers, during fake dating, or through the most unexpected ways imaginable – well, what I can say, love comes in the most unexpected way, right?
And, chances are, if you haven’t watched them yet, what are you even waiting for? Grab a snack, sit down on the couch, wrap yourself in some good old blankets, and get ready for some cliché love stories: cliché but feel-good movies with a touch of comedy to liven the plot.
Disclaimer: This list is just a sample of the best romantic comedies of all time.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Let’s admit it, it was Netflix’s year last year, and one of its breadwinners is this Jenny Han adult novel turned into the most sought-after movie of 2018. The story is about a Korean-American Lara Jean Covey (Lana Condor) who writes love letters for people she has a crush on. But the catch here is that she never sends them. Waking up one day with all the letters sent, what do you think will happen? This is where one of her letter recipient, heartthrob Peter Kaminsky (Noah Centineo) enters, and for some twist and turns, they fake date each other. And, oh yes, you know what happens next. But seriously, the Korean yogurt drink is a must-try from this movie.
Set It Up (2018)
Another charming movie from Netflix starring Zoey Deutch as Harper and Glen Powell as Charlie Young, in a rather twisted set up where a plan to set their lives free from hectic work schedule becomes a plan for them to meet someone they’ll actually like and love. I mean, it is not something they planned and then fell in love with each other. This is more on the “strangers turned really good friends” side who were both oblivious of the feelings they had for each other. Oh and Creepy Tim is someone you would want to know from this film.
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
This movie was new to the Hollywood scene as it focused on Asian culture and tradition. What’s crazy about this film is that it actually lived up to its title, it’s Crazy, it’s filthy Rich, and yes, it’s Asian. More than the love story of Nick Young (Henry Golding) and Rachel Chu (Constance Wu), this film has an in-depth reality scene of how it is to meet a Chinese guy, especially one who is on a throne to all the golds and riches of his family. If you haven’t seen clips from the wedding scene here, where have you been seriously?
Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Now, Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling go way back even before La La Land. But not only them, Steve Carell and Julianne Moore’s performance in this movie will also move you to bits. This film is about a total playboy Jacob (Ryan Gosling) who met his match through Hannah (Emma Stone). Not only that, but Jacob also serves as a dating coach to Cal (Steve Carell). Cal and wife Emily (Julianne Moore) are on a trial separation due to cheating issues caused by Emily. Now, that’s only the premise of their stories; you better see it for yourself.
500 Days of Summer (2009)
We’ve all had misunderstandings before, but one that really sucks is a misunderstanding between someone you’re actually liking, and not getting to have a relationship with her. I mean, you go on dates, kiss each other, and may have even slept together! But where exactly did it all go wrong? See this film and it’ll take you through a 500-day long love story that has its own bittersweet results. And I do hope you also meet “Autumn” after this film.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Ok, now, getting dumped is not funny and is not light to the heart. But being heartbroken is a feeling we all want to get over with, and the process is something we should all go through. Triggering enough, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) wants to have a getaway trip to forget the breakup, so he decides to go to Hawaii. But rather than enjoying the Hawaiian paradise, he is surprised to see who also came to visit: His ex-girlfriend, narcissistic star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) is there with her current boyfriend. Worst case scenario, right? But here comes Rachel (Mila Kunis), and let’s see if she can be someone who makes the process worthwhile.
How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days (2003)
This is about two professionals who were given tasks or dares to use each other to prove something for themselves, and to people around them. Little did they know, things just don’t turn out the way we want it to be. Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), a columnist, was assigned to write a beguiling article about losing a guy in 10 days, while Benjamin Barry is out to prove that he can make any woman fall in love with him. I mean these happenings only occur in movies, don’t they?
Something’s Gotta Give (2003)
Age is not an indication of love. You can find the one when you’re 16, or when you’re 60. It’s a matter of time, but it’s more about where you are in life. Harry Sanborn (Jack Nicholson) may have been considered the man who has been living the dream of other men – to date all the women he can. While Diane Keaton (Erica Barry) is a writer who catches her daughter dating a man who seems like her age, which is Harry. It’s more of a mature romance with some hilarious sex scenes. One which involves Diane taking Harry’s blood pressure to make sure he doesn’t have a heart attack during the act.
Related Articles
Best Horror Movies on Netflix Right Now
Review: In ‘Us,’ Jordan Peele Holds a Dark Mirror to America
Best Kids Movie on Netflix for March 2019
Bridget Jones Diary (2001)
Did you just think that I would miss a Hugh Grant film on this list? Oh no, you didn’t. But aside from him, Renee Zellweger’s performance and chemistry here is hilariously romantic. To add, with Bridget’s love line is a role played by Colin Firth. This is also a relatable film for anyone out there who binges on food, sings a rather heartbreaking song in pajamas, and sleep in tears and drama. But then, who could forget the iconic scenes from here where Bridget chases Mr. Darcy down a snowy London street in zebra-print undies?
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This may be an OG (original) in the scene of high school bets and deals. The performances from Julia Stiles and the late Heath Ledger from this film is a must-see. 10 Things I Hate About You surrounds two different Stratford sisters, Kat and Bianca, with Bianca wanting to date a school jock. Their dad, being an ob-gyn, is an overprotective dad who only allows Bianca to date when her sister Kat does.
In a short term, impossible. That’s where it all begins. Breaking down Kat Stratford’s’ thick wall with the help of Patrick Verona played by Ledger. It’s light to the heart with a mature lesson for teenagers – falling in and out of love is normal.
Notting Hill (1999)
“I’m also just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her”. Do not tell me that this line does not sound familiar at all. Of course, this is another Hugh Grant film partnered with the ever-endearing Julia Roberts. I mean, you cannot mention the ’90s and romance without thinking of Julia Roberts. Notting Hill is like your fairytale. Anna Scott, the most sought-after actress, falls in love with a humble shopkeeper, William Thacker. I couldn’t tell more, watch and see for yourself. It’s never too late.
The Wedding Singer (1998)
The most famous wedding singer, Robbie Hart (Adam Sandler) had a very unsuccessful wedding of his own. He got ditched on his wedding day. How do you think the wedding singer can continue on serenading weddings when he had a failed one? Here comes Julia Sullivan (Drew Barrymore), a typical girl waiting tables, happening to be what Robbie is actually looking for – healing and true love.
You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Kathryn Kelly (Meg Ryan) and Joe Fox (Tom Hanks) are both in the books industry. One a bit less than the other. But despite the competition, they have one thing in common. Not the main thing, but love. They are both looking for love, that’s why during the very early age of the Internet, they both found each other chatting through e-mail, and what seems to be like love on the Internet. The question here is which will matter: your online love affair or the rivalry in real life?
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
An original heartbreaking movie, light with the comedy acts, but still something that will make your heart quench and eyes water. Julia Roberts as Julianne Potter has this best friend of hers, Dermot Mulroney (Michael O’Neal) who happens to be getting married. Now, Julianne and Dermot happened to have spent their lives with each other, and even if they lived in different cities, their connection is still intact. Yes, this is another “I love my best friend” story, full of dramatic acts trying to win him back. Was she able to succeed? I mean, my heart won’t break that much if they did, right? Oops, spoiler there.
Jerry Maguire (1996)
I heard you, another actor we couldn’t just miss. Tom Cruise plays the role of a sports agent here, hardworking, but is lacking. Maguire’s life here is a tough one. He needs to juggle the life of being unemployed, a life with his love interest Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger), and life being a human. Whether you’re watching this film because of Tom Cruise or because of the story, I’m not stopping you either way.
Clueless (1995)
Writer-director Amy Heckerling made a pretty good movie here, while borrowing a story from the classic James Austen’s 1815 novel, Emma. Clueless will give you a look at Austen’s Emma like you’ve never imagined could be possible. The story surrounds the narcissistic Beverly Hills teens wherein the heroine, Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone), does her best to fix all of her friends with make-overs and matchmaking. However, she may be good at handling other people’s lives, but she cannot spot her own flaws until the hero, Josh (Paul Rudd), enters the story. What changes after meeting him?
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Oh, double four there. Well, how many times are we going to see Hugh Grant in this list? I wasn’t even aware! Anyway, how’d you think of attending four different weddings including a funeral, that’s kind of weird, right? Well, this plays like a good love story between our main characters Charles (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie MacDowell) on their journey of finding love and dealing with it on their own.
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Now, this might be on my top 5 of “things that only happen in films” kind of movie. Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) lost his wife and mother. With some tricks pulled by his 8-year-old son, he came by a radio show and happened to share his loss. With that, thousands of letters or applications to be his new wife came rushing in, and Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) is included. The story is great, but thinking about how you want to stalk and find someone you just heard a story about over the radio is absurd, but in some comical way, very romantic. I am not sure if that’s how love works, but the film calls it, “magic”.
Pretty Woman (1990)
Now, to complete the Julia Roberts ’90s films (not that this is all she had), Pretty Woman is everything. If I may quote, “if a prostitute and a ruthless businessman can fall in love, then anyone can”. Girl, need I say more? If you haven’t seen the most iconic Julia Roberts’ tall boots and her character Vivian, shopping around the luxurious designer street, see it! Go, now!
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
How many times have I mentioned Meg Ryan? She’s just so good at this, isn’t she? Other than that, even before Friends With Benefits or No Strings Attached came, not that this film is about sex, this film started questioning if it is really possible for men and women to just stay friends. Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) and Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) are good friends, to begin with, until messy situations start to happen. Well, there are more iconic scenes in this film that you need to see. That deli scene? Oh no, please. We’ll just have what they’re having.
So, which film should you begin to watch, or re-watch out of these timeless romantic comedies available on Netflix?
