My favorites as of 2021 in alphabetical order...
Austenland... Keri Russel and JJ Field
Jane, who is absolutely obsessed with Jane Austen’s novels, gets the opportunity to travel to England and participate in a realistic “Austen experience”; where everyone dresses for the time, participates in the proper activities, uses the right manners, etc. There are also actors hired to enhance the experience and even add a little romance… which serves to confuse everyone because then reality begins to blur with fiction. What is real and what is not?
This movie is 100% ridiculous and hilarious! There’s something even more hilarious you catch onto with every rewatch. There’s so much random crap happening in the foreground and the background and I love it. Like, why are there stuffed peacocks sitting in stacks of hay? Or with the servants, all the men are super hunky and all the women are old hags lolol. It’s so quotable with all its random stuff. It’s kind of Nacho Libre/Napoleon Dynamite-esque. “He’s a vegan and he has a pony named Sparkles-pancake.”
But then, the romance is set up very much like a Jane Austen novel, and it’s all very sweet and charming. But then it catches you off guard because you don’t think of it as a Jane Austen novel… because it’s modern. I love it and everyone has great chemistry. Definitely worth a watch, especially if you like Jane Austen.
Blended... Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
Lauren and Jim are both single parents forced to go on a blind date with each other. It doesn’t go well and they decide they never want to see each other again. However, through a set of unfortunate yet fortuitous set of circumstances, they end up taking their kids on the same trip to Africa for a “blended family vacation.”
I thought this one was just alright on first watch, but it’s grown on me more and more. What I really appreciate about it is that the romance isn’t really at the forefront. I mean, it’s definitely a big part of it, but it focuses a lot on what makes a family work and why it’s important… why kids need a dad as much as a mom and vice-versa. It does have some of that raunchy humor that is common in an Adam Sandler movie, but I honestly didn’t think it was as bad as it sometimes is. I really like it.
Ever After... Drew Barrymore and Dougray Scott
A more realistic telling of the Cinderella story, taking place in medieval France. Shortly after her father remarries, Danielle’s father dies of a heart attack. Years later, her stepmother and sister have run the estate into ruin and Danielle is left working with the servants in an attempt to keep the place afloat. One day, while posing as a courtier in an attempt to buy back a servant, Danielle catches the eye of the prince who then continually seeks her out thereafter.
Probably one of the best Cinderella stories ever put to film. It’s not necessarily because it’s realistic or anything, but I love how it portrays all the relationships between the characters. The buildup with the prince and her is so well done; it’s not like they meet one night and boom, they’re in love. And then the stepmother is horribly cruel and yet, sort of sympathetic sometimes. Danielle herself is a great character with a lot of depth and spunk. It’s just a great film!
Fever Pitch... Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon
Ben begins dating Lucy, a driven and hardworking business woman. Their relationship flourishes and they fall madly in love. However, when baseball season approaches, Lucy soon learns about one of Ben’s true passions: he is 110% obsessed with the Boston Red Sox.
I realized that I have a lot of Drew Barrymore movies on here. I randomly discovered this one. I can’t even remember how because it’s never on anyone’s radar. But it’s super cute. What I really appreciate about it is that it’s not about how the couple gets together. It’s about the ups and downs of their relationship and how they try to make it work and how they compromise. I love that! It’s so realistic, but still so sweet. You kind of switch sides with both of their POV throughout the film. Both characters are so likable and it’s nice to watch them work together through this totally funny and kind of absurd situation (actually, I know it’s not THAT absurd. Some guys do get REALLY into their sports. But it’s kind of exaggerated in this movie lol). It’s just a really enjoyable film… plus Jimmy Fallon acting. What?
Isn’t It Romantic?... Rebel Wilson and Liam Hmsworth and Adam Devine
Natalie is a bit of a doormat to everyone around her and is a serious cynic when it comes to love. She particularly hates romantic comedies, believing they are lies about real life. However, after getting mugged and knocked unconscious, she wakes up in her worst nightmare: she is the main character of her own romantic comedy.
This movie is straight hilarious from beginning to end. Rebel Wilson is a treasure. I love how self-aware it is of all the rom-com cliches even as they play out. All the commentaries on them are so funny. This is the most cliched rom-com I think I’ve ever seen, but, of course, it’s making fun of it the entire time. All the supporting cast is too perfect. Liam Hemsworth is such a ham as the potential love interest. And probably one of my favorite bits is the karaoke scene. So good! I also love the message it gets across that you have to love yourself before you can love and be loved by others. Amen to that!
It Happened One Night... Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert
Rich, spoiled socialite Ellie escapes her controlling father in an attempt to reach her new husband (whom she married out of rebellion). Now on the run, she travels incognito on a bus and runs into fast taking, street smart reporter, Peter who recognizes her immediately. They begrudgingly make a deal to help each other get what they want: Peter, the story of a lifetime, and Ellie, to reach her husband before her father finds her.
The original movie rom-com. You can see all the “cliches” before they were cliches. It all started here. It’s so charming. Clarke Gable and Claudette Colbert have such a good chemistry. I think they’re hilarious and I love how they just yell at each other and tell each other off because they’re so different. Even though it’s an old film, you barely notice it because it has such a modern story. I’ve personally watched this many times because it’s so fun.
Just Like Heaven... Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo
Grieving widower David rents a new apartment, but soon finds he is repeatedly seeing a woman who claims that she also lives there. They finally realize that she is the spirit of the previous tenet and set out to figure out who she is and what happened to her.
This movie is so sweet. It might sound a little ridiculous, but I honestly really enjoy it. It does sort of get a little cheesy, but that's what makes a rom-com so good sometimes, right? It’s surprisingly good at balancing out the funny and the emotional without feeling too cheap.
Knight and Day... Cameron Diaz and Tom Cruise
While on a flight, June hits it off with fellow passenger Roy. Little does she know that Roy is a wanted secret agent who has supposedly gone rogue. Before she knows it, she is swept up in a wild adventure that takes her all over the world and she begins to wonder if she can really trust this man or not.
I really slept on this one for a long time, but after finally watching it, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I thought it was just going to be a cheap cash grab with two big stars and all. But, surprisingly, I really liked their chemistry (and that's what's most important in a rom-com, right?). The dynamic of her freaking out the entire time while he's just totally chill is so funny. You'd think it would get old, but it doesn't. And then, obviously, it's also an action flick which is a bonus. The action is pretty solid, nothing mind-blowing, but it does get sort of intense sometimes. It's just a fun watch.
Mirror Mirror... Lily Collins and Armie Hammer
A twist on the Snow White story. After she is banished by her wicked stepmother, the princess Snow White teams up with a group of bandits, seven dwarfs, to wreck havoc on the queen. Meanwhile, a visiting prince is torn between his admiration for Snow White and his loyalty to the crown.
I'll admit, I wasn't overwhelmed by this one at first, but the more I watch it, the more I love it. First of all, I just love a good fairytale and second, this is a totally hilarious film. All the dwarfs are so funny and their bickering is great. And then don't even get me started on the prince. He's too much! Armie Hammer is perf in the role! Then there's the overall design of the film-- the costumes, the aesthetic-- it definitely has a look. It's really grown on me and totally adds to it all. The freakin' ball scene with all the stupid costumes! Lol
Much Ado About Nothing (1993)... Emma Thomson and Kenneth Branagh
Beatrice and Benedick have a long-standing rivalry. Every time they meet, they always have to one-up each other in a battle of wits. Meanwhile, Benedick’s friend and Beatrice’s cousin have fallen in love and are getting married. However, the prince’s bitter brother wants to stir up trouble any way he can and sees the upcoming marriage as a prime target for sabotage.
Even though this story has been told for hundreds of years, this is my favorite adaption. Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh have amazing chemistry as Beatrice and Benedick. It’s so funny! All the actors are so on point (except for Keanu Reeves as Don John… he was an odd choice). I just love this story so much. One of my favorite Shakespeare plays!
Pride and Prejudice (1995)... Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth
The Bennets have five daughters whom Mrs. Bennet is eager to marry off to rich men as soon as possible. It so happens that a rich young man moves into the neighborhood and falls in love with the eldest girl. His friend Mr. Darcy, however, is very unpleasant and rude and Elizabeth, the second daughter, finds herself loathing him more and more with each encounter. Unfortunately for her, he finds himself falling harder and harder for her.
How can you not love this story? Literally the original rom-com. It’s got all the tropes that we love: miscommunication, the “other guy”, disliking each other at the start, etc. In this case, I’m going with the 1995 mini series as the best version. So perf!
The Proposal... Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds
Margaret is a high driven editor at a major book company who overworks her assistant, Andrew. Andrew secretly despises her, but lets her walk all over him in hopes that she will eventually promote him. One day, Margaret’s bosses reveal that she is going to be deported and will not be able to work for them anymore. Thinking quickly, she lies and says that she and Andrew are getting married. Andrew goes along with it in exchange for the promotion. However, an agent is onto the ruse and the couple are forced to prove their validity by spending the weekend at Andrew’s parents’s house.
Sandra Bullock is queen! She was in a lot more rom-coms in the 90s, but I’m glad she did this one more recently. Also, Ryan Reynolds is always a hoot. I’ve found that a lot of the humor in this one is kind of dry and witty… at least when it comes to the dialogue. As it is a more modern flick, of course it includes a little bit of that raunchy humor and that’s the more physical stuff, but what can you do?
Sense and Sensibility... Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman
After their father dies, reserved Elinor and passionate Marianne are forced out of their home with their mother and younger sister, but not before Elinor falls in love with shy Edward. However, romance is not as easy as it should be. Secrets begin to come out, more bachelors are introduced, kooky neighbors come around, and propriety goes out the window.
Another Jane Austen one. When I was younger, I didn’t fully appreciate this one. I didn’t think it was very funny because all the humor is in the dialogue and what is not said… the stuff you don’t pick up on when you’re young. Now, I think it’s hilarious! It’s not quite as funny as Pride and Prejudice, but it’s still there.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before... Lana Condor and Noah Centineo
Lara Jean writes secret loves letters to all the boys she ever fell in love with, but never says anything to them. However, one day, mysteriously, all the letters get sent. Soon, all of the past lovers are confronting her one-by-one. One of them, Peter, seeing her awkward situation, makes a deal with her: they could pretend to be a couple. He wants to make his ex jealous and she wants to get all these guys off her back… win-win.
I haven’t actually seen this one in a long time, but I remember liking it a lot. I thought it was really sweet and the actors had great chemistry. I know that Noah Centineo rubs some people the wrong way, but I don’t spend a lot of time on Twitter or anything, so I only see him as Peter and that’s it.
Warm Bodies... Nicholas Holt and Teresa Palmer
During a zombie apocalypse, one zombie who can only remember himself as “R” saves a girl from an attack. Though initially afraid of him, they start to bond as he takes her back home. She begins to wonder if zombies might be able to come back to life through emotional connection.
I avoided this one for a long time because it gave me Twilight vibes. Like, a girl falling in love with a monster. But, I finally watched it a couple years ago and found it was WAY better than Twilight. It was so cute and so creative. I love the message: humans just need emotional connection and to be loved no matter how dead inside (or outside lol) they are.
The Wedding Singer... Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
Robbie is the best wedding singer in town. However, everything falls apart when he is left at the altar and he finds he can’t stand to be around weddings anymore. Meanwhile, he befriends a catering waitress who is planning her own wedding and since he knows all about weddings, he offers her advice on the subject.
One of my favs. I love the way it all plays out and the buildup to everything is perfect! It might be super cliche in a lot of ways, but it’s so sweet and we love the cliches for a reason. Sure, there’s a few of those trademark Adam Sandler raunchy moments, but it’s quite tame for the most part.
When in Rome... Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel
After being scorned by love one too many times, Beth drunkenly takes several coins out of the Fountain of Love while visiting Rome. What she doesn’t know is that this unleashes a curse and all the men who threw those coins in now are suddenly in love with her and begin pursuing her and going to great lengths to profess their love.
Another over-the-top, ridiculous one. The humor in this one is just too much! Lolol All the guys are so over the top and it’s hilarious! Of course it’s obvious which one she’s going to fall in love with because there’s only one normal guy (and even he has some quirks haha!). So quotable and hilarious and very fun!
While You Were Sleeping... Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman
A lonely transit worker fantasizes over a handsome stranger who passes by everyday, but never says anything to him. But then finally fate steps into help. She saves his life one day after he is mugged and he falls into a coma. At the hospital, she is mistaken for his fiancée and is unable to reveal the truth to his grieving family. So, she finds herself spending more and more time with them and is forced to keep up the charade.
Probably my all-time favorite rom-com. It’s a perfect balance of funny, sweet, charming, sentimental, awkward, heart-wrenching, and fun. All the characters are likable and hilarious and the lines are totally quotable. And while the story might seem ridiculous, a little sad, and even creepy, it comes across so well and it totally works. Our two romantic leads have amazing chemistry and you are rooting for them the entire time. Amazing, perfection, sublime! *chef’s kiss*
You’ve Got Mail... Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks
Kathleen and Joe are in love. They chat daily about all sorts of things, give each other advice, and are the highlights of each other’s days… unfortunately they haven’t actually met. They are anonymous email pals. In real life, Joe’s new superstore threatens to put Kathleen’s small shop out of business and they engage in an intense rivalry, not realizing they already know each other.
Another totally quotable one. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks work off each other so well. I love it! The supporting cast is also hilarious. Don’t even get me started on Greg Kinnear as Frank. I love him (and his typewriter). The double lives they lead and how they don’t know the person they’re in love with is the person they loath. Ah! Amazing! Just shows that you often need to get past frivolous things and get to know a person. “That caviar is a garnish!” So funny!
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
13 Going on 30... Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo
Jenna is a thirteen-year-old who wants to be popular and struggles with adjusting to teenage life. After a disastrous birthday that was supposed to change her life and her status, she breaks down and wishes to be “thirty, flirty, and thriving.” The next day, she wakes up as exactly that. Mentally, she’s still thirteen, but she’s suddenly thirty-years-old and has the perfect life, the perfect job, the perfect everything… but is everything as glamorous as it seems?
50 First Dates... Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore
Henry is a playboy who has his heart set on romancing a beautiful girl in a diner. However, after one successful encounter, the next day, she suddenly doesn’t seem to remember him. He soon finds out that she has short-term memory loss. He then finds himself having to woo her every single day, sometimes successfully, sometimes not.
Clueless... Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd
A modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma. Cher is beautiful, rich, and popular. She makes it her goal in life to share these traits with everyone else. She especially believes she is gifted in pairing people together romantically. A new girl moves to the school and Cher makes her her personal project to improve her lifestyle. However, things begin to fall apart as Cher realizes she is not as skilled and observant as she once thought she was.
Decoy Bride... Kelly Macdonald and David Tennant
A big time Hollywood actress just wants a private wedding away from the paparazzi, so she chooses a remote Scottish island. However, even on the island, some paparazzi still find her and she goes into hiding. Her publicist panics and decides to have a fake wedding with a decoy bride. He finds a girl on the island to stage a wedding with the husband-to-be. However, things go sideways and the decoy bride and fiancé find themselves trekking all over the island.
The Holiday... Cameron Diaz and Jude Law and Kate Winslet and Jack Black
Rose and Amanda live on opposite sides of the world, but are in similar situations: the have both been scorned by love and are looking to get away. They find each other online and agree to a house swap— they will live in each other’s houses for a time. However, what was meant as an escape from love turns into a new opportunity.
