“Keep it in the family.”
Image by Federico Napoli
Romantic comedies are a lighthearted entertainment option for anybody in the mood for a film with humor, the odd bit of drama, and all the romance they could want. They are an easy option to put on in the background or sit down with some friends on a cozy evening, and they’re something everyone can enjoy.
Being something a viewer can have on in the background while they do chores means a movie’s versatility can be one of its strongest features. It’s a sign of a comfort film and proves its rewatchability, even if someone’s attention isn’t solely on the TV as they do other stuff. Movies like the underrated Crazy Stupid Love and the popular Emma Stone-starring Easy A have gripped their audiences for years, with their effortless humor and intimate relationships at the forefront of entertainment. There have been dozens and dozens of success stories in the rom-com genre over the last one hundred years, but these are some of the most reliable contenders for a rewatch.
18’About Time’ (2013)
Directed by Richard Curtis
Image via Universal Pictures
Rom-com king Richard Curtis directs Oscar-nominee Rachel McAdams and the underrated Domhnall Gleeson in the 2013 sci-fi rom-com About Time. The film follows Tim Lake, a young man with the ability to time travel. Through a little manipulation, Tim gets the girl of his dreams and the life he always wanted, but soon, he realizes he can’t fix everything.
An inspired blend of genres and ambitious themes, About Time is an intriguing effort from the ever-reliable Curtis. McAdams is at her most charming, proving why she’s among her generation’s most gifted performers. For his part, Gleeson brings warmth and reliability to a role that could easily come across as creepy. Although full of plot holes, About Time remains an enjoyable and endlessly rewatchable rom-com thanks to Curtis’ unabashed optimism and the incredible chemistry between its well-matched leads.
Release DateSeptember 4, 2013DirectorRichard CurtisCastDomhnall Gleeson , Rachel McAdams , Bill Nighy , Lydia Wilson , Lindsay Duncan , Richard CorderyRuntime123 minutes17’Enough Said’ (2013)
Directed by Nicole Holofcener
Image via Searchlight Pictures
It’s rare for romantic comedies to feature and focus on characters and storylines catered to an older demographic, yet Enough Said shines in this regard with a grounded and highly relatable story for middle-aged audiences. The film follows the story of Eva, a divorced soon-to-be empty-nester who is dealing with the difficulties of having to spend her days alone now that her daughter has left for college. She soon finds solace in Marianne, a new friend who seemingly has it all figured out, which gives her the self-confidence to take a chance on an unexpected new love interest in Albert.
Especially as the romantic comedy genre continues to focus and feature only the youngest and most attractive actors available, Enough Said continues to be a beautiful reflection of an honest, true-to-life romance. This effective balance of a grounded, realistic romance with the genuine comedic miscommunications of real life makes for one of the most underrated romantic comedies of the era. Its themes and story still hold up tremendously over a decade later, and it features one of the last performances from the late great James Gandolfini.En
Release DateOctober 11, 2013DirectorNicole HolofcenerCastJulia Louis-Dreyfus , Lennie Loftin , Jessica St. Clair , Christopher Nicholas Smith , Tracey Fairaway , Toni ColletteRuntime93 minutes16’Plus One’ (2019)
Directed by Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer
Image Via RLJE Films
Quite possibly the most underrated romantic comedy of the 2010s, Plus One is the rare entry into the genre that is affecting and entertaining. Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine star as Ben and Alice, two friends who agree to be each other’s plus-one throughout the wedding season. However, their chemistry soon leads to a romance, bringing a shift to their dynamic.
Although the plot is nothing out of the ordinary, Plus One excels thanks to its relatable characters. Quaid is a perfect boy next door whose intimacy issues keep him from achieving a genuine connection. Erskine is outstanding as the chaotic and eccentric Alice, a performance that confirms her as a mighty comedic talent who should be more widely recognized. Equal parts funny and romantic, Plus One is a near-perfect example of the fan-favorite genre.
Plus One
NRRelease DateJune 14, 2019DirectorJeff ChanCastMaya Erskine , Jack Quaid , Beck Bennett , Rosalind Chao , Perrey Reeves , Ed BegleyRuntime98 minutes
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15’Alex Strangelove’ (2018)
Directed by Craig Johnson
Before Heartstopper and Red, White & Royal Blue, there was Alex Strangelove. Released in 2018, this sweet coming-of-age romantic comedy centers on Alex Truelove, who enters a relationship with his best friend, Claire. However, he begins to doubt his feelings upon meeting Elliot, a charming and handsome boy who will make him question his 𝑠e𝑥ual identity.
Alex Strangelove is among the best LGBTQ+ movies of the 2010s. Small-scale but refreshingly honest and surprisingly mature, the film deals with the difficult issue of 𝑠e𝑥ual identity with empathy and remarkable intelligence. It greatly benefits from a brilliant and naturalistic performance from Alex Doheny, who captures Alex’s doubts and struggles in a simple yet compelling manner that will ring true to thousands of adolescents going through the same self-discovery journey.Alex Strangelo
Directed by Ivan Reitman
Often confused with the similarly premised Friends with Benefits, No Strings Attached tackles the topic of a connection based upon 𝑠e𝑥ual attraction between two friends, not wanting this fling to transform into anything more. While Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) continue to enact their desires, things begin to get dicey when they actually start to develop feelings for one another.
The inherent connection and chemistry between Portman and Kutcher, combined with the classic comedic direction from Ivan Reitman help make No Strings Attached one of the most iconic studio rom-coms of the early 2010s. The film tapped into the increased conversation that society was having towards dating and dating conventions of the era, and its interpretation of this style of frivolous flings and dating still finds itself to be very relevant in the modern era of dating.
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13’Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ (2018)
Directed by Ol Parker
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2008’s Mamma Mia! was a surprising success, becoming a campy classic almost instantly. The sequel took quite a long time to come out, but it was worth the wait. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again follows two stories: in the present, Sophie deals with the recent loss of her mother while preparing to reopen her hotel and expecting the arrival of her child; in the past, a young Donna arrives at the Greek island without knowing her life will change forever.
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again! features everything that made its predecessor a smashing success and more. ABBA’s beloved music once again accompanies a story about growing up and facing life’s challenges, anchored by Amanda Seyfried and Lily James at their most compelling. Brimming with energy and featuring some of the most well-known songs in modern pop culture, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again is a spectacular musical that begs to be seen over and over again; my, my, how can you resist it?
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again
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Release DateJuly 9, 2018DirectorOl ParkerCastLily James , Meryl Streep , Amanda Seyfried , Pierce Brosnan , Colin Firth , Stellan SkarsgårdRuntime12012’Love, Simon’ (2016)
Directed by Greg Berlanti
Another teen rom-com with a hint of drama thrown into the mix came eight years ago with the release of Greg Berlanti‘s Love, Simon. The film stars Nick Robinson, who gained recognition following a memorable performance in the first installment of the Jurassic World trilogy back in 2015, as only his second film appearance.
The following year saw him lend his talents to a movie so full of heart that it had audiences hooked from the trailer alone. It tells the story of a young closeted teenager as he deals with the day-to-day life of a teen, a brewing romance, and a blackmailer making his life trouble with threats of outing him. Critically and commercially successful, the film has already reached classic status for many, and its story showcases acceptance of oneself perfectly.
Love, Simon
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Release DateFebruary 16, 2018DirectorGreg BerlantiCastNick Robinson , Jennifer Garner , Josh Duhamel , Katherine Langford , Alexandra Shipp , Logan MillerRuntime110 minutes11’To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ (2018)
Directed by Susan Johnson
This Netflix original from 2018 took critics and audiences by storm the moment it was released on the platform six years ago. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is arguably one of the most rewatchable Netflix original romance movies, as its characters are very relatable and easy to like.
The popularity of the original performed so well that it sparked the creation of a trilogy with two further sequels called To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You and To All the Boys: Always and Forever, which did almost as well as their predecessors in the eyes of critics. All three of these films provide an entertaining binge-watch for a movie night full of romance, comedy, and heartfelt interactions between characters that anyone can enjoy.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
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Release DateAugust 17, 2018DirectorSusan JohnsonCastLana Condor , Noah Centineo , Janel Parrish , Anna CathcartRuntime99 minutes10’Drinking Buddies’ (2013)
Directed by Joe Swanberg
One of the most unique and experimental takes on how to attain genuine emotion from a romantic comedy, Drinking Buddies accomplishes a lot not from its premise, but from its ingenious execution. The film’s premise is relatively simple, following the ins and outs of a relationship drama surrounding a group of friends and coworkers who work for a beer factory and drink together. However, what makes the film so memorable is its lack of a hardened script, with most of the film’s dialogue and back-and-forth being entirely improvised.
Drinking Buddies‘ approach to dialogue, while seeming strange at first glance, easily makes for some of the most genuine and down-to-earth performances in romantic comedy history. This film’s dedication to having genuine connection and dialogue allows its characters to feel as human and authentic as possible, making the stories and divides of love with the subsequent reactions feel that much more real. While its brand of comedy isn’t for everyone and is more in touch with the comedic stylings of the crew themselves, it’s an experience that lends itself to being picked apart and examined on each subsequent viewing.
Drinking Buddies
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Release DateAugust 23, 2013DirectorJoe SwanbergCastOlivia Wilde , Jake Johnson , Anna Kendrick , Ron Livingston , Ti West , Jason SudeikisRuntime959’Set It Up’ (2018)
Directed by Claire Scanlon
Netflix is typically a good streaming platform to gravitate towards when looking for anything someone might be in the mood for. Whether it’s a gripping drama, hilarious comedy, true documentary, or, in this case, a lighthearted rom-com like 2018’s Set It Up, there’s never a lack of things to watch.
The Claire Scanlon-directed romantic comedy from the mind of writer Katie Silberman follows two assistants in New York whose bosses push them to their limits. In an effort to get them to loosen up, the two women (Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell), strangers until they connect over their similar situations, attempt to set them up on dates, with some unexpected results. Positively received by those who saw it in the weeks after its release on the platform, the movie is more than capable of a rewatch thanks to its charismatic characters (and is one of Powell’s better rom-coms).
Set It Up
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Release DateJune 15, 2018DirectorClaire ScanlonCastZoey Deutch , Glen Powell , Lucy Liu , Taye DiggsRuntime105 minutes8’The Big Sick’ (2017)
Directed by Michael Showalter
The Big Sick is a multi-award-winning movie from 2017 with a total of sixty-three nominations across dozens of organizations, with categories ranging from Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture to Best Actress and even winning the title of Best Film of the Year from the American Film Institute.
The movie’s plot centers on Kumil Nanjiani‘s fictionalized version of himself as he stars alongside Zoe Kazan as two people who grow closer as the story progresses. The movie is classed as a romantic comedy-drama for the occasional emotional damage it can cause its audience. However, it’s a lighthearted viewing experience more than deserving of all its success.
The Big Sick
RRelease DateMarch 30, 2017DirectorMichael ShowalterCastHolly Hunter , Zoe Kazan , Kumail Nanjiani , Ray Romano , Rebecca Naomi Jones , Linda EmondRuntime119
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7’Friends With Benefits’ (2011)
Directed by Will Gluck
Justin Timberlake decided to try his hand at acting before becoming a successful solo artist following his split from NSYNC in 2002. His first on-screen appearance was in the 2001 comedy filmLongshot, in which he played himself. But this only gave him a taste of the movie world, and his career as an actor only grew as the years progressed.
In 2011, he starred alongside Mila Kunis as Dylan Harper in the popular rom-com by director Will Gluck. Set against the backdrop of New York, Friends With Benefits follows Dylan and Jamie (Kunis) as they engage in a friendship with the added titular benefits, only for romantic feelings to develop and go ignored by both parties. It’s an entertaining watch with two lead personalities capable of keeping audiences engaged and amused throughout its entirety.
Friends With Benefits
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Release DateJuly 21, 2011DirectorWill GluckCastjustin timberlake , Mila Kunis , Patricia Clarkson , Jenna Elfman , Bryan Greenberg , Richard JenkinsRuntime1096’Sleeping with Other People’ (2015)
Directed by Leslye Headland
Sleeping with Other People follows the unorthodox and unexpected friendship of Lainey (Alison Brie) and Jake (Jason Sudeikis), two wayward souls who had a one-night stand in college. Miraculously, they manage to meet each other twelve years later, with both of them continuing to have bad experiences with relationships and cheating on their respective partners. Since neither one of them can realistically maintain a relationship with the other, they decide to begin a platonic relationship despite their own attraction to one another, a task easier said than done.
It’s easy to take the premise of Sleeping with Other People, a romantic comedy following two serial cheaters, people normally looked down upon in rom-coms and real life, and expect a similar case to happen in this film. However, there are surprising levels of maturity and self-reflection present throughout the film, which while not groundbreaking, treats these characters and their worlds with much more respect than the average rom-com of the time. Their genuine connection and struggles prove themselves to be highly relatable and compelling, continuing to make waves no matter how many times an audience has seen them.
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5’Easy A’ (2010)
Directed by Will Gluck
The second movie on this list from director Will Gluck comes with the 2010 release of the iconic Emma Stone-starring Easy A. The film has a star-studded cast whose performances helped aid in its success. Alongside Emma Stone, stars Lisa Kudrow, Stanley Tucci, Dan Byrd, Patricia Clarkson, Aly Michalka, Thomas Haden Church, and many more.
The teen rom-com takes its audiences on an incredibly entertaining journey as The Scarlet Letter-inspired film’s witty dialogue and entertaining plot keep people hooked from the start. Easy A won five awards, many for Emma’s performance of Olivia Penderghast, and earned her her first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor.
Easy A
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Release DateSeptember 16, 2010DirectorWill GluckCastEmma Stone , Penn Badgley , Amanda Bynes , Dan Byrd , Thomas Haden Church , Patricia ClarksonRuntime924’Silver Linings Playbook’ (2012)
Directed by David O. Russell
The Academy Award-winning romantic comedy that blended humor and charm with genuine drama and emotion, Silver Linings Playbook quickly became the gold standard for rom-coms with a dramatic twist in the 2010s. The film follows the story of Pat Solatano Jr. (Bradley Cooper), who after having spent eight months in a mental institution, makes it a goal with himself to attempt to reconcile with his ex-wife. During his attempts, however, he makes an unexpected connection with young widow Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), who offers to help him get his wife back if he in return enters a dance competition with her.
The ingenious blending of top-notch comedy and heartbreaking emotion has easily made Silver Linings Playbook one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 2010s. Its performances and writing were strong enough to earn a number of Academy Award nominations, with the likes of Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Jacki Weaver all receiving nominations for their performances. The true highlight is Jennifer Lawrence, however, who delivers a near career-defining performance that earned her her first and so far only Academy Award win.
Silver Linings Playbook
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Release DateSeptember 8, 2012DirectorDavid O. RussellCastJennifer Lawrence , Robert De Niro , Bradley Cooper , Julia Stiles , Chris Tucker , Shea WhighamRuntime1223’Crazy Rich Asians’ (2018)
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Box office tycoon Crazy Rich Asians became an instant critical and commercial success after its release six years ago. The Jon M. Chu-directed rom-com grossed a whopping near-eight times its budget of just $30 million when it brought in $239 million, which made it the highest-grossing romantic comedy of the entire decade.
Its success wasn’t undeserved. Cast performances from Constance Wu, Gemma Chan, Henry Golding, Michelle Yeoh, Ken Jeong, Lisa Lu, and Awkwafina were highly praised by critics, with many nominated for various accolades, including Best Acting Ensemble at the Critics Choice Awards. The movie follows a couple who fly to Singapore to meet the country’s most wealthy family, whom Henry’s character, Nick, just so happens to be a part of, unbeknownst to his girlfriend.
Crazy Rich Asians
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Release DateAugust 15, 2018DirectorJon M. ChuCastConstance Wu , Henry Golding , Michelle Yeoh , Gemma Chan , Awkwafina , Chris PangRuntime121 mins2’Always Be My Maybe’ (2019)
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan
Always Be My Maybe was written by Michael Golamco, Ali Wong, and Randall Park, of which the latter two also star in the lead roles as Sasha Tran and Marcus Kim. Always Be My Maybe also stars Keanu Reeves and many more in supporting roles, but the plot primarily centers on Marcus and Sasha when they reunite after years following a teenage fling.
When it dropped on Netflix in 2019, Always Be My Maybe debuted with a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score and plenty of positive feedback from critics. The leading characters’ charm paved the way for many a favorable viewing and earned Ali Wong a Comedy Movie Star nomination at the People’s Choice Awards for her captivating performance as Sasha.
Always Be My Maybe
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Release DateMay 31, 2019DirectorNahnatchka KhanCastAli Wong , Randall Park , James Saito , Michelle ButeauRuntime101 minutes1’Crazy Stupid Love’ (2011)
Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa
Crazy Stupid Love is a 2011 rom-com from the minds of directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and writer Dan Fogelman. The movie stars Ryan Gosling, Steve Carell, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, Kevin Bacon, Marisa Tomei, and some talented young performers in a story that had the audience’s attention from the opening scene.
Telling the story of Cal Weaver (Carell) as he deals with the sudden separation from his wife (Moore), Crazy Stupid Love is an incredibly enjoyable journey of life with someone cared for, the love held for them, and for Cal, rediscovering the manhood he lost a long time ago, at least according to Jacob Palmer (Gosling). With strong character development throughout and brilliant portrayals of relationship aspects, this 2011 gem is more than worthy of a rewatch, even if just to see that unexpected and hilarious twist at the end.
