Romantic Comedy Movies: A List of the Best Comedic Romance Films
Romantic comedy movies are some of the best watched movies for their combination of fun and comedy with a romantic storyline. These movies have a wide range of themes, styles, qualities and unique characters that draw viewers in and leave them feeling great after watching. Many romcoms are often love stories, but with a hint of humour, making them appeal to a broad range of audiences. Whether you’ve watched a hundred romantic comedies or you’re just starting, here’s a list of some of the best ones that you should definitely check out.
One of the most beloved romcom movies of all time is When Harry Met Sally. This classic 1989 contender tells the story of Sally, a young journalist who’s determined to prove that men and women cannot be friends without one of them having feelings for the other. Harry and Sally’s relationship develops over the years and they eventually realize they’re meant to be together. With great characters and witty dialogue, When Harry Met Sally will always remain a fan favorite.
Another great romance comedy movie is Crazy Rich Asians. This 2018 film follows New Yorker Rachel Chu as she visits Singapore with her long-term boyfriend, Nick Young. Rachel soon discovers that Nick’s family is wealthy and powerful. Despite their differences, Rachel and Nick find a way to be together. The movie star strong female characters, spectacular Singaporean locations and engaging humor all make this movie an enjoyable experience.
If you’re looking for something a bit more uplifting, then The Proposal is the movie for you. This 2009 movie stars Sandra Bullock as Margaret, a devoted executive assistant to Andrew, her boss, who is played by Ryan Reynolds. When Andrew has to marry an American to stay in the country, he proposes to his assistant and the film follows their relationship’s progress. Though the story of The Proposal might be predictable, the movie is still funny and sweet, making it one of the best romantic comedy films.
If you’re thinking of something that blends comedy, romance and science fiction, The Five-Year Engagement is the movie for you. This 2012 flick follows the couple, Tom and Violet, as they face numerous challenges of a five-year long engagement. Despite the bumps in the road, their strong love for each other carries them through. The Five-Year Engagement is a great romcom for viewers who are looking for something with a good blend of comedy and science fiction.
Romantic comedy movies don’t always have to have a contemporary setting, and The Princess Bride puts this concept to the test. This 1987 film pairs comedic moments with an unlikely love story between the characters Westley and Buttercup. Spanning a large classic fantasy world, they face many obstacles while also finding time to unearth a bit of truth. Though it’s an older movie, The Princess Bride is still a classic that stands up today.
If you prefer the written word over movies, Bridget Jones’s Diary is the book for you. This contemporary classic follows the titular Bridget as she navigates a London lifestyle with a unique dash of humor. As Bridget deals with life’s ups and downs, she also embarks on a romantic journey as she falls in love with two men. Written in diary format, this book is great if you prefer something a bit more in-depth and creative.
Romantic Comedy Movies with a Musical Twist
If you’re looking for a romantic comedy with a musical twist, check out Moulin Rouge. This 2001 musical movie features iconic Nicole Kidman as Éponine Thénardier, a cabaret singing star, and a young Ewan McGregor as Christian, a poet who falls in love with her. Nicknamed the ‘The Diamond Dog’, Éponine struggles with a star-crossed romance full of melodrama and tragedy, brightened up by the catchy songs and powerful voices of both her and Christian.
If you’re looking for something lighter, then La La Land is the movie for you. This 2016 movie starsEmma Stone and Ryan Gosling as Mia and Sebastian, a struggling actress and a jazz musician who fall in love in La La Land. As Mia and Sebastian pursue their dreams of stardom, they struggle to maintain their relationship with each other. Featuring stunning visuals and memorable numbers, La La Land is a must-see movie for romcom excellence.
If you’re looking for something with a dash of historical drama, then you should check out The Greatest Showman. This 2017 movie stars Hugh Jackman as the famed P. T. Barnum and Zac Efron as Philip Carlyle. As Barnum and Carlyle’s story develops, the viewer is treated to a number of lavish and high-energy musical numbers. This fantastic movie is full of colorful characters and eye-popping sets that will make you love it even more.
Romantic Comedy Movies with a Historical Twist
If you’re looking for a romantic comedy movie set in a different era, then The Jane Austen Book Club might be the perfect choice. This 2007 movie follows the story of six book club members as they read and discuss Jane Austen’s novels. As they get deeper into the books and the characters in them, the club members start to reveal similarities between Austen’s stories and their own lives. This charming movie cleverly weaves together romance, comedy, and bookishness.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a dark side, Shakespeare in Love is the movie for you. This 1998 movie stars Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes as Viola and Will, respectively, who fall in love while writing and performing plays in Elizabethan England. As their relationship unfolds, they face a number of obstacles, and the movie keeps the audience on their toes with plenty of twists. This witty movie is full of quotable moments and is definitely worth watching.
Though it’s a bit darker than other movies on this list, The Duchess is still a great movie. This 2008 film follows the story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, played by Keira Knightly. As she navigates through her arranged marriage with the duke, her life is nevertheless full of scandal, romance and plenty of drama. The Duchess is a great movie for those looking for something a bit different and unique.
Romantic Comedy Movies Based on Real Life
If you’re looking for a movie based on real-life events, then you should watch Julie & Julia. This 2009 movie follows Julie Powell, played by Amy Adams, as she makes her way through Julia Child’s cookbook a year. As Julie’s story progresses, so does the story of Child’s life before the cookbook in the 1940s. With the stories of Julie and Julia side by side, the movie is able to capture the audience with the inspiring stories of both of these women.
If you’re looking for something more dramatic, then you should check out A Beautiful Mind. This 2001 movie stars Russell Crowe as John Forbes Nash, Jr., a mathematician who struggles with schizophrenia. As his illness progresses, he is aided by his supportive wife, Alicia, played byJennifer Connelly. A Beautiful Mindis unique in its combination of comedy, tragedy and romance, making it a great movie for viewers who are looking for something with substance.
Sometimes you just want feel-good romcoms, and My Best Friend’s Wedding fits the bill. This 1997 movie stars Julia Roberts as Julianne Potter, a single woman who’s determined to prevent her best friend Michael, played by Dermot Mulroney, from getting married. With plenty of colorful characters and nail-biting moments, My Best Friend’s Wedding is perfect for a movie night.
Romantic Comedy Movies for A Summer Night
Watching a good romcom on a summer night is a great way to relax, and The Best of Me is the movie for you. This 2014 tearjerker stars Michelle Monaghan and James Marsden as former sweethearts Amanda and Dawson. When they’re brought back together after twenty years, the two find themselves face to face with a romantic past full of heartache and regret. The Best of Me will tug at your heart strings as you experience the powerful moments of this touching story.
If you’re in search of an entertaining romantic comedy, then How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days is a great choice. This 2003 movie stars Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as Andie and Benjamin, who’re in a wager of complete opposites. As Andie attempts to drive Benjamin away in ten days, she finds herself experiencing genuine feelings of attraction. How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days is full of witty dialogue, great acting and a laugh-out-loud story.
If you’re looking for something with a unique take on romance, then (500) Days of Summer is for you. This 2009 movie stars Joseph Gordon-Leavitt as Tom Hansen, an architect in search of love. When he meets Summer, an aspiring Lawyer played by Zooey Deschanel, his romantic notions are challenged. The film follows the couple’s story over the span of 500 days and it’s full of humor and surprise.
Romantic Comedy Movies with A Twist
If you’re looking for something with a twist, then The Big Sick is a great choice. This 2017 movie stars Kumail Nanjiani as a Pakistani-American stand-up comedian and Zoe Kazan as Emily, their love interest. As the two’s story unfolds, Emily falls ill and Kumail must take charge of her treatment while dealing with family heirlooms and the Pakistani culture. This movie captures the joy, tears and surprises of real life, making it an unforgettable story.
If you’re looking for a movie that’s like no other, then watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. This unique 2004 movie stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as Joel and Clementine, a couple who’s had their memories of each other erased. The movie follows their unique journey as their relationship and their lives are re-examined and
