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Best Romantic Comedies of All Time

These are the best romantic comedies to watch on a girls night in, with an oversized popcorn bowl and a fuzzy blanket.

By Kelsey LangePublished 6 years ago 6 min read
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Romantic comedies have the best of both worlds when it comes to picking the best film to watch. Especially for couples, it's easy to convince your boyfriend to watch one of these movies because, besides the sappy love story, there are witty jokes, and light-hearted humor to separate the mush. They have something for every taste. Or just play it safe and invite your closest girlfriends to watch these with.

However, the genre has thousands of films to choose from. Which is the best? And which are you missing out on by not watching? We have chosen only the best romantic comedies for your weekend on the couch.

Grab a friend and finish off this list of the top rom-coms of all time.

Out of all of the best romantic comedies, we had to start off our list with a classic, The Princess Bride. Directed by Rob Reiner, the American adventure fantasy rom-com was adapted from the 1973 novel by William Goldman.

The plot follows a sick young boy and his grandfather as he reads him a story to go to sleep. The storyline follows a beautiful young woman, named Buttercup, who must battle her way through the kingdom of Florin in order to reunite herself with her long-lost love, Westley.

Alvy Singer, played by Woody Allen, is a comedian who is in a rocky relationship with nightclub singer Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton. Through voice-over, Alvy reflects on his personal life, specifically his failures in past relationships.

He even reviews the pros and cons of his current relationship. A combination of fantasy and reality allows the viewer to truly see the workings of Alvy's mind. Annie Hall is one of the best romantic comedies. Though it's not your typical rom-com, this is a great pick for something different, but will still hit your funny bone, plus it has some heart-warming moments.

One of the best romantic comedies in our eyes was only just released in 2012. Silver Linings Playbook was directed by David O Russell as an adaptation of the novel by the same title by Matthew Quick. Starring Bradly Cooper, Jennifer Larence, Robert De Niro, Jacki Weaver, Chris Tucker, Anupam Kher, and Julia Stiles, the movie has a killer cast. It was a great success at the box office, making over eleven times its original budget.

The film follows Pat Solatano who has just lost both his job and his wife. After spending time in a mental institute, he moves back into his parents' house. With hopes of finding a connection with his wife again, he meets Tiffany who will help him, but only if he helps her win a dance competition.

Directed by Donald Petrie and starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, this rom-com is perfect for a girls night in. It was based on a cartoon book, believe it or not, that was written by Michele Alexander and Jeannie Long.

The plot expands on an advice column writer, Andie, who wants to write about, well, how to lose a guy in ten days. This inspires her editor Lana to experiment. However, the executive, Ben, is convinced he can make her fall in love with him in ten days. What will be the outcome?

Kumail meets Emily, a graduate student, at his stand-up show. Ultimately, they begin a relationship, and start to become somewhat serious. However, Kumail is worried that his Muslim parents will not accept her into their lives. Then Emily becomes very sick and Kumail develops a close relationship with her parents instead.

As one of the best romantic comedies, The Big Sick places emphasis on cultural differences, while still focusing on love. Directed by Michael Showalter, the film was independently produced and grossed over $53 million, making it one of the highest-grossing independent films of 2017.

Not your typical romance, this romantic comedy starring Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Amber Vallette, and Kevin James will have you both laughing and smiling. Alex Hitchens is a mentor who coaches people to swoon the women that they admire. He teaches Albert all the best ways to sweep Allegra off her feet, and it's working. Meanwhile, he uses his own tactics as he is falling for Sara Melas. However, she discovers his career, and is completely disgusted. Was this all a ploy? Will he be able to convince her she is not just a test?

Directed by Andy Tennant, the 2005 film has even inspired a possible television series by Overbrook Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television. It is for sure one of the best romantic comedies to watch on a lazy day.

Julianne Potter, played by Julia Roberts, and Michael O'Neal, played by Dermot Mulroney, have always been friends. In fact, they created a childhood pact that if the two of them were still single by the age of 28, they would marry each other. Fast forward to both of their 28th years, and O'Neil gets engaged to Kimberly, a beautiful young woman played by Cameron Diaz. However, Julianna realizes she is in love with him. Will she put a stop to the wedding?

Of course, My Best Friend's Wedding is on the list of the best romantic comedies. As a classic global box-office hit, this film is considered one of the most influential rom-coms, ever.

Harry Burns and Sally Albright take the trip home from college after graduation together. During the car ride, a debate whether men and women can remain just friends comes up. They both take different sides. The two never see each other again for ten years, when they run into each other in a bookstore. After meeting back up, they become friends. But can they remain this way?

As one of the most unique among the best romantic comedy movies, When Harry Met Sally is both heart warming and hilarious. Directed by Rob Reiner, the film was released in 1989 and stars Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. The premise of the film was actually derived from the director's personal life, post-divorce. With help from interviews from Nora Ephron and “friends”, the plot took shape.

Sam Baldwin, played by Tom Hanks, and his son Jonah, played by Ross Mallinger, move to Seattle after the loss of their wife and mother. There is a talk-radio program in which Jonah calls in to find himself a new mother and a new wife for Sam. Sam gets on the air to talk about it, while Annie Reed, played by Meg Ryan, hears him on her radio. Though she is engaged, she writes him a letter, asking him to meet her on Valentine's Day.

Sleepless in Seattle was a complete success among the best romantic comedies, grossing $220 million. With a star cast and great film reviews, you can't go wrong with watching this 1993 drama.

Last on our list of the best romantic comedies, is the recent 2016 hit, La La Land.Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone's chemistry is undoubtable in this musical drama. Plus, it broke the record for the most wins at the 74th Golden Globe Awards with a whopping seven awards, taking home every Globe in the categories it was nominated in. And, it won six Academy Awards at the 89th show!

The story highlights Sebastian and Mia who are drawn together from the start. They have one commonality, which is their passion, Sebastian's being music, while Mia's is acting. But will the one thing that drew them together also pull them apart? There is nothing not to love about this film, from its realistic point of view to the amazing musical numbers, you have to see this movie.

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About the Creator

Kelsey Lange

Passionate about writing, animals, makeup, movies, friends, family, learning, exercising, and laughing!

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