Iconic Romantic Comedies
Looking for those unforgettable romantic comedies that make you laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again? Let me share a few of my personal favorites that have managed to keep their charm over years.
Classic Picks
The golden days of Hollywood really did spoil us with romantic comedies that are still loved by many. Here’s a shortlist of must-have classics for your movie night:
- It Happened One Night (1934): This film took the 1935 Oscars by storm and is often regarded as one of the best in the genre. It’s a delightful tale of an heiress on the lam and a cheeky reporter who tags along for the ride. (Collider)
- The Philadelphia Story (1940): With six Oscar nominations, this gem also won Jimmy Stewart a shiny Best Actor trophy. It’s an entertaining love mix featuring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and Jimmy Stewart. (Collider)
- Roman Holiday (1953): Audrey Hepburn, in a role that secured her an Oscar amongst ten nominations, stars with the suave Gregory Peck in a story that’s just as charming today as it was back then. (Collider)
- Gigi (1958): This movie was the toast of the town at the 31st Oscars, bagging all nine of its nominations. Imagine the magic of Paris in the 1900s with a delightful romantic twist. (Collider)
Timeless Romances
Some stories just speak to the heart, no matter what decade it is. Check out these all-time favorites that keep winning over new fans:
- Moonstruck (1987): Cher shines alongside Nicolas Cage in this Brooklyn-based tale of family and love that snagged six Oscar nods and saw Cher winning Best Actress. Truly unforgettable. (Collider)
- When Harry Met Sally (1989): Is it really possible for men and women to be just friends? This flick adds a sprinkle of humor and romance while tackling that age-old question. Our romantic films with funny moments picks up where this film leaves off.
- Pretty Woman (1990): Think of it as a Cinderella story with a modern twist. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere charm audiences with a combo of romance and laughs that never go out of style.
Movie | Release Year | Awards Won |
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It Happened One Night | 1934 | 5 |
The Philadelphia Story | 1940 | 2 |
Roman Holiday | 1953 | 3 |
Gigi | 1958 | 9 |
Moonstruck | 1987 | 3 |
Looking for more cozy, feel-good films that’ll put a smile on your face? Check our feel-good romantic movies and romantic films with happy endings. Whether you fancy a chuckle or a sweet love narrative, these movies are guaranteed to make your heart happy.
Heartwarming Flicks That Warm the Soul
Hey you! Buckle up as I take you on a journey of feel-good rom-coms that’ll plaster a grin on your face, and maybe have you swooning a bit, too. These movies will whisk you away into a realm where love isn’t just a story—it’s an adventure full of giggles and good vibes.
Easy-Breezy Romances
You can’t think about rom-coms without cherry-pickin’ those legendary oldies and modern gems that never miss a beat in lifting your spirits. Here’s what I think you should queue up:
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“10 Things I Hate About You” (1999): Think Shakespeare, but with high school drama. Ledger and Stiles will have you chuckling and rooting for love. Want more blasts from the past? Check romantic movies from the 2000s.
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“Clueless” (1995): Austen’s “Emma” gets a 90’s makeover with Alicia Silverstone rocking the mega-fashionista Cher. Watch for iconic laughs and moments. Catch some romantic films set in Europe.
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“Groundhog Day” (1993): Bill Murray relives the same day till he nails love and life. It’s your go-to for a quirky take on romance. Anything but dull (Vanity Fair).
Movie | Year | Lead Actors |
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10 Things I Hate About You | 1999 | Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles |
Clueless | 1995 | Alicia Silverstone, Paul Rudd |
Groundhog Day | 1993 | Bill Murray, Andie MacDowell |
Picks to Perk Up Your Mood
When life gets dreary and you need a little cheer-me-up, these laughs and charms will have you up and running again:
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“The Philadelphia Story” (1940): Watch legends like Katharine Hepburn and Jimmy Stewart create magic! It’s a high-class love riot with some snappy lingo. And awards, oh did I mention Jimmy’s got a whole Oscar for this one? (Collider).
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“My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002): Nia Vardalos juggles her boisterous Greek family and a romantic tale. Seriously hilarious with a sprinkle of heartwarming.
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“Love & Basketball” (2000): Not your everyday boy-meets-girl, but on a basketball court. Romance and a no-nonsense sports vibe—it’s the real deal (Vanity Fair). Check out more romantic movies for a girls’ night.
Movie | Year | Lead Actors |
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The Philadelphia Story | 1940 | Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant |
My Big Fat Greek Wedding | 2002 | Nia Vardalos, John Corbett |
Love & Basketball | 2000 | Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps |
Hungry for more joyful flicks? Dive into our friendly romantic movies list and feel-good romantic movies for endless laughter and love.
Modern Romantic Gems
When it comes to rom-coms, the present day doesn’t disappoint. New flicks are stepping up with fresh angles and touching tales that hit the sweet spot for today’s viewers. So, if you’re after a movie that’ll warm your heart, here’s a round-up of the latest you gotta see.
Recent Must-Watches
Here are fresh picks in romantic comedy that have won us over:
- Nobody Wants This (2024)
- What’s It About: Joanne (Kristen Bell), who’s not into religion, crosses paths with Noah (Adam Brody), a rabbi who’s anything but typical. Together they face the world and all its quirky challenges.
- Catch it on: Netflix
- We Live in Time (2024)
- What’s It About: Watch as Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield as Almut and Tobias fall hard, tackle life’s bumps, and realize how precious time together really is.
- Catch it on: Streaming anywhere you get your fix
- Find Me Falling (2024)
- What’s It About: Harry Connick Jr.’s character, an aging rock star, seeks downtime in Cyprus and gets a blast from the past with Agni Scott. Sparks fly.
- Catch it on: Netflix
- Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
- What’s It About: Follow the love story between a US President’s son and a British prince where love crosses boundaries of politics and identity.
- Catch it on: Prime Video
- Shortcomings (2023)
- What’s It About: Ride the rollercoaster of love and cross-cultural woes with three Asian American folks navigating life in the Bay Area.
- Catch it on: Wherever you stream your stuff
- Rye Lane (2023)
- What’s It About: Two heartbroken young adults find solace in each other’s company over an eventful day on the lively streets of South London.
- Catch it on: Hulu
These flicks serve up fresh takes on love, guaranteeing a good time for anyone itching for something soul-soothing in romantic flicks.
Contemporary Charms
Modern-day rom-coms don’t just stop at the story—they bring little surprises that boost their appeal. Check these out:
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
- What’s It About: A high school girl’s secret love notes get leaked, causing a whirlwind of unexpected fun and romance.
- Catch it on: Netflix
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- What’s It About: An Asian-American lady heads to Singapore to meet her beau’s fam, only to find out he’s a local celebrity bachelor.
- Catch it on: HBO Max
- The Big Sick (2017)
- What’s It About: Based on real events, it’s a tale about a Pakistani guy and his American gal figuring out love amidst health scares and cultural clashes.
- Catch it on: Amazon Prime
- Set It Up (2018)
- What’s It About: Two stressed-out assistants team up to couple their tough bosses, but oops, they find romance along the way.
- Catch it on: Netflix
- Always Be My Maybe (2019)
- What’s It About: Childhood buddies Sasha and Marcus reconnect after ages, only to find their old sparks haven’t quite fizzled out.
- Catch it on: Netflix
- Palm Springs (2020)
- What’s It About: At a wedding, guests find themselves trapped in a loop, replaying the same day and discovering love.
- Catch it on: Hulu
Here’s a quick breakdown of these fabulous films:
Movie Title | What’s the Scoop? | Catch it on |
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before | When love notes get out, unexpected romance follows. | Netflix |
Crazy Rich Asians | Boyfriend’s family turns out to be super rich and famous. | HBO Max |
The Big Sick | Cultures clash, hearts connect amidst health scares. | Amazon Prime |
Set It Up | Assistants try matchmaking, sparking their own romance. | Netflix |
Always Be My Maybe | Childhood pals reconnect; love complications ensue. | Netflix |
Palm Springs | Relive the same wedding day, discover love in the loop. | Hulu |
These rom-coms show off today’s storytelling magic with laughs, connections, and heart-tugging tales of love, perfect for any rom-com lover. For more movies to add to your list, peek at our modern romantic comedies guide.
Underrated Treasures
In the colorful world of rom-coms, there’s a handful of movies that fly under the radar. They might not have broken box office records, but they’re absolute must-sees for any fan of romance flicks. Here’s a peek at some of my all-time faves.
Hidden Gems
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Nobody Wants This (2024): Kristen Bell and Adam Brody team up for this quirky Netflix romance that tells the story of Joanne, an agnostic woman, and Noah, an unconventional rabbi. Their love story weaves through the complications of societal norms and religion, making it a real charmer (TV Insider).
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Find Me Falling (2024): With Harry Connick Jr. as a once-famed rock star and Agni Scott playing his past love, this tale unfolds beautifully on the stunning island of Cyprus. It’s all about rediscovering love where it’s least expected (TV Insider).
Overlooked Classics
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Gigi (1958): This gem snagged all nine Oscars it was up for, including Best Picture and Best Director for Vincente Minnelli. It’s a musical masterpiece from the 1950s that keeps enchanting viewers with its timeless beauty (Collider).
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Fever Pitch (2005): With Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore at the helm, this laugh-out-loud film blends romance and baseball. It hilariously contemplates if a love for sports can make or break a relationship, sprinkling plenty of laughs and tender moments along the way (Cosmopolitan).
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Just Like Heaven (2005): Starring Reese Witherspoon as a ghost and Mark Ruffalo as the fella who falls for her, this flick offers a charmingly peculiar twist to the standard love story. It’s a tale that captivates with its magical plot and endearing characters (Cosmopolitan).
Here’s a little table for quick reference:
Movie | Year | Notable Actors | Unique Element |
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Nobody Wants This | 2024 | Kristen Bell, Adam Brody | Romance between an agnostic and a rabbi |
Find Me Falling | 2024 | Harry Connick Jr., Agni Scott | Rock star reconnects with old flame in Cyprus |
Gigi | 1958 | Leslie Caron, Louis Jourdan | Multiple Oscar Winner |
Fever Pitch | 2005 | Jimmy Fallon, Drew Barrymore | Love story with a baseball theme |
Just Like Heaven | 2005 | Reese Witherspoon, Mark Ruffalo | Romantic plot involving a ghost |
If you’re up for more heartwarming tales, swing by these romantic movies or check out other underrated romantic chick flicks. They’re the perfect pick for a quiet evening at home or a fun night with friends, sure to hit you right in the feels.
Diverse Representations
Who doesn’t love a good romantic comedy, right? It’s like a warm hug for your soul, especially when it shows love in all its beautiful forms. The best ones mix it up with LGBTQ+ folks and a rainbow of ethnic backgrounds, making these love tales real and relatable. Here are some favorite mushy rom-coms that give a nod to diversity:
LGBTQ+ Rom-Coms
These flicks featuring LGBTQ+ peeps don’t just serve love stories; they give you stories that hit you right in the feels while being as important as your morning coffee.
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“The Half of It”: Directed by Alice Wu, this one’s about Ellie Chu and Paul Munsky; it’s a sweet peek into the romance of two young girls of color. Think about how it twists the usual rom-com clichés (Variety). Absolutely a must-see on my heartwarming romantic movies list.
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“Love, Simon”: Follows Simon Spier, a high schooler sorting through his feelings and coming out to his crew. Balances giggles and tug-at-your-heartstrings moments like a pro.
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“Someone Great”: Starring Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, and DeWanda Wise, this is more than a breakup story. It’s got your diversity and emotions checkboxes ticked while exploring self-discovery and friendship paths (Variety). It shines bright in the list of romantic films with funny moments.
Inclusive Love Stories
Dive into love tales from all corners of life. Inclusive stories add layers and flavors to rom-coms, making ’em lessons in love and laughter.
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“Always Be My Maybe”: With Ali Wong and Randall Park, childhood buddies bump into each other as grown-ups. Packed with a bunch of laughs, a dash of heart, and hey, Keanu Reeves popping up outta nowhere! (Variety)
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“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”: This Netflix gem follows Lana Condor as Lara Jean Covey, whose secret crush notes go rogue. A favorite for its colorful cast and sweet story—ideal for a movies list fit for girls’ night out.
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“Crazy Rich Asians”: Mainly features an Asian cast starring Rachel Chu, visiting Singapore with her boyfriend to find out he’s stinkin’ rich. It’s a fun dip into love, family, and worlds colliding.
Movie Title | Diverse Representation |
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The Half of It | LGBTQ+, Characters of Color |
Love, Simon | LGBTQ+ |
Someone Great | African-American Characters, LGBTQ+ |
Always Be My Maybe | Asian-American Characters |
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before | Asian-American Characters |
Crazy Rich Asians | Asian Characters |
These movies not only warm your heart but also showcase the wonderful diversity around us. For more tear-jerker love stories, swing by my classic romantic comedies list and peek into romantic movies featuring love triangles.
Quirky and Unique
Romantic comedies often find their groove in the delightful weirdness of life’s unexpected turns. Here’s my top picks of quirky gems in the rom-com universe that sprinkle some extra magic into the mix. They don’t just tell love stories—they redefine them.
Unconventional Romances
Love can sneak up on you when you least expect it. These flicks embrace unusual love stories, showing that romance doesn’t always play by the rules.
Nobody Wants This
Meet a headstrong agnostic and an unconventional rabbi whose bond challenges society’s norms and their own beliefs. This flick is a buffet of thought-provoking moments and unexpected feels.
Title | Description | Platform |
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Nobody Wants This | A tale of an agnostic woman’s adventure with a quirky rabbi | Netflix |
The Half of It
This gentle tale dives into the romance between two young girls of color, capturing the innocence and exploration of love and who you’re becoming.
Title | Description | Platform |
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The Half of It | Love and friendship blossom between two girls learning about life | Netflix |
Offbeat Renditions
If you like your love stories with a side of the unusual, these movies are a breath of fresh air with a twist on the classic boy-meets-girl formula.
Always Be My Maybe
Follow a chef who realizes her true roots, exploring where the heart finds its home, richly accented by a vibrant cast of characters including Daniel Dae Kim, Keanu Reeves, and Randall Park. It’s as deliciously satisfying as the food it showcases.
Title | Description | Platform |
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Always Be My Maybe | A heartwarming journey of finding home and love, diverse ensemble | Netflix |
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before
Straight from the pages of Jenny Han’s beloved novel, this flick is a sugar-sweet tribute to the rom-com canon. With a storyline as inviting as a cozy blanket, it’s bound for repeat viewings.
Title | Description | Platform |
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To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before | A charming serenade to rom-coms at their finest | Netflix |
Someone Great
Ride along a soul-searching trip of heartbreak and healing, charting a woman’s quest to rebuild herself post-breakup. It’s a tale of rediscovery with love wrapped around the edges.
Title | Description | Platform |
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Someone Great | An intimate journey of mending and self-love post-split | Netflix |
These quirky romantic comedies brighten up the usual heart-tugging tales with a dash of the unexpected. Whether it’s breaking love’s conventional mold or throwing tradition a curveball, each one offers a fresh and unforgettable experience.
If romance is your thing, don’t miss our other collections: dive into our feel-good romantic movies, check out the modern romantic comedies list, or even relive favorites with our classic romantic comedies list. And if you’re after something particular, peruse our romantic movies based on books or see love unfold in picturesque horizons with romantic films set in Europe.
Nostalgic Throwbacks
Ah, the cozy comfort of re-watching those old rom-coms. There’s nothing quite like diving into a pile of popcorn and letting your heart go on a vintage ride with lovable plots and charming characters. I got some of my top picks from the 2000s and beyond that really nailed the romance game—grab a blanket, and join me for a trip down memory lane!
2000s Rom-Coms
The 2000s were packed with romantic comedies that rocked audiences and still do, with stories and characters full of quirky charm. Here’s a couple you gotta give another look—or a first one if you missed out:
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Love & Basketball (2000)
This gem not only gave us a look into Gina Prince-Bythewood’s director flair but wrapped us up in Monica Wright’s world. This aspiring basketball player’s complicated yet tender relationship with her neighbor and first buddy, Quincy, makes for a real winner Vanity Fair. -
Just Like Heaven (2005)
Reese Witherspoon might be a ghost, but she’s got Mark Ruffalo (and us) falling for her specter self in this quirky yet endearing plot twist. You’ll be rooting for Ruffalo’s character falling in love with a ghost, giving real meaning to “love knows no bounds” Cosmopolitan.
For a top-to-bottom list of sweet delights from the 2000s, pop into our romantic movies from the 2000s.
Decades of Romance
Sure, the 2000s were fab, but rom-coms have had a real good run through several decades, serving up classics that still touch hearts. Here’s a sneak peek at the magic spread across the years:
Decade | Iconic Rom-Coms |
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1980s | When Harry Met Sally… Say Anything… |
1990s | Pretty Woman 10 Things I Hate About You |
2000s | The Proposal Bridget Jones’s Diary |
These movies bring their own shade of awesome to the rom-com lineup, perfect for snuggling up on a chill evening.
Feeling the itch for more throwback gold? Sift through our picks on classic romantic comedies and check out romantic films set in New York.
Let these sweet, heart-tugging tales whisk you away. Need something fresh? Scoot on over to our modern romantic comedies list and hunt down a new flick to love!
Critically Acclaimed
Hey there! If you’re like me and have a soft spot for romantic comedies that tickle the funny bone and warm the heart, stick around. I’m talking flicks that not only wowed the audience but also made the critics sit up and pay attention. So, here’s my list of must-watch rom-com gems that have bagged awards and won hearts everywhere.
Award-Winning Picks
Sure, rom-coms make us feel all the feels, but some films take it a step further and sweep the floor at award shows too. These are the gems with storytelling magic and performances that leave a lasting mark.
‘It Happened One Night’ (1934)
Who wouldn’t want to go back to the charming black and white days? With superstars like Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, this classic took home the Big Five Oscars—Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay. Now, that’s no small feat!
‘The Philadelphia Story’ (1940)
This movie’s a keeper. Six Oscar nods and a win for Jimmy Stewart as Best Actor. You’ve got Katharine Hepburn rubbing shoulders with Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant—what’s not to love?
‘Roman Holiday’ (1953)
Brimming with old-school glam, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck deliver memorable performances. With ten Oscar nods and wins including Best Actress for Hepburn, it’s a clear winner.
‘Gigi’ (1958)
A musical gone wild (in a good way)! It rocked the Oscars with nine golden statuettes, including Best Picture and Best Director for Vincente Minnelli.
Movie | Oscars Won | Notable Awards |
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It Happened One Night | 5 | Big Five Oscars |
The Philadelphia Story | 2 | Best Actor (Jimmy Stewart) |
Roman Holiday | 3 | Best Actress (Audrey Hepburn) |
Gigi | 9 | Best Picture |
Got a thing for swoony romances? Peek into my curated lists on romantic movies based on books and feel-good romantic movies.
Audience Favorites
Let’s face it—sometimes it’s about what we, the audience, devour and cherish, right? These are the delightful rom-coms that have become your go-to for a cozy movie night.
’10 Things I Hate About You’ (1999)
Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles bring the Shakespearean sass into the modern era. It’s fun, feisty, and full of memorable moments.
‘Notting Hill’ (1999)
Who can resist the charms of Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant? This British slice of life weaves comedy and heartfelt moments seamlessly.
‘Love Actually’ (2003)
A patchwork of love tales starring Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, and Colin Firth, this one’s a Christmas classic. It’ll make you laugh and cry in all the best ways.
‘The Proposal’ (2009)
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds give us giggles and swoons with their chemistry. It’s a laugh-out-loud ride with a side of romance!
Movie | Release Year | Audience Score |
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10 Things I Hate About You | 1999 | 7.3/10 |
Notting Hill | 1999 | 7.2/10 |
Love Actually | 2003 | 7.6/10 |
The Proposal | 2009 | 6.7/10 |
For a bright mood lift, you might check out romantic films with happy endings or must-watch romantic films for teens.
Mixing star-studded hits with fan faves, my list promises a joyride that every rom-com fan deserves. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and enjoy these delightful stories that celebrate the awkward, funny, and charming side of love!
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