As Valentine’s Day approaches, rom-coms can be found everywhere. There’s just something about a romantic comedy that captivates viewers—and I am definitely among them. They provide escapism in its finest form: with serendipitous moments, happy endings, and an ensemble of secondary characters far too invested in the lives of the main couple, these features combine to make them a joy to watch.
Rom-coms may be a dime a dozen in the streaming world, but it remains a task to find one with the potential of an enduring legacy like 10 Things I Hate About You or The Princess Bride. Often relying on known stars and a formulaic structure, they are rarely being made for the big-screen. Although, this is evolving with the recent releases like The Lost City and Anyone But You. However, ultimately the steady decline of for-cinema rom-coms has made it harder to find a gem amid the indistinguishable straight-to-streaming masses.
The genre is expansive, if sometimes stereotypical. The list below shows a range of the best there is; each offers a feel-good energy throughout, coupled with an excellent range of secondary characters that offsets any tension perfectly.
Set It Up (2018, dir. Clare Scanlon)
The charismatic duo of Glen Powell and Zoe Deutch shine in this workplace romance (though they only occupy the same office building, so they can avoid any HR violations). Perfect for fans of the late ‘90s and early ‘00s rom-coms, Set It Up follows two overworked assistants of corporate bosses (played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs). After an incidental meeting and mutual acknowledgement of their poor work-to-social-life balance, they concoct a plan to get their intense bosses together and gain a little more free time. Meet cutes ensue and the meddling leaves lots of room for the romance and the comedy to build, which is bound to leave you grinning.
This rom-com rivals the great chemistry and comedic compatibility of Hudson and McConaughey in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Deutch and Powell bounce off each other in every sequence, proving character chemistry is just as imperative to a film’s success as the plot. Set It Up remains an underrated charm in Powell’s filmography, and some of Deutch’s most charming work in a leading role.
Ticket to Paradise (2022, dir. Ol Parker)
There’s two romances for the price of one in this romantic comedy as Julia Roberts returns to her roots in this second-chance romance. Roberts and George Clooney play divorcees, and amid their quick-witted jabs they attempt to disrupt their daughter’s big move to Bali and pending nuptials, all the while growing closer as a couple. There’s a lot to divert interest, with the stunning coastlines of Australia standing in for Bali, and performances from the ensemble (Kaitlyn Dever and Maximme Bouttier) curating a plot with realistic motives, though far-fetched action. It may not be considered as intense as the Oceans franchise Clooney and Roberts also couple up in, but there’s certainly enough covetousness and flawed planning that maintains the entertainment value just the same. Overall, Ticket to Paradise is exactly what its title suggests: a fun, romantic and family-driven adventure in Bali, worthy of Roberts’ prestige filmography.
Casanova (2005, dir. Lasse Hallström)
The only historical-set film of the list, Casanova is based loosely on the infamous historical figure of the same name. Set in 18th century Venice and led by Heath Ledger, Casanova tells the tale of the infamous player whose sights change when Sienna Miller’s character, considered unseemly to the general populace as a women’s activist, enters the picture. With fake identities, a diverting side plot and support from Charlie Cox, Oliver Platt, and Jeremy Irons, Casanova sticks to convention but does it with flair. There’s definitely enough infamy to go around as this highly funny rom-com unfolds in the streets of Venice.
Someone Great (2019, dir. Jennifer Kaytin Robinson)
A refreshing change of pace, Someone Great follows Jenny (Gina Rodriguez) for a wild night with her friends (DeWanda Wise and Brittany Snow) after a break-up with her partner of eight years ( LaKeith Stanfield). As they attempt to secure an epic night in New York, flashes of her eight-year relationship playback whilst Wise and Snow have their own romantic dilemmas. Coupling female friendship with an outing in the big city, it has a host of comedic moments, dance and montage sequences (a particularly funny one featuring Lizzo’s ‘Juice’), and chemistry-filled couples typical of the genre. It stands out from the crowd as an atypical rom-com, with sombre notes and a focus on the companionship between the trio of friends securing Someone Great as truly love-filled.
Quick-Fire Round
Mystic Pizza (1988, dir. Donald Petrie)
Another romantic comedy with dramatic tones, Mystic Pizza follows three friends (Annabeth Gish, Lili Taylor and Julia Roberts) working at a pizza shop as each of their love lives play out. One of Julia Roberts’ earlier roles, it showcases different experiences in romance, and the female camaraderie that goes with falling in love.
Bros (2022, dir. Nicholas Stoller)
One of the newest rom-coms to hit cinemas, Bros follows the trials and triumphs of finding love in the time of hook-up culture. A product of its time, it’s laugh-out-loud funny, typically American, heartfelt, and raw in expressing gay dating culture and the nature of monogamy.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011, dir. Glenn Ficarra and John Requa)
With a series of captivating romances unfurling on screen, Crazy, Stupid, Love is full of growth, friendship, but most of all, surprise. For those who haven’t seen videos online of the big twist, watch it and find out—it’ll be worth it.
The Love Punch (2013, dir. Joel Hopkins)
Like Ticket to Paradise, this is another second chance romance featuring divorcees. Pierce Brosnan and Emma Thompson’s characters endeavour to steal back the money lost from Brosnan’s employees. Their intent may be criminal, but it makes for moments of hilarity in the far-fetched nature of the plot. Spanning France, The Love Punch shows two underdogs as they stumble through thievery with good intentions, and truly embody the hopeless Brit abroad.
What makes each of these romantic comedies stand out is first and foremost performance. Casting an electric duo, or sometimes trio, makes for an easy, immersive watch. Often coupled with an arguably far-reaching plot and enough laughs, these rom-coms fulfil the brief. And their iconic locations like New York or Venice, ensure the chaos and aesthetic remains just as memorable as the plot—after all, who can forget Andy’s ride across the Manhattan Bridge in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days?
Honourable mentions:
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Lost City, Home Again, Love and Other Drugs, Crush, Look Both Ways, How to Marry a Millionaire.
Words by Annabel Smith
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