If you’re looking for a good laugh, a good cry, and some romance along the way, this list of romantic comedies will surely fit the bill. From established classic to lesser known hits, there is something for everyone on this list!
This post is all about the best romantic comedies!
1. Blast from the Past
This star-studded film will surprise you with just how cute it is. Brendan Fraser, Alicia Silverstone, Christopher Walken and Sissy Spacek deliver one of the freshest and most unique romantic comedies. It is an exceptional version of a fish-out-of water story led by the enchanting Fraser.
2. Fools Rush In
If you haven’t seen this movie, you are totally missing out. Matthew Perry (during his Friends days) and gorgeous Salma Hayek star in this film inspired by a true story. This is a classic from-different-worlds love story, but with Matthew Perry’s insanely funny expressions.
3. Can’t Hardly Wait
Can’t Hardly Wait follows a group of students on the day they graduate from high school. This ensemble cast delivers one of the best high school romantic comedies. Each character is dynamic and has their own goals that cross paths throughout the night.
4. Crazy Stupid Love
This movie is single-handedly responsible for ushering Steve Carell from “dad” to “daddy” status. It’s also charming, funny, and heart warming. Everything you want in a romantic comedy, including the dreamy Ryan Gosling and charming Emma Stone.
5. Just Married
If you’re looking for on screen chemistry in both the romance and comedy department, look no further. Plus this is peak Ashton Kutcher and an amazing illustration of just how amazing Brittany Murphy was. And the running scene still makes me tear up a little bit.
6. When Harry Met Sally
If you haven’t seen this absolute classic, it needs to be at the top of your list. There are countless quotable lines from this movie that I use in my everyday life. And the comedic timing and heart from these two powerhouses, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, will make it a new favorite.
7. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
This hilarious movie centers not only around romantic love, but also the messy, overwhelming, unconditional love of a family. This ensemble cast steals the show and will steal your heart!
8. Notting Hill
“I’m also just a girl..standing in front of a boy,” a line so iconic it has been duped and spoofed countless times. Watch the original delivery in this film about famous girl meets normal boy. Rom-Com legends Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts won’t disappoint.
9. Overboard
I love knowing the on screen chemistry in this film is genuine when it comes to these real life partners Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. And no one does uppity better than the incomparable Goldie. Never has amnesia been quite so fun.
10. away we go
This off-beat indie romantic comedy features two of the best in the business when it comes to making us laugh. SNL alum Maya Rudolph and The Office funny guy John Krasinski star in this movie about a pregnant couple trying to find where they want to live. There are some truly heartfelt and heartbreaking scenes, but the comedy eases the tension.
11. about time
This is one of the most unexpected and lovely films that I’ve seen. Director Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Notting Hill) does an amazing job of delivering heart and romance and comedy in a way that is much more still and peaceful than most rom-coms.
12. it’s complicated
Wanting to live in a Nancy Meyers movie is a real thing, and it’s movies like this that make that desire so strong. The aesthetic alone makes this movie so worth the watch. But the comedic genius from Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin is what puts it over the top.
13. love and other drugs
This movie is so good, and it’s not just because of Jake Gyllenhal and Anne Hathaway’s smoking bodies. They also happen to be amazing actors. And they deliver a heartfelt, fun and sexy romantic comedy.
14. 2 weeks notice
Two rom-com mega giants come together in this hilarious opposites-attract movie. Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock have mastered their comedic timing and the chemistry is off the charts as these two go head-to-head.
15. sleepless in seattle
This film defies so many typical romantic comedy tropes, which makes it all the more special. Listening to Tom Hanks talk about how much he loved his wife is more than enough to make you (and Meg Ryan’s character) fall in love with him. This is truly a must-watch.
16. long shot
This film is a feminist dream come true, but it’s also hilarious. This movie is off-beat and raunchy in a way that only Seth Rogan can deliver, but Charlize Theron goes toe-to-toe with him every step of the way. This is a true modern day rom-com in the absolute best way.
17. la la land
They sing, they dance, they fall in love, and they do it all while being absolutely gorgeous. But beyond the catchy songs and stunning sets, there is also true heart and a realness that makes this movie so moving. There is a particular montage that always leaves me in tears: you’ll know the one.
18. 10 things i hate about you
This ensemble cast absolutely shines in this modern take on a Shakespearean tale. Young Heath Ledger will absolutely steal your heart in this one. But it is an impassioned speech by Julia Stiles that might have you getting a little misty eyed.
19. eternal sunshine of the spotless mind
This movie is definitely more serious than your typical romantic comedy. But with a cast including the hilarious Jim Carrey and the surprisingly funny Kate Winslet, this definitely fits the bill. This is a super unique plot about the great lengths people would go to to forget their ex after a breakup.
20. you’ve got mail
This dynamic duo meets again for another stellar romantic comedy, and one of my all-time favorites. It’s smart, funny and tender all at once. The stunning New York City setting also makes for an ideal backdrop for this love story.
21. pretty woman
Another classic rom-com combo comes together for the first time in this story of a hooker and a business man falling in love. Julia Roberts and Richard Gere star in this iconic movie with countless memorable scenes and lines. If you don’t watch this movie, you’re making a big mistake..HUGE!
22. 13 going on 30
This movie plays out the age old childhood wish of wanting to be older. Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo ‘Razzle’ dazzle in this romantic comedy about growing up and keeping the childlike wonder in life. Plus there’s a certain dance number that is the perfect dose of nostalgia.
23. the proposal
The “lets pretend to be together” trope might be a very common one, but this iteration with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds gives it a fresh new take. Plus, let’s be honest, they’re just nice to look at. But this rom-com set in beautiful Alaska is packed with laughs and tearful moments.
24. 50 first dates
In their second film together, this comedy duo knocks it out of the park. Could you make someone fall in love with you every day? That’s what Adam Sandler has to do with Drew Barrymore in this beautiful romantic comedy.
25. how to lose a guy in 10 days
The chemistry is off the charts with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey in this hilariously demented movie. If you like watching someone be oh so cringe, and the other person consistently be a glutton for punishment, this is your movie. Come for the humiliation, stay for the tender, real moments.
26. sweet home alabama
Sweet Home Alabama is such a quintessential romantic comedy of it’s era. It’s sweet, funny, wholesome and just a touch problematic at times. Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas and Patrick Dempsey make the perfect love triangle.
27. trainwreck
This is another one that falls in the category of raunchy comedies with heart. Amy Schumer and Bill Hader will make you laugh out loud. But it’s the tender family moments that will bring a tear to your eyes, and then make you laugh all over again.
28. My Best Friend’s wedding
Queen Julia is back again with this sweet movie about love between best friends and a marriage pact one wants to see through. Dermot Mulroney and Cameron Diaz round out this love triangle.
29. While You were sleeping
This Sandy Bullock and Bill Pullman rom com is one that is noticeably underrated. Most people I ask haven’t seen it, which is just a shame. Add it to the top of your list if you love funny family dynamics and sweet unlikely romance.
30. Leap Year
When Amy Adams character is tired of waiting for her boyfriend to propose, she follows him to Ireland to follow a Leap Year tradition of women proposing. Along the way to Dublin, she meets Matthew Goode who reluctantly helps her on her journey.
31. Runaway Bride
The second meeting of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere brings this movie about a girl looking for love, finding it, and then running in the other direction. It’s filled with tons of fun, funny moments and lots of heart, and a really fun soundtrack.
32. clueless
For me as a teenager, this movie was everything. Let’s be honest, it still is. This movie is hilarious, fresh, fun and the romance between Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd is timeless (just like Paul Rudd himself). If nothing else, the fashion alone is iconic.
33. Friends with benefits
Of the two movies with almost identical plots that came out around the same time (IYKYK), I think this one is the superior one. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis star in this movie where they ask, can two people really hook up with no strings attached…I mean be friends with benefits?
34. Mamma Mia
If you’re looking for a singing, dancing good time, look no further than this musical. The star studded cast including Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Pierce Brosnan and many many more, absolutely shine. And if the Greece backdrop doesn’t scream romance, I don’t know what does.
35. Easy A
This modern twist on The Scarlett Letter is such a good movie. Emma Stone stars as Olive, who pretends to hook up with people in her high school as a way of helping them out, but it quickly snowballs out of contril when the rumors take over. Stone brings humor and heart in equal dose.
36. Breakfast club
Though many might not say it fully falls into the romantic comedy realm, this movie should simply be at the top of any watchlist. This movie tends to lean toward something more serious at times, but there is no denying that this movie will absolutely make you both laugh and cry.
37. Just Go With it
I think this movie is another that falls into the underrated category. It’s surprisingly funny, surprisingly sweet, and an all together great watch. Adam Sandler delivers his signature comedy while Jennifer Aniston keeps up, going toe-to-toe with him.
38. Knocked Up
What happens when a one-night-stand ends with a pregnancy? Knocked Up hilarious illustrates one possible outcome. This is a true opposites attract romantic comedy, and Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogen deliver it beautifully.
39. Fever Pitch
Jimmy Fallon’s limited film roles still manage to deliver on some very big laughs (looking at you Taxi), and this movie is no different. Fallon and Drew Barrymore team up for this movie centered around one mans love for the Boston Red Sox, oh and his new girlfriend.
40. To all the boys i’ve loved before
Another cute high school twist on the “lets pretend to be dating” trope. This Netflix movie trilogy starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo is based on books of the same name. The chemistry between the two feels so sweet and genuinely like high school love.
41. P.s. I love you
Okay, this one is mostly going to be a crying movie. But I can assure you there are definitely some laughs in between all the crying. Hilary Swank stars as a widow attempting to move on from her grief after losing her husband, Gerard Butler.
42. The Princess Bride
This is a tale of true love. It also happens to be hilariously funny and an all together fun watch. So many iconic characters, quotable lines and amazing performances. Oh, and a few ROUSs.
43. Four Weddings and a Funeral
Rom com king Hugh Grant stars with Andy McDowell and an ensemble cast in this movie taking place over the course of five social gatherings. That’s right, you guessed it, four wedding and a funeral. Grant flawlessly delivers his particular brand on comedy just as you would expect.
44. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
This raunchy Jason Segal comedy is definitely laugh out loud funny. When his character goes to Hawaii to get over his ex, he inconveniently runs into her and her new boyfriend. Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell and Russell Brand also star, along with other comedy geniuses.
45. Jerry MaGuire
“You had me at hello.” Is there a more iconic, or seemingly idiotic romantic comedy line? I think not. But this Tom Cruz and Renee Zellweger film hits you with a surprising amount of heart, enough to not make you squirm when you hear those lines.
46. Life as we know it
Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel play two people thrown together when their best friends die, forcing them to raise their daughter together. It has all the tropes of an enemies to lovers story, but with the backdrop of them dealing with their own grief and new life together.
47. Fire Island
If you love Pride and Prejudice, you will absolutely love this modern version with a gay twist. This Hulu movie follows the exact blueprint of the classic book but centers around five best friends enjoying their summer trip to Fire Island. It is laugh out loud funny with an amazing ensemble cast, including SNL’s Bowen Yang.
48. Never been kissed
Ever wish you could do high school over, but differently? Drew Barrymore’s Josie goes undercover in her old high school for her first story as a journalist. But in the process she heals some of her old trauma…oh and falls in love with one of her teachers.
49. Wimbledon
This Paul Bethany and Kirsten Dunst romance takes place over the fortnight of the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament. One rising star in tennis and one who’s on his way out fall in love as they compete in the tournament. This movie doesn’t seem to get half the credit it deserves, it’s lovely.
50. Plus One
This indie romance was a surprisingly good one. To survive a summer of weddings, two single friends decided to be each others plus one’s to all of the events. Jack Quaid and maya Erskin star in this off beat romantic comedy.
51. (500) Days of summer
From the beginning of this movie we are told that this is “not a love story,” but I beg to differ. There is a ton of love and laughter in this film starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. Just because it isn’t perfect, doesn’t mean it isn’t love…cue the tears.
52. Crazy Rich Asians
Based on the book of the same name, this movie explores how wealth and status can threaten the love between two people. It’s also filled with some of the most beautiful and extravagant things I have ever seen. Constance Wu knocks the tenderness and comedy out of the park with this one
53. penelope
This indie film is a fairytale with a twist. Because of a curse put on her family, Christina Ricci’s Penelope is born with the nose of a pig. Its a curse that won’t be broken until someone will love her as she is…enter James McAvoy.
54. The Wedding Singer
In their first romantic comedy pairing, Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore delight in this hilarious 80’s romp. Sandler plays a wedding singer, and Barrymore a woman engaged to an absolute douche, who fall in love while planning her wedding.
55. Bridesmaids
I think we can all agree that his is one of the funniest films of the last few decades. This surprisingly raunchy female-led film features some of the most hilarious women around. Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Mellissa McCarthy and more make this movie one to remember. But the heartfelt love story grounds the film along the way.
Happy viewing!!
If you’re looking for more movie recommendations, check out the Entertainment section of the blog!
