Top 10 Guilty Pleasure Romantic Comedies
#10: “The Sweetest Thing” (2002)
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While “The Sweetest Thing” has been heavily criticized by critics for its portrayal of women and not safe for work content, it still remains a favorite among rom-com loving audiences! Though it may not have a love story as profound as the ones in ‘Titanic’ and ‘Gone with the Wind’, the flick provides audiences with a lighthearted romance that makes the film’s unrated 1 hour and 30-minute runtime version all the more enjoyable. If nothing else, the friendship between characters Christina, Courtney, and Jane makes us want to watch solely to revel in their hilarious girl group. It is never a dull moment watching these three and all the trouble they find themselves in, and we will gladly watch them again and again.
#9: “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” (2003)
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While director Troy Byer’s take on the fake relationship trope may have fallen short with film critics, ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’ has become a staple in the teen rom-com genre ever since its release in 2003. The film follows nerdy student Alvin as he pays popular cheerleader Paris to date him in an attempt to climb his way up their school’s social ladder. Like every good romantic comedy that features a fake relationship, Alvin and Paris quickly develop feelings for each other as they begin to spend more time together. Between the early 2000s nostalgia and the star-studded cast that features Nick Cannon and Christina Milian in starring roles, “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” is still just as fun and entertaining almost 20 years later.
#8: “Leap Year” (2010)
This 2010 romantic comedy follows main character Anna as she embarks on a road trip across Ireland in hopes of finding her boyfriend and proposing to him during the Irish traditional day known as ‘Bachelor’s Day’. She is joined on her travels by Declan, a local inn and tavern owner who, despite constantly butting heads with Anna, develops feelings for her. While ‘Leap Year’ may have earned low ratings from critics because of its stereotypical depiction of the Irish and a depthless romance, its playful banter between Anna and Declan, the beautiful countryside scenery, and the slow burn romance that occurs during the hilariously disastrous road trip keep us returning to the movie time and time again.
#7: “Along Came Polly” (2004)
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When Reuben Feffer catches his wife cheating on him during their honeymoon, his world is turned upside down. While returning to single life in New York City, he is reintroduced to his former high school classmate, Polly. Her free-spirited and eccentric personality deeply contrasts with Reuben’s uptight self. As a result, Reuben finds himself in some incredibly awkward circumstances, including having an unsubtle bowel movement in Polly’s apartment and less than comfortable antics in the bedroom. Despite the low 27% score it received on Rotten Tomatoes, ‘Along Came Polly’ provides audiences with a hysterical look into the world of dating and all the incredibly uncomfortable situations that can come from it.
#6: “Drive Me Crazy” (1999)
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Similar to ‘Love Don’t Cost a Thing’, ‘Drive Me Crazy’ is a teen rom-com about a fake relationship that high school students, Nicole and Chase, form to try to capture the attention of their actual love interests. The film, starring Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier, has however been criticized for this very plotline, which was heavily overused in the teen romantic comedy genre during the ‘90s. Despite this, audiences can’t help but love the film’s witty humor, the endearing relationship between Nicole and Chase - and of course, the Britney Spears’ tune ‘(You Drive Me) Crazy,’ which gave the film its name!?
#5: “Made of Honor” (2008)
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This 2008 rom-com follows notorious playboy Tom as he comes to the realization that he is in love with his longtime best friend, Hannah - only to have her unexpectedly reveal that she is engaged to another man before he ever gets the chance to confess his feelings. While ‘Made of Honor’ has been ridiculed for its over-the-top scenes and performances, we can’t help but revel in the rollercoaster of emotions this flick takes us through. Between the friends to lovers trope, the surprise engagement announcement that keeps the two main characters from being with each other, and the extravagant objection to halt Hannah’s wedding, “Made of Honor” has every cheesy rom-com trope - and we love every minute of it!
#4: “Only You” (1994)
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While “Only You” may not have won over film critics who claim it’s the “fluffy” version of its rom-com counterpart ‘Sleepless in Seattle’, it has certainly won over the hearts of rom-com loving audiences! Starring Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr., the film depicts Faith Kovacs in her search for a man named Damon Bradley - who, according to a Ouija board and fortune teller, is her soulmate. Despite being engaged, Faith flies to Europe days before her wedding in search of Damon Bradley, who she’s learned is an old classmate of her fiance. However, upon meeting Damon, Faith learns his actual name is Peter. What ensues is an entertaining journey following Faith and Peter as they travel through Italy in search of Damon while simultaneously falling in love.
#3: “50 First Dates” (2004)
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It’s no surprise that its crude humor and so-called lackluster acting hasn’t led “50 First Dates” to being considered ‘high art’. However, its amusing romance and hilarious writing have helped the film become and remain a favorite of the rom-com genre. ‘50 First Dates’ follows Henry, a notorious playboy who vies for the heart of Lucy. The only problem is that Lucy is no longer able to form new long-term memories, meaning she can’t remember who Henry is after each day. Between the pure comedic chemistry of Barrymore and Sandler to the heartwarming ending that is sure to make you shed a few tears, this film is one you can watch 50 times over and still love it like it's the first!
#2: “What’s Your Number?” (2011)
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When Ally gets dumped by her boyfriend Rick, a magazine article makes her realize that the “number”of people she’s slept with is about to reach 20. So, she enlists the help of her neighbor Colin to track down all her exes to see if she can get back together with them in the hopes of finding ‘the one’. As Ally and Colin meet with a wide array of Ally’s exes, all of which are eccentric in their own ways, they begin to grow closer and ultimately develop feelings for one another. While the rom-com has rightfully been met with criticism over its reinforcement of the double standards placed upon women, it’s hard to not enjoy this hilarious film that features some of Hollywood’s most talented comedic stars. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “The Family Man” (2000) A Go-To Cheesy Holiday Film “The Kissing Booth” (2018) So Bad That We Can't Help but Watch It “License to Wed” (2007) Funny Despite Its Predictability “The Beautician and the Beast” (1997) Cheesy & Stereotypical, but Very Charming
#1: “New Year’s Eve” (2011)
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While we’re not sure there’s anyone jumping at the chance to tell others that they enjoyed Garry Marshall’s critically reviled movie ‘New Year’s Eve’, there are certainly people who love this film in secret - and we are guilty as charged. Following the lives of several individuals during New Year’s Eve in New York City, this rom-com takes on a structure similar to that of ‘Love Actually’ as it interconnects the lives of its characters leading up to midnight. Whether you are watching for the star-studded cast, which features the likes of Halle Berry, Zac Efron, and Robert De Niro, or simply to make fun of the all over the place storyline - there is something here for everyone!
