Top 10 Worst Rom Coms
Ah, the majesty and charm of romantic comedies... it's a shame when they're neither funny nor heartwarming. In this video, MsMojo counts down our picks for the Top 10 Worst Rom Coms.
For this list, we're tackling the worst of the worst in regards to the romantic comedy genre, focusing on those films that leave us unfulfilled and underwhelmed. Be they new or old, sporting an all-star cast or relative unknowns, we're sure that these movies would be best forgotten.
Special thanks to Andrew A. Dennison, Eoghan Christie and arimazzie for submitting this idea on our interactive suggestion tool at http://www.MsMojo.tv
Top 10 Worst Rom Coms
Top 10 Most Unforgivable Moments in Rom-Coms
Ah, the majesty and charm of romantic comedies... it's a shame when they're neither funny nor heartwarming. Join MsMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Worst Rom Coms. For this list, we're tackling the worst of the worst in regards to the romantic comedy genre, focusing on those films that leave us unfulfilled and underwhelmed. Be they new or old, sporting an all-star cast or relative unknowns, we're sure that these movies would be best forgotten.
#10: “License to Wed” (2007)
If only that license also permitted the film to be amusing. “License to Wed” follows Mandy Moore and John Krasinski as spouses-to-be who are put through a relentless prep course by one Reverend Frank, played by Robin Williams. It's an interesting setup that might make for some fun slapstick or an interesting perspective on the responsibilities of marriage. Alas, the movie is more concerned about Reverend Frank's unsettling nature and going through the motions of a dull “troubled romance” plot.
#9: “Swept Away” (2002)
What a dud. The remake of a 1974 Italian film, “Swept Away” casts Madonna as Amber Leighton, a rich and married woman who ends up on a deserted island with a ship's first mate. Amber's budding romance and redemption for her earlier arrogance almost seems like it could work, if not for Madonna being portrayed as irredeemably mean-spirited right off the bat. Worse, she and co-star Adriano Giannini come off as unlikeable people throughout, with not enough in the way of chemistry or charm to make their love connection feel earned.
#8: “Over Her Dead Body” (2008)
Top 10 Worst Uwe Boll Movies
Fascinating premise, sketchy execution. Eva Longoria stars as the ghost of a woman who died on her wedding day, opting to haunt her ex-fiancee and his new girlfriend thereafter. Said girlfriend happens to be a psychic, resulting in tons of wacky mishaps... that completely fall flat. Besides the core couple – Paul Rudd and Lake Bell – completely lacking energy in their courtship, there's no joke, gag or moment of physical comedy that actually succeeds at being funny. To say this is a lifeless film would be an understatement – and possibly in poor taste, considering the subject matter.
#7: “From Justin to Kelly” (2003)
Top 10 Rom-Coms Actors Regret Doing
It's as underwhelming as it is weird. “From Justin to Kelly” puts the spotlight on “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini as they meet, fall in love, and go through complications over the course of spring break. Setting aside the inherent strangeness of making two reality show competitors the romantic leads of a film, Justin and Kelly simply aren't capable enough actors to make the relationship believable. Add to that a lack of witty dialogue and boring musical choices, and what you have is a poor excuse for a romantic comedy.
#6: “Down to You” (2000)
Top 10 Rom-Com Boyfriends Who Are the WORST
We're not surprised that after “Summer Catch” and “Boys and Girls”, Freddie Prinze, Jr could still find himself in bad films. Case in point: “Down to You” has Prinze meeting and falling in love with an art student played by Julia Stiles, with the usual hurdles and insecurities played straight as an arrow. Never mind not challenging expectations or building romantic tension, the bigger issue is that the film's childish understanding of love doesn't quite mesh well with some of its darker moments.
#5: “Fool's Gold” (2008)
Between “Failure to Launch” and “Ghosts of Girlfriends Past”, Warner Bros saw fit to release this lackluster piece of cinema. Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson were reunited for “Fool's Gold”, portraying a divorced couple reunited during the hunt for 18th century treasure. Despite sporting an impressive and well-rounded lineup of actors, including the likes of Donald Sutherland, “Fool's Gold” is ultimately let down by repetitive jokes and generally uninteresting action. There's only so many times we can stand hearing about how McConaughey's character is the most sexually proficient man alive.
#4: “New Year's Eve” (2011)
Top 21 Worst Movies of Each Year (2000 - 2020)
“Valentine's Day” may not have been anywhere close to a classic, but its spiritual successor “New Year's Eve” feels like a more deliberate act of laziness. The film gathers up a truly admirable all-star cast, ranging from newcomers to Oscar winners, yet is content to stick them in basic and unremarkable romantic subplots. The couples on display aren't exactly enthralling, the comedy is toothless and limp, and the entire movie comes across as a celebration of nothing particularly meaningful. It aims to be a sexy and heartfelt party movie, but it spectacularly misses the mark.
#3: “All About Steve” (2009)
Top 10 Rom-Coms for People Who Hate Rom-Coms
Co-produced by, and starring, Sandra Bullock, this romantic comedy is the epitome of a wasted effort. Bullock plays Mary Horowitz, a deeply introverted crossword puzzle writer driven to obsessively pursue a news cameraman across America. If that plot sounds at all unsettling and against the idea of a mutual, loving connection, that's just the beginning. “All About Steve” makes Mary out to be a pitiful character, paints its world as a cynical and loveless one, and doesn't even reward its audience for sticking with it to the bitter end.
#2: “Gigli” (2003)
Ben Affleck may have moved on to bigger and better things, but no one forgets this tripe. The 2003 film “Gigli” follows two criminals, played by Affleck and Jennifer Lopez at the height of their real-life relationship, who are assigned to capture a prosecutor's brother. Trying to toy with the two stars' existing romance, the film comes across as muddled and problematic – especially with Lopez's character being a lesbian who is essentially seduced by Affleck. Its meandering pace, strange shifts in tone and underwhelming ending don't help matters. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: • “Did You Hear About the Morgans?” (2009) • “Good Luck Chuck” (2007) • “The Beautician and the Beast” (1997) • “Mr. Wrong” (1996) • “The Ugly Truth” (2009) • “Dirty Love” (2005)
#1: “The Hottie & The Nottie” (2008)
Top 10 Rom-Coms That Are So Bad They're Good
Groaning and heel-dragging are understandable reactions to this... thing. This alleged comedy tells the tale of Nate Cooper, a man trying to woo his childhood crush Cristabel – and having to find a romantic partner for Cristabel's visually unpleasant friend June. Not only do none of the jokes land, but also the entire premise of “love is based on appearance” is cruel and utterly unromantic for everyone involved. On top of that, Paris Hilton simply isn't compelling or engaging in the role of Cristabel, regardless of her attractiveness. And shame was felt by all… Do you agree with our list? What’s your least favorite romantic comedy? For more tantalizing Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to MsMojo!
