my top ten romcoms
ones that you definitely need to watch
I take romcoms very seriously. I believe romcoms can be five star movies, and if anyone disagrees, I have a question for you: are you allergic to happiness?
A good romcom should have you kicking your feet and smiling. Almost in tears (or fully crying). Laughing out loud. A good soundtrack. And leave you with the urge to tell all your friends and then immediately wanting to rewatch it.
Here is a list of romcoms that checkoff all the boxes and that I believe are simply the greatest:
Set It Up (2018)
Set It Up is tied for my favorite romcom of all time. It’s one I can watch over and over again—it’s perfection. I think we can all agree that romcoms aren’t what they used to be, but Set It Up comes very close to capturing that nostalgic romcom magic we all love. I also think it says something that this is the most recent film on the list… c’mon filmmakers, start making good romcoms again. (I think People We Meet On Vacation could’ve made this list if it kept more details/scenes from the book).
Anyways back to the film: Set It Up stars Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, and their chemistry is incredible. Every bit of banter had me shouting at the tv “JUST KISS ALREADY.” Also, Pete Davidson being cast as the role for “gay best friend” is just laughable in itself.
I should also mention that this movie takes place in NYC and they’re both working for journalists, and I mean…that’s the perfect romcom formula. And the over-dick-around thing is so real and now every time I do it, I think about this movie. GO WATCH!
Easy A (2010)
I don’t know if Easy A is considered a romcom, but Olive does end up with someone at the end, so I’m counting it. This movie made the list because I find it hilarious, and Igenuinely think everyone should watch it at least once. Penn Badgley is adorable in it, so I think that covers enough of the romantic part. And Stanley Tucci (my icon) plays Olive’s dad and whenever he’s on the screen, I know I’ll be laughing. That alone should just give you enough information to watch it.
27 Dresses (2008)
I LOVE me some James Marsden, so this movie already had me from the start. I also love the whole “always the bridesmaid, never the bride” concept—like okay just rip my heart out then.
The “Bennie and The Jets” scene lives rent-free in my head. 27 Dresses just has everything you want in a romcom. (Also, I hate Tess with a passion).
Watching the Detectives (2007)
DISCLAIMER: I don’t think Watching the Detectives is one of the best romcoms (it is great), but I had to include it because it deserves more attention the romcom community! A romcom with Cillian Murphy and Lucy Liu? That’s already four stars. It’s adorable and genuinely funny, and honestly, watching Cillian Murphy in this kind of role makes it even better (we need him in more comedies PLEASE). The plot is… definitely something, but if you’re looking for a new romcom, here you go.
50 First Dates (2004)
If you’re going to watch any Adam Sandler movie, please let it be this one. This film makes me cry every single time I watch it. I mean, he gets her to fall in love with him EVERY SINGLE DAY. This movie is incredibly sweet while still having that classic Adam Sandler vibe, and Drew Barrymore is perfect as always. Whenever they’re paired together, you just know it’s going to be good. I will not accept hate on this movie.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
I believe Mark Ruffalo is the perfect romcom lead in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. And Jennifer Garner is just as perfect— gorgeous, funny, charming, and so talented. 13 Going on 30 is one of the most adorable and joyful romcoms I have ever seen.
Also… how do we feel about them remaking it. Like why? I don’t understand. Can we not come up with original ideas anymore? We just have to start remaking everything or make unnecessary sequels. The casting is good, but can we get them in an original instead?!?
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
This whole movie is just iconic, it’s everything a romcom should be. I desperately need Andie’s yellow dress. That’s all I’m going to say.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
This might be a hot take, but I love Two Weeks Notice more than Notting Hill, don’t ask me to justify that. Here’s the two reasons why this is a great romcom: Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock. That’s it, that’s the only reasons I’m going to give you to go watch this film. Actually, I’m going to go rewatch it right now.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
And the winner for best romcom of all time goes to… Obviously it’s 10 Things I Hate About You.
I challenge you to name one bad thing about this movie— you simply can’t (and if you think you can, you’re simply wrong… sorry!) Kat Stratford is everything I aspire to be. The cast is fantastic, and the romance is unmatched. Cameron literally tries to learn french for Bianca.
If you haven’t seen this film, I actually envy you because I wish I could watch it for the first time.
Clueless (1995)
Besides Cher dating her ex step-brother, this movie is perfect romcom. It’s the ultimate “watch with the girls” movie.
There’s still so many romcoms that I need to watch, but these are my top 10 of all time. You’ve Got Mail and While You Were Sleeping almost made this list, but I decided to keep it at 10 (you’re welcome).
I really want to watch When Harry Met Sally, but I keep waiting to watch it in the fall, and then I can never find it anywhere :’(
I hope you enjoyed reading this list! Let me know what your favorite romcoms are!
Love,
Katelan
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