The Greatest Romantic Comedies Ever Made Ranked

Few genres have built a legacy as strong as the romantic comedy. Since the 1990’s, the rom-com genre has produced unforgettable movies. Whether it’s bookstore owners, pretty prostitutes or star-crossed lovers, the genre has produced strong characters. Given the number of movies in the genre, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my picks for the best rom-coms ever made that deserve to be celebrated.

1. Notting Hill

Childhood crushes are lovers that rarely last forever. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl in school with dreams of marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. However, immigration brought our bond to a closure. When my family moved to Canada, I was faced with the dilemma of saying goodbye to a girl that shaped my persona. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the uphill battles of falling in love with someone famous as powerfully as “Notting Hill”. Ever since its release in 1999, Roger Michell’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest romantic comedy ever made. Michell has always had an aptitude for capturing romantic relationships in movies, and “Notting Hill” showcased his strengths as a director. Michell effectively used naturalistic dialogue to create a romantic relationship that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Anna conveys affection for Will saying she’s just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her is one of the best moments of the rom-com genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of phenomenal performances from Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, who created a realistic romantic affair. Ultimately, what makes “Notting Hill” a romantic classic is its message. Unlike most romantic comedies, the film tackles universal themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a strong message about the consequences of fame which would resonate with everyone. early 30 years following release of an iconic film about bookstore owners falling madly in love with actresses in Notting Hill, it’s a beautiful reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost capabilities to thrill creating compelling heroes in celebrated movies which give audiences dreams to fulfill.

2. Pretty Woman

Julia Roberts is a fantastic actress that my father has always loved dearly. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a father that admirable an actress with courage. A huge fan of Julia Roberts, he admired an actress that impacted his identity. My father regarded all of Julia Roberts’ movies with affection but his favourite film was always “Pretty Woman”. Released in 1990, Garry Marshall’s movie offered a powerful depiction of pretty prostitute women. Prostitution is a sensitive subject that isn’t easy to tackle in a romantic comedy, but Marshall succeeded immensely. Marshall effectively uses montages to create a romance involving prostitutes that’s compelling. For instance, the ending scene in which Edward recruits Vivian from her home like a courageous knight is one of the most memorable moments of the rom-com genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance from Julia Roberts, who created an iconic prostitute with a heart of gold. Ultimately, what makes “Pretty Woman” a great romantic comedy is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about dangers of prostitution which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of pretty prostitute women seeking romantic relationships with affection, it’s a profound reminder of a commemorated genre that has produced great movies worthy of celebration.

3. La La Land

Achieving dreams in life often comes with a sacrifice. At an early age, I fell in love with a girl that was fond of playing tennis. We would enjoy playing the game of tennis together. However, her focus on career caused our relationship to end forever. Pursuing her dreams of sports championships, she chose to sacrifice out romantic relationship. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured sacrifices of achieving dreams that are planned as powerfully as “La La Land”. Released in 2016, Damien Chazelle’s Oscar-winning musical masterpiece captured sacrifices of artists’ romantic relationships. Chazelle is one of those filmmakers that has always had an aptitude for conveying emotions through musical numbers. For instance, the iconic scene in which Mia and Sebastian imagine how their romance could have been if they had not chosen their respective career paths is one of the best moments of the rom-com genre. At the centre of it all are a pair of strong performances from Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, who created a romance that’s compelling. Ultimately, what makes “La La Land” a masterpiece is its humanity. Unlike other movies in the genre, the film offers a realistic depiction of sacrifices involved in romance. As strong as bonds between lovers in L.A., it’s. marvellous reminder of a genre which deserves to be celebrated today.

4. The Graduate

The lives of graduate students are often aimless.  I remember that my life lacked a purpose after I had graduated from university. Unable to find stable employment, I questioned what I was doing with my life. Uncertain about my future, I spent time engaging in hobbies that I had grown to treasure. Few films I’ve seen have captured my emotions of being an aimless graduate as powerfully as “The Graduate”. Ever since its release in 1967, Mike Nichols’ movie has become one of the greatest romantic comedies ever made. Nichols used stunning montages to create a romantic relationship involving age gaps that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Benjamin is seduced by Mrs. Robinson in an awkward situation remains one of the most iconic moments of the rom-com genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Dustin Hoffman, who embodies a graduate student facing an awkward romantic situation. Ultimately, what makes “The Graduate” a classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about finding one’s purpose which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of graduate students that are aimless, it’s a strong reminder of a genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences consider to be flawless.

5. 500 Days of Summer

Expectations for romantic relationships often clash with reality. At an early age, my brother fell madly in love with a girl with dreams of marriage. He would always speak fondly about a girl that he planned to marry. However, their bond came to a sudden closure. Facing family disagreements, they were forced to break off their planned engagements. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother whose romance didn’t last forever, I adored “500 Days of Summer”. Released in 2009, Marc Webb’s movie offered a realistic depiction of romance. Unlike most movies in the rom-com genre, what makes “500 Days of Summer” stand out is its realism. Assisted by Joseph Gordon-Levitt who is extraordinary in the leading role, Webb created a realistic romance that’s compelling. For instance, the scene in which Tom’s expectations about his love with Summer clash with harsh reality is one of the best moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “500 Days of Summer” a romantic classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about doomed romance that would resonate with everyone. As strong as Tom’s desire to reunite with Summer, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that audiences have grown to treasure.

6. 10 Things I Hate About You

High school is a formative time in life that shaped my identity. I recall attending a school which put me under pressure. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t stand up against bullies in school that left me terrified. As someone that grew up to treasure my high school experience that I value, I adored “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s romantic comedy captured the bonds between teenage lovers. Junger effectively used musical montages to capture joyous romantic relationships among teenagers. At the centre of it all is Heath Ledger, who proved how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. An engaging portrait of teens listing 10 things they hate about each other in high school, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced timeless movies audiences consider to be cool.

7. Silver Linings Playbook

Bipolar is a devastating disease that impacted my aunt’s identity. Years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with bipolar disorder causing sorrow. Afflicted with illness, she found it hard to find silver linings in a disease affecting her happiness. Few films I’ve seen have captured the impact of mental illness on romance as powerfully as “Silver Linings Playbook”. Released in 2012, David O. Russell’s movie captured impact of mental illness on romance. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Silver Linings Playbook” stand out is its depiction of mental illness. Russell used montages to create a portrait of mental illness that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of mental illness causing romantic relationships to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has made memorable movies which audiences appreciate.

8. About Time

One of the most common criticisms levelled against the rom-com genre is its predictability. Romance movies have always followed a safe formula building to a predictable ending. This often leaves little room for originality in the genre. In a genre that has lost its abilities to amaze over time, it’s worth praising “About Time”. Released in 2013, Richard Curtis’ movie used the unique concept of time travel to reinvigorate the rom-com genre. Curtis used sharp writing to create a romantic relationship affected by time travel that’s compelling. Assisted by Domnhall Gleeson who is excellent in the lead role, Curtis created a refreshing time-travel romance. A powerful portrayal of time travel causing romance to crumble, it’s a remarkable reminder of a genre that thrives telling timeless stories about love that are original.

9. The Big Sick

Immigration is an intense process that impacted my identity. Several years ago, my life changed when my family immigrated to Toronto. The decision to immigrate forced me to bid goodbyes to friends I had grown to appreciate. As someone impacted by immigration which was tragic, I adored “The Big Sick”. Released in 2017, Michael Showalter’s movie captured a multicultural romance. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “The Big Sick” stand out is racial diversity. Showalter used witty dialogue to capture a Pakistani family. Assisted by Kumail Nanjiani who is excellent in the lead role, Showalter created a remarkable romance with racial diversity. As strong as Kumail’s desire to become a successful stand-up comic, it’s a fantastic reminder of a genre that has made memorable movies captivating the general public.

10. Ticket to Paradise

Over the past decade, the rom-com genre has declined in quality. With their predictable plots, cartoonish characters and lacklustre storytelling, most romantic comedies have become a chore to sit through. In a genre that has lost abilities to surprise, it’s worth praising “Ticket to Paradise”. Released in 2022, Ol Parker’s movie elevated the rom-com genre by its depiction of broken marriages. Parker used engaging dialogue to create a romance that’s engaging. Although “Ticket to Paradise” can’t quite reach the commemorated standard of the greatest romantic comedies, it remains a breathtaking reminder about the power of the genre. As precious as islands that offer paradise, it’s a powerful reminder of a genre that hasn’t lost abilities to surprise which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of filmmaking I prize.