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 that had dreams of marriage. Dressed in gorgeous attire, she was an attractive girl that my entire school would admire. However, immigration brought our bond towards closure. When my family moved to Canada, I was faced with the dilemma of saying goodbye to girls influencing my persona. Few films I’ve seen have demonstrated uphill battles of falling in love with someone famous as powerfully as “Notting Hill”. Following 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 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 meaningful message about fame which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 30 years following release of a groundbreaking film about bookstore owners falling in love with actresses in Notting Hill, it’s a beautiful reminder of a commemorated genre that hasn’t lost abilities to thrill creating larger-than-life characters in great movies which give audiences dreams to fulfill.
2. 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 universal appeal. Unlike most movies made in the 1960’s which are outdated, it has aged beautifully. 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 commemorated genre that has made unforgettable movies audiences consider to be flawless.
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. 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.
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 tremendously treasure.
6. As Good as it Gets
OCD is a debilitating disease rarely depicted in movies accurately. Hollywood has struggled to tell stories about a mental illness that’s misunderstood. As someone with OCD, I have often believed movies rarely capture the disease accurately. In an industry avoiding OCD, it’s worth praising “As Good as it Gets”. Released in 1997, James L. Brooks’ iconic movie captured a disorder that’s true to reality. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “As Good as it Gets” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Brooks uses sharp humour to capture the life of a man with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Assisted by Jack Nicholson who is amazing in the lead role, Brooks created a compelling portrait of the condition. As strong as Melvin’s obsession, it’s a marvellous reminder of a genre that has manufactured movies which deserve celebration.
7. 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 extremely original.
8. 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 movie-going public.
9. Love Actually
Comedy is a rare quality seldom seen in Christmas movies. The genre has often adopted a serious tone depicting holiday ceremonies that are precious. In a genre where comedy is rarely seen, it’s worth praising “Love Actually”. Released in 2003, Richard Curtis’ romantic comedy offered a captivating portrait of Christmas love. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Love Actually” stand out is its sharp sense of humour. Curtis uses captivating humour to capture commemorated Christmas celebrations facing disaster. Assisted by Keira Knightley who is spectacular in the lead role, Curtis created a captivating wedding romantic comedy. A beautiful portrait of Christmas celebrated by couples that are British, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a genre that has made great movies about ceremonies which audiences commonly cherish.
10. 10 Things I Hate About You
Few movies ever made about struggles adolescents in high school go through are as beloved as “10 Things I Hate About You”. Released in 1999, Gil Junger’s movie captured teens in high school. Junger used captivating montages capturing frightening obstacles that teenagers in high schools are facing. Assisted by Heath Ledger who is extraordinary in the lead role, Junger created a captivating high school comedy. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s negative depiction of nerds as outcasts rejected by girls they fall in love with causing adversity has tarnished its legacy. As strong as Cameron’s love for Bianca, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured memorable movies about adolescents facing a dilemma which I will forever treasure for inspiring my lifelong love of Cinema.
The Film Buff 