Top 10 Best Romantic Comedies
By Courtney Bowerman
(See the original post and find other movie lists in Courtney’s Movie Blog.)
Although I don’t like most romantic comedies, I do like the ones that make an effort with likable characters, a believable relationship, and a good story. A lot of the ones I like don’t try to be “chick flicks” and instead try to appeal to both genders — even if it means crude humor.
If nothing else, I like ones that try to be fun without being too cliché. It’s possible for a movie to be romantic without being nauseating. Here are my top 10 favorite romantic comedies:
1. The Wedding Singer: An ’80s wedding singer (Adam Sandler) jilted at the altar tries to get his life back together with the help of a sweet waitress (Drew Barrymore). This is Sandler’s best and smartest movie to date, where he shows off his suprisingly good singing. It’s also a wickedly hilarious parody of the ’80s.
2. The Princess Bride: A classic fairy tale about a princess (Robin Wright), her farm boy/pirate beloved (Cary Elwes), a warmongering prince (Chris Sarandon), a lovable giant (Andre the Giant) and his best friend (Mandy Patinkin). Includes the best quote ever: “Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.”
3. Continental Divide: A reporter (John Belushi) goes to the Rockies to interview an eagle researcher (Blair Brown), and after they’ve being stuck together for weeks and end up falling for each other. While the ending is questionable, it is a good movie with spectacular footage of the country. It’s also worth checking out to see a softer side to Belushi.
4. Wedding Crashers: Two divorce lawyers (Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn) get more than they’ve bargained for when they crash a prominent wedding. One of those rare romantic comedies that isn’t a “chick flick.”
5. When Harry Met Sally: Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as as two New Yorkers that try to be “just friends” without sex getting in the way. The reason I think this movie is so revered is because it shows a gradual build-up from friendship. You wanted Harry and Sally to end up together, despite their differences. I like movie couples that begin as friends and do not have “love at first sight”; anyone will tell you it’s one of the best ways to have a successful relationship.
6. Overboard: An heiress (Goldie Hawn) gets amnesia and is tricked into thinking she’s married to a carpenter (Kurt Russell). Yes, the plot is contrived and there is no way this would work out in real life. Still, it’s an entertaining movie, bolstered by Russell and Hawn’s chemistry. They also get points for being a real-life couple. And they’re still together!
7. The Holiday: Fed up with their unsatisfactory love lives, Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz swap homes for the Christmas season. Cameron goes to England where she falls for Kate’s brother (Jude Law), and Kate strikes up friendships with a retired director and movie music composer (Jack Black). It’s a cute holiday movie that has actual character devlopment, particularly for Kate Winslet’s character. I know many think that she and Jack Black didn’t make a good couple, but I did. A guy does not need to look like Matthew McConaughey to be likable and charming.
8. Stardust: A fantasy flick about a lad (Charlie Cox) who searches for a fallen star to give to his beloved. When the star turns out to be a real woman (Claire Danes), he risks his life to protect her. It’s actually categorized as a romantic fantasy, yet there are some really funny moments, particularly with Robert De Niro as a pirate. And if The Princess Bride counts as a romantic comedy, then so does Stardust!
9. Father of the Bride: An overprotective father (Steve Martin) deals with his only daughter’s upcoming wedding. I never saw the original, but I like this version anyway. What’s unique about it is that unlike most romantic comedies, it’s focused more on the father-daughter relationship than the daughter’s romance. A good movie for female viewers to enjoy with their families if they’re getting married sometime soon.
10. The 40-Year-Old Virgin: The movie that made Steve Carrell a star. The titular character tries to put himself on the market and find a real relationship without embarrassing himself. Once again, a film appeals to both genders, even though more people would probably call it a gross-out comedy than a romantic comedy.
What are your favorite romantic comedies? Did any of them make the list? Feel free to share in your comments!