Romance and comedy is the ultimate cinematic pairing. When done right, a good rom-com can win the hearts of even the most cynical viewers. But for many, the very mention of a rom-com elicits eye-rolls. Too predictable, too unrealistic, they say. Where’s the substance? Where’s the conflict? Where’s the originality?
Well, for people who think they don’t like rom-coms, here’s a theory. There’s a little bit of romance and chemistry in all of us. One may think they’re completely immune to the clichés presented by the genre and the idea of a happily-ever-after, but we’re willing to bet that there is at least one title out there that makes your heart skip a beat and your lips curl up into a smile. That’s where this list comes in.
Sure, romantic comedies are filled with familiar tropes – the meet-cute, the platonic best friends giving into the tension, the grand romantic gestures. For so many viewers, these narratives feel overused, but for fans of the genre, they are familiar, comforting, and safe. Either way, there is a sense of anticipation in watching a story unfold at a thoughtful pace, even if you know where it’s headed. The 10 rom-coms on this list are for the self-proclaimed haters of the genre, people who definitely need to give both old-fashioned and modern love stories a chance.
10
‘The Apartment’ (1960)
The Apartment
- Release Date
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June 15, 1960
- Runtime
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125 minutes
- Director
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Billy Wilder
Stream
Billy Wilder, one of the most versatile filmmakers of his time, directed The Apartment during the peak of his career and the film became an instant classic within the rom-com genre. It follows C.C. “Bud” Baxter, a lonely insurance clerk who wants to climb the corporate ladder so he lends his Upper West Side apartment to his company’s top executives. His orderly life is upended when he falls for the elevator operator Fran Kubelik, who also happens to be his boss’s mistress.
Sophisticated Twist on a Workplace Rom-Coms
While The Apartment may not fit the mold of a traditional romantic comedy, its sharp wit, perfect balance of comedy and drama, and nuanced character development make it an essential entry on the list. Wilder creates a deep emotional core, a story that is both lighthearted and moving, genuine and clever. Paired with the performances of Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, which are nothing short of phenomenal, the movie is ideal for those who claim to dislike rom-coms.
9
‘When Harry Met Sally…’ (1989)
This one’s a no-brainer. Harry Burns and Sally Albright meet for the first time after graduating from the University of Chicago and share a drive to New York City. Over the course of the next twelve years, their paths cross repeatedly and in varying capacity, as they engage in a sweet, complex, and often romantic will-they-won’t-they dance and explore the age-old question of whether a man and a woman can truly be just friends.
A Warm and Witty Exploration of Friendship
Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally… is a quintessential romantic comedy that transcends the boundaries set by genres to tell a naturalistic story about modern romance, the nature of friendship, and the challenges of finding a love that lasts. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan share a palpable chemistry with each other and their journey is marked by witty banter, an iconic diner scene (if you know, you know), and genuinely beautiful conversations about life. It’s a movie that’s both commercially successful and intellectually relatable.
8
‘As Good as It Gets’ (1997)
As Good As It Gets
- Release Date
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December 19, 1997
- Runtime
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139 minutes
- Writers
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James L. Brooks
Stream
As Good as it Gets introduces viewers to an obsessive-compulsive romance novelist named Melvin Udall, whose daily routine is so meticulously structured that he has no space for another person. However, his tightly-wound world starts to break apart when he agrees to take care of his neighbor’s dog, a task that leads him to develop a friendship with Carol, a single mother and waitress at a restaurant he frequents, and soon, Melvin softens as a person.
Refreshing and Nuanced
From the engaging performances of Jack Nicholson and Helen Hunt to the sharp and witty dialogue, As Good as it Gets is a movie that offers an unconventional look at romantic comedies. The movie’s charm lies in its ability to portray characters that are mature and evolved, and have them form a genuine and vulnerable connection with each other, in a setting that seems plausible. In a way, it proves that even the most cynical of hearts can soften if you allow them to.
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7
‘Amélie’ (2001)
Set against the whimsical backdrop of Montmartre, Amélie is a French-language rom-com that follows Amélie Poulain, a shy and imaginative young woman and waitress who finds joy in the simple act of being kind to people and making them happy in tiny ways. Her life takes a turn when she discovers a hidden treasure trove in her apartment and she makes it her mission to return it to its rightful owner.
A Quirky Delight For the Senses
Amélie is not your go-to rom-com, but its playful spirit, inventive visuals, and captivating central character makes it a must-watch even for people who claim to hate rom-coms. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, it has an enchanting and whimsical aesthetic that celebrates the magic of human connection. Audrey Tautou’s performance as the titular character is both visually stunning and emotionally effective; it takes you on a personal journey of self-discovery.
6
‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ (2008)
Co-produced by Judd Apatow, who really knows how to mine humor from the most ordinary situations, Forgetting Sarah Marshall revolves around Peter Bretter, a music composer for a TV show, who finds himself in a downward spiral of heartbreak when Sarah, his girlfriend of five years, abruptly breaks up with him. To escape his woes, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii, only to find that Sarah and her latest boyfriend are staying at the same resort as him.
Deconstructs Romantic Tropes With its Humor
People who hate rom-coms are usually cynics who don’t believe in a happily-ever-after. One of their biggest complaints about the genre, however, is that the movies aren’t as funny as they promise to be. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is backed by talents like Nicholas Stoller, Judd Apatow, and Jason Segel, who wrote the screenplay and starred in the movie, which means it deftly balances laugh-out-loud moments with the emotional ones and results in an uproarious, familiar, and entirely fresh story.
5
‘Up in the Air’ (2009)
Directed by Jason Reitman, Up in the Air follows Ryan Bingham, a corporate downsizing expert who spends more time on airplanes and in hotels than at his own home. His solitary and transient lifestyle gives him the freedom to detach from people and relationships. But when he meets Alex, his view on life changes. It doesn’t help that his company undergoes changes and an ambitious colleague named Natalie proposes a new business model that forces Ryan to reconsider his way of living.
Exploring Love in a Fast World
Up in the Air is less about romance and more about the search for meaning in a world that is constantly and rapidly changing. It offers a sophisticated and realistic look at romance, which makes it an interesting choice for people who are bored with traditional rom-coms. It also helps that the movie does not have a happy ending. Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, and Anna Kendrick, the movie is a standout for its comedic bits as well as its deeply moving narrative.
4
‘Sleeping With Other People’ (2015)
Sleeping with Other People is an entertaining rom-com that centers around Lainey and Jake, who cross paths years after a one-night stand in college that seemed to have changed them. In the present day, Lainey is trying to move on from a toxic relationship and Jake cannot seem to commit. They’ve both had their fair share of failed romances, but when they meet again, they decide to be each other’s confidants. Their chemistry is undeniable, which tests boundaries.
All About Relationships and Commitment
Almost all the movies on the list offer an honest and subversive take on the romantic comedy genre. But Sleeping with Other People wins because of its witty script and the effortless chemistry shared by its leads, Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie. The movie emphasizes character development, emotional honesty, and the power of friendship over cheesy romance. Its tone, while complex, is relatable and entertaining throughout.
3
‘The Lobster’ (2015)
The Lobster takes place in a dystopian near-future where single people are taken to The Hotel and forced to find a partner within 45 days or be transformed into an animal of their choice. The protagonist is a man named David, who checks into the hotel and navigates the bizarre rules and rituals of the place. At the same time, his growing interest towards a group of rebellious loners threatens to break the entire system.
Delightfully Absurd and Wickedly Funny
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the movie is not just a standout in the rom-com genre, but it’s also one of the quirkiest and most imaginative on the list. Shot with a surreal and darkly comedic aesthetic, it juggles themes of existentialism and the societal expectations around relationships in general. Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz deliver understated performances to elevate the depth of the narrative and its message about the modern dating scenario.
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2
‘Set It Up’ (2018)
In New York’s competitive, fast-paced corporate world, Harper and Charlie are two overworked and underappreciated assistants to demanding bosses, Kirsten and Rick. Desperately wanting to get some free time for themselves, the two hatch a plan to set up their respective bosses with each other. But in the process, they find themselves caught up in the very romantic chemistry they helped orchestrate.
Unexpected Office Romance
The whole point of watching a rom-com is to root for the main couple to get together. And while the plot of Set It Up is straightforward and predictable enough to know they will, it’s genuinely fun to watch the main characters get caught up in their own scenes. Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch take the workplace dynamics up ten notches with their clever banter, chaotic encounters, and the never-ending pursuit of work-life balance. It’s hilarious, it’s heartwarming, it’s romantic, and it’s good enough to win over cynics.
1
‘Bros’ (2022)
Bros is a bold and unapologetic departure from the typical rom-com formula, and yet, it stays so true to the core elements of the genre that it’s impossible not to fall in love with the movie. It follows Bobby Leiber, a successful, openly gay podcaster and author who has given up on finding love. He crosses paths with Aaron, a charming, hilarious, “seemingly” straight finance bro, and the two find themselves drawn to each other in the most irresistible ways.
Inclusive Reinvention of the Rom-Com
For those who think they don’t like romantic comedies, Bros offers an original and necessary look at LGBTQ+ romance. It starts off with a simple “opposites attract” premise, but along the way, warms your heart with its authentic exploration of love and identity. Billy Eichner, who co-wrote the script, is a revelation alongside Luke Macfarlane, and the two share a sharp and natural chemistry. It also subtly challenges internalized homophobia and is acclaimed for its representation and charming storytelling.