As Valentine’s Day passes without a boyfriend in sight, some serotonin and happiness come from watching favorite romantic comedies. A romcom is more than a cheesy love story or a movie just for laughs, but less than a deep movie that makes your head spin. Instead, it is something perfectly sweet in between.
“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” (2003)
My all-time favorite movie, romcom category or not, is “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Andy Anderson (Kate Hudson) and Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) both coincidentally place bets on the other, Andy that she could lose a guy in 10 days, hence the name, and Ben that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days. This of course ends in a classic, tangled love story. It is an easy film to watch, directed by Donald Petrie, and also includes the most fabulous outfits. Andy’s iconic butter-yellow dress was a custom-made silk satin gown designed by Carolina Herrera and costume designer Karen Patch. This dress went viral on the internet and companies made dupes, but were never able to exactly replicate it.
“50 First Dates” (2004)
The iconic film that plays on amnesia, “50 First Dates” was directed by Peter Segal and stars Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) and Lucy Withmore (Drew Barrymore). A showstopping duo like this one is bound to make an iconic movie, and they delivered just as expected. Most of the film was shot on Oahu, Hawaii, bringing tropical vibes to this wonderful rom-com. Coming from a self-proclaimed rom-com critic, this movie is perfect. The actors are great and the setting is even better, but the plot is the best part. This movie also touches on the importance of platonic love, building off of a friends-to-lovers storyline with Henry and Lucy. It is nothing quite like I’ve watched before but it still retains the light-hearted and bittersweet qualities of most rom-coms.
“Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
“Crazy Rich Asians,” the movie everybody watches on the plane, is a classic. Proportionally 80% comedy and 20% romance, this one takes the cake for funniest romcom. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) accompanies her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore, unknowing of Nick’s family’s extreme wealth. Rachel is tasked with untangling the vines of wealth and social status, but even more, with earning the approval of Nick’s reproachful mother. With a budget of 30 million USD, this movie definitely played the role of being on the wealthier side of things.
“13 Going on 30” (2004)
Although this movie is now 22 years old, it remains a fan favorite. “13 Going on 30,” directed by Gary Winick and stars Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner and Christa B. Allen) and Matt Flamhaff (Mark Ruffalo). This movie encompasses everything a teenager thinks adulthood encompasses: the false perceptions of maturity and everything in between. When 13-year-old Jenna (Christa B. Allen) is sick of the social structure in junior high and can’t find herself a boyfriend, she is transformed into a 30 year old (Jennifer Garner) overnight. This light-hearted film has a unique perspective on what it means to want to fit in, and the fulfillment of staying authentic to yourself.
“Anyone But You” (2023)
The most recently produced and popular romcom, “Anyone But You” includes a modern twist on love. This movie follows an enemies-to-lovers plotline, with beloved stars Beatrice (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell), directed by Will Gluck. This movie highlights modern love and first dates through mistakes and grudges yet ends with a heartfelt love story. The song “Unwritten” also saw a resurgence in popularity after this film came out, as its inclusion was a central part of multiple scenes.
Rom-coms are easy to love and even easier to rewatch. In the month of love, it is the ideal time to put that ideology into practice.
