Love is in the air! Let’s break down some underrated romantic comedies that don’t get the praise they deserve. Snuggle up with you significant other or your best gal pals for the ultimate rom-com weekend.
The Broken Hearts Gallery
This adorable flick was a casualty to Covid since it released in the midst of the pandemic. However, if the quarantine hadn’t kept people at home while this was in theaters, this would have become a true hit. Produced by Selena Gomez, The Broken Hearts Gallery follows Lucy (played by Geraldine Viswanathan), a young woman living in New York City who hoards everything from every relationship she’s ever had. At first, you might want to pass some judgement on her, but when you learn why she does this, you’ll be reaching for the tissues and ice cream. When Lucy loses her art gallery job and her boyfriend in the same night, she meets Nick (played by Dacre Montgomery), a curmudgeon man trying to make his own boutique hotel. The two strike up a plan to help each other. Lucy will help Nick fund the hotel if he lets her start an art gallery on the second floor of the hotel. The art gallery will be a place for heartbroken people to leave behind trinkets from their failed relationships. This film is funny, bittersweet, and the ultimate friends-to-lover story that you’ll want to watch over and over again.
Set It Up
Will the original Glen Powell fans please stand up? Set It Up is a Netflix rom-com that became an instant classic in my household, and it never gets old! Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell star as Harper and Charlie, two overworked assistants who work in the same New York City skyscraper. Harper is an aspiring sports journalist who works for Kirsten Stevens, an intimidating sports journalist played by Lucy Liu. Charlie is the assistant to Rick Otis, a rude finance CEO played by Taye Diggs. The two assistants devise a plan to set their bosses up so they can finally have a life outside of the office, thus giving Harper and Charlie some much-needed free time from their bosses. This film is an adorable love story born out of some mischievous hijinks from Charlie and Harper, and Powell and Deutch’s chemistry is off the charts.
Love, Rosie
Dang it, I’m already crying! Love, Rosie pulls on your heartstrings as you follow Rosie, a young British woman played by Lily Collins as she navigates her life when her best friend Alex, played by Sam Claflin, suddenly moves to the United States. The two clearly love one another but as life gets in the way, you’re constantly wanting to yell at the screen for these two crazy kids to finally get together.
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Talk about a plot twist! Crazy, Stupid, Love is a classic comedy thanks to Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell’s hilarious bromance. Carell plays Cal, a typical middle aged father whose life gets turned upside down when his wife tells him she wants a divorce. It turns out his wife Emily, played by Julianne Moore, has fallen for a different man, played by Kevin Bacon. Cal meets Jacob, a suave bachelor played by Gosling. Jacob vows to turn Cal into the ultimate ladies man. However, Jacob falls in love with Hannah, a beautiful lawyer played by Emma Stone. What’s the plot twist? You’ll have to rent this movie to find out! Warning, you will gasp.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
Do you love a good love triangle? Do you love Chris Pine? Do you love Anne Hathaway? Well, I have the film for you! The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement is a Disney classic, and the most perfect heartwarming film that will make you belt out Kelly Clarkson’s “Breakaway.” The film follows Princess Mia, played by Hathaway, as she’s forced to marry to be eligible for the throne of Genovia. Her grandmother Clarice, played by Julie Andrews, helps her find a dashing prince to marry, but Mia can’t help but be drawn to her enemy, Nicholas, played by the dashing Chris Pine. The only problem is that Nick’s uncle is actively trying to steal the throne away from Mia and her grandmother. The second installment of The Princess Diaries franchise is a fan favorite, and we can’t wait for the upcoming third film. We’re praying to the Disney gods that Pine will reprise his role!
About Time
I usually don’t cry during movies, but I was sobbing during this one. About Time follows Tim, played by Domnhall Gleeson, who discovers he can travel through time. He uses this power to connect with the girl of his dreams Mary, who is played by Rachel McAdams. Bill Nighy plays Tim’s father who actually reveals he can travel through time as well. It seems like only the men in their family possess this power. While it’s a touching love story between Tim and Mary, the true heart of the story centers around Tim and his father’s relationship.
It’s Complicated
I’m a sucker for a Nancy Meyers film! It’s Complicated follows Jane, played by the wonderful Meryl Streep, who is an empty-nester and divorcee. When her ex-husband Jake, played by Alec Baldwin, comes crawling back to her, the two have an affair behind their children’s backs. To make matters even worse, Jake is remarried, and his ex-wife is now his mistress. Yes, it’s definitely complicated! Jane also strikes up a romance with a kindhearted architect named Adam, played by Steve Martin, who is renovating her house. This story is a classic love triangle trope but with an hilarious premise. If you haven’t watched this one, add it to your list right now!
Bride Wars
What happens when you double book The Plaza Hotel for a spring wedding? Bride Wars stars Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson as best friends who have both dreamed of getting married at The Plaza Hotel. However, when they accidentally get booked for the same day, the two women engage in a full-on war to ruin each other’s special day. This film is hilarious, chaotic, and about female friendship which is why it makes our list!
Sweet Home Alabama
Of course we had to mention Reese Witherspoon! Sweet Home Alabama follows Melanie, played by Witherspoon, who has reinvented herself as a New York City socialite but is forced to return home to Alabama to settle her divorce. She’s been separated from her husband Jake, played by Josh Lucas for seven years. But of course, the romance is rekindled as Melanie returns to her country roots. This feel-good comedy is a perfect movie to enjoy with your besties over some wine and ice cream! Also, did I mention McDreamy is in this? Yes, the one and only Patrick Dempsey graces the screen for all you Grey’s Anatomy fans!
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Cameron Diaz and Julia Roberts in one romantic comedy together? Sign us up! These two rom-com queens unite for My Best Friend’s Wedding. Roberts plays Julianne who is scorned when she finds out her best friend (who she’s secretly in love with) is marrying a younger woman played by Cameron Diaz. It turns out, Julianne and her best friend Michael, played by Dermot Mulroney, had made an agreement to marry each other if they’re both 28 and single. Well, with Julianne’s 28th birthday quickly approaching, she is hurt when Michael suddenly has found the love of his life. Many hijinks ensue as Julianne tries to end the engagement, but with the wedding bells drawing near, her time might be up.
Valentine’s Day
Did you really think this wouldn’t be on the list? Valentine’s Day is the perfect romantic comedy with nearly every celebrity on the planet. Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Gardner, Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, George Lopez, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Anne Hathaway, I could go on and on! All these stories blend together to make one perfect Valentine’s Day celebration, and there is quite literally a story for anyone!
