10 Romantic Comedies That Don't Suck

So, I hate rom-coms. They are predictable, bland, and almost never funny. I generally only watch them when I’m sick (or when I came home with my newborn and lived on my couch in a sleep-deprived haze.) That’s because you can nod in and out and still know exactly what’s happening. But, some will surprise you by actually being, well, dare I say… kind of good.

The Wrong Missy

So this was a David Spade movie that came out this year. Who the hell even knew he was still alive, right? Let alone making movies. Honestly, I thought it would be a dud. It looked brash and in-your-face and predictable. And while the plot hit some familiar notes, it did so in a fresh enough way that you weren’t mad about it. Also, Lauren Lapkus was hilarious. She made the film, really leaning into her role of a cringe-worthy, crazy hot mess. It’s about a guy who, shortly after a terrible first date, meets the girl of his dreams and later decides to spontaneously invite her on a work trip to Hawaii—only realizing once it was too late that he (as the title might suggest) invited the wrong girl. Hijinks ensue as his nightmare slowly turns into a blossoming romance. I was definitely surprised to find myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. This is a rom-com that is actually funny. Watch it. (available on Netflix)

Palm Springs

This is probably one of the best rom-com’s I’ve seen in ages. Definitely of the year. It’s an incredibly unique take on the genre. Even my brothers liked it—and they hate rom-coms more than me! Andy Samberg and Cristin Millioti give excellent performances as two guests who find themselves falling for each other at a wedding in Palm Springs. That’s really all I can say about the plot without giving too much away. But, let’s just say stuff gets freaky… Honestly, trust me, the less you know about the plot of this movie going in, the better. It’s way funnier as a surprise. (Though I’ll give you an Easter egg clue: it’s reminiscent of a famous Bill Murray flick.) Genuinely funny, original, and actually occasionally heartwarming, this is certainly a must-see of the genre. (available on Hulu)

500 Days of Summer

This has to be a standout for the genre. I resisted watching it for years because of all the hype and, honestly, I can be a bit of a snob (if you hadn’t guessed already.) It’s a breakup film told in reverse with a wicked soundtrack and superb casting, with Joseph Gordon Lewitt and Zooey Deschanel in the lead roles. The thing that is particularly fresh about this movie is that, while it is told from the point of view of the heartbroken guy who is bitter and enraged… the main character is actually the one in the wrong. He pins all his other-worldly aspirations of love on this woman who, from the start, says that she is not looking for a relationship. As he relives their romance, he begins to see the error of his ways and the movie becomes a refreshing lesson to all who project their romantic desires onto the unattainable. I was happily surprised by this movie and I think you will be too. (available on Hulu)

Plus One

This movie was frankly delightful. Long-time single friends agree to be each other’s plus one to every wedding they are invited to and, you guessed it, eventually fall for each other. But the lead actors, Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine, are phenomenal. They somehow make what would typically be another boring and predictable rom-com, a film that is charming, funny, and blissfully easy to watch. I was as shocked as any that I enjoyed this movie, but I did. What’s more? I’d even watch it again. If that’s not a sign of a damn good rom-com, then I don’t know what is. (available on Hulu and Amazon Prime)

Love, Actually

This is just a classic. Nine intertwined stories that examine the complexities of love and relationships. It has an all-star cast with superb performances from those like Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightly, and more. Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find a face that you don’t recognize. It’s funny and at times even heartwarming. It also has an absolutely iconic scene which, if you don’t know it already, will stick with you once you do. (Hint: it involves knocking on someone’s door and professing your love in a most original way.) This movie was lovely enough to warm even my snobby ice cold heart. I definitely recommend. (Also sidenote, definitely one of the best Christmas films.)

About Time

This was another one that surprised me. I watched it when I was sick, fully expecting to doze in and out without a care. But, I found myself wanting to stay awake. It is the story of a time-traveler who uses his ability to win the girl of his dreams (think Groundhog Day but way less creepy and predatory.) This incredibly charming movie is adorable, with winsome performances by Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson. It is cute, it is funny, and at times even touching. Let me put it this way: it was two hours long, I had the flu, and I still watched every minute of it. (Available on Netflix)

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

This movie is funny. Not just in a rom-com way where you chuckle once or twice… it’s like actually funny. Jason Siegel shines as a man who gets unceremoniously dumped by his longtime girlfriend. Shattered, he decides to nurse his wounded heart with a trip to Hawaii only to find himself shacked up at the same hotel as his ex and her new obnoxious beau. Mila Kunis stars as the girl that helps him save face and, eventually, wins his heart. Great script, great acting, and plenty of laugh out loud moments, this is a rom-com that is primarily a comedy with a hint of romance.

Knocked Up

This one is more raunchy than romance. A rom-com that is suitable for the bros, it’s filled with a lot of your typical male humor. Seth Rogan and Katherine Heigl star as an unlikely pair, a slacker and an ambitious career-woman, who have a one night stand that results in an unplanned pregnancy. Instead of raising the baby alone, she decides to see whether or not Rogan can be father material. Hilarity ensues as the two try and overcome their incompatibilities. (Available on Hulu)

Benny and Joon

Another classic for the list. This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Joon (played by Mary Stuart Masterson) is a woman who struggles with mental health issues and lives with her older brother, Benny (played by Aidan Quinn.) One night, in a game of poker she “wins” an eccentric man (played by a young Johnny Depp) as a houseguest. The quirky pair fall in love in this touching tale. Tender, funny, and actually romantic, this is a 90’s movie that has stood the test of time.

The Long Shot

Another Seth Rogan flick and another happy surprise. A journalist runs into his former babysitter (played by Charlize Theron) now a high-powered politician and one of the most influential people in the world. The two, much to his surprise, actually hit it off and a romance blooms. But, can their relationship withstand the pressure of her political aspirations and public scrutiny? A clever-script and very well-acted, this is a rom-com that is definitely worth the watch. (available on HBO)