Romantic comedies have long delivered the perfect blend of feel-good humor and heartfelt emotion. Whether viewers are watching a meet-cute blossom into something more or laughing through a series of awkward first dates, the genre offers comfort and charm like no other. Here are five standout rom-coms that continue to win hearts – with a little help from quirky characters, unexpected love stories, and just the right amount of chaos.
#5 The Proposal” (2009)
Released in 2009, “The Proposal” is considered a classic romantic comedy. Margaret Tate, a book editor from Canada, faces deportation from the U.S. To avoid leaving the country, she convinces her assistant, Andrew Paxton, to marry her. Together, they travel to Alaska to celebrate Andrew’s grandmother’s birthday, where their fake engagement slowly starts to feel real. As they navigate their unexpected connection, they ultimately discover genuine feelings for each other.
With its fish-out-of-water humor and undeniable chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, the film delivers a feel-good experience.
The storyline in “The Proposal” places it fifth: it is a typical enemies-to-lovers arc with a scenic twist.
#4 “50 First Dates” (2004)
In this romantic film, Lucy Whitmore suffers from short-term memory loss due to a car accident, causing her to forget everything that happened the day before. When she meets Henry Roth, a veterinarian in Hawaii, he quickly falls for her. Determined to win Lucy’s heart, Henry comes up with creative ways to help her remember their relationship, all while falling deeper in love with her in the process. The film is both heartfelt and humorous, making it a beloved rom-com favorite.
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore bring an endearing charm to the film, which explores what it means to love someone unconditionally.
While “50 First Dates” is not exactly a tearjerker, it lands at No. 4 due to the well-developed plotline and many awe-worthy moments.
#3 “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
Accidental love is always a joy to watch. “10 Things I Hate About You” is a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” It centers on two sisters: Kat, a rebellious teen, and Bianca, who is not allowed to date until Kat does. To win Bianca’s heart, Cameron pays Patrick, the school’s “bad boy,” to date Kat. While Patrick begins to truly fall for Kat, she eventually discovers it was all part of a plan and feels betrayed.
With its clever dialogue, standout performances from Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, and iconic soundtrack, the film has cemented itself as a teen rom-com staple.
The film blends witty humor, teenage romance, and a nostalgic ’90s aesthetic. Some may disagree with its placement, but third place feels fitting for the comfort this movie provides – especially for a Disney film.
#2 “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”
Work promotions are always great – but are they worth risking true love? “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” follows Andie and Ben, two professionals who unknowingly get caught in each other’s career-driven challenges. Ben must keep Andie interested, while Andie attempts to push Ben away using a guide to help women avoid dating mistakes.
Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey bring undeniable chemistry to the screen, making their chaotic push-and-pull relationship both hilarious and heartfelt.
Their plans backfire when real feelings develop, leading to laugh-out-loud moments and emotional payoffs. This film balances comedy with a touching romance, earning it the No. 2 spot.
#1 “The Notebook”
The ultimate tearjerker classic. Although some may argue it is not a traditional rom-com, its heartfelt love story earns it a place on this list. “The Notebook” spans from 1940 to 2004, following an older gentleman reading to a woman with memory loss – the story of Noah and Allie. What begins as a summer fling is torn apart by their differing social classes, yet their love persists throughout the years.
With sweeping visuals, emotional highs and lows, and unforgettable performances by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the film captures the essence of enduring love.
While best known for its emotional depth, the film also includes lighthearted and humorous moments, showcasing the ups and downs of a lasting relationship. With its timeless appeal, “The Notebook” continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, making it a deserving first-place pick.
