Although our beloved Valentine’s day has come and gone, love is still in the air. Whether you celebrated last week with a special someone, or got yourself your own bouquet of roses, it is the perfect time of the year to rewatch some of your favorite cheesy rom-coms. I’m sure you’ve scrolled and scrolled through your T.V. ‘s latest, only to be bombarded with multiple romantic comedy options, not all great, but most good. To help you out, I’ve got a list of some of the greatest cheesy rom-coms in my opinion including my personal reviews that will easily convince you to watch.
Set It Up (2018)
“You like because and you love despite.”
This is one of my favorite rom-coms. I am a big fan of Zoey Deutch and this was one of the first films with Glen Powell that I had watched. Every single character played their part well, and the storyline was perfect. For those who don’t know, the film follows Zoey Deutch’s character as a single woman who is practically married to her job as a sport’s journalists assistant, hoping to move up the ladder. On the other side of the building is another assistant, played by Glen Powell, hoping for the same thing. They have something in common: both of them have workaholic bosses. Desperately wanting to have some time away from work, they decide to set their bosses up with each other. After spending time together, Zoey and Glen’s characters began to catch feelings…You know the rest. Overall, their chemistry was wonderful, and the plot was original. This is the kind of fun, light-hearted movie that you can watch over and over again.
13 Going On 30 (2004)
“I love you, Matt. You’re my best friend.”
Although this is a rom-com classic, I had only watched this movie just last year. It’s safe to say that it left an impression. First of all, I adore Jennifer Garner and Mark Ruffalo, and seeing them as a duo made it all the better. This film is about a girl who wishes she was older and wakes up the next morning as an adult, 17 years later (hence the film’s name). The main character, played by Jennifer Garner has to adjust to her new life as an adult, and meets her old friend, played by Mark Ruffalo. She adds a childish and fun spin to her new lifestyle as she navigates her love life. The movie is complete with a full, memorable dance number, and wonderful costumes (e.g. Jennifer’s notable rainbow-striped dress). This movie also proves relatable as we have all wished at some point that we could have bypassed our young teen years and skipped to adulthood.
27 Dresses (2008)
“Love is patient, love is kind, love means slowly losing your mind.”
This was also a new, memorable watch for me. I loved this cast and the whole plotline. The film follows Katherine Heigl’s character who is infatuated with her boss and obsessed with weddings. Then, in a rather unfortunate turn of events, her boss gets engaged to her little sister (of whom you’ll grow to hate) and Katherine’s character is left in charge of planning the wedding. In envy, she struggles with her feelings for her boss, when along comes a wedding journalist, determined to write a story on Katherine’s obsession with weddings. The film may be plot heavy, but it is not your usual wedding movie and because of its originality. It is now one of my favorites.
The Wedding Planner (2001)
“Love can’t always be perfect. Love is just love.”
This movie was a bit unorthodox and I was not sure I would like it, but the combination of Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey’s characters was strangely good. This film follows Jennifer Lopez’ character as a wedding planner, after a near brush with death, her savior, played by Matthew McConaughey, and her spend an enchanting evening together. The next day, It is revealed that her next big wedding to plan is Matthew and his fiance’s. Overall, I enjoyed the irony and comedy woven throughout. There are, however, some unrealistic components of the movie, but what’s a romance without irrationality, right?
Anyone But You (2023)
“Some cupids kill with arrows, and some with traps.”
This is one of the newest additions to my collection of favorites, starring Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell. I loved Glen Powell from Set it up, and Sydney Sweeney from Euphoria and was curious to see if they had true chemistry; I was pleasantly surprised. This film starts with Glen and Sydney’s character meeting at a coffee shop. After spending a night together, they both misunderstand each other’s feelings, and leave on bad terms. Years later, they meet again at their friend’s wedding, and have to fake date to make their old partners jealous. You can imagine the rest. Overall, I enjoyed the comedy, and the plotline. Although it’s less of an original story, I thought it reintroduced an older style of rom-com that had been missing in the media.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
“My life was a mess, but I could clean my room”
I fell in love with this series when I was in my early teens and wish that I could watch it for the first time again. I’ve never read the books, and this was my first introduction into Jenny Han’s world. This story is one of my favorites as it follows highschooler, Lara Jean (played by Lana Condor) as she navigates her love life after her secret love letters are mailed out. In an attempt to avoid one of the recipients of her love letters, she makes a deal with Peter Kavinsky (another recipient of a love letter), played by Noah Centineo, to fake date until the consequences of her letters have lessened. This movie is a classic in my book, and one of my favorite fake-dating-trope romances. The characters are well written and it perfectly captures highschool relationships. The first movie is by far the best in the series, but all the others deserve recognition as well. Overall, this goes to the top of my list.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love you.”
This movie is charming, funny, and told in a refreshing way that hasn’t been seen in decades. One of my favorite parts of the movie was the brief interruptions where the storyline would pause and the interviewed couples would tell the audience about their love story-how they had been together 40, 50, 60 years. It was the perfect beginning and ending to the story. This film follows Sally, played by Meg Ryan, and Harry, played by Billy Crystal, as long time-friends who keep meeting each other at various points in their lives. Eventually, their friendship becomes a romance, and they have to navigate the question whether men and women can be “just friends.” I enjoyed the moments of witty banter between the two characters and also enjoyed the fact that the man finally confessed his feelings to the woman, and not the other way around. It’s clear that this film is timeless, as even my generation continues to adore it.
50 First Dates (2004)
“Can I have one last first kiss?”
I love this movie as well. Not only have I watched almost all of Adam Sandler’s movies, but I also adore Drew Barrymore, and the two of them together are perfect co-stars. The film is about a woman, played by Drew Barrymore, who has short-term memory loss, causing her memory to reset every 24 hours. Adam Sandler’s character is deeply in love with her, and comes up with new ways every day to get her to fall in love with him. I enjoyed the sentimentality hidden behind the comedy in this movie. Overall, this is the kind of movie you can rewatch a thousand times and never truly get sick of. Although Adam Sandler added his usual over-the-top, cheesy comedy, this film made me cry the first time I watched it. If you want to cry and laugh, I recommend it.
Clueless (1995)
“Some people are not lucky enough to be as naturally adorable as you are.”
Clueless is one of the greats and will continue to be in my book. I know I’ve said this about almost every character I have mentioned, but Cher, played by Alicia Silverstone, and Paul, played by Paul Rudd are some of my favorite romantic comedy characters. Cher’s character is personable and funny, and everything a girl aspires to be when she’s younger. Not to mention, everyone knows this movie from Cher’s classic closet, including her yellow plaid skirt and blazer set. For those who don’t know, this film follows Cher, considering herself a matchmaker, she tries to help her new friend find a date. When her friend becomes attached to Paul’s character, Cher, jealous, has to navigate her new romantic feelings. Aside from Paul being Cher’s step brother (*cringe*) the film has a great plotline and is well worth watching.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
“Just ’cause you’re beautiful, that doesn’t mean that you can treat people like they don’t matter.”
Add this beloved movie to my top ten rom-coms. Although this film is centered around Kat, played by Julia Stiles, and Heath Ledger’s character, Patrick, the real golden couple in this movie is Cameron and Bianca (Joseph Gordon-Levitt & Larisa Oleynik). This film starts with a new student, Cameron, trying desperately to get noticed by sweetheart, Bianca Stratford. He “employs” the school’s bad boy, Patrick, to take out Bianca’s sister, Julia, as a distraction. As this ruse continues, Patrick’s fake feelings become real and he finds himself stuck in a very messy situation. Overall, I loved this movie, especially the singing and dancing score. It was well-thought out, and Heath and Julia had ecstatic chemistry.
She’s All That (1999)
“Sometimes when you open up to people, you let the bad in with the good”
This was a very fun watch. Although not so plot heavy, I enjoyed the combination of Rachael Leigh Cook and Freddie Prinze Jr. The film begins with Freddie’s character, Zack, making a bet with his friends that he can transform any unpopular girl into the next prom queen (cheesy, I know). His new project becomes Rachel’s character, Laney. Laney, unknowing to Zack’s plan, falls for him and–I won’t spoil the rest. This movie was odd, but a comforting, easy watch. Although unrealistic and very cheesy, their love story is one of my favorites. You can also find “He’s All That” on Netflix, which is a re-do of the classic, with the male and female roles reversed. Let’s just say that “He’s All That” does not live up to the original. Overall, I absolutely recommend you watch this.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
“If you give off signals that you don’t want to belong, people will make sure that you don’t”
I love, love, love this classic movie, more than some of the many I mentioned above. First of all, I adore Molly Ringwald and her funky red hair. Secondly, this film’s plotline is gold as it follows Andie’s character, played by Molly Ringwald, as she is asked out by one of the most popular guys at school. Thinking it is too good to be true, she soon finds that dating someone in a different social circle isn’t so easy. She then navigates being in love, and having to choose between her best friend (my favorite character), Duckie, and Blane, played by Andrew McCarthy. Altogether, this film is easy to watch and the older cinematography makes it all the better.
In conclusion, All 12 of these movies are must-sees, and in my opinion, great additions to the rom-com genre. They not only define what makes a good rom-com, but also capture the complexities, and light-heartedness of love in a way that never gets old. I hope this list sparks some inspiration for your next cheesy watch!
