With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, many of us find ourselves wanting to get into the spirit of the holiday. But, as store aisles stock their displays with overpriced chocolate boxes and those overly affectionate couples somehow become more touchy-feely, it can end up feeling like Valentine’s Day isn’t enjoyable if you’re not in a relationship. However, there are still ways we can stop and smell the roses like for example, curling up on the couch and watching a classic Romantic Comedy movie. They’ve got it all: humor, absurdity, charm, and of course, love. But with so many Rom-Coms out there, which ones are worth adding to your watchlist? Luckily, I’ve seen my fair share of the genre, so without further ado, here are the best Rom-Coms to get you in touch with your inner romantic.
Starting off strong is the teen flick “10 Things I Hate About You,” which follows the new kid at school, Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as he tries to make the beautiful and popular Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) fall for him. However he quickly gets looped into a scheme to simultaneously make Bianca’s outcast sister, Kat (Julia Stiles) fall in love with the infamous school delinquent, Patrick (Heath Ledger). This 90’s classic gives us two iconic love stories while giving insight about how popularity and society’s expectations separate us from one another. “10 Things I Hate About You” has the perfect balance of comedy and romance (and a killer soundtrack) with a new look at teen cliches.
“But I’m a Cheerleader” is a campy hidden gem that embodies a Chappell Roan-coded fever dream wrapped in pink and blue ribbons. The film follows Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a peppy cheerleader in denial of her sexuality who is sent to a wacky conversion camp where she meets the disdainful and pessimistic Graham (Clea DuVall). Counselors, Mike (RuPaul) and Ms. Brown (Cathy Moriarty) put the teens through hell, using over the top reversion tactics, making the group spend more time together and bringing Megan and Graham closer. The film sprinkles in compelling commentary about alienation and being yourself in between the comedy before leading up to the ending scene, which is the perfect blend of iconic and heartwarming.
Andie (Kate Hudson) and Benjamin (Matthew McConaughey) go head to head in the movie “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” as Andie makes a bet with her boss that she can have a guy running for the hills in ten days or less, while Ben bets his co-workers that he can have a woman swooning for him in the same amount of time. As Andie puts up a front, acting as obnoxious as possible, Ben tries to put up with all of her stunts with a smile. Chaos obviously ensues with Andie pulling more outrageous shenanigans, but as her true self slips through the cracks, the pair begins to actually fall for one another. Andie and Ben’s dynamic is very comedic while also compatible, which made for a great Rom-Com.
The movie “13 Going on 30” is about the tween Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) as she yearns to grow up too fast but suddenly has her wish granted. She now must navigate life as an adult trying to work her dream job as a magazine editor and reconnecting with her childhood best friend, Matt (Mark Ruffallo). Jenna and Mark bring out the best in each other with Jenna reminding him to cherish the little things in life, leading to some sweet and hilarious moments. The overall feel of this film is very playful and bubbly, serving as a unique take on the Rom-Com genre as a whole.
All this to say, movies are a great way to get into the mood for any holiday. So if you’re not busy, maybe try indulging in a Rom-Com (preferably with some popcorn or chocolate) this Valentine’s Day.
