Getting to the bulk of the school year comes along with a lot of stress and pressure. The best kind of stress relief is getting cozy on the couch with friends and watching a cute romantic comedy. These movies are pure dopamine, as you can always count on some sort of Happily Ever After. In a time filled with uncertainty, now is the perfect time to unwind, swoon to romantic gestures and laugh out loud at a few too.
In the 90s and 2000s, romcoms were vastly different to what we see now. Sometimes we want to go back in the past to escape the realities of modern-day, which is one of the things that make these movies so appealing. There is an apparent disconnect from current-day, without the technology that influences the way we live, while still remaining relatable through lovable characters and plots.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)1) 27 Dresses (2007)- Hulu, Disney+
27 Dresses is my favorite Romantic Comedy. It follows Jane, a woman who is always a bridesmaid/maid of honor, as she navigates that same role, but this time for her sister and the man she is in love with. This wedding is unlike any other because it pushes Jane to question her people-pleasing. At the same time, a wedding journalist is intrigued by Jane's story and wants to use it to get out of the bridal beat.
Honestly, this romcom is such a comfort-watch and perfect for a movie night with friends. Not only are there absolutely iconic scenes, like Jane trying on all of her Bridesmaid dresses, or her and the reporter dancing to "Bennie and the Jets" by Elton John, but also amazing chemistry between the two leads: Katherine Heigl and James Marsden.
I love this movie because it was one of the first romantic comedies that really changed something for me. I rewatch it almost once a month. Like Frozen, the heart of the story is really the relationship between sisters. It has all the building blocks of the perfect romantic comedy: a charming lead, cute moments, and a journalist.
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2) When Harry Met Sally (1989)- Hulu, Disney+
When Harry Met Sally is an iconic friends-to-lovers slow-burning romantic comedy. It follows Harry and Sally, who first met on a road trip from Chicago to New York, and argue about, well, everything, but most importantly about whether men and women can be strictly platonic. They meet 10 years later, both grown up, and attempt to keep things platonic, despite their chemistry.
The movie makes great use of dialogue, with the fast-talking, snappy banter between Harry and Sally. Banter is always better! Although it is fairly predictable, the late great Rob Reiner makes it impossible to look away by sprinkling warmth and cosy autumn settings all over the screen.
3) But I'm a Cheerleader (1999) - Tubi, Amazon Prime
This film is a cult classic, laugh-out-loud. In this movie, the main character, Megan, is sent to a gay conversion camp when her parents suspect her to be a lesbian. This social satire questions sexual norms and puts its lead on a journey of self-acceptance. Megan insists that she is a 'typical' cheerleader, despite not having much attraction to her boyfriend, until she meets Graham.
Though a little bit campy at times, the cast helps guide the viewer to the emotional heart of the film. It avoids unveiling too much about the truth of gay conversion camps, instead choosing to tell a story focusing on gender norms and expectations.
Anyone looking for a comedy that pokes fun at society will enjoy this pick!
4) Fools Rush In (1997) - Tubi, Hulu
Fools Rush In follows Alex (Matthew Perry) and Isabel (Salma Hayek), who, after an accidental pregnancy and undeniable connection, get married, despite being polar opposites. The newlyweds face pressure from both their families, especially considering their different traditions and cultures as an inter-racial couple. When Alex receives his dream job offer... all the way in New York, this pressure boils over.
Seeing the love between Alex and Isabel grow and strengthen is hilarious because they have completely different ideas on what marriage looks like. The heart of their ideas, though, is the same, which is what makes them so compatible. Sure, parts of this movie, especially when Alex receives his job offer, will make you want to rip your hair out, but the montages of Alex and Isabel moving in together will get you through it.
5) Chasing Liberty (2004) - Amazon Prime, YouTube
The most hilarious thing about this movie is that it was released the same year as First Daughter and follows the almost exact same plot. The daughter of the President of the United States, Anna (code-name Liberty), wants nothing more than to escape the Secret Service for a few days of fun. On a trip to Prague, she evades the agents with the help of a stranger she meets, Ben.
Together, they travel across Europe. However, Ben has a secret that may put an end to his budding romance with Anna.
Mandy Moore and Mathew Goode are adorable in this silly movie. It may not be the best watch on this list, but it is cute, quick, and filled with sites. The montages of Anna and Ben finding their way through Europe are the best parts of the movie, along with the side-plots of the agents that really do care about Anna.
Conclusion:
Romantic comedies evoke a sense of comfort, and that, combined with the nostalgia of these recommendations, is a recipe for the perfect movie night.
