The romantic comedy has a branding problem. En vogue since nearly the beginning of cinema, the ‘80s and ‘90s proved to be the genre’s heyday: when romantic comedies could not only top the box office but nab critical praise and Oscar nominations to boot. But the aughts brought with it largely a slew of passable, derivative films that betrayed better, earlier influences, and after more than a handful of high profile disappointments, the genre remains, at least in the mainstream, on what amounts to genre life support.
But to think the genre is dead would be totally incorrect. The romantic comedy is alive and well, particularly in the indie sphere, where ambitious new filmmakers are carving out their space in the industry by placing fresh spins on the well-worn genre. And while the divining logic as we continue into the 21stcentury seems to largely be adapt or die, that doesn’t mean the century hasn’t produced some stellar examples of the traditional rom com, from the unabashedly faithful (the charmingJust Friends) to the darkly strange (hello,Secretary).
In honor of the genre that seems increasingly on the verge of making a comeback with each passing year, we’ve compiled our 26 favorite of the century so far.
Amelie (2001)
Amelieis a movie that, romantically anyway, should appeal most to the dreamers and the introverts. Though much of directorJean-Pierre Jeunet’s magical film focuses on Amelie (Audrey Tautou) going through her days trying to help others (by secretly orchestrating their lives), she doesn’t have the courage to reach out for what she wants, and in fact, actively hides from it. It, of course, is actually a him — Nino (Mathieu Kassovitz), who is just as strange and creative and lonely as Amelie. The two dance towards and away from one another throughout the film in the most subtle and unexpected ways, but don’t worry — Jeunet won’t keep them apart forever.Yann Tiersen’s uniquely carnivale-esque score augments the singular, unforgettable style of this deeply emotional, yet playful, Parisian love letter.— Allison Keene
Kate & Leopold (2001)
Before they madeThe WolverineandLogantogether, directorJames Mangoldand actorHugh Jackmanfirst teamed up for the “rom com with a sci-fi twist”Kate & Leopold. Jackman plays a 19th century Duke who stumbled upon a portal that transports him to 21st century New York City, where he falls in love with a cynical woman played byMeg Ryan. Pleasantries are exchanged, mishaps ensue, and romance blossoms. The character dynamics are engaging and, as we know, Jackman and Ryan are great actors with swell chemistry, so adding in a dash of well-timed humor and solid direction from Mangold and we’ve got a winner. As a bonus, Jackman co-stars with future SabretoothLiev Schreiber. –Adam Chitwood
Punch Drunk Love (2002)
Easily the lightest film onPaul Thomas Anderson’s belt (which isn’t particularly saying much),Punch Drunk Lovewas at first perhaps unfairly drowned out by the collective shock thatAdam Sandlercould, in fact, act pretty serviceably: giving a surprisingly touching portrait of a man so introverted as to seem almost turned inside out. But it’sEmily Watsonas his equally strange object of affection, and of course, Anderson’s ever-present slant towards the near-surreal, that helps to elevate the film from the manic pixie dream girl doldrums it flirts with. Divisive, experimental, and perhaps most importantly, pulsing with the physical and mental side effects of obsession, it’s a romantic comedy for the weird kids at heart. –Aubrey Page
Secretary (2002)
If the romantic comedy is an upstanding citizen of a genre known mostly for its socially acceptable representations of courting and marrying,Secretaryis its misfit, deeply perverted stepchild. A romantic comedy only by the darkest of definitions, the BDSM-fueled romp is largely a comedy of errors, as the emotionally unhinged Lee (Maggie Gyllenhaal), recently released from a mental institution for self harm meets the dark and dominant Mr. Grey (James Spader). Quickly, both of their proclivities (for submission and dominance, respectively) are found out – despite the fact that Lee has a suitor of her own who’s decidedly more vanilla. The proceedings are, well, not for everyone. But for those looking for a romantic confection with a streak of something bitter, this twisted rom com should more than do the trick. –Aubrey Page
Love, Actually (2003)
It’s not a romantic comedy list withoutLove Actually. Sure, writer/directorRichard Curtis’ 2003 ensemble is a little sappy, a little dated, a little creepy (cool it with the cue cards,Andrew Lincoln) but it’s hard not to fall for it. It helps that there are so many characters and storylines it’s easy to find one to connect with, but Curtis really does imbue this whole thing with a romantic spirit. Throw in the Christmas setting, A-list ensemble cast, and a memorable music moment and you’ve got yourself a classic. –Adam Chitwood
Saving Face (2004)
Despite its relatively rigid romantic comedy bones,Saving Faceis one of the genre’s more giddily pleasant modern surprises: a charming, thought-provoking rom com that has its head in high places: in issues of tradition, of race, familial relationships and sexual orientation; all the while managing to stay thoroughly delightful. The directorial debut ofAlice Wu,Saving Facespins its story around two unlikely lovers, a surgical resident named Wil(Michelle Krusiec)and a beautiful ballerina(Lynn Chen)and continues ever out, devoting nearly as much time to the pair’s blossoming love to Wil’s complicated relationship with her mother(Joan Chen).A confident, deeply beguiling debut feature, Saving Face wasn’t treated to much fanfare during its release over a decade ago, but it deserves the eyes of any soft-hearted movie goer. You’ll be happy you sought it out.–Aubrey Page
Just Friends (2005)
Not every great romantic comedy has to be a complete subversion of the genre, or even particularly high-minded.Just Friendsis a silly, pretty traditional romcom story that is extremely watchable thanks to some swell comedic turns byRyan ReynoldsandAnna Faris. Reynolds plays a former fat kid who’s now a famous and svelte record producer. But when he’s forced to spend the holiday in his hometown with his high school crush (played byAmy Smart), things get topsy turvy. Again, this movie isincrediblysilly, but there are some really great comedic bits to it and Reynolds and Faris knock it out of the park. –Adam Chitwood
Juno (2007)
Diablo CodyandJason Reitman’siconic first collaboration has a reputation that precedes it. But that reputation, of speedy, newly minted wordplay that struck viewers even a decade ago as twee and stylized, is almost inaccurate. Yes, on rewatch, the “this is one doodle that can’t be undid, homeskillet”s are still there – but what we’ve somehow forgotten in the decade sinceJuno’srelease is how quickly Cody’s quirk falls away in favor of something far more compelling.Juno, while being perhaps tangentially about teen pregnancy, is a coming of age film of the most complicated sort: of disappointment in the adults you were told to trust, of the first pangs of existential despair, and the sudden awareness that even the most trusted safety nets will almost always dissolve. It also happens to feature a refreshingly realistic and charming high school relationship (Ellen PageandMichael Cerain a mush-mouthed pairing for the ages) that culminates in an acoustic guitar duet, in case that’s your also thing. –Aubrey Page
Knocked Up (2007)
It’s only fitting thatJudd Apatow, the writer-director who gaveSeth Rogenhis start withFreaks and GeeksandUndeclared, would launch him into stardom with his first leading role.Knocked Upstars Rogen as Ben Stone, a deadbeat stoner who ends up a baby daddy after a drunken one-night stand withKatherine Heigl’s Alison. The two couldn’t be more different; Ben is a schlubby guy trying to profit off of celebrity nudity and living off a disability settlement, while Alison is an ambitious television personality at the beginning of a promising career. Basically, they never would have talked again under normal circumstances, but with the decision to keep the baby, their lives are inextricably intertwined, making room for an unconventional romance to blossom.
In true Apatow fashion,Knocked Uptackles the realities of modern maturity with a mix of savvy sophistication and boisterous goofiness. The film takes an honest and uncompromising look at courtship, commitment, ambition and aging, and Like all of Apatow’s films,Knocked Uphas a crazy roster of comedic talent in the cast includingPaul Rudd,Jonah Hill,Martin Starr,Alan Tudyk,Kristin Wiig,Bill Hader,Jay Baruchel,Jason Segel,Ken Jeong,Craig Robinson, and even the legendaryHarold Ramisas Ben’s lovely father. It’s hilarious, it’s enduring, and bottom line, it’s one of the best romantic comedies in ages. –Haleigh Foutch
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Despite being likely best known as part of the Judd Apatow-tinged “aw shucks” raunch thanks to its famously over-the-top sex scene andJason Segal’spathetically hilarious decision to bare it all for the camera,Forgetting Sarah Marshalldeserves a bit more credit. Sure, it’s a broad comedy on its surface, but at the ooey-gooey romantic comedy center, it’s a decidedly nuanced picture of the trauma of long term breakups, their often codependent, weak willed road bumps, and the true joy of falling back in love with oneself. It’s got more heart than even some of the best on this list: even amidst the deluge of dick jokes. – Aubrey Page
