Here we’ve preserved Jenna Guillaume’s short and sweet reviews of some swoon-worthy romantic movies removed from streaming services, from period dramas to teen comedy. You can find their current streaming homes by clicking each title.
17 Again (2009)
Zac Efron shows off his comedic timing,, playing a 37-year-old man who wakes up to find he’s back in his 17-year-old body. While initially it seems like a second chance at life, it turns out to be an opportunity to reconnect with his children and remember all the things he loves about his wife. Thankfully, the movie uses the quirky premise for humour without ever crossing too far into ‘creep’ territory, and the romance plot is rather sweet.
About Time (2013)
From British king of romance Richard Curtis comes Rachel McAdams’ best “falling-in-love-with-a-time-traveler” movie (she’s done a surprising number of them). Here she plays Mary, the love interest of said time traveler Tim, charmingly played by Domhnall Gleeson. While their relationship is adorable, what really sets this movie apart is Tim’s complicated relationship with his dad and fellow time traveler James, played by the always-entertaining Bill Nighy.
Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)
If the title didn’t give it away, Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is a very funny British teen rom-com. It’s simultaneously painfully real and ridiculously over-the-top, following main character Georgia Nicolson as he embarks on her quest to throw an epic birthday party and kiss teen rock god Robbie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson with an extremely ‘00s haircut).
The Apartment (1960)
A 1960 classic produced and directed by Billy Wilder, The Apartment stars Jack Lemmon as an insurance clerk who lets his senior coworkers use his apartment for their affairs in the hopes they’ll promote him at work. Shirley Maclaine plays his love interest, an elevator operator who is also having an affair with his boss. It’s an absolute must-watch for any romantic comedy fan.
Atonement (2007)
Featuring stunning cinematography, glorious costumes and one of the best sex scenes in cinema history, director Joe Wright’s Atonement isn’t an easy watch, but it’s a memorable one. Set before, during and after World War II, and adapted from the popular Ian McEwan novel, Atonement is the tragic love story of heiress Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and son of the help Robbie (James McAvoy), whose lives are destroyed by a lie told by Cecilia’s sister Briony (Saoirse Ronan, also played by Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave at different stages in her life).
Baby Driver (2017)
Whatever your feelings on the cast (namely Kevin Spacey), there’s no denying Baby Driver is an incredible movie. The romance isn’t even the strongest element — although it is a strong one — and actually, the story overall is secondary to the visual and aural elements of the film. It’s stylish, colourful, and exhilarating, with incredibly choreographed car chases, and scenes synchronised beautifully to a stand-out soundtrack.
Becoming Jane (2007)
There have been many adaptations of Jane Austen’s work over the years, but very few movies focused on the woman herself. This one sees Anne Hathaway play Austen, with James McAvoy as her love interest Thomas Langlois Lefroy. It’s more fiction than fact, but historical accuracy isn’t what you come to this kind of movie for.
The Big Sick (2017)
A quiet kind of rom-com starring Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. Co-written by Nanjiani and his wife Emily V Gordon, and based on their real love story, The Big Sick is about two people enjoying the honeymoon phase of their relationship when one of them gets very, very sick. As you’d expect from such a story, there’s a lot of emotional moments, but it’s the warm humour and affection infused in every scene that makes it really special.
Bridesmaids (2011)
Bridesmaids is more comedy than romantic comedy, but there is a very sweet romantic plot that makes it impossible not to include on this list. Ultimately, though, it’s about a woman’s journey to get her life together, and the complicated, beautiful friendships that exist in her orbit. Oh, and there’s a heavy dose of toilet humour.
Brokeback Mountain (2006)
Featuring incredible performances from Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams, Ang Lee’s tearjerker about the relationship between two men in America’s west in the ‘60s through to the ‘80s was not only commercially successful but critically acclaimed when it was released in 2005, winning three Academy Awards. Make sure you watch with tissues handy.
Brooklyn (2019)
Set in 1951, Brooklyn tells the story of a young Irish woman caught between her hometown and her new life in Brooklyn, and the men in each place with whom she has a connection. It’s a beautiful movie aesthetically and also emotionally, with a stand-out performance from Saoirse Ronan in the lead role, backed up by Emory Cohen, Domnhall Gleeson, Jim Broadbent, and Julie Walters.
The Bodyguard (1992)
“And IIIIIIIIII-IIII-IIIII will always…” Ah, the movie that spawned one of the best cover songs of all time. Whitney Houston shines in her first acting role as a superstar who is being stalked and hires a bodyguard named Frank (Kevin Costner). The two, naturally, fall in love, which complicates their client/bodyguard relationship. It’s kind of cheesy and over-the-top, which is sometimes just what you need.
Bright Star (2009)
Jane Campion’s 2009 film centres on the last three years in the life of poet John Keats, and his romance with Fanny Brawne. It’s visually sumptuous, and the performances of Ben Whishaw as Keaets and Abbie Cornish as Fanny are nuanced and moving. It’s the kind of movie that sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.
Brokeback Mountain (2006)
Featuring incredible performances from Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Anne Hathaway and Michelle Williams, Ang Lee’s tearjerker about the relationship between two men in America’s west in the ‘60s through to the ‘80s was not only commercially successful but critically acclaimed when it was released in 2005, winning three Academy Awards. Make sure you watch with tissues handy.
Burlesque (2010)
Not a particularly good film by any stretch of the imagination, but a damn good time. Starring Cher, Christina Aguilera, Stanley Tucci, and Cam Gigandet, this is a campy musical set in a burlesque club about a small town girl who finds her voice on the stage. Perfect for switching your brain off for two hours.
Call Me By Your Name (2017)
Based on the book by Andre Aciman, Call Me By Your Name is a languorous and exquisite coming-of-age tale set in Italy in 1983. Timothee Chalamet stuns as Elio, a 17-year-old who falls in love with 24-year-old Oliver (Armie Hammer) when he comes to work for Elio’s father for the summer. There are many scenes that stick with you for a long time after the movie is over—with the final shot (set to Sufjan Stevens’ Visions of Gideon)—a particular gut-punch.
Chalet Girl (2011)
This is a cute teen rom-com that largely went under the radar when it was released in 2011. Felicity Jones stars as former skateboarding champion who is grieving the death of her mother. When she gets a job as a ‘chalet girl’ in the Alps, she discovers a love for snowboarding that helps her work through her grief. Naturally, she also finds love of the human variety in the rich son of the family she works for.
Chocolat (2000)
Chocolat is a whimsical romance set in 1950s France and based on the novel by Joanne Harris. Juliette Binoche stars as Vianne, a chocolatier who turns a quiet French village upside down when she moves in and sets up shop. Johnny Depp plays her love interest Roux, while the supporting cast of Judi Dench, Carrie-Anne Moss, Alfred Molina, Peter Stormare and John Wood bring the quirky townspeople to life.
Clueless (1995)
One of the most quotable movies of all time, one of the best teen movies of all time, and one of the best Jane Austen adaptations of all time…let’s face it, Clueless is actually one of the best movies of all time. Amy Heckerling takes one of Austen’s most divisive heroines — the snobbish and self-centered Emma Woodhouse — and transforms her into a bubbly and likeable (if totally clueless) Beverly Hills teen. Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd are totally classic together in the lead roles, but the costumes and dialogue are what really make the movie memorable.
Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
This movie features peak rom-com Ryan Gosling alongside one of his favourite collaborators, Emma Stone, in a ridiculously cute opposites-attract love story. But the real heart of it comes from Steve Carell’s portrayal of Cal, a middle-aged man who is dumped by his wife (Julianne Moore) and tries to get his mojo back with the help of Gosling’s ultra suave Jacob. It’s not perfect, but it’s so much fun.
The Delinquents (1989)
This Kylie Minogue vehicle sees her star as 1950s teenager Lola, the daughter of an alcoholic who lives in Bundaberg and falls for an American boy in town named Brownie. When Lola gets pregnant, her mother forces her to have an abortion, and Lola’s attempts to escape Bundaberg and reunite with Brownie form the rest of the angst-driven plot. It’s messy at times, but also surprisingly progressive in places, and an authentic (if heightened) take on the intensity of young love.
Down with Love (2003)
This quirky, candy-coloured pastiche of ‘60s rom-that is just a really good time. The sets and costumes are dazzling, and Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor hit the right amount of goofy as a pair of rival writers whose opinions on gender and relationships differ greatly. Until they start falling for each other, of course.
Emma (2020)
Emma is a frothy, vibrant take on Jane Austen’s classic novel. Starring 2020’s breakout actress Anya-Taylor Joy as the matchmaking-obsessed but naive heiress Emma Woodhouse, with Johnny Flynn as a sweet and vulnerable Mr Knightley, it’s a completely swoon-worthy romance with excellent comedic elements and stunning visuals.
Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
This is Hugh Grant at his MOST bumbling and floppy-haired, which means it’s also him at his most endearing. The Richard Curtis-penned movie sees Grant play Charles, who alongside his friends attends a series of events and goes on his own journey towards love after meeting an American named Carrie, played by Andie MacDowell.
The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)
Based on the novel of the same name by John Fowles and telling two love stories simultaneously, The French Lieutenant’s Woman remains a beautiful and compelling movie nearly four decades after its release. The performances are a particular highlight, with Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons playing both sets of lovers.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society (2018)
A visually beautiful period film set in post-World War II Guernsey, based on the popular novel by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. It tells the story of an author who travels to the titular location to meet with a book club that piques her attention, discovering a heartbreaking mystery and a heart-mending love while there. The cast are wall-to-wall charming, including Lily James, Michiel Huisman, Jessica Brown Findlay, Glen Powell and Matthew Goode.
Ghost (1990)
Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore are wonderful as a young couple separated by his untimely death, but brought back together in spirit thanks to medium Oda Mae Brown, played by a show-stealing Whoopi Goldberg. Thanks to THAT Unchained Melody scene, this movie saw enrollment in pottery classes rise by 570% (this is a totally made-up fact, but it sounds right, doesn’t it?).
Grease (1978)
Hello! It’s Grease! The original high school musical, starring no-one who remotely looks like they’re actually in high school. All part of the charm. The colours are bright, the dance scenes are impeccably choreographed, and the songs themselves are guaranteed to have you singing along and forgetting all your cares for at least an hour or two.
The Great Gatsby (2012)
Baz Luhrmann’s take on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic story of love and ambition gone wrong divided critics and audiences when it was released in 2013. It’s a fun and wild ride, with all of Luhrmann’s trademark quirks. The performances from Leonardo Dicaprio, Carey Mulligan, and Tobey Maguire in the leading roles are great, and the Aussie supporting cast—including Isla Fisher, Joel Edgerton, Jason Clarke and Jack Thompson—are also a highlight. But it’s the over-the-top, luxurious production and costume design that really makes for great escapism.
Hairspray (2007)
Romances with plus-size leads are still way too few and far between, and the one at the heart of Hairspray, in which Nikki Blonksy’s feisty Tracy Turnblad and Zac Efron’s dreamy Link Larkin fall for each other, remains one of the greats. It’s funny, sweet, and incredibly catchy thanks to the built-in musical soundtrack. Zac Efron’s performance of “Ladies’ Choice” is worth the watch alone.
The Holiday (2006)
Now this is where you turn when you need nothing but warm, lovely Christmassy cheer. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet play two strangers who swap homes for a much-needed break from their respective lives, each finding new love and a new lease on life along the way. Jude Law and Jack Black round out the cast, with Jude Law in particular at his most British, blue-eyed best.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Cary Fukunaga’s 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel is one of—perhaps the—best, with stunning cinematography, scenery, costumes and performances bringing the twisted love story to life. Mia Wasikowska is particularly wonderful as Jane, while Michael Fassbender is all brooding passion as Rochester.
Just My Luck (2006)
There was a brief period in the mid-’00s when Lindsay Lohan looked to successfully be transitioning from teen screen queen to adult rom-com darling, and Just My Luck was at the forefront of that. Which makes it slightly bittersweet to look back on, but it’s still a lot of fun—especially with a young Chris Pine as the lead. The movie sees the two characters exchanging luck via the kind of magic you only see in rom-coms.
A Knight’s Tale (2001)
A Knight’s Tale is a completely silly but utterly joyful adventure-comedy. Heath Ledger is at his most playful and charming as a peasant with big dreams to become a knight. It’s the soundtrack that really sets this movie apart though. Featuring modern hits from Queen, Eric Clapton, David Bowie, AC/DC and more, this is not the place to come for historical accuracy—just a good time.
Last Holiday (2006)
A retail worker with dreams of becoming a chef discovers she has weeks to live, so she quits her job and jets off on a luxurious holiday where her generous and spontaneous attitude draws admirers, friends, and an enemy or two. Meanwhile, one of her former co-workers is trying to track her down to declare his love before it’s too late. It’s a pretty predictable movie, but thanks to leading lady Queen Latifah’s charm, Last Holiday is an irresistible comfort watch. Happy ending guaranteed.
Jane Eyre (2011)
Watch on NetflixCary Fukunaga’s 2011 adaptation of Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel is one of—perhaps the—best, with stunning cinematography, scenery, costumes and performances bringing the twisted love story to life. Mia Wasikowska is particularly wonderful as Jane, while Michael Fassbender is all brooding passion as Rochester.
Last Christmas (2019)
Watch on NetflixThe marketing for this movie when it hit cinemas was rather deceptive, billing it as a romantic comedy when it’s more of a dramedy with romantic elements. Do not turn to this movie if you want a ‘happily ever after’ kind of ending. But do turn to it if you want to watch Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding jaunt around London at Christmastime, and a storyline that will definitely make you cry.
Late Night (2019)
Like Bridesmaids, Late Night isn’t a romance as such, but has a strong (enemies-to-lovers!) romantic element. The brainchild of Mindy Kaling, who also stars, Late Night takes aim at sexism, ageism and racism within the entertainment industry with a light and clever touch. Kaling is wonderful as budding comedy writer Molly, but Emma Thompson’s portrayal of complicated late-night host Katherine Newbury is the real highlight.
Leap Year (2010)
Starring Amy Adams and Matthew Goode, Leap Year features the kind of ridiculous scenario you only find in rom-coms. An American real estate agent travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on February 29, because of an Irish tradition dictating that a man can’t refuse a proposal on a leap day. But her plans go awry and she ends up on a roadtrip with a grumpy Irish innkeeper, who is of course much sweeter than he first appears. It’s all more charming than it probably should be.
Legend (1985)
Legend is whimsical, deeply bizarre and kind of terrible in places—but also kind of amazing in a very specific, very 1985 way. You’ve got Tom Cruise before he got his teeth done, Mia Sara as a princess, unicorns, fairies, and Tim Curry as a disturbingly sexy devil-type figure. At its heart is a love story, and around it is chaos. It’s a real ride.
Life As We Know It (2010)
For some reason it’s quite a popular romance trope to play with the tragic godparents-have-to-actually-become-parents-due-to-horrific-death idea. Considering the rather dark premise, this rom-com, with Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel as the godparents in question, is surprisingly sweet.
Life or Something Like It (2002)
Angelina Jolie was nominated for a Worst Actress Golden Raspberry for her role as ambitious reporter Lanie Kerrigan who, when interviewing a prophet, is told she’s going to die in a week, sending her spiralling into existential crisis mode with Edward Burns as her guide/love interest. Life or Something Like It is a deeply weird movie with a fraught if well-meaning message. But frankly the Razzies were wrong and Jolie’s performance is great, alone making the movie worth a watch.
The Light Between Oceans (2016)
The Light Between Oceans, based on the book by M. L. Stedman, is a beautiful and haunting period film. Set in the years following World War I, a young lighthouse keeper and his wife make a home on the isolated Janus Rock, off the coast of Western Australia. When a boat appears on shore with a dead body and a (live) baby, the pair make a decision that alters the course of their lives. It’s a devastating exploration of the lengths people go to for the ones they love, set against a stunning backdrop and featuring some powerful performances (including pretty decent Aussie accents from Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander).
Little Women (2019)
Greta Gerwig’s take on Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel about four sisters growing up in Civil War America is a stunning exploration of the characters we know and love. The cast including regular Gerwig collaborators is a strength, with Saoirse Ronan offering a strong Jo Marches and Timothée Chalamet believably dreamy as boy-next-door Laurie. Florence Pugh as Amy March is the true highlight, though (even if she doesn’t remotely look like the child she’s meant to be in the younger sequences).
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
While the story is uneven in places, Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway turn in some of their finest work in Love & Other Drugs. They star as a pharmaceutical sales rep and a woman with early-onset Parkinson’s disease, respectively, who start a casual relationship that soon deepens and complicates both their lives.
Love Actually (2003)
Richard Curtis’ ode to love and Christmas is divisive, with many haters—but even more fans. While some parts of the film haven;t aged well, it’s hard not to smile (and occasionally cry) as the interconnected love stories of a group of Londoners unfold. It features one of the most iconic British casts of all time—with Colin Firth, Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Andrew Lincoln, Liam Neeson and even Mr Bean (aka Rowan Atkinson).
Love, Rosie (2014)
Based on the popular novel Where Rainbows End by Cecelia Ahern, Love Rosie follows the titular Rosie (Lily Collins) and her best friend Alex (Sam Claflin) over a number of years. Their lives go on different paths when Rosie unexpectedly gets pregnant straight out of high school, and Alex moves to America. Their story is full of the kind of yearning and warmth that makes it the ultimate comfort watch.
The Lucky One (2012)
Based on a Nicholas Sparks novel, you know what you’re going to get off that fact alone: pretty, white people falling in love, with a good dose of angst, some steamy scenes, and probably a death or two. The Lucky One checks all the boxes, and it’s not a particularly great movie, but it’s perfect for when you’re in the mood to cry and/or ogle Zac Efron, who plays a US marine who tracks down the woman in a photo he finds while in duty in Iraq.
Meet Joe Black (1998)
One of the more bizarre love stories on this list, Meet Joe Black follows a rich man (Anthony Hopkins) who makes a deal with Death (Brad Pitt) to host him amongst the living for a “vacation” in exchange for some extra days of life. Death wants to experience what it’s like to be human, and along the way he falls for his host’s daughter (Claire Forlani).
Mermaids (1990)
Set in 1963 and starring Cher, Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci, and Bob Hoskins, Mermaids explores the unique family dynamic between a single mother and her two daughters, and the growing pains of the teen daughter in particular. But there’s a surprisingly sweet romance between Cher and Bob Hoskins’ characters, and it’s an endlessly rewatchable movie.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999)
A playful, sensual and occasionally very silly take on Shakespeare’s iconic play, this movie is worth watching for the incredible cast alone: Michelle Pfeiffer, Stanley Tucci, Christian Bale, Rupert Everette and Calista Flockhart. It’s a fantastical delight that perfectly distracts from the real world.
The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996)
Produced and directed by as well as starring Barbra Streisand, with Jeff Bridges as her love interest, The Mirror Has Two Faces explores one of the most beloved romance tropes: a marriage of convenience. In this iteration, two professors get married on the condition their relationship stays entirely platonic — predictably, and delightfully, they’re quickly drawn to each other on a whole other level.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
While the focus of Nia Vardalos’ 2002 comedy, in which she also stars, definitely falls on the high jinks of main character Toula’s extended Greek family, the love story at the heart of the film is rather lovely and John Corbett is perfect as her love interest Ian. The movie is warm and fun; providing a good pick-me-up and standing up to many rewatches.
My Christmas Love (2016)
My Christmas Love is another rare holiday romance gem. Meredith Hagner is next-level charming in the lead role, and Bobby Campo (and his dimples!) also carry a lot of the load. They play friends/co-workers whose relationship becomes complicated when Hagner’s character starts receiving secret gifts themed around the ’12 Days of Christmas’. As she tries to figure out who her mystery admirer is, she realises some important things about who she is and who she loves.
No Strings Attached (2011)
Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher star in one of the two rom-coms that came out in 2011 about friends with benefits who fall in love (the other, even more weirdly, starring Ashton’s future wife, Mila Kunis). While many argue over which is the superior of the two, this one has romantic gestures in the form of a period playlist and a bunch of carrots. In other words: it wins.
The Notebook (2004)
For better or worse, The Notebook is one of the most popular romance movies of all time. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams is scorching hot, the pair playing teenage sweethearts who are kept apart by her meddling family. and reunite years later. It’s definitely the best movie based on a Nicholas Sparks novel (of which there are many).
Notting Hill (1999)
A Richard Curtis classic, Notting Hill is the quintessential Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts vehicle; combining his bumbling but charming Englishman with her all-American sweetheart charm. About a bookstore owner who falls in love with a famous actress, the film is responsible for the oft-quoted line “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her.”
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
An Officer and a Gentleman is the story of Zack, a man who wants to escape his troubled past and become a pilot in the navy. While it gets very dark in places and is very much a product of its time, the movie is nevertheless one of the most iconic romances ever—especially thanks to the ending, and most of all Richard Gere in that uniform.
Paperback Hero (1999)
Starring Claudia Karvan as well as Hugh Jackman in one of his very first film roles, this Aussie rom-com follows Jack (Jackman), a truck driver from the Outback who secretly writes a romance novel and uses the identity of his best friend Ruby (Karvan) to submit it to publishers. Mistaken identities, road trips and romance ensues.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
One of the best movies of 2019, this French period drama is a sensual, stunning exploration of desire, love, art and the female gaze. Marianne is a painter who is commissioned to paint a portrait of a nobleman’s young wife. The two are drawn together and fall deeply in love. Beautifully written, performed and shot, Portrait of a Lady on Fire truly lives up to the hype.
Pride & Prejudice (2005)
A lot of debate exists among Pride and Prejudice fans whether this 2005 movie or the 1995 BBC mini-series is the superior adaptation. But if you want to escape into the world of Elizabeth and Darcy and only have two hours, this one can’t be beat. It is visually stunning and captures the tension and longing between the famous enemies-turned-lovers extraordinarily well—especially thanks to Matthew Macfadyen’s small but significant moments of characterisation (the hand clench!).
The Princess Bride (1987)
Watch on NetflixNot just one of the greatest romantic movies of all time, but one of the best movies in general, Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride has everything: comedy, action, revenge, heartfelt emotion, Andre the Giant… In fact, the entire cast are wonderful, from the heart-stealing Cary Elwes as Westley to the quirky Wallace Shawn as Vizzini. And almost every single line of the script is infinitely quotable. Anybody want a peanut?
Second Act (2018)
Rom-coms don’t often focus on anyone over the age of 35, which is a shame. Second Act does, following 40-something Maya (Jennifer Lopez) who fakes her resume to get a second chance at a corporate career. It’s not exactly an original story (hello, Younger), but it’s easy viewing for when your brain needs a break.
She’s The Man (2006)
Amanda Bynes is at her comedic best in this modern take on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, in which Bynes plays a high school soccer star who disguises herself as her twin brother in order to compete in a boy’s tournament. Along the way she falls in love with Duke, played by Channing Tatum in one of his first movie roles.
Snowmance (2017)
Sarah (Ashley Newbrough) has spent her whole life wishing for her dream guy while her best friend (Adam Hurtig) quietly pines by her side. Each year, they build a snowman together, and Sarah makes a wish about the attributes she wants in a man. This year, the snowman disappears and in his place is a gorgeous guy (Jesse Hutch) who just so happens to have all the qualities Sarah wished for. Yes, Snowmance is as ridiculous as it sounds…and it’s also a really good time.
Some Like It Hot (1959)
Billy Wilder’s classic romantic comedy sees Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon star as two musicians who pretend to be women in order to hide from the mob in an all-female jazz band. It’s a very funny movie that has stood the test of time relatively well, all things considered, with Curtis and Lemmon bringing a lot of physical comedy and chemistry to their pairing. Of course, it’s Marilyn Monroe as Curtis’ love interest Sugar who really steals the show.
The Spirit of Christmas (2015)
One of the more bizarre holiday romances, The Spirit of Christmas is surprisingly fun — helped along by the ridiculously good looking and charming leads, Thomas Beaudoin and Jen Lilley. Beaudoin plays a ghost (yes, a ghost) who can take human form in the 12 days before Christmas. Lilley plays a real estate agent determined to sell the house he’s haunting. Naturally, they fall in love! It’s ridiculous.
Stardust (2007)
Based on the popular Neil Gaiman novel, Stardust features an incredible cast including Claire Danes, Charlie Cox, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mark Strong, Robert De Niro, Rupert Everett, Peter O’Toole, Henry Cavile, Dexter Fletcher and Ian McKellen. It’s a fantasy about a young man who meets a fallen star and grows to love her over the course of many adventures.
Suddenly 30 (2004)
Also known as 13 Going on 30, Jennifer Garner is delightful in this fizzy rom-com as a teenager who wakes up in the body of her 30-year-old self and discovers she’s living her dream life, but has not become her dream person. Mark Ruffalo is at his most endearing as her childhood best friend-turned-love interest.
The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009)
Another Rachel McAdams-falls-for-a-time-traveler special! This time it’s with Australia’s own Eric Bana, who plays titular time traveler Henry opposite McAdams’ Clare. The two have a romance that spans decades, over which they meet and fall in love all in the wrong order. The movie is an adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger’s 2003 best-selling novel of the same name (which was also recently adapted into a TV series starring Rose Leslie and Theo James), and it’s not perfect but it hits the spot when you’re in need of a cathartic cry.
Top End Wedding (2019)
The delightful Miranda Tapsell not only stars in but also co-wrote and executive produced Top End Wedding, a heartfelt Aussie rom-com about an ambitious lawyer named Lauren who heads to her hometown Darwin to get married, only to discover her mother has gone missing. Cue a roadtrip to search for her which doubles as Lauren’s own journey to discover herself.
Twilight (2008)
Twilight really needs no introduction. You either love it or you hate it, but either way you definitely know about this tortured teen vampire romance. Twelve years on, it’s time we all admitted this movie was unfairly maligned. Sure, it’s very bad in places, but there’s still something incredibly compelling and fun about it. The cast are great and the soundtrack is especially a highlight.
Valley Girl (1983)
Another ‘80s escape, this time starring a young Nicholas Cage alongside Deborah Foreman. They play two teens from different crowds who fall in love. It’s an updated Romeo and Juliet with a much happier ending. Stan also has the 2020 version if you want to experience the story more than once.
What Men Want (2019)
A remake of 2000’s What Women Want, this time the brilliant Taraji P. Henson replacing Mel Gibson in the lead role as someone who wakes up one day with the ability to read the thoughts of the opposite sex. The humour here feels less like it is punching down than its predecessor, and honestly placing women of colour in roles that used to belong to white men is never going to be a bad decision. Especially when they’re Taraji P. Henson.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
Written by Nora Ephron, directed by Rob Reiner, and starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, with Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby in supporting roles, When Harry Met Sally is perhaps the best romantic comedy of all time. It tells an enemies-turned best friends-turned lovers story that’s smart, sensitive, incredibly funny, and features a love confession that puts just about every other movie to shame.
The Wedding Date (2005)
This rom-com stars Debra Messing as a woman who hires an escort (played by Dermot Mulroney at his swooniest) to be her date to her sister’s wedding, where her ex-fiance is the best man. It’s very silly and not exactly great cinema, but there are also some really hot and heart-melting moments that make it perfect popcorn viewing.
West Side Story (1961)
West Side Story is far from a perfect movie and there are many aspects that haven’t aged well, but it’s still hard to resist revisiting this classic musical reimagining of Romeo and Juliet. It’s the combination of singing star-crossed lovers and violent rumbles that are actually carefully choreographed dance numbers that does it. That, and Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno.
What’s Your Number? (2011)
An underrated gem from 2011 starring Anna Faris as a woman in her 30s who, after deciding she’s slept with too many men, vows to be celibate until she meets “the one”. The movie is actually far more sex positive than it sounds, and overall it’s a very enjoyable ride—helped along by Chris Evans’ charming (and yes, often shirtless) performance as the love interest.
