Romance and comedy: two words that seem to be completely contradictory of themselves. How can something so sappy and loving, be so funny and charming? That’s the beauty of a good rom-com, they capture more than just one emotion. Romantic comedies are a roller coaster for your heart. You feel like you’re at your highest highs, and sink down to your lowest lows. But that’s what real life is, isn’t it? Real life isn’t cars turning into robots to save the world or talking snowmen. Life is falling in and out love with everything around you. Romantic comedies, like life, are never failing to leave you in tears; whether it’s tears from a broken heart or tears from laughter.
Yes, I know romantic comedies aren’t the perfect portrayal of life. There isn’t going to always be that perfectly photoshopped looking guy like Ryan Gosling to come sweep you away or a Justin Timberlake arranging a romantic flashmob to win you back. But these movies take you on a cinematic adventure that is the closest thing to real-life love and emotions that Hollywood can portray.
I know I am the girliest of girls, so my preference of movie genres might seem a little obvious, but as true rom-com fan I can fully support my decision in making this claim: Romantic Comedies are the best type of movies. In the mists of the tears, the laughter, the arguments, and the oh, so passionate kisses romantic comedies provide the audience with life lessons that anyone can relate to.
Not convinced? Check out my list of favorite romantic comedies; see what I have learned, and why these movies are must sees. P.S. boys- girls LOVE a guy that isn’t ashamed to sit around and watch one of these with her on a Friday night!
Friends with Benefits- Why it’s great: First of all the leading stars are Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake. If that doesn’t do it for you, maybe the fact that this movie accurately displays the outcomes of being friends with benefits will. Friends with Benefits will have you hysterical over the realities that come along with being sexual, without a relationship. Everything from the confusing emotional without sex, to sex without emotion is portrayed as Mila and Justin realize that separating emotion and sex is much harder than they thought. Emotion and sex tend to go hand in hand. Having the ideal friends with benefits relationship is actually harder obtain that one may think. This movie will help you rethink your emotions with your “sex-only” friend, and allow you to consider that taking it to the next level is alright.
Crazy, Stupid, Love- Why it’s great: RYAN GOSLING. Ladies, that’s obviously enough said right there. Gentlemen will need some more convincing. This laugh out loud movie, provides twists and turns that are executed in truly romantic and comedic fashion. With stars (besides Ryan of course) like Emma Stone, Steve Carell, and Julianne Moore, how can you not laugh while falling in and out of love? It shows a love story for all ages: your first 11 year old a crush, a thing for an older man, the game changer girl, and the heartbreaking divorce. Audiences are bound to be able to relate to at least one of the love stories that are shown. You’ll laugh while watching a 40 year old Carell turn from dorky dad, to hot DILF, you’re heart will stop when Gosling wins over Stone in the sexiest way, and you’ll cry at the times where you see sometimes giving your all isn’t enough. But the best part of this movie is the lesson learned: you’re best may not be the best at the time, but you never give up on your soul mate, no matter what the circumstance may be.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days– Why it’s great: Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey teach us that sometimes you can’t help who you fall for. Both dating one another for unethical reasons, Hudson and McConaughey show that chemistry is chemistry. It’s as simple as that. While Hudson does everything to push McCounaughey away, like naming his most manly area after a princess to single handedly ruining guy’s night, McCounaughey’s mission is to do everything to pull Hudson is, by taking her on romantic dates and agreeing to couple’s therapy after day 5. One simply cannot laugh at the craziness behind their motivations to act in these bazaar manners. However through the madness, the audience learns that sometimes chemistry trumps prior engagements. This great flick helps us wonder, if you love someone, are they worth losing a job or a promotion for?
50 First Dates- Why it’s great: First off, this romantic comedy features two of the funniest people in Hollywood: Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. With a combo like that you, you know you’re in for a cinematic treat. Sandler complicates his life by falling for Barrymore, who suffers from short term memory loss and doesn’t seem to remember him every morning. In the expected Sandler way, he hilariously does whatever it takes for Barrymore to fall in love with him every morning despite her condition. He shows the hardships involved in pursuit of love by teaching audiences that one that shouldn’t simply give up on the one they love because of an obstacle. Rather, he embraces it and makes him fall in love even more.
These romantic comedies are guaranteed to be movies that will be on your repeat list, as you fall in love with these stars falling in love in the most uproarious and unorthodox ways. Once you are hooked on rom- coms here are others on my go-to list that I highly recommend: Never Been Kissed, Love Actually, Hitch, Definitely Maybe, Just Go with It, 500 Days of Summer, Sweet Home Alabama, Failure to Launch, He’s Just Not That into You, and Life as We Know It. Go ahead, snuggle up with a glass of wine and a cupcake and let your heart laugh and cry while learning what life is all about: love.
What are some of your favorite romantic comedies?
