By Alison Quill, Senior Circulation Librarian
Ranking My Top 15 RomComs
Like most people, I have several different streaming services, but a lot of the time none of them have the classic RomComs that I’m looking for. So when I’m in the mood to watch Julia Roberts and Richard Gere or Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, I check the DVD out of the library! (or put it on hold if Lynnfield doesn’t have it). I like to think of myself as the ultimate RomCom watcher and since I have appointed myself an expert in this area, I have ranked, what I believe, are the top 15 Rom-Coms of all time (specifically ones that were released in the 90s/2000s, which I think is the Golden Age of RomComs).
- How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003): Kate Hudson. Matthew McConaughey. THE yellow dress! Everything about this movie is what makes it the number 1 RomCom of all time. DVD
- My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997): Julia Roberts is probably the Queen of 90s RomComs and this one is definitely my favorite of hers. I say a little prayer for you… DVD
- Made of Honor (2008): Patrick Dempsey shines in this movie. I rewatch it any time I notice that it’s available on Netflix. Very funny too. DVD
- Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994): If Julia Roberts is the Queen, then Hugh Grant is the King. This movie has me laughing out loud on every rewatch (except for the funeral obviously) and I love RomComs that are set in England. DVD
- Leap Year (2010): Amy Adams is wonderful in this film and the whole premise of the movie is so unique. Every time I watch it I get the urge to move to Ireland. DVD
- The Holiday (2006): If I’m being honest, this is the true #1 RomCom. HOWEVER, since this is a seasonal movie, as the story takes place during Christmas time and I only watch this movie in December, it is ranked lower on the list due to it not necessarily being a year-round watch (in my opinion). But OMG is this movie amazing, from the cast to the plot to the lovely English cottage that I want to live in…perfection. DVD
- Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009): I’m a sucker for films where the main female character is working in journalism AND there’s a fashion component involved. This is also one of the first RomComs I ever watched so it holds sentimental value. DVD
- 27 Dresses (2008): This is such a fun movie and a really cool concept. The last scene with all the dresses? Gets me every time. DVD
- The Wedding Date (2005): Another one set across the pond! The whole cast is great and just the overall vibe of the movie is what makes it stand above the rest of the RomComs that utilize the fake-dating trope. DVD
- Letters to Juliet (2010): This is such a sweet movie. It is so romantic and I love that it takes place in Italy. DVD
- Bride Wars (2009): Another fun Kate Hudson film. The whole cast is great and I just love the Vera Wang dress in this movie… wish I could wear it! DVD
- She’s the Man (2006): A really fun retelling of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. Amanda Bynes is incredible in this film and this one is definitely more Com than Rom. DVD
- You’ve Got Mail (1998): I know this is a remake of a remake but Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks were in multiple films together for a reason! I also love the added touch of the big corporate bookstore chain vs. the cute, local book shop. DVD
- Never Been Kissed (1999): Out of all the films in this list, I feel like this one doesn’t get enough attention. The plot is kind of wack but it’s such a fun movie to watch. DVD
- Something Borrowed (2011): Do you think I have a Kate Hudson obsession? The plot (based on the book by the same name) is actually terrible. Like the characters are terrible people that do terrible things to each other. But I can’t help but watch it. One of those, it’s so bad it’s good type of thing. DVD
There are so many other great RomComs, it was very hard to narrow them down to 15! Time to have a RomCom Watchathon all weekend!