If you happen to pick the wrong romantic comedy, it can turn out to be extremely disheartening. However, there are several genuinely fantastic and true-to-life rom-coms available that will not only bring laughter but also evoke memories of your own romantic experiences.
1. Obvious Child
Is there anything more relatable than an unexpected pregnancy, especially when portrayed by Jenny Slate? The movie showcases her character's encounter with a stranger, leading to an unplanned pregnancy, and the consequential critical decisions that follow. This scenario is quite true to life and occurs regularly. It's an excellent representation of reality.
2. The Pretty One
Zoe Kazan, our beloved actress from indie romantic comedies, takes on a dual role as twins in this whimsical and unconventional movie. When the prettier twin passes away in a car accident, the timid and uneasy one takes over her identity, including her romantic interest portrayed by Jake Johnson. Although this situation is highly improbable in real life, Zoe's acting skills make it feel genuine and relatable.
3. The Big Sick
Co-written by Kumail Nanjiani and his wife, this movie is a biographical account of their meeting and is one of the most endearing and relatable romantic comedies available. The story does not culminate in them ending up together, but what's unique is that instead of the typical narrative of the man chasing after the woman, it's the other way around.
4. What If
Zoe Kazan delivers yet another masterpiece in "What If," a movie that revolves around the concept of the friend zone and is, at times, painfully true to life. It's enough to make you wince, considering the possibility that you may have subjected someone to such a predicament. Alternatively, you may have found yourself in that situation and are bound to recall those uncomfortable memories.
5. When Harry Met Sally
No romantic-comedy list is complete without the timeless and indisputable "When Harry Met Sally." If you haven't watched this movie, I'm afraid we cannot be friends. It's an impeccable film that is surprisingly realistic, given how long it took for the characters to fall in love. Let's face it; love at first sight is a myth.
6. Frances Ha
"Frances Ha" is an exceptional blend of comedy and drama, and its lead character is the epitome of a romantic-comedy heroine. She yearns for a relationship more than ever but remains oblivious to the guy who genuinely cares for her. The concluding scene, where she discovers his feelings, will undoubtedly compel you to ponder all the instances where you might have missed out on someone who held affection for you.
7. 500 Days of Summer
Undoubtedly, the romantic-comedy that defines our generation - featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as a lovelorn greeting card writer who falls for his colleague, Zooey Deschanel. What sets this film apart is that it defies the genre's typical conventions and does not end with the couple together. Instead, they come to accept that some people are meant to be in our lives for a brief period, and that's okay.
8. Juno
Michael Cera is excellent at portraying the vulnerable and timid side of men, as evidenced in "Juno." Interestingly, it's Juno who takes the lead and 'courts' Cera's character by stuffing his mailbox with an absurd number of orange tic tac boxes, if one could consider it courting at all.
9. Friends With Benefits
The relevance of this movie has never been more apparent. In "Friends with Benefits," Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake play pals who are weary of being hurt in love and decide to venture into an FWB relationship with no emotional entanglements. As expected, things become complicated, as is typically the case in such arrangements in real life.
10. Silver Linings Playbook
In "Silver Linings Playbook," Bradley Cooper befriends Jennifer Lawrence, his charming yet neurotic neighbor, as he emerges from a mental health facility. Both of them are going through a tough time in their lives, and their journey towards each other is anything but smooth. Nonetheless, they manage to overcome the odds and find love in the end. Although it may not be a conventionally romantic romantic-comedy, it feels authentic and relatable.
11. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
In "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," Jason Segel portrays a disheveled and despondent musician who has just been dumped by his celebrity girlfriend. Despite his heartache, he remains smitten with her and ends up following her to a resort in Hawaii, where he has to confront her new obnoxious boyfriend, played by Russell Brand. The film paints a realistic picture of how challenging it can be to move on from a relationship and highlights the desperate measures some people will take for a second chance at love.
12. Bridget Jones' Diary
In "Bridget Jones's Diary," the titular character finds herself pursued by not one but two suitors, and her attempts to navigate this romantic triangle are both comedic and relatable. Bridget is far from composed as she tries to balance the affections of two men, and her stress and anxiety in the face of this situation are entirely understandable.
13. She's Out Of My League
In this movie, the protagonist Jay Baruchel, acknowledges the Hollywood trope of average men ending up with gorgeous women as unrealistic. He plays a dull, average guy who attracts interest from a woman who is way out of his league. The movie is refreshing in its acknowledgement that such situations are not normal and that the guy is aware of it.
14. He's Just Not That Into You
This movie depicts the more anxious side of women when it comes to dating. It captures all those moments when we've over-analyzed whether or not a guy likes us. It's a refreshing reminder that it's not just guys who get nervous and awkward about dating, but girls do too!
