Ranked: The 35 Best Rom-Coms of All Time

Romantic comedies have long been one of Hollywood’s favorite genres. Whether they’re about unexpected love stories or lighthearted romances, they have the power to make us laugh, cry, and feel all the warm fuzzies. Though the genre hit a lull in the 2010s, it has since bounced back, giving us new favorites alongside timeless classics. From iconic quotes to memorable characters, these films have shaped pop culture and our idea of what love can be. Here are the top 35 romantic comedies that continue to capture the magic of love and laughter.

35. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey lead this modern rom-com classic about two people with competing agendas who unknowingly fall for each other. The film’s outrageous premise makes it a hilarious watch, and Hudson and McConaughey’s undeniable chemistry brings warmth to the absurd situations their characters find themselves in.

34. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

This Oscar-winning film pairs Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence in a unique take on love and mental health. It combines humor and heartache, offering a romantic story that feels grounded in reality. With their raw performances, Cooper and Lawrence bring out the emotional depth of their characters.

33. Trouble in Paradise (1932)

An underrated gem, this pre-Code classic from Ernst Lubitsch features a love triangle between con artists. The sharp wit and timeless humor make Trouble in Paradise an essential for any rom-com fan, as it captures the essence of early Hollywood romantic comedies.

32. Notting Hill (1998)

Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant star in this charming story about a famous actress who falls for a humble bookshop owner. Their chemistry makes the film a standout, with both actors perfectly embodying the awkward, yet heartwarming nature of their romance.

31. Pillow Talk (1959)

Rock Hudson and Doris Day shine in this ‘50s romantic comedy. The film’s clever dialogue and undeniable chemistry between Hudson and Day have made it an enduring classic. It’s a playful look at romance that remains timeless even with its vintage appeal.

30. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Renée Zellweger’s star-making performance as the lovable and awkward Bridget Jones brought a modern edge to the rom-com genre. Supported by Hugh Grant and Colin Firth, the film is a witty adaptation of Pride and Prejudice that’s still as delightful today.

29. While You Were Sleeping (1995)

Sandra Bullock brings warmth and charm to this holiday rom-com about mistaken identity. The silly yet sweet plot is elevated by Bullock’s performance, making this film a beloved Christmas classic for fans of the genre.

28. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

This unconventional love story starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel breaks the mold of traditional rom-coms. With its non-linear narrative and bittersweet tone, the film offers a refreshing look at the complexities of modern relationships.

27. Shrek 2 (2004)

While not your typical rom-com, Shrek 2 delivers a fun, fairytale romance that’s both hilarious and heartwarming. The film’s wit, charm, and memorable characters make it a standout sequel in animated cinema.

26. The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

This charming story of two shop employees who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous letters laid the groundwork for future rom-coms. The chemistry between James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan makes this a must-watch classic.

25. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is a quintessential ‘90s teen rom-com. Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles deliver electric performances, making this a timeless favorite in the teen romance genre.

24. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

A major win for representation in Hollywood, Crazy Rich Asians revitalized the rom-com genre. Constance Wu and Henry Golding lead a stellar cast in this visually stunning and heartfelt film about love, family, and culture.

23. Jerry Maguire (1996)

Tom Cruise delivers one of his best performances in this romantic sports dramedy. With iconic lines like “You complete me” and “Show me the money,” Jerry Maguire remains one of the most quotable rom-coms of all time.

22. Love Actually (2003)

Richard Curtis’s holiday classic weaves together multiple love stories, featuring an ensemble cast of some of Britain’s finest talent. Heartfelt and funny, Love Actually captures the spirit of love in all its forms, making it a seasonal favorite.

21. Clueless (1995)

A smart, modern update of Jane Austen’s Emma, Clueless has become a defining film of the ‘90s. Alicia Silverstone shines as Cher, the fashionable and clueless matchmaker whose good intentions lead to unexpected romance.

20. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Audrey Hepburn’s iconic portrayal of Holly Golightly has cemented Breakfast at Tiffany’s as a classic. The film’s romance, style, and Hepburn’s timeless charm continue to captivate audiences.

19. The Big Sick (2017)

Based on the real-life love story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick blends romance with thoughtful humor and heartfelt drama. It’s one of the best rom-coms of the 2010s, offering a fresh perspective on love, culture, and family.

18. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Julia Roberts shines in this subversive rom-com about unrequited love. The film flips the genre’s conventions, with Roberts delivering a standout performance as a woman determined to stop her best friend’s wedding.

17. The Worst Person in the World (2021)

This Norwegian film brings a fresh and introspective take on modern love and relationships. Renate Reinsve’s performance as a woman navigating life’s complexities is a must-watch, making this one of the most poignant romantic films in recent years.

16. The Lady Eve (1941)

Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda star in this screwball rom-com about love and deception. With sharp wit and delightful performances, The Lady Eve stands as a classic in the genre.
 

15. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love stars Adam Sandler in one of his most acclaimed roles. This unconventional rom-com blends dark humor with an emotionally rich story about love and loneliness. Sandler’s performance is a revelation, making this one of the most distinct romantic comedies of its time.

14. Annie Hall (1977)

Woody Allen’s Annie Hall is a seminal rom-com that redefined the genre. Starring Diane Keaton in the titular role, the film explores the complexities of relationships with a blend of humor and poignancy. Its witty dialogue and realistic portrayal of romance make it a classic that continues to influence rom-coms today.

13. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

Starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart, The Philadelphia Story is a screwball comedy about love, class, and second chances. With its sharp dialogue and brilliant performances, this film is a shining example of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

12. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan deliver unforgettable performances in Sleepless in Seattle, a film that mixes grief and romance with heartwarming results. The story, centered around two people who have never met but are destined to be together, has become one of the most beloved rom-coms of the 90s.

11. Moonstruck (1987)

Cher and Nicolas Cage star in this romantic dramedy that explores love in all its chaotic glory. Moonstruck is a celebration of passion and family, with Cher’s Academy Award-winning performance making it one of the standout rom-coms of the 80s.

10. What’s Up, Doc? (1972)

Barbra Streisand and Ryan O’Neal shine in this slapstick comedy about mistaken identities and romance. Directed by Peter Bogdanovich, What’s Up, Doc? is a delightful throwback to classic screwball comedies, with Streisand’s comedic timing making it a must-watch.

9. Modern Times (1936)

Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times is a romantic comedy wrapped in social commentary. The film showcases Chaplin’s iconic Tramp character as he navigates the struggles of the modern industrial world, with a touching romance at its heart. Modern Times remains one of Chaplin’s most beloved works.

8. Roman Holiday (1953)

Audrey Hepburn’s Oscar-winning performance in Roman Holiday cemented her status as a screen legend. This enchanting film, which also stars Gregory Peck, is a romantic adventure set in Rome, blending humor, heart, and breathtaking scenery.

7. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Rob Reiner’s When Harry Met Sally... explores the question of whether men and women can ever just be friends. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal deliver career-defining performances, making this one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time, with scenes that are still quoted to this day.

6. The Graduate (1967)

Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of a disillusioned young man in The Graduate struck a chord with audiences in the 60s. The film’s unconventional love story and iconic soundtrack make it a defining film of its era, as well as a touchstone for coming-of-age romances.

5. It Happened One Night (1934)

Frank Capra’s It Happened One Night is one of the earliest examples of the romantic comedy genre and still stands the test of time. Starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, the film’s charming mix of humor and romance set the standard for rom-coms for decades to come.

4. Some Like It Hot (1959)

Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot is a hilarious and bold take on love, gender, and identity. With standout performances from Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, this film remains one of the funniest and most daring romantic comedies ever made.

3. The Apartment (1960)

Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine star in this bittersweet romantic comedy about loneliness and love in corporate America. The Apartment mixes humor and heartache, with a sharp script that captures the complexities of human relationships.

2. La La Land (2016)

Damien Chazelle’s La La Land is a modern-day homage to classic Hollywood musicals. Starring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, the film tells a story of love and ambition, set against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Its stunning visuals and unforgettable music make it a modern classic.

1. City Lights (1931)

Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights is a timeless masterpiece that blends romance, comedy, and drama. The film’s poignant story of the Tramp’s love for a blind flower girl is one of the most touching and enduring love stories in cinematic history. Nearly a century later, City Lights still holds a place as the greatest romantic comedy ever made.