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Top 10 Rom-Coms

By Noelle Buffam · November 16, 2011

Call it what you will; a guilty pleasure, an escape from reality, or a film your girlfriend forces you to watch. Depending on your viewpoint, the romantic comedy is one of the most celebrated, or abhorred, sub-genres of film.

Whatever it may be for you, the romantic comedy has earned its place in film history. Light, bubbly, and perfect for a cuddle-session on the couch, these films have garnered a reputation of inducing that warm and fuzzy feeling.

While romantic comedies have long been associated with the female persuasion, guys are getting in on the action too. Hits like Wedding Crashers and Bridesmaids have helped to broaden the definition and expectations of a Rom-Com… not that the sub-genre needs to be broadened. I know plenty of dudes that adore Love Actually even more than I do (as impossible as that seems).

Despite their reputation for being cheesy, romantic comedies have the ability to be some of the most charming and wittiest films out there. Usually our personal favorite romantic comedies correlate to our own mishaps within the world of romance; therefore, choosing a Top 10 in this category is difficult. However, it has to be done.

Below are the Top 10 Romantic Comedies. These films embody what the sub-genre is all about. They aim to make the audience laugh and cry. They provide a bit on an escape, while celebrating the wild, wacky world of love.

Whether you seek out rom-coms eagerly or are dragged to them kicking and screaming, you'll be able to appreciate each of these movies for their contribution to the film world. Not only that, but the next time your girlfriend wants to watch New Moon, you’ll be able to suggest one of these films instead. You’ll be hailed for your willingness to compromise and worshipped for your impeccable taste.

On second thought, maybe you should watch New Moon. After all, you can use it as leverage when you want to watchDie Hard on Christmas Day.

Honorable Mentions:

Sleepless in Seattle(1993)

A widowed-man’s son calls a radio station in an attempt to find his Dad a soul-mate. Aww. How can you not love that?

Some Like it Hot(1959)

Technically, it’s not considered a romantic comedy… just a regular comedy (and a damn fine one at that). However, a cross-dressing man does fall in love with his band mate. I don’t know how it gets any more romantic than that.

10. Groundhog Day (1993)

Groundhog Day, in my opinion is a great American comedy. Bill Murray plays Phil, a TV weatherman who believes the honor of national news stardom is within his grasp. However, once the light on the camera turns off, Phil turns into his true self: an egocentric, bitter curmudgeon. While begrudgingly covering the Groundhog Day event in Punxutawney, Phil finds that he is repeating the same day over and over again. At first, Phil decides to indulge in every pleasure he has desired. He says what he wants to say, eats what he wants to eat, and acts however he wants to act. When this grows old, he attempts to commit suicide in various ways. Finally, not being able to escape the repetitive day, Phil starts to examine his life on the suggestion of his news producer, Rita (Andie MacDowell). Not only does he change for the better, but he falls in love with Rita and attempts to win her over in that single day. The film has proved to have unexpected longevity, even earning its place on the American Film Institutes 100 Funniest Movies. Not only that, but Groundhog Day has become a bit of a cult classic… a film that millions have no problem putting on repeat.

9. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

What would a Romantic-Comedy list be without Mr. Hugh Grant? The first of many films by screenwriter Richard Curtis to feature the dashing actor, Four Weddings and a Funeral was an unexpected success. The British comedy follows the blooming romance between a charmingly awkward Englishman (Grant) and an enchanting American woman (Andie McDowell). The pair hits it off at the title’s first wedding. However, by the time the second wedding comes along, things have become complicated with an impending engagement. While a simple love story at its core, Four Weddings and a Funeral shines with its witty dialogue and outstanding supporting cast. The film went on to see international success at the box office and even earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

8. Bringing Up Baby (1938)

Life does not get much better than when Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant as paired up, as in 1938’s Bringing Up Baby. The story centers around a zany heiress, Susan Vance (Hepburn), and the uptight paleontologist, David Huxley (Grant). And of course, the story would not be complete without Vance’s pet leopard, Baby. One day Vance spots Huxley during a golf outing and decides that she must have his love. Soon the pair’s lives are intertwined, as they attempt to save Baby from the police with wacky schemes. Under the direction of Howard Hawks, Bringing Up Baby has become known as the classic screwball comedy. Fast paced and downright insane at times, the film delivers on its promise of crazy adventure and romance, a combination that has proven to have a timeless appeal.

7. It Happened One Night (1934)

Directed by Frank Capra, It Happened One Night tells the story of the spoiled socialite Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert). In an attempt to escape from her overbearing father, Claudette runs away to New York City to reunite with her new husband, whom she has married against her father’s will. Claudette meets her fellow bus passenger, Peter Warne (Clark Gable). Peter is a reporter and, recognizing the heiress, gives her an ultimatum. Claudette must give him an exclusive on her story, or he will turn her in to her father. Choosing the latter, Claudette and Peter embark on a series of adventures. And soon enough, they begin to fall in love. The film was the first to win all five major categories in the Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, and Best Screenplay). Not only hailed as a masterpiece, It Happened One Night made a huge impact on the public. Parodies of the film are everywhere, and even Joseph Stalin was a fan of the film. In one particular scene, Clark Gable unbuttons his shirt, revealing his chest. An urban legend claims that, as a result, undershirt sales plummeted. Now THAT is an influence.

6. His Girl Friday (1940)

Does Cary Grant own the romantic comedies, or what? In the 1940 His Girl Friday, Carey plays Walter Burns. An editor for The Morning Post, Burns learns of his ex-wife Hildy Johnson’s (Rosalind Russell) impending marriage and sets into motion a plan to sabotage the wedding, including convincing his ex-wife to cover one last story. The film is the second screen version of the play The Front Page. Interestingly enough, the original play had Hildy portrayed as a man. The change in the film adaptation transformed the story into a battle of the sexes. And a great one at that. Sassy and scintillating, the film is perfectly cast. To this day, His Girl Friday proves to be a lasting example of a great screwball comedy.

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

Framed with relationship stories from elderly couples, When Harry Met Sally… aims to answer the question, “Can men and women ever be just friends?” The film, written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, tells the story of Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan). It follows the two from the time they meet, through twelve years of encounters. While the film is traditional in structure, the film breaks the mold through interesting characters and chemistry. Harry and Sally are some of the most memorable characters to grace the silver screen (ahem, diner scene anyone?). The sharp dialogue and witty banter has made When Harry Met Sally… an unforgettable film. No doubt, since its debut the film has become a quintessential romantic comedy.

4. Roman Holiday (1953)

For many, it’s the ultimate go-to Audrey Hepburn movie. In Roman Holiday, Hepburn plays Ann. A crown princess of an unspecified country, Ann is on a tour of several European capitals. When she reaches Rome, she becomes overwhelmed by her duties and sneaks out to experience Rome on her own terms. Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) discovers her on a park bench. As an American news reporter, he does not recognize her and takes her back to his apartment (in the most innocent way possible). The next morning, Joe sneaks off to cover Princess Ann’s press conference only to realize the Princess is asleep on his couch. Soon enough, the two fall in love while having adventures in Rome. Roman Holiday gave a name to the now beloved Audrey Hepburn. Not only that, but it set the standards for the modern romantic comedy. Yes, Roman Holiday is a love story for the ages.

3. City Lights (1931)

I understand that silent films are not every person’s cup of tea. However, no romantic comedy list would be complete without Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights. Written, directed, and starring Chaplin, the film found immediate success despite the rising popularity of the talkies at the time. In the film, a tramp (Chaplin) falls in love with a blind girl (Virginia Cherrill). In a series of odd coincidences, the blind girl has the wrong impression that the tramp is a millionaire. In a second storyline, the tramp saves the life of a true millionaire, and they become friends. However, when the millionaire is sober he doesn’t even recognize the tramp. The two story-lines come together and the blind girl sees the true identify of the tramp. While the physical comedy and wacky storyline shines in the film, City Lights is highly regarded as one of the most touching and poignant films ever made.

2. Annie Hall (1977)

It’s Woody Allen’s most celebrated and renowned film:  Annie Hall. The 1977 romantic comedy is not only one of his most beloved film, but one of his most honored. Annie Hall earned four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film follows the romantic endeavors of the neurotic comedian, Alvy Singer (Allen), and his seemingly ditzy girlfriend, Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The story shows the course of their relationship from their first meeting, to their breakup, to their reunion as friends. Annie Hall is a different kind of romantic comedy, both hilarious and touchingly devastating. In that way, Annie Hall mirrors the reality of love. It’s a complex rollercoaster of happiness and heartache – something Allen hits head on. It’s no wonder that, in Roger Ebert’s words, Annie Hall is “just about every one's favorite Woody Allen film.”

1. The Philadelphia Story (1940)

It’s the definitive Romantic-Comedy. Based on the Broadway play by the same name, The Philadelphia Story is a glittering adaptation of a story about love, marriage, and life changes. The film centers around Tracy Samantha Lord Haven (Kathrine Hepburn), a wealthy socialite from Philadelphia. As Tracy is preparing for her wedding, her ex-husband C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant) arrives on the scene. Things are further complicated when a tabloid reporter, Mike Connor (James Stewart), arrives eager to cover the wedding. Part screwball comedy, The Philadelphia Story is considered on of the best examples of a comedy of remarriage, a sub-genre popular in the 1930s where a divorced couple remarries. However, the film shines beyond its genre. The lead performances are outstanding, the director from George Cukor is inspiring, and the script is sophisticated. In all the film was nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two for Best Actor (Stewart) and Best Adapted Screenplay. Intelligent, original, and laugh out loud funny, The Philadelphia Story is an unparalleled classic.