Skip to main content
Close

Top 10 British Rom-Coms

By Cassiah Joski-Jethi · August 15, 2013

Being American and British, I feel that I get the best of both worlds. But there is something truly magical about British comedy, whether it is the ridiculous physical humour, the numerous snide comments about our overwhelming posh, stuck up, unlovable female population, or our obsession with poo jokes, it is particular yet powerful. Tying in a good romantic storyline is no easy feat, but the perfect match of comedy and romance in British cinema has been achieved and will continue to do so.

The first ever British ‘rom-com’ I ever saw was Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001). I was ten at the time, so it was a bit cheeky how I was able to watch such a film… At that age, I didn’t even know what a ‘tart’ was! I still managed to fall in love with the movie, and in that lies the key to British rom-coms – the heart and joy of the film always transcends the small, and at times, confusing details of story. So here, I present to you the top ten British rom-coms!

10. Bride and Prejudice (2004)

“No life (dadadada) / Without wife (dadadada) / Ooooh yeah, yeah yeah.”

Say what? No, thankfully the ladies are mocking the attitudes of certain conservative men that still exist in our universe… Bride and Prejudice is a laugh out loud musical comedy that is based on one of the greatest British love stories of all time Pride and Prejudice.  My favourite thing about the film is that it embraces our multi-cultural way of life, and shows that love can cross barriers between culture, race and tradition. The protagonist Lalita is headstrong and takes no nonsense, repetitively arguing with an American William Darcy, challenging him to open his eyes “You think this is India?!”. Lalita is a great representation of a progressive young lady who comes from a conservative Indian family who are adamant for an arranged marriage. Although this seems like a very specific plot, the themes are universal, showing the importance of growing up and embracing your individuality. Some ask whether this is a British rom-com, but indeed it is, with a British director, writer and funding, and the film being set in parts of England, it is a British movie at its heart. Throw in some fantastic Bollywood dance numbers, and you’ve got a real treat of a British rom-com!

9. Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging (2008)

The great thing about rom-coms is that they explore a whole wealth of different types of romance, from dough-eyed puppy love to intense, sexually charged relationships. Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging is one for the tweens, taking your typical awkward Secondary School (High School) girl and showing her daily embarrassment and hardships of teen life. Using a fresh-faced newbie to acting, Georgia Groome, the film embodies this sentiment of naivety. Contrary to what the protagonist Georgia Nicholson believes, “I’m a woman now, I wear a bra!” she fumbles through her first big crush, making all the mistakes a girl does as a ‘woman’ in love. Including the infamous tan mishap, as she dips in the pool revealing her horrendously over-done fake tan. Puts you off it really! A cute and honest rom-com, it’s one for the young’uns out there.

8. Wimbledon (2004)

You might have guessed it, but Wimbledon is a romantic comedy about tennis. Well, not about tennis per se, but about two individuals who play tennis to a professional competitive level. Kirsten Dunst plays the driven but slightly selfish Lizzie Bradbory, and Paul Bettany plays her caring yet slightly pathetic love interest Peter Colt. The great thing is that both characters go on a journey, together and separately. At the start of the film, Peter almost accepts the end to his journey, about to retire from tennis after giving Wimbledon one last (and not very strong) shot. Then Lizzie takes his life on a dramatic new turn, allowing him to free his mind, get motivated and fight for his place at Wimbledon. Ironically this jeopardizes Lizzie’s place, but this plot plays a bigger role, providing a metaphor for the sacrifices that love requires. A few laughs, a few cute romantic scenes, and some epic tennis scenes (you’ll never think tennis is boring after this film!), it’s one rom-com to watch.

7. Notting Hill (1999)

Notting Hill encapsulates the most well-known belief about love – opposites attract. The beauty of the film is learning about Anna Scott’s life, demonstrating how everyone is simply human and that materialistic things are not important. As she says in her final realisation “I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her”. This sums up how basic and beautiful love should be, making everyone who watches it aspire to have a love like that! With stellar performances once more, and shooting Hugh Grant to true hot main man status in British cinema.

6. Shakespeare In Love (1998)

The only romantic comedy in the list to not be set in the modern day, Shakespeare In Love is a hilarious take on William Shakespeare’s thrilling love life. Not to mention, the cast in the film are spectacular, every character wonderfully suited. Geoffrey Rush in particular plays the bumbly Philip, with his ever optimism, “strangely enough, it all turns out well”. The most endearing character however is Viola, beautifully played by Gwyneth Paltrow. She is a feisty strong female, shown by her defiant attitude – she dares to act on stage pretending to be a man, whilst managing to make Shakespeare fall for her. The script as well is full of little intricacies and intertextual references to Shakespeare’s works, which adds a sophisticated level of humour. For example, when Shakespeare cannot think of what to call his latest masterpiece, Ned suggests “How about Romeo and Juliet?” “Not bad” says Shakespeare. A heartbreaking romance story mixed with true British-ness, a rom-com of epic proportions.

5. Four Weddings And A Funeral (1994)

Four Weddings And A Funeral is one of the most well-known British romantic comedies. This was the film that launched and solidified Hugh Grant as British romantic comedy stud. That man has been in so many romantic comedies, I cannot even fathom it! Sorry, I digress… Four Weddings And A Funeral throws in hilarious punches throughout the movie, with witty one-liners and constant banter between characters. Only the Brits could joke about divorce and incest at a wedding reception.  And Andie Macdowell is shockingly beautiful in the film, a reason to watch any rom-com really. Therefore, Four Weddings And A Funeral sits securely high in the list of top ten British rom-coms.

4. Bend It Like Beckham (2003)

“Who wants to cook ali gobi when you can bend a ball like Beckham?”

In other words, translated too, this question: who wants to do what my parents want me to do when I can do something far beyond their limitations? That is what we all think during our terrifying transition from teen to adult. Bend It Like Beckham is far more than just a romantic comedy, and again embraces the difficulties facing young adults in a multi-cultural society. The film is also not afraid to explore issues in terms of the character’s sexuality, with characters in the film accusing the two protagonists, Jess and Jules, of being lesbians, and the heartache of Jess’s best friend Tony who is homosexual but is unable to express himself. Alongside this exploration is that stamp-mark great British humour, giving a light and optimism to the film, as one of the Grand Auntie’s ponder “Lesbian? I thought she was a Pisces!” The love triangle in film plays on that typical (and annoying) situation: your best friend says they’re not into a guy, then if you go for him, you are the one in deep trouble. Poor Jess, true for her and Joe. Jules’ character is a joy, starting out as the jealous third-wheel friend, but able to overcome it for her friendships. Bend It Like Beckham is one of the best of the British films in a long time, but also one of the best rom-coms!

3. Love Actually (2003)

Love Actually has an ensemble of some of the greatest British actors of our generation, so no wonder the film tops the third spot of the best British romantic comedies. There are hilarious guest appearances, with Rowan Atkinson popping up to help Alan Rickman pick a beautiful piece of jewelry for someone who is NOT his wife! Scandal! The multi-stranded narrative plays out a number of love stories, some heart-breaking, as mentioned above, but some uplifting and moving. The film also explores romance at all ages, the cutest storyline being the young Sam’s love obsession with the cute American girl in his school. He furiously learns to play the drums to impress her – now that is dedication! Love Actually is a mish-mash of laughs, love, and loss, one of the best of the British.

2. About A Boy (2002)

Based on Nick Hornby’s best-selling novel, About A Boy focuses on two relationships; Will and Rachel, and Will and Marcus. Obviously Will and Rachel fulfills the ‘rom’ of the ‘rom-com’ genre, whilst Will and Marcus’ relationship fulfills the ‘com’. However, again, like the best comedies, there is a very dark and serious side to the film, bringing a solid grounding to the movie. Marcus’ suicidal mother and Will’s inability to be honest play against the witty and physical humour, such as the constant bashing of heads with balls randomly flying through the air. The best part of the film is Will’s realization when listening to:

“Look who’s coming round the bend / It’s Santa and his reindeer friends”

This moment is a stark juxtaposition which really makes you feel for his character. This is a nice, fresh change for Hugh Grant, who I feel delivers his best performance ever in this film. Again, a great film as well as one of the best British romantic comedies.

1. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

You probably could have guessed it, but Bridget Jones’s Diary tops the list of top ten British rom-coms! Even as a ten year old, I knew it was a cracking film, but being older, I now appreciate the rawness, honesty and humour of the movie. Even now, I am still to young too identify with Bridget herself as I am nowhere near being a woman in my 30s, however, the craziness of love and heartache that goes along with it is applicable to any girl at any age, and is part of the film’s appeal. Of course, the main appeal of the film is the character Bridget herself. Bridget Jones, wonderfully played by Renee Zellwegar, is one of the most endearing British characters to ever grace our screens. From her fireman pole mis-haps at work, revealing her bottom to the entire nation, to her ability to form blue gunk out of a soup recipe, she defies the many expectations of what a women should be. She represents what a woman is, and it is a joy to see her make her mistakes till she finally realizes they aren’t mistakes after all, because she is perfect “just as she is.”