Romantic Comedies, also known as rom coms, have been being directed since the 1920’s and continue being filmed today. These types of movies are lighthearted and silly, while simultaneously following the trials of an on screen love story. One of the best things about rom coms is that they are perfect for any occasion. Going through a breakup, feeling lonely, hanging out with friends, looking for a good cry or maybe even a good laugh? This list will provide the top ten rom coms from the 90’s and today.
- How to lose a guy in 10 days
When journalist Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) attempts to make advertising executive Ben Barry (Matthew McConaughey) fall in love with her for an article on how to lose a guy in ten days, she finds out a few things about both herself and Ben. She transforms from a fun, outgoing and mysterious girl to a quirky, clingy and entirely weird person to scare Ben away for her weekly column. While she attempts to make him fall in love with her, he is secretly doing the same thing for his boss, because all’s fair in love and war, right? When the ideal situation does not go as planned, Anderson and Barry quickly realize they have feelings for each other. This movie is by far #1 on the list because of the amazing acting, chemistry between the cast and plot. The way Hudson and McConaughey make their relationship seem so real is one of the best parts of this film making it a must see for viewers.
- She’s all that
Zack Siler (Freddie Prinze Jr.) places a bet with friends that he could ultimately transform socially awkward, shy and nerdy girl Laney Boggs (Rachael Leigh Cook) to a completely new person. As he spends more time with her, he realizes that he is starting to develop feelings for her. Just as their chemistry is growing, Boggs discovers Siler’s initial intentions. Siler does everything he can to win her back until eventually surprising her at prom in the iconic scene where she walks down the stairs to greet him. While being one of the most popular films of the 90’s, “She’s All That” portrays a special message to the audience: self discovery. Boggs and Siler both undergo personal growth and character development throughout the course of the movie. Silver goes from taking advantage of Boggs for a bet to actually developing feelings for her, and Boggs realizes that she is secure in being herself and does not have to conform to the social pressures that surround her.
- 10 things I hate about you
The plot of “10 Things I Hate About You” follows the love lives and experiences of Kat (Julia Stiles) and Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik). The Stratford parents make a rule that Bianca can only date someone if her older sister Kat does. When Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) comes into town and falls for Bianca, he does everything in his power to find Kat a boyfriend, including introducing her to Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). Patrick tries to open Kat up by breaking her sassy and rebellious exterior down, but soon realizes he has feelings for her. The film explores several themes including personal growth. Kat learns throughout the movie how to open up to others and not constantly have a wall put up, while Patrick learns to reveal his sensitive and caring side rather than the bad boy side he normally shows. This movie is beneficial for viewers of all ages because it teaches them that it’s okay to let your guard down and show your true self.
- Clueless
Cher Horowtiz (Alicia Silverstone) is a 15-year-old girl known as popular, rich and fashion obsessed. The movie clueless follows her life and the secret struggles she faces as a teenager as well as when her former step brother Josh (Paul Rudd), who she despises, returns to town. Cher puts the responsibility on herself of transforming the new girl Tai (Brittany Murphy) into a popular girl. Doing this brings personal struggles into her life with people she is associated with. As all of these things happen, Cher goes through a self growth period and realizes how her actions affect her and those around her, while also learning about her feelings for Josh. Clueless is known as one of the most popular movies and best movies of the 90’s because of the popular cast, iconic fashion sense and well known script that continue to bring in viewers to this day.
5. 13 going on 30
When Jenna Rink (Jennifer Garner) sits in her closet on her 13th birthday and wishes to be “30, flirty and thriving,” her dreams come true, but not necessarily in the ways she imagined. Jenna wakes up one morning as a 30-year-old woman to her wishes somehow granted. As she discovers this new life of hers, she realizes that all of the things she wished for as a child have come true but at a cost. While becoming successful and popular, she loses her childhood best friend Matt (Mark Ruffalo). She makes it her mission to find Matt and rekindle their friendship, but runs into some bumps along the way. The movie explores many themes including second chances and being true to oneself. Jenna gets another chance to change the outcomes of her previous decisions while finding how to be true to herself through friendships. 13 Going on 30 is one of the best movies to watch because of Garner and Ruffalo’s amazing acting, encouraging story and humor they portray on the screen.
