Opinion: Top seven rom-coms

Opinion: The Top Seven Rom-Coms

By Rachel Shaw

While certainly not my go-to genre, I do find myself occasionally craving the satisfaction of a feel-good Rom-Com and a box of Butterfingers.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I thought I would compile a list of my top seven favorite Rom-Coms that are just as fun to watch alone as they are with that special someone. I, personally, will be watching with my roommate’s cat.

7. Another Cinderella Story

While objectively this one isn’t very good, there is something endearing about a movie that has the primary goal of shoving as many clichés into 90 minutes as possible. There is not a single line of dialogue that is realistic. However, I find myself drawn back to this movie over the years and I am never disappointed. Be it the nostalgia, the familiar plot line, the absolute bop of a soundtrack (Tell Me Something I Don’t Know goes HARD), or the sexual tension between Drew Seeley and that double sided mirror, this movie is a classic cringe comedy that I will always come back to.

Where to Watch: Amazon, iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Amazon Video

6. The DUFF

The first time I saw this movie was on a double date with my seventh grade boyfriend. Last night, I rewatched it for the first time since 2015 and I was pleasantly surprised to say that most of it held up! The plot is certainly predictable, but this movie is wonderfully reminiscent of every “girl who is not like other girls goes to prom” movie from the early 2000s. While at times the line between cringey and subtly satirical was blurred, I thoroughly enjoyed this rewatch and it might become one of my guilty pleasure comfort movies.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Google Play Movies, Vudu, Amazon Video

5. Starstruck

As one of the most iconic Disney Channel Original Movies of all time, I couldn’t make a Top Seven Rom-Com list without mentioning this fabulous piece of cinematography. It is essentially the plot of every fanfiction ever, and it is divine. If you grew up in the golden age of Disney Channel, you don’t need me to tell you how good this movie is. If you weren’t so fortunate, then let me tell you, if you’re looking for a cliché “Harry Styles noticed me at his concert because I was in a corner reading a book” trope, then you’ll enjoy this movie. It’s definitely geared towards children (it’s Disney Channel, so duh), but it is still a very enjoyable watch, nonetheless. The plot is lighthearted, the music is actually not bad, and I will endlessly fall for the enemies to lovers trope. “Something About the Sunshine” was a cultural reset. Next.

Where to Watch: HBO Max, Amazon, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video, YouTube, Disney Plus

4. The Lovebirds

This is easily one of the most entertaining movies on this list. The movie follows a recently broken up couple who are framed for a murder and takes them through a myriad of ridiculous circumstances while they are trying to clear their name. While, like most Rom-Coms, it is fairly predictable, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani make a relatable and charming pairing and you can’t help but BEG for them to end up back together. Not to mention, we FINALLY have a mainstream Rom-Com that features a Pakistani man and a Black woman. This is the representation Hollywood needs more of. The plot is a bit silly at times, but it is certainly amusing and keeps you on your toes throughout.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video

3. Juno

If you have not seen this masterpiece featuring Elliot Page and Michael Cera, do yourself a favor and watch it. This movie does all the things a good Rom-Com should do. It makes you feel all feely. It makes you laugh. It might make you cry. You will fall in love with and want to be best friends with half of the characters by the end of it, but mostly Elliot Page’s character. Out of this list, this movie probably feels the most real. It deals with the very heavy subject of teen pregnancy while also seamlessly being one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen. It’s witty, it’s relatable, it’s so crazily wonderful and you need to watch it.

Where to Watch: Hulu, Sling TV, Starz, Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video

2. About Time

Warning, this movie will probably make you cry. On the spectrum of lighthearted to heart-breaking romantic comedies, this one leans ever so slightly more towards the side of taking your heart and running over it with a lawn mower. It plays with time travel in a tasteful and interesting way, and while some people may argue that the ultimate theme of “living in the moment” is overdone, I found the writer’s approach to it much more refreshing than anything I’ve seen before. Though I will admit that I’m a bit partial to British media, the cast and characters are simply charming, and the writing is beautifully done, making this one of my favorite movies of all time.

Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play Movies, Amazon Video

1. Palm Springs

This movie is at the top of my list simply because I feel that almost anyone would enjoy it. Taking a more modern twist on “Groundhog Day,” this movie takes two of the most overdone genres, Rom-Coms and time loops, and makes something surprisingly incomparable. As all my utmost favorite Rom-Coms, this isn’t merely just a Rom-Com. It dabbles in Sci-Fi, it makes you think and feel, and its sense of humor carries an air of intelligence that you can’t always find in the Rom-Com world. Not to mention, the use of color and musical score complement the theme of the film organically and the chemistry between Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti is beautifully natural. If you’re still having a hard time deciding the next Rom-Com to watch, definitely give this one a go.

Where to Watch: Hulu