Sometimes rom-coms get a bad rap. Romantic comedies are often interchangeably referred to as “chick flicks,” which, apart from being patronizing, doesn’t quite give them credit. Admittedly, the genre can be very formulaic, and depending on your taste, a little nausea-inducing. But for every bad Nicholas Sparks’ movie, there are a handful of wonderful romantic comedies that have something to say about love and relationships. When they are good, it is a reminder of why the genre resonates. Here is a list of some classic romantic comedy films that stand the test of time.
1. "Annie Hall" (1977)
One of the first films from Woody Allen to define the romantic comedy genre itself.
2. "Punch Drunk Love" (2002)
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film follows Barry Egan (Adam Sandler), a timid and lonely man whose life completely changes through a series of unexpected events, including meeting and falling in love with a woman named Lena.
3. "Harold and Maude" (1971)
A fresh perspective on the genre that’s about a taboo relationship between a 20-year-old and an 80-year-old woman who forge a connection. It is at once a funny and dark meditation on the meaning of life.
4. "Roman Holiday" (1953)
A fairy-tale romance set in Rome, this film follows a European princess—played by Audrey Hepburn—who escapes her royal duties, and in turn meets and falls in love with an American journalist.
5. "Say Anything" (1989)
Cameron Crowe’s directorial debut is a pitch-perfect film that defined the classic high school love story.
6. "When Harry Met Sally" (1989)
This classic film, written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, asks the question of whether men and women can truly just be friends.
7. "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind" (2004)
Written by Charlie Kaufman, this film tells the story of a couple who, after a bad break up, get a procedure to have each other erased from their memories.
8. "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)
Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks) is a recently widowed father whose son calls into the local radio station to find him a new wife. After hearing him on the talk show, reporter Annie Reed (Meg Ryan) falls in love.
9. "The Before Trilogy" (1995, 2004, 2013)
Richard Linklater’s brilliant trilogy introduces us to couple Jesse and Celine and follows them through the evolution of their relationship over the three films.
10. "Amelie" (2001)
Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, “Amelie” is about a shy woman who decides to change the lives of those around her and pursue love, while struggling with her own past and isolation.
Honorable Mentions:
"Breakfast at Tiffany's," "Groundhog Day," "Clueless," "Crazy Stupid Love," and "The Princess Bride."
