So you're in the mood for a rom-com. But you've seen every Nicholas Sparks movie and can't stand another kissing scene in the rain. So what do you do? Fear not, because I have compiled a list of films that will not make you want to rip your hair out or give up on love. These movies are funny, cute, and may actually warm your cold, dead heart.
1. "They Came Together"
Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler. What could go wrong? Literally nothing. This movie is jam packed with humor (as to be expected) but is also super sweet. It completely breaks down the stereotypes surrounding romantic comedies in the most clever ways. The cast includes countless SNL castmembers and all your favorite funny people. "They Came Together" may be completely unheard of to you, but it's really a hidden gem. With a cast ranging from John Stamos to Bill Hader, it has something for everyone.
2. "Stuck in Love"
Don't be fooled by the heartwarming premise of this movie."Stuck in Love" follows a family in the midst of a divorce and their attempts to remain "normal." The film weaves in and out of the dating life of the eldest daughter (Lily Collins), high school student Rusty (Nat Wolff) and their parents (Greg Kinnear and Jennifer Connelly). "Stuck in Love" is an honest look at divorce, marital problems, addiction and death. Instead of sugarcoating life's struggles the way most rom-coms do so well, this film takes a more realistic perspective.
3. "The First Time"
A fun teen movie in essence, "The First Time" takes place over the span of a night or two. Two teens meet at a party and develop a friendship. Over the course of a few days, the two discuss their current lives and future plans and begin to fall for each other. "The First Time" focuses on the naiive, blind love between teenagers and the way small things can mean so much when you are young.
4. "Her"
If an unconventional love story had a dictionary definition, it would be this movie. "Her" takes place in the future at a time when, surprise, technology rules. Society has become so obsessed with their screens that there are no genuine feelings or personal relationships. Joaquin Phoenix plays a man who feels so detached and so desperate for love that he falls for his phone's version of Siri, a woman named "Sam," who is merely a computer. This movie explores humans and their constant need for affection, countering that with their need for speed and efficiency in a digital age.
5. "Silver Linings Playbook"
Our first glance at Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence together is a magical one. Bradley Cooper plays a man with bipolar disorder and Jennifer Lawrence plays a woman with her own mental issues. The two work through their troubles together and find ways to cope in the wake of death and divorce. The simplicity of the story and the honest portrayal of individuals with mental illness make this story heart-warming and heart-wrenching all in one.
6. "Warm Bodies"
Even zombies deserve love, right? This movie is a comedic take on the zombie obsession. R is a zombie who falls in love with Julie, the daughter of the general leading the zombie revolt. If you didn't catch the names earlier, they're basically Romeo and Juliet. The more time R spends with Julie, the less zombie he becomes. "Warm Bodies" has humor and heart, and proves that true love's kiss really can break any spell.
7. "Crazy Stupid Love"
Each role in this movie is perfectly cast and each character is perfectly written. "Crazy Stupid Love" explores multiple topics in relationships, including hookup culture, young love and divorce. The characters' storylines are interwoven and full of surprises and witty dialogue. "Crazy Stupid Love" lives up to its title and covers every emotion you want in a movie. Also, did I mention Ryan Gosling is in it?
8. "Wall-E"
Just try and tell me that Wall-E and Eve are not the cutest couple. Wall-E the lonely robot is probably the most underrated Disney character. Left alone on earth after it's abandonment, Wall-E is "rescued" by Eve, a slick new version of robots like him. The two team up to save earth's citizens from an awful fate in space. The unspoken language of the two and the adorable gestures make their love story a little far-fetched, but adorable nonetheless.