Everyone needs a rom-com fix once in a while.
Ever since I watched "Love, Simon" recently, I have been thinking about the movies of rom-com's past that still make me want my own kind of cheesy love (and a pint of Ben and Jerry's to match). Although the industry is moving forward in new ways of telling stories in classic genres, there are still the movies that hold a special place in our hearts. Here is a list of some of my personal favorite rom-coms that will satisfy any romantic mood one is in.
*This list is in no particular order, but do beware of potential spoilers! Also, I know I am missing a bunch of classics in this list but I couldn't pick them all (even though I really wanted to)!
1. "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)
Who knew that a Shakespearean play could make rom-com gold? This movie is based on William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," focusing on an outcast teen (played by Julia Stiles) falling in love with the school's bad boy (played by the late Heath Ledger). It isn't all fun and games, though, when the whole relationship is based on a bribe; if you're in the mood for good-quality 90s teen romance, this one is definitely a must-see.
2. "Crazy, Stupid, Love" (2011)
Adult love, middle-age love and young love all have one thing in common: it's complicated. This movie follows three different love stories of all different ages, and with an all star cast (and the start of Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone's on-screen chemistry) and great comedic moments, this movie will make you have all the feels- good and bad.
3. "13 Going On 30" (2004)
You simply can't not include a cheesy movie on a rom-com list. This film follows a thirteen-year-old girl in the 80s who just wants to skip teenage life and become "thirty, flirty and thriving." With the magic of her best friend's birthday gift (played by Mark Ruffalo), Jenna Rink (played by Jennifer Garner) travels in time to when she's thirty and discovers what, and who, really matters most in life. This movie definitely has its cringey moments, but the emotional scenes just make it so lovable.
4. "The Proposal" (2009)
Picture this: Sandra Bullock asks Ryan Reynolds to be her pretend fiance so she doesn't have to face deportation to Canada, but in return she has to venture with him to his home state of Alaska to meet his family, which includes Betty White singing "Get Low" in the middle of the woods. Lucky for everyone, this movie exists. With a cast like this and a plot that is bound to get a little crazy, this movie does not disappoint in the least.
5. "50 Fifty First Dates" (2004)
Only Adam Sandler can pull off the role of a man who falls in love with a woman who has short-term memory loss. When his character meets a woman (played by Drew Barrymore) one day and tries to talk to her again the next, he only discovers that she wakes up every day not remembering what happened. With overprotective friends and family as well as forgotten memories to overcome, Sandler has to prove he is in it for love. Set in beautiful Hawaii and with such a true romantic plot driving this train, this movie is one that will really tug at your heartstrings.
6. "Maid in Manhattan" (2002)
Okay, who wouldn't want a total Cinderella-like love story starring the one and only Jenny-from-the-block? When a hotel maid (played by Jennifer Lopez) happens to try on the clothes of one of the hotel's most richest guests, she is mistaken for actually being the woman to a politician running for senator (played by Ralph Fiennes). With an identity to hide and a young son (played by a young Tyler Posey) to take care of all on her own, none other than J-Lo can prove how to do it all. Also, the story was written by John Hughes, so no wonder this movie is so beloved.
7. "Friends With Benefits" (2011)
It is the question that has withstood all of time: can a guy and a girl who are just friends really be sex buddies too? When best friends (played by Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis) make a deal that they will have sex with one another without attached feelings, they soon start to unknowingly develop feelings for the other. All while trying to still look for "the one," these friends soon start wondering if they had that person all along. This movie isn't just a fun and super realistic one, but it has the perfect balance of humor and drama for anyone to enjoy.
8. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (2002)
It just seems like everyone's family can be a little overbearing and crazy at times. When a middle-aged woman (played by Nia Vardalos) comes across the man of her dreams (played by John Corbett), they fall in love and decide to get married; but there seems to be just one obstacle to overcome- he isn't Greek. With a huge Greek family to impress and a whole culture to learn about, this movie shows what true love really is, and how even the craziest of families make life all the more better. Anyone with a crazy family can relate to this story, and that's what makes it so special.
9. "She's All That" (1999)
I honestly believe this is probably the most iconic rom-com of them all. When the most popular guy in school (played by Freddie Prinze Jr.) makes a bet with his friend (played by the late Paul Walker) to turn the biggest loser in school (played by Rachael Leigh Cook) into the prom queen, he does not ever expect to fall in love with her. With California sun, one complete makover and the seemingly perfect guy put together, this movie has the perfect formula for creating a classic teen rom-com.
10. "Easy A" (2010)
This last pick may not immediately be considered a rom-com, but it definitely should be. Being Emma Stone's first lead film, this movie follows a teenage girl who accidentally starts her own business of pretending to have sex with the guys in her school when she lies to her best friend (played by Aly Michalka) about losing her virginity. This coming-of-age film proves just how crazy high school can get, and with the kind of humor Stone gives away, it is definitely one that cannot be passed up.