Top 10 Most Heartwarming Rom-Coms of All Time
#10: “Love Actually” (2003)
While this much-beloved film may be set during the holiday season, “Love Actually” is sure to make your heart warm at any time of the year! Featuring the intertwined love stories of numerous Londoners during Christmas, this Richard Curtis classic brings audiences into the joyful, yet often complicated experiences of love as characters navigate forbidden romance, rekindled relationships, and young love. Between the visibly romantic setting of London during the festive season, and featuring some of the most iconic romantic gestures in rom-com history - we’re looking at you Andrew Lincoln - this fan-favourite proves that love actually is all around.
#9: “To All the Boys I've Loved Before” (2018)
Just when you might have thought the heydays of the romantic comedy were over, Netflix’s 2018 adaptation of Jenny Han’s bestselling novel hit our screens - and we are all the more grateful for it. The film, which follows high school student Lara Jean and her former crush Peter as they enter into a fake relationship, is just the kind of cheesy, relatable story about young love that will have you gushing along with the film’s characters. With endearing performances from the film’s cast and palpable chemistry between stars Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, “To All the Boys I've Loved Before” is a rom-com that will make you SWOON!
#8: “The Proposal” (2009)
Who would have thought that a romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds would be so darn good!? When New York publishing executive Margaret learns that she is about to be deported back to her home country of Canada, she enlists her assistant Andrew in marrying her in hopes of securing her green card. What follows is a hilarious journey as Margaret and Andrew go from being disagreeable colleagues to a potential match made in heaven. Featuring some surprising, yet undeniable comedic chemistry from Bullock and Reynolds, the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, and a laugh-out-loud performance by Betty White, ‘The Proposal’ is a feel-good film you won’t want to skip!
#7: “27 Dresses” (2008)
Always the bridesmaid, never the bride. This is the plot of “27 dresses,” in which the main character Jane must once again be a bridesmaid, only this time at the wedding of her sister Tess and her boss George (with whom Jane is secretly in love). While Jane may be distraught over the wedding she dreamed would be hers, she forms a connection with wedding reporter Kevin who wants to write a piece on her and her seemingly perpetual bridesmaid duties. Starring Katherine Heigl and James Marsden, “27 Dresses” is the perfect film for all those who feel like a supporting character in someone else’s story. Just like Jane, you are the main character!
#6: “When Harry Met Sally...” (1989)
Following the platonic, and sometimes romantic relationship between main characters Harry and Sally over the span of 12 years, “When Harry Met Sally” poses the age-old question of whether men and women can ever really just be friends. Between the melodic crooning of Harry Connick Jr., who sings the film’s soundtrack, the hilarious dialogue written by screenwriting legend Nora Ephron, and the ‘will they, won’t they’ tension played flawlessly by stars Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, it is no wonder “When Harry Met Sally” has remained a staple in the romantic comedy genre - providing comfort viewings to audiences for over 30 years!
#5: “13 Going on 30” (2004)
The early 2000s was a high point for romantic comedies, with movies like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” remaining some of the most memorable films in the genre. But one film among them stands out as an ultimate comfort watch. Starring Jennifer Garner, “13 Going on 30” brings us into the world of 13-year-old Jenna Rink as she magically transforms into her 30-year-old self. With loads of teenage nostalgia, a dreamy Mark Ruffalo playing Jenna’s former best friend Matt, and of course, a last-minute declaration of love at a wedding, “13 Going on 30” is sure to give you that warm fuzzy feeling romcom lovers enjoy so much - even on your 100th rewatch.
#4: “About Time” (2013)
Warning: this film is highly emotional and incredibly moving, a box of tissues and a tub of your favorite ice cream is advised… at least this is the warning we wish we got before viewing “About Time” for the first time. Director Richard Curtis delivers an endearing film about love, family, and the importance of embracing every moment that will certainly pull at your heartstrings. Not only does “About Time” display the love story between main characters Tim and Mary, but it also offers a poignant examination of the relationship between a father and son. Oh, and did we mention that rom-com queen Rachel McAdams stars in it!?
#3: “Definitely, Maybe” (2008)
While it may not have the same critical acclaim as a film like “The Princess Bride,” which also tells its love story in the form of a bedtime story, “Definitely, Maybe” certainly doesn't lack in heart. Following the life of recent divorcee Will Hayes as he explains to his daughter how he and his ex-wife met, Will relives his former romantic relationship with three separate women. With a star-studded cast including the likes of Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, and an adorable young Abigail Breslin, “Definitely, Maybe” is a charming story about missed connections and giving love another chance.
#2: “Notting Hill” (1999)
Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant may be two of the most iconic stars in rom-com history. It was only a matter of time before they joined forces and took the romantic comedy to new heights - which of course, resulted in “Notting Hill.” The film, which follows London bookseller William as he meets and subsequently falls in love with American actress Anna Scott, has become equally as iconic as Roberts and Grant themselves thanks to the endearing performances, heartfelt dialogue, and distinguished 90s vibes; all of which make this film one of our favorite comfort watches!
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“The Holiday” (2006)
All the Cozy Christmas Vibes
“Always Be My Maybe” (2019)
What’s More Heartwarming Than a Friends-to-Lovers Romance?
“Something’s Gotta Give” (2003)
A Comforting Flick About the Struggles of Finding Love Later in Life
“Moonstruck” (1987)
It’s Cher & Nicolas Cage… Need We Say More?
“The Wedding Singer” (1998)
A Laugh Out Loud Rom-Com with Loads of Charm
#1: “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018)
While “Crazy Rich Asians” may have some of the most glamorous portrayals of wealth our eyes have ever seen, it is at its core a love story between main characters Rachel and Nick. The film, which not only enlightens audiences to the power of romantic love but also to the love of family and culture, is a heartwarming tale about how relationships are tested once they become privy to the outside world and the lengths we go to to protect our loved ones. While pretty much every scene between stars Constance Wu and Henry Golding will make your heart flutter, the wedding scene alone is enough to put this film at the top of our list!