Top 10 Rom-Com Characters Who Deserved Better

We know, we know, “To All the Boys I've Loved Before” was all about Lara Jean and Peter. But when Lara Jean is reunited with her sixth grade crush while volunteering at Belleview Retirement Home, it’s not long before sparks begin to fly. So much so that Lara Jean can’t bring herself to admit to John Ambrose that she’s already in a relationship. However, she and her childhood friend appear to have stronger chemistry with each other than she does with her current beau, around whom she feels insecure. John Ambrose also treats her well, which contrasts with Peter, who doesn’t tell his own girlfriend why he’s been spending time with his ex. And later, when Lara and John Ambrose are finally free to act on their feelings, Lara realizes Peter is the one she wants.

In 2001, audiences fell in love with the character of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who ends up attending Harvard Law school to win back her ex. Along the way, she meets a cast of characters, including her new friend, Paulette, a sweet and bubbly manicurist left with little self-esteem after a bad breakup. Her kind spirit is left shattered by her ruthless ex, who steals her dog. In the end, with some newfound confidence and legal advice from Elle, Paulette is reunited with her beloved pooch, but her journey to get there is paved with heartache.

Sam Baldwin and Annie Reed's characters are two of the most iconic rom-com couples of the 1990s. The tale of a widower and a reporter who connect via a radio talk show set against the backdrop of the Emerald City has all the aspects of a great love story. One issue is that Annie is engaged to a man named Walter, played by Bill Pullman. Walter is an all-around nice guy. And while his personality doesn't exactly ignite any kind of excitement or passion, he receives more punishment than praise for his patience and kindness. From an allergic reaction to being dumped on Valentine's Day, one can only hope that the hapless fiance eventually finds a relationship that isn't one-sided.

After the HBO series’ success, the franchise continued to follow the iconic Carrie Bradshaw to the big screen with a film adaptation in 2008. While the film focuses on the events surrounding the wedding of the columnist and her leading man, Mr. Big, the movie also introduces fans to the character of Louise, Carrie's new personal assistant. Despite being played by the talented Oscar winner and American Idol alum, Jennifer Hudson, the character is reduced to cringe-worthy one-liners and receives little character development. Worst of all, as a thank you for all her hard work, Carrie gives her a designer bag that has fans questioning how fashion-forward Ms. Bradshaw actually is.

Based on Emily Giffin's book, "Something Borrowed," is one rom-com that asks viewers to confront the taboos of cheating. Protagonist Rachel is having an affair with Dex, who is also the fiancé of her best friend, Darcy. Throughout their fling, her pal Ethan is a voice of reason and reminds her that she's in the wrong, but also deserves better. It's eventually revealed that Ethan is in love with Rachel, but out of respect for her unrequited feelings, he distances himself by moving from New York to London - though he claimed the move was for a job. Not only does he uproot his entire life, but he also spends a large portion of the film dogging advances from another woman, which makes for some awkwardness for both him and viewers.

If the holiday season isn't chaotic enough, when you throw in a secret relationship, it makes the perfect storm. "Happiest Season" follows Harper and Abby as they visit the former's family for Christmas…the only issue is she hasn't come out to them. Enter Harper's ex, Riley. Not only does she become a confidante to Abby, but she also lives with the trauma of being outed in high school by Harper. In the end, Riley receives no apology or gratitude for her support. The character played by Aubrey Plaza caused quite a stir on the Internet with fans protesting that she and Abby should have ended up together. Alas, the two weren't meant to be, and unfortunately, the film leaves Riley without any closure.

There’s no denying that the 2000s had an overwhelming amount of films featuring the problematic manic pixie dream girl. In 2005, critic Nathan Rabin defined the term as a female character whose sole purpose is to help the male protagonist overcome their struggles. One prime example of the trope is Summer in “500 Days of Summer”—the plot centers on the relationship between her and greeting card author, Tom. Tom romanticizes his infatuation, even breaking out into song and dance. After Summer ends things, a lovesick Tom continues to exhibit unhealthy and concerning behavior. Even though she is honest about her opinions on relationships and love from the get-go, she somehow becomes villainized and is left branded by an unearned reputation.

Based on author Kevin Kwan's novel, the 2018 film focuses on the wealthy Young Family as they attend a wedding in Singapore. The movie features many standout characters, including the underused Peik Lin, played by Awkwafina, but one of the most memorable is Astrid, aka "The Goddess" in the book. She conceals her problems, including her loveless marriage, under the guise of a glamorous lifestyle. Her husband projects his inadequacy onto her despite sacrificing her career to make him comfortable. Also, if you read the novel, you’d know that to please her family, she rejects her true love… who we briefly see in a mid-credits scene. It's clear that she deserves more respect for all the labor she puts into her marriage, and although she leaves him in the end and maintains her status, Astrid is living proof that money can't buy happiness.

Weddings are a time for celebration, but they can also attract their fair share of drama, and 1997's "My Best Friend's Wedding" is a testament to that. The story follows food critic Jules as she attempts to foil the wedding of her lifelong friend and secret crush, Michael. Although bride-to-be, Kimmy, appears to be naïve and guidable, one would be hard-pressed to find someone more kind-hearted. Not only is she warm towards Jules, but she also asks the devious wedding crasher to be her maid of honor. In response, Jules openly flirts with Michael, makes Kimmy question her nuptials, and peer pressures her. Eventually, a confrontation between the two ensues and proves that Kimmy's only fault is that she should've left Jules off the guest list.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Mr. Morgan, “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999)
Calls Out Characters for Their Shortcomings & Problematic Behaviors

Delilah Abraham, “How Stella Got Her Groove Back” (1998)
Her Character Is Killed off Halfway Through the Movie & Doesn't Get to Fulfill Her Potential

One of the best things about this film is that it shows the joyful and painful sides of love. The entwined stories include one about a man whose best friend is in love with his wife. However, out of all the stories, Karen's narrative is arguably the most heartbreaking. After suspecting that her husband is unfaithful, her worst fears come true when she realizes that a necklace her spouse purchased isn’t for her, but for someone else. Karen deserves a hefty amount of praise for her composure and the brave front she puts on to preserve the magic of Christmas Eve for her children. Guided by humor and class, she not only deserves a much more meaningful Christmas present but, also more importantly, a better marriage.