10 Rom-Coms To Binge This Valentine's Day
Every time I scroll through Twitter I see more bad news. The world is hurting, our country is so polarized that people are disowning their own parents over politics, and Gen Z seems to be more motivated to fight human rights injustices than ever.
With the weight of the world on our shoulders, we need to escape more than ever. So what happened to the rom-coms? I miss the golden era of romantic comedies. The ‘80s, ‘90s, and early 2000s taught us everything we need to know about being too clingy, getting the guy, and even dating online!
What used to be the biggest moneymaker for studios got replaced by comic book movies in 2010. Not only were people seemingly more into men in tights than a girl in her 27th bridesmaid dress, but they also weren’t getting married. Sadly, rom-coms just weren’t relatable anymore. I have hope that someday soon young girls will feel the same magical feeling I felt watching Meg Ryan sneak into her cupboard to listen to Tom Hanks on the radio. With ’90s and early 2000s fashion making a huge comeback, we could be closer than we think!
Here are 10 of my favorite rom-coms in no particular order you should watch (or re-watch) this Valentine’s Day:
1. John Tucker Must Die (2006)
It’s your quintessential early 2000s high school flick complete with velour jumpsuits and Hollister polos. Several girls find out that they’re all being played by the hottest basketball player in school, John Tucker, and decide to get revenge by setting him up with the new girl at school and getting her to break his heart.
2. The Holiday (2006)
Technically it’s a romantic comedy, but it’s also my favorite Christmas movie. Two women (Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet) switch homes and lives to get away from what’s plaguing them and a change of scenery. They each end up falling in love with a man from each other’s inner circle, and it’s funny (Jack Black), cute, and the homes are also to die for.
3. Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
This is actually my VERY favorite romantic comedy of all time. I think I just love Meg Ryan so much. Her character is in a boring but comfortable relationship when she falls in love with a man’s voice who calls into a radio station. What follows is an unbelievable quest to find and meet the man she fell in love with at first listen.
4. 13 Going On 30 (2004)
Can you imagine being 13 years old but getting a glimpse of what your life would be like when you were 30? I remember watching this and wondering what I’d be like when I grew up. It’s the sweetest movie, and one of many that involve the fashion industry, which was SO cool back then.
5. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
Every girl should watch this movie like three times. I’m pretty sure it’s prevented me from dating countless men who would have otherwise wasted my time. Don’t get me wrong, a few still slipped in. But I’m convinced it hasn’t been as many as it could have been if I hadn’t grown up watching this!
6. Pretty Woman (1990)
The whole “lady of the night” thing is not really relatable, but wishing to meet the man of your dreams who gives you a shopping spree on Rodeo Drive totally is! Julia Roberts's character is so endearing because she’s so unapologetically herself, even in situations where she feels like a total outsider.
7. Serendipity (2001)
UGH, this movie is so good. This is the perfect movie to watch if you want to believe in fate again. Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack meet at a store, and then decide that if they’re really meant to be together, destiny will make it so.
8. You’ve Got Mail (1998)
Before there was Bumble, there was email! Dial-up AOL to be exact. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks link up again for an amazing online romance involving the big business guy and the little small town store girl.
9. P.S. I Love You (2007)
When I wasn’t bawling my eyes out watching this movie, I was laughing. It’s so sad and yet at the same time SO heartwarming. When Hillary Swank’s husband (Gerard Butler) passes away, her friends step in and take her on an amazing trip so she can restart her life. The thing is, her husband planned some things for her before he passed away.
10. Pretty In Pink (1986)
A classic high school clique movie with ‘80s queen Molly Ringwald. Really, all John Hughes movies are *chef’s kiss* but this one is definitely a winner. It’s a coming-of-age story about teens just wanting to fit in, are bullied by the rich kids, and then two of them from different social spheres end up falling in love.