Per previous discussion about labels, I’ve included movies meant to be romantic and funny, although even not strictly or only romantic comedies. This opens the field a little bit and allowed me to dodge some cheese. Let’s get started.
10. Sleepless in Seattle. While I could easily pick some that I liked more, Sleepless was well written and creatively put together. Some of the same people from When Harry Met Sally got involved, and rode the coattails a little, but the ultimate idea was different, even though the style and tone was similar. Although an adult-oriented movie, it was innocent enough to capture a wide audience with a story about two people perfect for each other but thousands of miles apart. Soundtrack was also pretty good. I let it sneak on the list.
9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Every element of this movie worked, and every character came alive. You wanted to marry into this family, too. The transformation of a woman from a homely waitress to a beautiful, confident, independent career woman was perfectly realistic and engaging. The cultural tension was real and distinct without being too cliche. Made me want to put Windex on stuff.
8. Much Ado About Nothing. Well, you can’t beat Shakespeare at, well, anything. Probably the first major romantic comedy ever written. Kenneth Branagh did a great job helping a whole generation (myself included) rediscover Shakespeare and reconnect with some of the most brilliant literature ever written. Shakespeare was meant to bee SEEN, not read.
7. Lars and the Real Girl. Late entry to the list. Just saw this movie and was really impressed. As original and well-written as any other movie on the list, I highly recommend it. Probably the wierdest one on the list, Lars is completely innocent but manages to creatively express some very deep themes.
6. Grosse Pointe Blank. John Cusack makes this list twice because, well, he rocks … but he also manages to have great chemistry with every actress he’s ever worked with. Grosse was his brainchild and is just violent and crazy enough for guys to enjoy, but it still centers around the soul-mate relationship of his “dream girl”, Minnie Driver.
5. Some Kind of Wonderful. In my opinion, this is John Hughes best teen movie, behind Ferris Bueller, of course. Young stars before they were huge and a trend setting director combined for a top notch movie from the 80′s. This wasn’t as fairy tale as some of Hughes’ other work but still had the classic 80′s high school cliques, class warfare, and generational gap. It didn’t have the brat pack celeb status and outdid the other ones in terms of realism and believability while still being a great story.
4. Pretty Woman. Okay, don’t laugh. This was one of the most successful romantic comedies ever, and the top grossing one for its day. Don’t know if I could technically give it comedy status, but the funny elements are there. Julia Roberts became a big time star with this movie (she had a couple hits before Pretty Woman, but can anyone remember them? I can, but there is a lot of worthless info in my head). More of a modern fairy tale, women REALLY liked this movie, and Becca and I still watch it from time to time.
3. As Good as it Gets. Another one not technically in this class, but the main thrust is the inexplicable relationship between an obsessive compulsive romance writer and a waitress with a sick son … and a dog. And it’s funny as crap. Amazingly written, directed, acted, its just awesome.
2. When Harry Met Sally. The stars kinda aligned for some of these movies. Everything worked and was just right. Harry Connick, Jr. did the soundtrack, giving him star status overnight. This movie should probably be number 1, but I gotta give shout outs to my man John for …
1. Say Anything. How could my favorite movie of all time not be on the top of this list? Had to do it. This movie still stands apart from the cheesy 80′s teen romantic comedies and the formulaic ones they made through the 90′s. No one tried to copy this one. That was smart.
Also considered: Best Friends Wedding, the Holiday, Hitch, While You Were Sleeping
Peace.
Yes! Lars made the cut!
I would add Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, only I’m not sure if it would count as a comedy. Or romantic. But it’s debatable.