Now that Valentine’s Day is approaching, what are your plans to celebrate love? If you're like us and would prefer to stay home (rather than deal with traffic and completely booked restaurants), we’ve got just the agenda for you!
A movie night!
I mean, the theme of Valentine's Day and rom-com's both revolve around finding true love right? So what better way to celebrate this wonderful day than to indulge in some classics? We’ve decided to compile a list of our favorite rom-com of all time. Whether you're single, celebrating Galentine's Day, or simply want to spend time with your significant other, a movie night is an ideal way to do so!
First up, Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Jon M. Chu's adaptation of Kevin Kwan's novel revitalized the summer rom-com in a humorous, frothy dream packed with the undeniable chemistry between protagonists Constance Wu and Henry Golding. Wu provides an outstanding portrayal as the fiery striver Rachel, who battles to combine her love for her rich Singaporean lover with her identity as the first-generation daughter of a Chinese single mother. Newcomer Golding is the handsome eye candy in the role of Nick, while Rachel is played by Rachel Wu, who makes a stunning debut. The plot ends in an extravagantly romantic wedding, and the scene where Wu and Golding exchange spine-tingling glances serve as a strong reminder of just how emotional and fulfilling the rom-com genre can be.
When Harry Met Sally (1989)
The Theory of Attraction. The trip to the bookshop. The declaration of love on New Year's Eve. The phone conversation between Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby's close pals is shown on split-screen. Those people in the deli scene, my gosh. It's likely that the first title that comes to mind when you hear the term "rom-com" is Rob Reiner's film about two longtime friends who discover that the one person who is truly perfect for them is each other. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan's portrayals of these characters are truly unique. It's an alchemical feat.
My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Roberts is the reigning queen of the rom-com genre. She rose to fame with "Pretty Woman" and became a box office superstar with films like "Notting Hill" and "Runaway Bride," but if you ask us "My Best Friend's Wedding" stands out the most. That's primarily because she was ready to portray a role that could be so utterly unlikeable, that of a lady who discovers too late that her closest friend (Mulroney) is actually her ideal partner and then sets out to deliberately ruin his wedding in an unsuccessful attempt to win him over.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) believes he has struck gold when he lands superstar bombshell and actress Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) – until Sarah breaks up with him in the famed breakup scene. To forget about Sarah, Peter travels alone to Hawaii, but hold on! Along with her new boyfriend Aldous Snow, she is also on vacation in Hawaii (Russell Brand). Therefore, it becomes difficult for him to "Forget Sarah Marshall" until he meets Rachel (Mila Kunis).
The Proposal (2009)
Sandra Bullock had early success in the rom-com genre (Love Potion No. 9, While You Were Sleeping). Teamed with Ryan Reynolds in this unexpected blockbuster, she was back in the spotlight. He is the star's humble (but sexy) assistant who has been promised a promotion if he marries her for a visa. She portrays a frosty, hard-charging publishing executive fearing deportation to Canada. The sarcastic and dry-witted pair, both of whom have a lot of charm, bring out the best in one another. Bonus points go to Betty White, the hilarious diva, who waltzes through every scene as Sandra Bullock's eccentric grandmother.
Love And Other Drugs (2010)
Maggie and Jamie, a woman suffering from Parkinson's disease and a guy working for the pharmaceutical company Pfizer, are played by Anne Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal, respectively. The movie does a good job of fusing a realistic, flawed romance plot with the reality of more pressing societal concerns like healthcare laws and the realities of disabilities. Both actors provide powerful performances in a film that entirely defies the cheerful assumptions of a romantic comedy.
Crazy Stupid Love (2011)
Consummate playboy Jacob (Ryan Gosling) finds his match in the form of shy but witty Hannah (Emma Stone), who manages to get him to let his guard down. The highlight? Unbeknownst to the young couple, Jacob is also helping Cal (Steve Carell), Hannah's father, who is going through a trial separation from his adulterous wife Emily (Julianne Moore). Jacob and Hannah's love story stands out among the overlapping narratives because the film expertly utilizes both Stone's ability for unapologetically sexy acting and Gosling's gift for just being Gosling.
So, grab a bottle of wine, order some takeout, sit back, relax, and pick one of these movies to enjoy Valentine's Day. You’re guaranteed to have a good time!