Rom-coms are a classic genre you can really watch anytime, but now seems like almost the perfect time, with the months nestled in between Valentine’s Day and the beginning of spring. It’s the quintessential time to cozy in and watch one–or five.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
This has to be one of my favorite modern-day romcoms of all time, or even movies for that matter, set in Portland, Oregon; it almost seems too perfect.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is about high school junior Lara Jean, who loves to write love letters. The thing is, she thinks that these letters will never be discovered, but things change one day when her sister finds them and sends them out.
The main male love interest in this movie is Peter Kavinsky. I think what sets him apart from other rom-com male love interests is that he’s a genuinely nice guy, making it so that he and Lara Jean have so much chemistry and a nice friends-to-lovers relationship, giving it the ultimate cozy vibes.
One of the reasons I love this movie so much is that I really see myself in Lara Jean; her love of movies, crafts, and other cozy hobbies, like baking and reading, really resonates with me. But besides that, the overall essence of the movie really describes the period between Valentine’s Day and spring.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Now time to rewind 20 years to a classic, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. 2000’s romcoms are staples for any good romcom list.
Advice writer Andie Anderson experiments with her writing through her new piece about how to get a guy to break up with you in ten days, basically righting people’s common wrongs in the dating world. Her editor loves it, so Andie’s sent out into the world to find a guy for her experiment. Cue Ben Berry, who thinks he can get any girl. Turns out, when Andie and Ben meet, they’re both wrong. While Andie’s doing anything and everything to drive Ben away, Ben’s doing anything and everything for Andie to like him.
One reason I like this movie instantly is that Andie is a journalist; I always love seeing characters in the communications field, and I think it sets up a fun side plot. Another reason why I love this movie is the likability of the characters. I think there’s a common theme in these movies: nice guys. In a world where nice guys finish last, here’s a list where they finish first.
27 Dresses (2008)
Another 2000s classic is 27 Dresses.
Jane is known as the ultimate bridesmaid, having attended 27 weddings, but when her sister gets engaged to the guy she likes, she realizes she might be over this “always the bridesmaid” role. Enter Kevin Doyle, when he and Jane share a taxi one night, Jane realizes her Groundhog Day life as she knew it might be ending. From the classic performance of Bennie and the Jets to the light-heartedness of the whole movie, it makes it a perfect comforting watch.
I loved the setting of the movie. Anytime something is set in New York, I feel like it gives the movie such a lively feel and a good balance to the other movies on this list, showcasing springtime in different settings.
A Cinderella Story (2004)
Now, for a different pick is a 2000’s spin on Cinderella.
This reimagining of the classic fairytale follows Sam, who is the misfit in her family. After her dad passed away, she was forced to work for her stepmother, Fiona, at their diner. She starts talking to a guy anonymously online, and when they make a plan to meet at their school’s Halloween dance, her stepmom forbids her from going, and she is forced to sneak in to find her prince charming. Featuring Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray, this 2000s take on the classic tale is such a fun rom-com pick with the cute diner Sam works at, the outfits, and the overall vibe. I love the realism of Sam Hilary Duff’s character, and I love again how Chad Michael Murray’s character again is a nice guy (you can start to see there’s a recurring theme).
It’s such a fun movie night pick, having such a classic storyline and chick flick energy makes it perfect for a sleepover, and overall, I highly recommend.
Emma (2020)
My last movie pick is a period piece. Emma is actually one of my favorite Jane Austen films, following none other than Emma Woodhouse, who self-appoints herself as the town matchmaker, but this time she is the one finding love. If you’re a fan of the television show Bridgerton, you’ll love this movie, from the beautiful spring visuals and pastel color palette to the costumes and star-studded cast.
Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy self-proclaimed matchmaker in early 19th-century England, believes she can make anyone a match.
This is a perfect romcom watch, showing you can add comedy to a period piece. I love all of the details of the set, how they’re able to give a period peace, such a nice light spring vibe, and a very ethereal feel.
To wrap things up, I hope you found a new rom-com to watch and maybe one you haven’t heard of! These are five movies from two different centuries, which just show that there’s love and comedy everywhere.
