In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, it is only right that my duty as a single person is to vicariously live through characters of romantic comedies and rank them for your pleasure. There are honestly so many romantic comedies out there and I just decided to pick these top 5 choices based on grand romantic gestures, banter, and chemistry. There are probably some other qualities in there too, but I feel like these three characteristics are what make a romantic comedy so good.
Starting at the number 5 position, we have 13 Going on 30. Everybody knows that this is just a classic, I mean how could you not love this movie. Now this movie falls at number five because even though it has the iconic Thriller dance scene and the amazing Versace dress, it still lacks the witty banter that I enjoy between the two love interests, but it doesn’t change the fact that this movie has the sweet romantic gesture of the magical pink dollhouse that Matt gave Jenna and the chemistry that Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner create.
At number 4, we have 27 Dresses. Katherine Hiegel and Matt Marsden are veterans of the romantic comedy genre so it is only fitting that I include them here. I think one of the most important things that I loved about 27 Dresses was the fact that Jane encountered love even when she wasn’t expecting it. She spent so much time chasing after someone who couldn’t see her value and realized that it was Kevin all along. Even though I do enjoy the fact that Jane and Kevin had mini enemies to lovers trope in here, it had to land its place at number 4 because it was lacking in the area of romantic gestures. Nonetheless, it still pulls through in the chemistry and banter department.
At Number 3 we have To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. This honestly is one of the best movies that Netflix has ever made. This modern romantic comedy has everything down pat when it comes to acting, cinematography, and relatability. The fake dating trope just works so well between Laura and Peter, and the chemistry between Lana and Noah on and off-screen makes the movie even better. Now the romantic gesture on the behalf of Peter is a bit lacking but nonetheless, this remains to be one of my favorites.
At number 2 we have the ultimate classic: The Notebook. I mean do I really have to say much, this movie can literally stand against time. Even though it’s not a romantic comedy, I had to put it on the list because I mean how could you not. The chemistry between Ryan and Rachel is off the charts, the banter between the two is charged with tension. But the romantic gestures made on Noah’s part are beyond this world and literally beat every other love interest on this list except number one of course.
At number 1 we have the best romantic comedy of all time… 10 Things I Hate About You. Just for reference, I did a presentation on why this is the best romantic comedy ever made. This movie pretty much exceeds every area when it comes to romantic gestures, chemistry, and banter. I mean who else would want to have Heath Ledger serenading you a love song in front of you and your soccer team. Not only does this movie have many memorable moments but it actually makes you laugh. As important as comedy is for this genre a lot of romantic comedies miss the mark. I truly believe that no one could ever top this as a romantic comedy.
No matter how you will spend your Valentine’s Day this year, just know that romantic comedies could never steer you wrong.