Well ladies, this time of year brings two very scary things into our lives: Valentine’s Day and the campus plague. First, let’s talk about the former. I don’t know how, but it’s February already. Love is (supposedly) in the air, and even the best galentines out there want to see a little romance. However, being back on campus also means that we don’t just share our feelings—we share our germs, too. Yeah, I know. It’s disgusting, but that’s just part of the whole “college experience” our fifty-year-old relatives always like to reminisce about when we’re home for the holiday season. Still, you can enjoy this heartfelt time of year while waiting for the Mucinex to kick in. Romantic comedies are the epitome of the mushy-gushy feelings we want when we physically feel like utter crap. Now, there are a lot of rom-coms out there trying to waste your time; so I present to you a countdown list of the five films you can never go wrong with—complete with quotes from my roommates and my mom (the best source of all).
- The Lizzie McGuire Movie
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If this movie wasn’t a part of your childhood, I’m so sorry. I’m not gonna lie, I still know most of Hillary Duff’s iconic song, “Hey Now, Hey Now.” The Lizzie McGuire Movie extends beyond the TV screen the title character started on and brings her to Rome on a school trip. As my mother likes to remind me, the movie is “positive, funny and quirky.” It’s simply perfect to watch for a good time. Plus, it’s the perfect set-up for the upcoming Disney+ reboot of the Lizzie McGuire show!
- The Princess Diaries
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You know, I had a dream once that Anne Hathaway and Julie Andrews were in a movie together about the girl-next-door who realizes that her grandmother is the queen of a small, European country and that she’s next-in-line for the throne even though she can barely find a date to her high school beach party. Oh, wait, that actually happened. The Princess Diaries, as my roommate Ale likes to say, is “a cute movie with an iconic makeover scene.” Wait, I didn’t mention the makeover scene did I? I’ll let you see it for yourself.
P.S. The sequel’s even better.
- Mamma Mia!
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I don’t think I have ever mastered the soundtrack of a movie faster than I did after watching Mamma Mia! for the first time. This musical centered around the music of the seventies’ superstar group, ABBA, will make you smile and laugh without a second thought. My roommate, Grace, told me, “I think the music is the best part of the movie.” It’s true—the plot is lacking in some places. The events that take place are very unrealistic, but who needs reality when you’re sick?
- Crazy Rich Asians
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This film is the newest on my list of top rom-coms, but it deserves the runner-up nonetheless. My last roommate, Caroline, reported to me that Crazy Rich Asians has, “amazing visuals and the guy is super cute.” This movie is set in Singapore and is absolutely stunning visually. There’s fun music and an entertaining cast. This story about a Chinese-American woman meeting her boyfriend’s (very rich) family from Singapore will make you cry on so many levels. If you think your family and friends are insane, this movie will give you second thoughts. Honestly, I would do anything for Peik Lin. Oh, and before I forget, Caroline also said, “Read the book.”
- My Best Friend’s Wedding
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Since Caroline gave such insightful comments for the last movie, I think I’ll quote her again for my favorite rom-com to watch when I’m sick. According to her, My Best Friend’s Wedding is a “wild ride of a movie. It’s hilarious, but unexpected.” That’s probably the best way to describe this film. This late-nineties rom-com starring Julia Roberts takes the average unrequited, best friends-to-lovers story and completely flips it on its head. With a hilarious British friend, two musical numbers and a lot of frustrating decisions from the main character, you’ll feel like you’re cured after watching the epitome of romantic comedies.
Well, there you go! Take a little time for yourself and ignore reality for a good rom-com this Valentine’s Day season. Who says you have to be miserable when you’re sick? From one amateur movie critic to the next, I hope you feel better soon and Happy Valentine’s Day!
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