Top romantic comedies like "The proposal" to watch now
Looking for a good laugh and some heartwarming moments? These romantic comedies, led by the delightful "The Proposal," offer the perfect escape. Get ready to dive into a world of charming chaos and undeniable chemistry.



Romantic comedies often get a bad rap, but when done right, they're pure cinematic gold. Think about it: the witty banter, the inevitable misunderstandings, the grand gestures – it's a formula that consistently delivers feel-good entertainment. From the early 2000s, a golden age for the genre, we saw films like "The Wedding Planner" solidify Jennifer Lopez's rom-com queen status, while Matthew McConaughey became the go-to leading man in flicks such as "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."
What makes these films so enduring? Perhaps it's their ability to blend humor with genuine emotion, making us laugh one moment and root for the protagonists the next. They often explore relatable themes of love, career, and finding your place in the world, all wrapped up in a charming package. Take "The Proposal," for instance, where Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds' on-screen chemistry is simply undeniable, proving that even the most unlikely pairings can spark true romance. It's not just about the happy ending; it's the journey there, filled with awkward encounters, hilarious mishaps, and surprisingly tender moments.
These movies are more than just popcorn entertainment; they reflect our hopes and anxieties about relationships in a lighthearted way. They remind us that love can be messy, unpredictable, and incredibly rewarding. So, if you're in the mood for a cinematic pick-me-up that will leave you smiling, these rom-coms are exactly what you need.
14. The Five-Year Engagement (2012)
The Five-Year Engagement offers a more sprawling and realistic look at the ups and downs of a long engagement. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt play Tom and Violet, a couple who get engaged but find their wedding plans constantly derailed by career opportunities and life changes. The film explores the challenges of maintaining a relationship over time, the sacrifices made for personal growth, and the often-unfunny realities that come with postponing a major life event. It’s a witty and heartfelt comedy that delves deeper into the complexities of commitment than many other films in the genre.

13. The Back-Up Plan (2010)
The Back-Up Plan brings a unique twist to the romantic comedy genre. Jennifer Lopez stars as Zoe, a woman who decides to get pregnant through artificial insemination after years of searching for Mr. Right. The very same day she undergoes the procedure, she meets Stan, played by Alex O'Loughlin, the man of her dreams. What follows is a humorous and heartwarming journey as they navigate their blossoming relationship while also dealing with Zoe's impending motherhood. The film explores the challenges and joys of non-traditional family beginnings, offering a fresh perspective on finding love and building a family.

12. Bride Wars (2009)
Bride Wars pits two best friends against each other in a hilarious and often outrageous battle for their dream wedding. Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson play Liv and Emma, who have planned their perfect weddings together since childhood. When a scheduling error books them both at the Plaza Hotel on the same day, their friendship is put to the ultimate test. The film leans into the absurdity of wedding obsessions, showcasing the lengths people will go to for their big day. It’s a fun, over-the-top comedy that explores the dynamics of female friendship under extreme pressure.

11. The Break-Up (2006)
The Break-Up takes a more grounded and often painfully real look at the end of a relationship. Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston play Gary and Brooke, a couple who decide to break up but refuse to move out of their shared condo. This awkward cohabitation leads to a series of passive-aggressive skirmishes and attempts to make the other person move out. While it has its comedic moments, the film doesn't shy away from the complexities and messiness of a relationship falling apart. It's a relatable and honest portrayal that stands out from typical rom-coms by focusing on the 'un-romantic' side of love.

10. The Ugly Truth (2009)
The Ugly Truth throws two strong personalities together with explosive results. Katherine Heigl plays Abby, a romantically challenged morning show producer, and Gerard Butler is Mike, a chauvinistic TV personality who offers her dating advice. Their opposing views on relationships lead to a series of hilarious and often outrageous scenarios as Mike tries to prove his cynical theories. The film is packed with sharp dialogue and a rapid-fire pace, making it an energetic watch. Heigl and Butler have a fiery chemistry that fuels the central conflict, providing plenty of comedic tension and unexpected tenderness.

9. Just Go with It (2011)
Just Go with It is a lively comedy that proves sometimes the best love stories start with a little white lie. Adam Sandler plays Danny, a plastic surgeon who pretends to be unhappily married to avoid commitment. When he falls for a much younger woman, he enlists his loyal assistant, Katherine (Jennifer Aniston), to pose as his soon-to-be ex-wife. This elaborate charade spirals into a hilarious family vacation in Hawaii, complete with fake kids and unexpected twists. The film thrives on the comedic chemistry between Sandler and Aniston, who are a joy to watch together. It's a lighthearted escape that delivers plenty of laughs.

8. The Holiday (2006)
The Holiday offers a delightful change of scenery and a fresh start for its characters. Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet play two women, one from Los Angeles and one from England, who decide to swap homes for the holidays after experiencing relationship heartbreaks. This unique premise leads to unexpected romantic entanglements and self-discovery in their new environments. The film is beautifully shot, showcasing both the sunny California lifestyle and the cozy English countryside. Jude Law and Jack Black provide wonderful supporting performances, making this a charming and comforting watch, especially during the festive season. It's a great reminder that sometimes, a change of perspective is all you need.

7. Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Sweet Home Alabama is a charming tale about going back to your roots, even if they're a bit messy. Reese Witherspoon stars as Melanie Carmichael, a successful New York fashion designer who gets engaged to the city's most eligible bachelor. The only problem? She's still married to her childhood sweetheart, Jake, played by Josh Lucas, back in Alabama. What follows is a journey of rediscovery as Melanie confronts her past and the life she left behind. The film beautifully captures the contrast between big city ambition and small-town charm, and the performances are genuinely heartwarming. Did you know that much of the movie was filmed in the actual state of Alabama, adding to its authentic Southern feel?

6. Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Two Weeks Notice pairs two romantic comedy titans, Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, in a delightful battle of wits. Bullock plays Lucy Kelson, a brilliant environmental lawyer who finds herself constantly enabling her eccentric and demanding boss, George Wade (Grant). After finally giving her two weeks' notice, the dynamic shifts in unexpected ways, leading to some truly funny and endearing moments. The film cleverly plays on the 'opposites attract' trope, with Bullock's grounded character contrasting perfectly with Grant's charmingly clueless persona. It's a feel-good movie that highlights the importance of standing up for yourself, even when it means leaving a comfortable situation.

5. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a high-concept romantic comedy that delivers on its premise. Kate Hudson plays Andie, a magazine writer tasked with writing an article about how to drive a man away in just ten days. Meanwhile, Matthew McConaughey's character, Ben, makes a bet that he can make any woman fall in love with him in the same timeframe. Their conflicting agendas lead to a series of increasingly absurd and hilarious encounters. The movie is known for its over-the-top comedic situations and the undeniable chemistry between its leads, making for an entertaining and often laugh-out-loud experience.

4. 27 Dresses (2008)
27 Dresses offers a fun and relatable peek into the life of a perpetual bridesmaid. Katherine Heigl plays Jane, who has been a bridesmaid 27 times, always putting others' happiness before her own. Her extensive collection of hideous bridesmaid dresses is a running gag that adds a lot of humor. When her younger sister gets engaged to the man Jane secretly loves, things get complicated, especially with a cynical journalist, played by James Marsden, trying to write a story about her. The film explores themes of self-worth and finding your own voice, all while delivering plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments. It’s a delightful watch for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re always in the supporting role.

3. The Wedding Planner (2001)
The Wedding Planner is a timeless romantic comedy that still holds up beautifully! Jennifer Lopez shines as Mary, a dedicated wedding planner who, despite orchestrating perfect days for others, finds her own love life lacking. That is, until she meets the charming Dr. Steve Edison, played by Matthew McConaughey, only to discover he's the groom in her next big wedding. The film is full of delightful mishaps and undeniable sparks between the leads. It's a classic for a reason, brimming with feel-good moments and that quintessential early 2000s rom-com magic. A little tidbit: this was one of the first major romantic comedies for both Lopez and McConaughey, solidifying their status as genre darlings.

2. Leap Year (2010)
Leap Year is an absolute charmer that will sweep you off your feet! Amy Adams plays Anna, an American woman who travels to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend on Leap Day, a tradition that supposedly makes the proposal irresistible. However, her plans go hilariously awry, forcing her to rely on a cynical but undeniably handsome innkeeper, played by Matthew Goode, to get to Dublin. The stunning Irish landscapes are practically another character in the film, and the banter between Adams and Goode is simply fantastic. Fun fact: The iconic Dingle Peninsula was a primary filming location, showcasing some of Ireland's most breathtaking scenery.

1. The Proposal (2009)
Get ready for some serious laughs with The Proposal! Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds deliver comedic gold as a high-powered editor facing deportation and her long-suffering assistant. Their fake engagement for legal reasons leads to a hilarious trip to Alaska, where family dynamics and unexpected feelings collide. The chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds is off the charts, making every witty retort and awkward situation a pure delight. Did you know that Betty White, who plays Reynolds's grandmother, improvised many of her lines, adding even more charm to her already scene-stealing performance? This film is a masterclass in romantic comedy, blending sharp humor with genuine heart.
