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The 12 Best Rom-Coms of the Last 25 Years, Ranked

The 12 Best Rom-Coms of the Last 25 Years, Ranked

It’s a Wednesday evening in late September, and a new, more intimate mood is beginning to settle over London. The sun is dipping below the skyline earlier, the air is cooler, and the cozy, introspective season of autumn is in full swing. It’s a time for turning inward, for seeking out stories that are not just entertaining, but are also thoughtful, resonant, and deeply, profoundly human. And in the vast landscape of cinema, no genre offers a more perfect and potent dose of comfort, of laughter, and of heartfelt connection than the romantic comedy.


For decades, the rom-com was a genre often defined by its predictable formulas and its guaranteed happily-ever-afters. But over the last 25 years, a quiet and brilliant evolution has taken place. The best romantic comedies of the 21st century have dared to be different, pushing the boundaries of the genre to tell stories that are bolder, smarter, more diverse, and more emotionally engaging than ever before. On social media platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the love for these films is a vibrant, multi-generational conversation. The "#romcomcore" aesthetic is a dominant trend, a celebration of the iconic fashion, the unforgettable soundtracks, and the timeless, comforting appeal of these beloved films.


To rank the twelve “best” rom-coms of the last quarter-century is to take a journey through this incredible evolution. It is to celebrate the films that have not only made us laugh and swoon but have also challenged our assumptions, broken our hearts, and ultimately, given us a richer, more honest, and more powerful vision of what a love story can be.


This is your definitive, in-depth guide to the essential romantic comedies of the modern era. We have curated a list of the twelve most acclaimed, beloved, and culturally significant films of the genre, presented in descending order. From the whimsical streets of Paris to the chaotic suburbs of Philadelphia, these are the films that have set a new standard for what a romantic comedy can be.


Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you discover your next favourite film, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!


12. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

The Vibe: A glossy, hilarious, and unapologetically early-2000s battle of the sexes, with two of the most charismatic movie stars of their generation at the absolute peak of their powers.


The Premise: The film is built on a brilliant, high-concept premise. Andie Anderson is a "how-to" columnist for a women's magazine who, to save her friend from heartbreak, pitches an article on how to drive a man away in just ten days. At the same time, the arrogant and charming advertising executive, Benjamin Barry, makes a high-stakes bet with his colleagues that he can make any woman fall in love with him in that exact same timeframe. Their two, conflicting missions collide, leading to a hilarious and chaotic courtship of crossed wires and comedic sabotage.


Why It's One of the Best: While it received mixed reviews upon its release, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days has become a beloved and endlessly re-watchable modern classic, a film that has found a massive new audience on streaming and social media. Its enduring appeal is a testament to two, simple, undeniable facts: the premise is a work of comedic genius, and the on-screen chemistry between Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey is absolutely electric. The film is a perfect, nostalgic time capsule of the early 2000s, from the fashion to the music.


What Makes It a Classic: It is a perfect, feel-good, comfort watch. The film is a brilliant showcase for its two leads, and their charm is more than enough to carry the film. It is a light, funny, and deeply satisfying romantic comedy that perfectly embodies the spirit of its era. For a deep dive into the film's iconic fashion, Vogue has a fantastic retrospective. The film’s iconic use of music, from the "You're So Vain" singalong to its pop-rock soundtrack, is a key to its charm, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time.

Where to Buy and Stream: Stream How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days on Paramount+ and NOW in the UK, or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video.


11. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

 My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

The Vibe: A warm, hilarious, and incredibly heartfelt culture-clash comedy that is a powerful and joyful celebration of family, heritage, and the courage to choose your own path.


The Premise: The film, written by and starring Nia Vardalos, is based on her own one-woman play and her real-life experiences. It follows the story of Toula Portokalos, a 30-year-old Greek-American woman who is feeling stuck in her life, working at her family's Greek restaurant in Chicago. She decides to take control of her life, enrolling in a computer class and taking a new job at her aunt's travel agency. Her new confidence leads her to meet and fall in love with Ian Miller, a charming and handsome high school teacher who is, to the horror of her family, not Greek. The film follows their hilarious and heartwarming journey as they try to get her loud, loving, and deeply traditional family to accept their cross-cultural romance.


Why It's One of the Best: My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a true, word-of-mouth phenomenon. It is one of the most commercially successful romantic comedies of all time, a low-budget indie film that became a global blockbuster. Its success lies in its incredible, universal appeal. The film is a beautiful and authentic portrayal of the immigrant experience and the powerful, and often overwhelming, bonds of family. It is a film that is full of a deep, genuine warmth and a huge amount of heart.


What Makes It a Classic: The film is a beloved classic because it is a story that is both incredibly specific in its cultural details and completely universal in its themes of love, family, and acceptance. It is a film that is celebrated for its positive representation of Greek-American culture and for its joyful, optimistic, and deeply feel-good narrative. For a deep dive into the film's incredible success story, the IMDb trivia page is a fantastic resource. The show’s focus on a powerful family is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Family Movies of All Time.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream My Big Fat Greek Wedding on platforms like Channel 4 in the UK, or rent on major platforms.


10. Legally Blonde (2001)

Legally Blonde (2001)

The Vibe: A smart, funny, and incredibly empowering comedy that is a perfect, pink-hued celebration of female friendship and the importance of being true to yourself.


The Premise: The film stars Reese Witherspoon in one of her most iconic and beloved roles. She plays Elle Woods, a fashionable, bubbly, and seemingly superficial sorority president who is unceremoniously dumped by her ambitious boyfriend, Warner, for not being "serious" enough. Determined to win him back, Elle decides to follow him to Harvard Law School. What begins as a misguided romantic quest soon becomes a powerful journey of self-discovery, as Elle discovers that she is not just a pretty face, but a brilliant, capable, and formidable legal mind.


Why It's One of the Best: While it is often seen as a pure comedy, Legally Blonde is also a fantastic and incredibly clever romantic comedy. It is a brilliant subversion of the "dumb blonde" stereotype, a film that celebrates femininity and proves that you don't have to sacrifice your style or your personality to be taken seriously. The script is a masterpiece of witty, quotable dialogue, and Reese Witherspoon's performance is a work of pure, charismatic genius.


What Makes It a Classic: Legally Blonde has become a true cultural touchstone, a film that has inspired a generation of women to embrace their femininity and to pursue their ambitions without apology. Elle Woods is a true pop culture icon, a powerful and enduring symbol of female empowerment. The film is a timeless and joyful classic that is as smart, as funny, and as relevant today as it was in 2001. For more on the film's empowering message, The Hollywood Reporter has a fantastic oral history. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Movies with an Origin Story.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Legally Blonde on MGM+ in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.


9. Love Actually (2003)

 Love Actually (2003)

The Vibe: The ultimate, star-studded, and unapologetically romantic British Christmas classic. It's a funny, chaotic, and heartwarming exploration of love in all its messy, complicated glory.


The Premise: Written and directed by Richard Curtis, the king of the British rom-com, this film follows the interconnected lives and love stories of a sprawling ensemble cast of Londoners in the frantic, festive weeks leading up to Christmas. The film explores ten different love stories, from the new Prime Minister who falls for a junior staffer, to a grieving widower trying to connect with his stepson, to a writer who finds love without a shared language.


Why It's One of the Best: Love Actually has become an essential part of the Christmas season for millions of people. It is a film that is brimming with festive spirit and features a cast that is a veritable who's who of British acting talent. While it is often incredibly sentimental, the film is also not afraid to be heartbreaking. The storyline following Karen (Emma Thompson) as she discovers her husband's infidelity is one of the most powerful and realistic portrayals of marital heartbreak in modern cinema.


What Makes It a Classic: The film is a true cultural phenomenon. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its brilliant ensemble cast and its powerful, overarching message that "love, actually, is all around." It is a film that is designed to be watched every single year, a warm, funny, and deeply moving celebration of human connection. The film's iconic soundtrack is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movie Soundtracks of All Time. For more on the film's iconic locations, Visit Britain has a great guide.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Love Actually on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video during the holiday season.


8. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

 Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

The Vibe: A dazzling, glamorous, and wonderfully heartfelt romantic comedy that is a powerful and important cultural landmark.


The Premise: Based on the bestselling novel by Kevin Kwan, the film follows Rachel Chu, a Chinese-American economics professor from New York who travels to Singapore with her long-term boyfriend, Nick Young, to attend his best friend's wedding. What she doesn't know is that Nick is the heir to one of the biggest and wealthiest families in Asia, and she is about to be thrown into a world of unimaginable, eye-watering luxury and intense, high-stakes family drama.


Why It's One of the Best: Crazy Rich Asians is a pure, joyful, and incredibly entertaining delight. It is a classic, fairytale-style romantic comedy, but it is also a powerful and important cultural milestone. It was the first film by a major Hollywood studio to feature a majority-Asian cast in a modern setting in 25 years. The film is a visual feast, a stunning showcase of the beauty and glamour of modern-day Singapore. The ensemble cast is phenomenal, with a star-making turn from Awkwafina in a hilarious supporting role.


What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive, global blockbuster and a huge critical success. It is a film that is celebrated for its joyful and powerful representation, for its brilliant humour, and for its big, beating, romantic heart. It’s a classic, feel-good movie that is both a glamorous, escapist fantasy and a heartfelt, character-driven story. The show’s focus on a powerful family is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Family Movies of All Time.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Crazy Rich Asians on BBC iPlayer in the UK, or rent on major platforms.


7. Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)

The Vibe: A hilarious, heartwarming, and quintessentially British romantic comedy that is the ultimate comfort watch for anyone who has ever felt like a lovable hot mess.


The Premise: Based on the beloved novel by Helen Fielding, the film follows a year in the life of Bridget Jones, a 30-something single woman living in London. The story is told through her hilarious and painfully relatable diary entries as she resolves to "get a grip" on her life. Her romantic life is a chaotic and wonderful mess, as she finds herself torn between her dashing but dastardly boss, Daniel Cleaver, and the handsome, reserved, and initially infuriating human rights barrister, Mark Darcy.


Why It's One of the Best: Bridget Jones's Diary is a perfect, modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Renée Zellweger's Oscar-nominated performance as Bridget is a work of comedic genius, a character who is so deeply flawed and so incredibly lovable that you can't help but root for her. The film is a brilliant and hilarious look at the life of a single woman in the early 2000s, and its supporting cast, particularly Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as Bridget’s two suitors, is a dream team of British charm.


What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive critical and commercial success and has become a true pop culture touchstone. Bridget Jones is a beloved and enduring icon, a symbol of hope for anyone who has ever felt a little bit clumsy, a little bit awkward, and a whole lot of wonderful. The film's brilliant use of music, from Geri Halliwell to Diana Ross, is a key to its charm, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 10 Best Britney Spears Songs of All Time.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Bridget Jones's Diary on NOW and Sky Cinema in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.


6. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

 Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

The Vibe: A hilarious, cringe-inducing, and surprisingly heartfelt breakup comedy that is a brilliant and honest exploration of getting over someone.


The Premise: The film follows Peter Bretter, a down-on-his-luck musician who is completely devastated after being dumped by his celebrity girlfriend, the television star Sarah Marshall. In an attempt to get over her, he takes a spontaneous trip to Hawaii, only to discover that Sarah is staying at the very same resort with her new boyfriend, the eccentric and wildly sexual British rock star, Aldous Snow. The film follows Peter’s hilarious and often excruciating attempts to navigate this nightmare scenario, all while he finds a new, tentative romance with the kind and beautiful hotel concierge, Rachel.


Why It's One of the Best: Forgetting Sarah Marshall, from the comedic powerhouse of Judd Apatow and starring the brilliant Jason Segel (who also wrote the script), is one of the funniest and most realistic breakup movies ever made. The film is a masterclass in cringe comedy, but it also has a huge amount of heart. It is a surprisingly raw, vulnerable, and honest look at the pain and the absurdity of heartbreak. The supporting cast is phenomenal, with Russell Brand's performance as Aldous Snow being a true, scene-stealing work of genius.

What Makes It a Classic: The film is a modern comedy classic, a perfect blend of laugh-out-loud, R-rated humour and genuine, heartfelt emotion. It is a film that understands that the best way to get over someone is to learn to love yourself, and it is a hilarious and ultimately very sweet journey of a man doing just that. The show’s complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 5 Best Comedies With a Flawed But Lovable Protagonist.


Where to Buy and Stream: You can purchase Forgetting Sarah Marshall on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.


5. Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

The Vibe: A smart, stylish, and incredibly well-crafted ensemble romantic comedy with a jaw-dropping plot twist that is a true modern classic.


The Premise: The film follows Cal Weaver, a middle-aged man whose life is thrown into chaos when his wife, Emily, asks for a divorce. Suddenly single and completely lost in the modern dating world, he is taken under the wing of a suave, impossibly handsome, and much younger womanizer, Jacob Palmer, who agrees to be his "wingman" and to teach him how to be a man again. The film follows their two, very different romantic journeys, which are all revealed to be connected in a brilliant and completely unexpected way.


Why It's One of the Best: Crazy, Stupid, Love. is that rare and beautiful thing: a truly smart, funny, and emotionally resonant romantic comedy that is made for adults. The script, by Dan Fogelman (This Is Us), is a work of genius, a perfectly constructed puzzle box of a story that is both hilarious and deeply moving. The ensemble cast, which includes Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Julianne Moore, and Emma Stone, is an absolute dream team, and their chemistry is off the charts.


What Makes It a Classic: The film is famous for its massive, and perfectly executed, final act twist, a revelation that is both a hilarious piece of comedic chaos and a genuinely brilliant piece of screenwriting. It is a film that is full of iconic, memorable, and incredibly romantic moments. The show’s focus on a powerful ensemble is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies With An Ensemble Cast.


Where to Buy and Stream: You can purchase Crazy, Stupid, Love. on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.


4. About Time (2013)

 About Time (2013)

The Vibe: A charming, funny, and profoundly moving British romantic comedy-drama that is a beautiful and life-affirming meditation on love, family, and the magic of an ordinary life.


The Premise: From the brilliant writer-director Richard Curtis (Love Actually, Notting Hill), this film follows the story of Tim Lake. On his 21st birthday, his father tells him an extraordinary family secret: the men in their family can travel in time. Tim decides to use his newfound ability to improve his life… by getting a girlfriend. He meets and falls for the charming but insecure Mary, and he uses his gift to navigate the awkward early stages of their relationship. But as his life unfolds, Tim learns that his unique ability can’t protect him from the ordinary sorrows and joys that affect all families, and he discovers that the real secret to happiness is much simpler than he ever imagined.


Why It's One of the Best: About Time is one of the most beautiful, heartfelt, and emotionally intelligent romantic films of the 21st century. It is a film that is brimming with a unique, quirky, and quintessentially British charm. The performances from Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, and the legendary Bill Nighy are all wonderful. It is a film that is both a hilarious and charming romantic comedy and a profound, and often very moving, family drama.


What Makes It a Classic: The film's central message—to live every day as if you've deliberately come back to it, to find the joy in the ordinary—is a simple but incredibly powerful and life-changing philosophy. It is a film that will make you laugh, it will make you sob, and it will leave you with a deep and abiding sense of gratitude for your own, wonderful life. The film's beautiful and heartbreaking love story is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Love.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream About Time on Netflix in the UK, or purchase on major platforms.


3. (500) Days of Summer (2009)

 (500) Days of Summer (2009)

The Vibe: A witty, stylish, and bittersweet deconstruction of the romantic comedy that is a perfect, poignant exploration of love, loss, and the dangers of romantic idealization.


The Premise: The film immediately and famously announces, "This is not a love story. This is a story about love." It chronicles the 500-day relationship between Tom, a hopeless romantic who works at a greeting card company, and Summer, the beautiful, quirky, and free-spirited new girl in the office who does not believe in true love. The story is told in a non-linear fashion, jumping back and forth through the highs and lows of their time together.


Why It's One of the Best: (500) Days of Summer is a brilliant and incisive critique of the very genre to which it belongs. The film masterfully subverts the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" trope, a common archetype where a quirky woman exists solely to teach a broody male protagonist how to live. Summer is a complex, fully-realised individual with her own agency and desires; it is Tom's failure to see her as a real person that is the true tragedy of the story. The film's iconic "Expectations vs. Reality" split-screen sequence is a work of genius, a perfect and devastating visual representation of heartbreak. The film’s incredible soundtrack, featuring artists like The Smiths and Regina Spektor, is a huge part of its enduring appeal, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Michael Jackson Songs of All Time (as another artist with an iconic sound).


What Makes It a Classic: The film was a breakout indie hit and has become a beloved modern classic. It is a film that is both a stylish, funny, and incredibly charming romantic comedy, and a smart, sophisticated, and deeply poignant meditation on the nature of memory and heartbreak. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever been in love.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream (500) Days of Summer on Disney+ in the UK, or rent on major platforms.


2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

The Vibe: A chaotic, funny, and deeply compassionate romantic dramedy that is a powerful and stigma-shattering exploration of mental health.


The Premise: The film, from director David O. Russell, follows Pat Solitano Jr., a man with bipolar disorder who has just been released from a psychiatric hospital. Determined to win back his estranged wife, he meets Tiffany Maxwell, a young, recently widowed woman who is grappling with her own depression. The two form a reluctant, and incredibly volatile, bond as they agree to help each other, a partnership that culminates in them training for a local dance competition.


Why It's One of the Best: Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy that is not afraid to be messy, loud, and deeply, profoundly real about the challenges of life and love. The relationship between Pat and Tiffany is not a magical "cure" for their conditions; it is a messy, complicated, and deeply supportive partnership between two people who see, understand, and accept each other's broken pieces. The performances from Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence (who won an Oscar for her role) are absolutely phenomenal.


What Makes It a Classic: The film was a massive critical and commercial success, earning eight Academy Award nominations. It is a film that is celebrated for its powerful, authentic performances and its ability to balance a serious, important subject with a huge amount of humour and heart. It is a beautiful, hopeful, and ultimately life-affirming film. For those seeking mental health support, the UK-based charity Mind is an incredible resource. The show's powerful portrayal of mental health is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Mental Health.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Silver Linings Playbook on Netflix in the UK, or rent on major platforms.


1. Amélie (2001)

Amélie (2001)

Why It's at the Top: While every film on this list is a brilliant deconstruction or a modern classic, Jean-Pierre Jeunet's Amélie is a true work of art, a film that completely transcends the genre to become something wholly unique, magical, and unforgettable. It is a film that is not just a romantic comedy; it is a two-hour-long injection of pure, unadulterated joy. Its visual inventiveness, its profound sense of whimsy, and its deep, abiding belief in the goodness of people make it the ultimate, feel-good movie. It is a timeless, perfect, and life-affirming masterpiece that is, quite simply, one of the greatest films ever made.


The Premise: The film follows the enchanting life of Amélie Poulain, a shy and imaginative young waitress who works in a Montmartre café in a hyper-realized, magical version of Paris. After discovering a hidden treasure in her apartment, she decides to dedicate her life to orchestrating small, anonymous acts of kindness in the lives of her neighbours and the quirky patrons of her café. As she brings joy to those around her, she is forced to confront her own loneliness and to take a chance on a quirky and unconventional romance with Nino, a man who collects discarded photo booth pictures.


What Makes It a Classic: Amélie was a global phenomenon, a critical and commercial success that introduced the world to the unique charm of modern French cinema. The film is a visual masterpiece, with a vibrant, saturated colour palette and an endlessly inventive series of visual gags and flourishes. Audrey Tautou's performance as Amélie is one of the most charming and iconic in modern film history. And Yann Tiersen's iconic, accordion-and-piano-driven soundtrack is one of the most beloved and instantly recognizable of all time. It is a film that will restore your faith in humanity. The film’s iconic soundtrack is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of Top 10 Best Disney Soundtracks of All Time.


Where to Buy and Stream: Stream Amélie on platforms like the BFI Player in the UK, or purchase on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.


Conclusion


In the world of cinema, the romantic comedy is often seen as a simple, comforting pleasure. But as these twelve incredible films prove, it is a genre that is also capable of immense depth, creativity, and profound, emotional honesty. By breaking the rules, by subverting our expectations, and by daring to be messy, complicated, and real, these unconventional love stories have expanded the boundaries of what a rom-com can be.


They are a powerful reminder that the greatest love stories are not the ones that follow a predictable formula, but the ones that reflect the beautiful, chaotic, and often heartbreaking reality of human connection. They are the films that stay with us, that challenge us, and that ultimately, give us a richer, more nuanced, and more hopeful vision of what it truly means to love.


Enjoyed what you read? If you found this article insightful and it helps you discover your next favourite film, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!


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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. What makes these romantic comedies "unconventional"? These films deviate from the typical rom-com formula by exploring themes like mental health, grief, loss, and the complexities of relationships in a more nuanced and realistic way. They often feature flawed protagonists, non-linear narratives, and ambiguous endings, challenging the traditional expectations of the genre.

2. Are these movies still considered romantic comedies? Yes, while these films push the boundaries of the genre, they still retain core elements of romantic comedies, such as a focus on relationships and a degree of humor. They are best described as rom-coms with a twist, offering a unique blend of romance, comedy, and drama.

3. Which movie is the most unconventional on this list? Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Ruby Sparks, two films often mentioned in these discussions, are arguably the most unconventional, with their sci-fi and metafictional elements, respectively. From our list, (500) Days of Summer is a famous deconstruction of the genre.

4. Are these movies suitable for all audiences? Some of these films deal with mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Silver Linings Playbook and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, for example, explore mature themes and contain strong language. It’s always best to check the age rating.

5. Do these movies have happy endings? Not all of these films have traditionally "happy" endings in the fairytale sense. Some offer bittersweet or ambiguous conclusions, reflecting the complexities of real-life relationships. However, they all offer a sense of hope and emotional resolution in their own way.

6. Where can I watch these movies? These films are available on various streaming platforms, rental services, and for purchase on DVD/Blu-ray. You can check websites like JustWatch to find out where they are currently streaming in the UK.

7. What is a "metafictional" film? A metafictional film, like Ruby Sparks or Stranger Than Fiction, is one that is self-aware and draws attention to its own status as a work of fiction.

8. What is the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" trope? Coined by film critic Nathan Rabin, the "Manic Pixie Dream Girl" is a stock character in film who is depicted as a quirky, eccentric, and free-spirited young woman whose sole purpose is to teach a broody and soulful male protagonist how to embrace life. (500) Days of Summer is famous for deconstructing this trope.

9. Who are some of the key writer/directors in the modern rom-com genre? Richard Curtis (Love Actually, About Time), Nancy Meyers (The Holiday), and Nora Ephron (You've Got Mail) are all legendary and hugely influential figures in the world of the classic romantic comedy.

10. I love these kinds of movies. What are some others I might enjoy? If you love these unconventional rom-coms, you might also enjoy films like Safety Not Guaranteed, Celeste and Jesse Forever, The Lobster, and Her.


More Related Articles to Explore:



The 12 Best Rom-Coms of the Last 25 Years, Ranked

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The Love Doctor – Episode 3: The Breaking Point
Manipulation reaches its peak as Enzo orchestrates an elaborate scheme to force Poppy's hand. Stewie, following his mentor's calculated plan, sets a trap designed to make Poppy jealous enough to confess her true feelings. But when the truth finally explodes into the open, the consequences are far more devastating than anyone anticipated.
🎧 Now streaming on all podcast platforms and ThatLovePodcast.com.
Episode 3 Logline:Enzo's master plan forces Poppy to confess her love for Stewie in a moment of jealous desperation. But when the manipulation is exposed and James catches them kissing, the game spirals into chaos—and no one emerges unscathed.
Episode 3 Summary:On a bustling street, Stewie's ex-girlfriend Hazel attempts to rekindle their romance, asking for two days to prove she's changed. Though conflicted, Stewie agrees. His feelings are complicated—Hazel is stunning, but his heart belongs elsewhere. When Poppy suddenly appears, jogging alongside him, her questions about Hazel feel pointed and deliberate. She's clearly been following him, and her concern barely masks something deeper.
At a coffee shop, Stewie meets with Enzo to discuss his romantic prospects. When Stewie finally admits that Poppy is the one he truly wants—imagining them together in their forties doing crossword puzzles and making love—Enzo reveals his master plan: make Poppy jealous. Tell her about the date with Hazel. Book a hotel. Ask her for condoms. Push her to the breaking point until she admits she loves him.
Back at the apartment, Stewie arrives wearing an expensive suit, claiming he's going on a date with Hazel. Poppy's jealousy is immediate and visceral. She chokes on her chicken when he mentions Hazel ripping off his suit before they make love. James, sitting across the table, becomes visibly uncomfortable when Stewie mentions Hazel's name—revealing a secret connection between them that Stewie gleefully exploits.
💥 Written, Produced, and Directed by Joao Nsita

🎙️ The Love Doctor was brought to life by the incredible voices of Emerson Peery, Alice Irvin, and Ciara Haas.
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