The All-Time Greatest Couples From Romantic Comedies
There’s something familiar about romantic comedies. It’s expected that there will be a couple who will fall in love with some kind of shenanigans, wacky side characters, and gorgeous locations along the way.
Whether these characters have a meet-cute, dislike each other at first, or wait until the last moment to realize they have found “the one,” they sure do make for some heartwarming rom-com couples.
Vivian And Edward: Pretty Woman
Julia Roberts soon became a household name after she starred alongside Richard Gere in the 1990 romantic comedy Pretty Woman.
It was easy to tell that the pair were able to play off each other on-screen, which led to several collaborations in the years to come. Critics agreed that the characters wouldn’t have as much chemistry if they were played by other actors.
Cher And Josh: Clueless
Those who grew up in the 1990s will definitely remember hearing some of the decade’s hottest lingo from Clueless. The film focuses on a high school girl (Alicia Silverstone) who transforms a new kid in school to be more like her.
By the end of the film, she realizes she’s in love with her former step-brother (Paul Rudd).
Jenna And Matt: 13 Going On 30
Things start to get out of control in 13 Going on 30 when the protagonist magically changes from a middle school student into a 30-year-old magazine editor.
At first, Jenna thinks of her childhood friend Matt in a more platonic way. By the end of the movie, the two fall in love and move into their dream home.
Margaret And Andrew: The Proposal
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds have starred in their fair share of romantic comedies, but one of their best is The Proposal.
Starting out as a high-strung boss, Margaret must pretend to be in love with her employee, Andrew, in order to not be deported. Their time in Alaska bonds them, and the two form a real relationship.
Lara Jean And Peter: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Franchise
Based on the novels by Jenny Han, the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film series is a modern look at the romantic comedy genre.
There are several references to rom-coms of years prior, but the main focus is the budding relationship between Lara Jean and Peter. Not only does their chemistry hook the audience in, but their storyline is comforting and romantic.
Westley And Buttercup: The Princess Bride
When viewers aren’t caught up in the action and witty one-liners, they can focus on the age-old damsel-in-distress storyline occupied by Westley and Buttercup in The Princess Bride.
The movie was not a major hit at the box office but quickly became a cult classic when it was released on home video.
Rachel And Nick: Crazy Rich Asians
When Nick takes his girlfriend Rachel to Singapore for a wedding, their relationship gets put to the test. His overbearing mother makes it clear that Rachel wouldn’t fit in with their family.
However, the couple proves that their love conquers all by standing up to those who doubt them. The humor brought on by the side characters makes Crazy Rich Asians a rom-com that can stand the test of time.
Hannah And Jacob: Crazy, Stupid, Love
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling had so much chemistry during the filming of Crazy, Stupid, Love that they have continued to work together in multiple films years later.
The two shared a deep connection playing Hannah and Jacob in the 2011 romantic comedy. Fans especially loved their tribute to Dirty Dancing.
Nick And Norah: Nick And Norah’s Infinite Playlist
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist begins with Nick obsessing over his ex-girlfriend. That feeling soon disappears when he meets the bright and refreshing Norah.
They set off for a night of adventure, which turns into a love story. Michael Cera and Kat Dennings had undeniable chemistry, which was paired with a great soundtrack.
Bobby And Aaron: Bros
Created by and starring Billy Eichner, Bros is a romantic comedy about what modern dating looks like for the LGBTQ+ community.
While there are some familiar rom-com tropes, Bros sets itself apart for its unpredictability and pure character vulnerability. Eichner as Bobby and Luke Macfarlane as Aaron are able to play off each other well, so their relationship seems very natural.
Viola And Duke: She’s The Man
Amanda Bynes was able to bring her comedic chops to the role of Viola in She’s the Man. In order to be taken seriously as a soccer player, she dresses up as a boy to play on an all-boys team.
Along the way, she meets Channing Tatum’s character. The two start out as friends, but it blooms into something more when he finds out she’s actually a girl.
Toula And Ian: My Big Fat Greek Wedding
Ian (John Corbett) was in for quite the culture shock when he was first introduced to Toula’s (Nia Vardalos) family in My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
While Toula was encouraged to marry a Greek man, her love for the spontaneous, funny, and friendly Ian became her greatest love story. At least her family accepted Ian with open arms.
Sam And Jake: Sixteen Candles
Sam (Molly Ringwald) didn’t think that things could get any worse after everyone forgot her sweet 16th birthday in Sixteen Candles.
Then, she finds out that her crush, Jake Ryan (Michael Schoeffling), has a girlfriend. Luckily, Jake notices Sam and ends up taking her out in his flashy red car. She ends the night with a birthday cake and a kiss.
Gracie And Eric: Miss Congeniality
Gracie (Sandra Bullock) and Eric (Benjamin Bratt) play longtime FBI agents in 2000’s Miss Congeniality. The two have been working together for years and can’t quite seem to get along.
After Gracie goes undercover to compete in the Miss United States Pageant, Eric is impressed by both her physical transformation and her vulnerability. By the end, they finally admit their feelings for one another.
Nyles And Sarah: Palm Springs
While some audiences may get tired of storylines where characters repeat the same day, 2020’s Palm Springs was able to add some nuance to it.
One of the most favored parts of the film was the relationship that formed between the two leads, Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Millioti.) Critics loved that the film didn’t take itself seriously, which made the characters more relatable.
Peter And Rachel: Forgetting Sarah Marshall
In order to get over his ex-girlfriend, Peter (Jason Segel) takes himself on a tropical getaway in Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
The tables are turned when he finds out his ex-girlfriend is there with her new boyfriend. On the bright side, he meets a nice receptionist (Mila Kunis) at the hotel, and the two develop feelings for each other.
Tony And Maria: West Side Story
Based on William Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story is about the love two people have for one another, even though they come from two different walks of life.
Tony and Maria’s relationship is all-or-nothing, with huge things at stake. While their romance doesn’t exactly work out in the end, their love is what brings everyone together.
Simon And Bram: Love, Simon
Not only is Love, Simon a sweet romantic comedy, but it is also a poignant coming-of-age film. Simon (Nick Robinson), the protagonist, must figure out a way to come out to his friends and family.
At the same time, he has a crush on a classmate named Bram (Keiynan Lonsdale) and wants to turn it into something more.
Scott And Ramona: Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World
Scott Pilgrim had a fling of rocky relationships, but that all changed after he met Ramona Flowers. The pair were the driving force of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World as Scott was forced to battle her seven evil exes.
Critics and audiences alike loved the film for the cinematography, which looked as if a video game came to life.
Amy And Aaron: Trainwreck
Loosely based on the life of comedienne Amy Schumer, Trainwreck explores the protagonist’s dating history. This leads up to her meeting a sports doctor (Bill Hader).
The two quickly hit it off, but Amy’s worry soon sets in because most of her previous relationships were trainwrecks. Their characters are able to work through their differences while finding humor in modern dating.
Kumail And Emily: The Big Sick
Based on the real-life story of Kumail Najiani and Emily V. Gordon, The Big Sick is about a Pakistani immigrant who falls in love with a woman who heckles him at his stand-up comedy show.
Things take a turn for the worse when Emily develops an infection, which leads her to enter a coma. Kumail doesn’t leave her side through all of it, and the rest is history.
Sophie And Sky: Mamma Mia!
All of the characters are gathered together on the fictional island of Kalokairi in order to celebrate the nuptials of Sophie and Sky in Mamma Mia!.
This is one of Sophie’s biggest life changes, so she decides to invite three older men who may be her biological father. One of Sophie and Sky’s most swoon-worthy numbers was ABBA’s “Lay All Your Love on Me.”
Harry And Sally: When Harry Met Sally
The 1989 romantic comedy, When Harry Met Sally begs the question if men and women can really just be friends. Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have an undeniable chemistry as Sally and Harry.
The backdrop of New York City, with popular landmarks such as Central Park and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, gives the film a quaint and intimate feel.
Lloyd And Diane: Say Anything
Many remember the 1980s romantic comedy, Say Anything because of the iconic scene of John Cusack holding up the boombox.
Teen girls wanted to be Diane (Ione Skye) and have a guy stand outside their bedroom the same way. Also, Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes” couldn’t have fit the scene better.
Julia And Robbie: The Wedding Singer
Many Adam Sandler movies have him paired with a romantic lead, but one that really got audiences’ attention was his work with Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer.
They meet while her character is engaged and his character has been recently dumped, but they are able to form a true connection that seems authentic to viewers.
Sam And Annie: Sleepless In Seattle
Sleepless in Seattle gives some insight into what dating is like in long-distance relationships. Tom Hanks played a recent widower who falls in love with a journalist (Meg Ryan).
While the two are on opposite sides of the country, their love for one another proves that they’ll do what it takes to make it work.
Andie And Ben: How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Things get a little bit crazy in the 2003 rom-com, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Kate Hudson’s character makes a bet that she can get rid of any guy within ten days.
Matthew McConaughey’s character also wagers that he can do the same with a girl. However, the two end up with some electric on-screen chemistry that makes the film worth a watch.
Joe And Kathleen: You’ve Got Mail
Since You’ve Got Mail takes place in the late 1990s, it may seem outdated to new audiences. With the rise of internet use, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were able to explore online dating when it was brand new.
The actors have collaborated many times, and this is one of their best performances.
Pat And Tiffany: Silver Linings Playbook
Pat (Bradley Cooper) and Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence) had their relationship put to the test during the course of Silver Linings Playbook.
They had to deal with dysfunctional families, mental illness, and more. However, the couple had a goal to stay together, and their romance was able to win in the end.
Phil And Rita: Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day tells the story of a weatherman who travels to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to cover the news of the upcoming holiday.
There, he meets a woman named Rita. At first, she refuses his advances to seduce her, but she eventually falls in love with him at the end. This time-loop rom-com has set a precedent for many that have followed.
