Love is in the air, and there is no better way to relish in all the romance than by binging romantic comedies. I am always a sucker for any film that captures love and all the other emotions that come with it no matter how extravagant or unrealistic it may be. With all the cheesiness and over-dramatic scenes, rom-coms never fail to keep me believing in love – whether it’s with a significant other or not. After narrowing down the very long list of rom-coms I have watched over the years, here are some of my all-time favorites–in no particular order–that I will never stop rewatching.
To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before Series
Based on the popular novel series by Jenny Han, this Netflix film series follows high schooler Lara Jean Covey as she becomes entwined with writing love letters to every boy who showed her any infatuation. The letters get sent out, and a whirlwind of events happens all throughout the three films.
Image from Vox.com
This series is one of those movies that made me think back to my high school days. While the plot is very predictable, you are still on the edge of your seat. If you just want to watch something cheesy, romantic, and fun, this is perfect. I also love the inclusivity of the cast.
A California Christmas Series
These Netflix original holiday films tell the story of Callie, a rancher dedicated to her family’s dairy farm and winery while Joseph, a charming businessman tries to buy her homeland. Through the unplanned circumstance of becoming a ranch hand, Joseph ends up falling in love.
Image from Atlasofwonders.com
The two films thus far emphasize the compromises in relationships, and I find it very important to consider that aspect for a closer, stronger connection. There’s also just a part of me that enjoys films more when they take place in my home state. Fun fact: The couple is married in real life!
Love, Guaranteed
This Netflix film explores the bustling realm of online dating apps. Susan Whitaker helps Nick Evans with a case in using the popular dating site called Love, Guaranteed. Nick took on the commitment of going on 1,000 dates to find love but never found it. As the process of the case goes on, so do the sparks between Susan and Nick.
Image from Netflix.com
I’m not a fan of dating apps myself, but movies like these help me understand the appeal. Some couples genuinely find love, while others like to use it once in a while for fun. I also found the slow build of chemistry a nice contrast from the speed dating through the apps.
Crazy Rich Asians
Based on Kevin Kwan’s novel Crazy Rich Asians, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) travel to Singapore to attend Nick’s best friend’s wedding. What Nick failed to mention beforehand is his family . . . and their wealth.
Image from usmagazine.com
I remember watching this alone smack-dab in the middle of the theater on opening night. Asian representation, especially in the Hollywood scene, has continued to evolve away from the typical Asian stereotypes – and I’m here for it. The story, fashion, sets, and romance all hit the nail right on the head for me. I will never stop rewatching this, and I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next film to arrive.
50 First Dates
This film focuses on Lucy Whitmore and Henry Roth on their unusual but dedicated relationship. Lucy struggles with short-term memory loss and has to relive the same day while Henry tries to win her love each time.
Image from Cosmopolitan.com
This film reminds me of a life-long commitment. The devotion he has for her is admirable. Even with her disability, it does not matter because you love someone so much that you work through anything and everything together.
The Parent Trap (1998)
This throwback classic stars Lindsay Lohan as identical twins, Hallie Parker and Annie James, living with their parents on opposite ends of the world. The two met at the same summer camp and together dealt with the journey of getting their parents back together.
Image from Nypost.com
Out of all the movies I’ve listed here today, this film is one I will never stop rewatching. True love conquers all, and family is forever. Not only do we follow along with the ups and downs of the parents’ relationship but we also see how it affects the twin’s lives.
13 Going on 30
Another widely-loved throwback film stars Jenna Rink, a young teenager who becomes a successful magazine editor as a grown-up overnight after a birthday wish. She suddenly had everything she dreamed of, except her best friend Matt. As a grown woman, she stumbles through her new life searching for purpose and love.
Image from Ew.com
When I watched this film as a child, I found it so unrealistic and odd. No one would ever suddenly become an adult overnight. However, the story left me with emotions of laughter and sadness, and the realization of drastic changes when growing up. As a young adult now, I crave that carefree childhood again. 13 Going on 30 helped me appreciate the value of time and the connections you make along the way.
10 Things I Hate About You
Many like to call this “the best teen movie ever”. Dating all the way back to 1999, the film follows Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and her undateable self in finding the one guy who could tolerate her and end up being a match. Kat gets mixed into this so her sister, Bianca, and her love interest Cameron can get together. It turns into a set up with Patrick Verona and the two come together that ultimately turns into something more.
Image from Theweek.com
I’ve only watched this film once, but this, in my opinion, is what a rom-com truly should be. It has the perfect balance of comedy, romance, and your usual teenage shenanigans. It’s a classic feel-good movie, and I just wish they made more like this again.
As cheesy as these films can be, they always end up giving me the reassurance that love is all around us. What are some of your favorite rom-coms? Let us know by tagging us at @HerCampusSJSU on Instagram!