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Romantic comedies—also known as rom-coms—are a beloved genre that combines the charm of romance with the humor of comedy, delivering feel-good stories that make audiences laugh and swoon in equal measure. Whether you're in the mood for a lighthearted escape or looking for a heartwarming story with a dash of wit, romantic comedies have something for everyone. Over the years, countless films have come to define the genre, and while opinions may vary, there are certain rom-coms that stand out as the best of all time.

Here’s a look at the 10 Best Romantic Comedies of All Time—timeless classics that have captured hearts for generations and continue to do so today.

1. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Directed by Rob Reiner and written by Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally... is the quintessential romantic comedy. The film follows the evolving relationship between Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), who meet in college and continue to cross paths over the years. As they grow older, their friendship gradually turns into love, but not before questioning whether men and women can truly be friends.

When Harry Met Sally is famous for its sharp dialogue, unforgettable moments (including the famous diner scene), and its exploration of the complexities of relationships and friendship. The chemistry between Crystal and Ryan is palpable, making this film an enduring classic that remains one of the genre’s finest.

2. Pretty Woman (1990)

Pretty Woman is one of those films that has remained etched in the cultural zeitgeist since its release. Directed by Garry Marshall, this film tells the story of a charming but wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), who hires a street-smart prostitute, Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), to be his companion for a week. However, over time, their relationship blossoms into something much more.

Julia Roberts’ performance as Vivian is iconic, earning her a well-deserved Oscar nomination, and Gere’s portrayal of the reserved but kind-hearted Edward is equally captivating. Pretty Woman is a heartwarming story about love, transformation, and the idea that everyone deserves a happy ending, regardless of where they start.

3. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Loosely inspired by Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, 10 Things I Hate About You became one of the most beloved teen rom-coms of all time. Directed by Gil Junger, the film centers on the relationship between the strong-willed Kat Stratford (Julia Stiles) and the charming bad boy Patrick Verona (Heath Ledger). Patrick is hired to date Kat, so her younger sister can date, but, of course, things don't go according to plan.

With sharp wit, an unforgettable performance by Ledger, and a soundtrack that’s become iconic in its own right, 10 Things I Hate About You captures the essence of teenage angst, humor, and the magic of first love. It remains a nostalgic favorite for fans of both classic and modern rom-coms.

4. Notting Hill (1999)

In Notting Hill, the ordinary meets the extraordinary as a London bookstore owner, William Thacker (Hugh Grant), meets a famous American movie star, Anna Scott (Julia Roberts). The film explores the challenges of their unlikely romance, as Anna’s fame creates both obstacles and opportunities in their relationship.

Written by Richard Curtis and directed by Roger Michell, Notting Hill is celebrated for its charming portrayal of London, its endearing characters, and its memorable dialogue. The chemistry between Grant and Roberts is undeniable, and the film’s bittersweet yet optimistic tone makes it an enduring classic.

5. Love Actually (2003)

Directed by Richard Curtis, Love Actually is one of the most famous ensemble romantic comedies of the 21st century. The film weaves together multiple love stories in the lead-up to Christmas, with an all-star cast that includes Hugh Grant, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, and Colin Firth, among others.

What makes Love Actually stand out is its mix of humor, heartbreak, and warmth, exploring love in all its forms—romantic, familial, and platonic. It’s a movie that perfectly balances sweetness with moments of sadness, and it’s the kind of film that many return to every holiday season. The famous line “To me, you are perfect” and the iconic airport scene have become indelible parts of rom-com history.

6. The Princess Bride (1987)

Though not a traditional romantic comedy, The Princess Bride blends romance, comedy, and fantasy into a delightful and enduring tale. Directed by Rob Reiner and based on the novel by William Goldman, the film tells the story of Westley (Cary Elwes), a farm boy turned dashing hero, who must rescue Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from an unwanted marriage.

What makes The Princess Bride a rom-com classic is its wit, quirky characters, and sharp dialogue. The film’s tongue-in-cheek humor, iconic one-liners (“As you wish”), and sense of adventure have made it a favorite for generations of fans. It’s a love story, an adventure, and a comedy all rolled into one.

7. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)

Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, Crazy, Stupid, Love features an ensemble cast led by Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone. The film follows Cal Weaver (Carell), who, after discovering his wife’s infidelity, seeks the help of a smooth-talking bachelor (Gosling) to regain his confidence in the dating world.

With a script filled with sharp humor, heart, and unexpected twists, Crazy, Stupid, Love offers a fresh take on love and relationships at different stages of life. Gosling and Stone's on-screen chemistry is a standout, but the movie also shines for its portrayal of the complexities of marriage, heartbreak, and personal growth.

8. Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Another Nora Ephron classic, Sleepless in Seattle tells the story of Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a widowed father who, after calling into a radio show, sparks the interest of Annie (Meg Ryan), a journalist who is already in a relationship. The film explores themes of love, destiny, and second chances, and is especially memorable for the way it slowly builds Sam and Annie's connection, even when they’re miles apart.

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Seattle skyline and featuring a heartwarming score, Sleepless in Seattle is the quintessential romantic movie that shows how love can unexpectedly bloom, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

9. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)

Written by and starring Nia Vardalos, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is a hilarious and heartfelt story about Toula Portokalos, a Greek-American woman who falls in love with Ian Miller, a non-Greek man, and faces the challenges of introducing him to her big, loud, and opinionated family.

This indie hit became a cultural phenomenon, with its quirky humor, lovable characters, and exploration of family dynamics. It celebrates the joys and challenges of cultural differences while maintaining a deep love for family, tradition, and personal growth. My Big Fat Greek Wedding reminds us that love isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth fighting for.

10. The Proposal (2009)

Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, The Proposal is a charming romantic comedy that revolves around a high-powered book editor (Bullock) who convinces her assistant (Reynolds) to marry her so she can avoid deportation to Canada. The unlikely duo heads to Alaska, where they face both comedic and romantic moments as they fake their relationship—and eventually start to develop real feelings for each other.

With its picturesque Alaskan setting, hilarious misunderstandings, and great chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds, The Proposal delivers everything you want in a rom-com: laughter, warmth, and a happy ending.

Conclusion

The best romantic comedies are those that blend heart, humor, and relatable characters, and the films on this list do just that. From classic '80s and '90s rom-coms to modern hits, these movies continue to make us laugh, cry, and fall in love with the idea of love itself. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic favorite or something new to watch, these ten films represent the best the genre has to offer, and they’ll remain timeless favorites for years to come.