Pretty woman is easily one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time. The rags-to-riches story about a sex worker who falls in love with a wealthy businessman has captivated and delighted audiences around the world Julia Roberts turned into a movie star overnight.
But is it the best?
While Pretty woman While Fruit is still considered the pinnacle of the romantic comedy genre, we think there are only three other romantic comedies that can top it.
Watch With Us has compiled a list of romantic comedies that we think are the only ones that stand out Pretty woman.
What film genre comes to mind when we say “1990s”? It was probably a romantic comedy – because these delightful little films that combined humor and heart dominated the box office in the late 20th century. Stars like Julia Roberts, Richard Gere, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks stole scene after scene as (…)
“The Princess Bride” (1987)
While he lay in bed recovering from an illness, a little boy recovered (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his grandfather (Peter Falk), which brings the fantasy love story of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and the daring farmhand Westley (Cary Elwes). Reluctant to be read a “love story,” the boy can’t help but be drawn into the captivating tale of pirates, giants, duels to the death, and ultimately true love. After Buttercup falls in love with Westley while working for her, he leaves to make a fortune for her. In his absence, Buttercup is forcibly betrothed to the nefarious Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon), and Westley must return to fight for his soulmate.
Full of charm, tenderness and laughing humor from the direction Rob Reiner and a script by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a timeless fantasy-adventure-romance-comedy classic that will tug at your heartstrings as much as it amazes you. The postmodern fairy tale is a deft mix of romance, action and comedy that takes familiar damsels in distress motifs and transforms them into something fresh and exciting. Almost 40 years later The Princess Bride still feels just as fresh.
Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
32-year-old advertising assistant Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) decides her life needs an overhaul, and as the new year begins, she dedicates herself to keeping a journal to sensitize herself to quit smoking, drink less, and lose weight. After largely repressing her fantasies about her attractive but effeminate boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), just to reflect on their diary, the two start flirting in the office. But no sooner does Bridget begin to manifest the life she wants to lead than she suddenly finds herself the object of affection between them two handsome men: Daniel and his ex-boyfriend Mark (Colin Firth).
Part of the reason The Diary of Bridget Jones has endured is its relatable and uncompromisingly authentic portrayal of femininity through the character of Bridget, a flawed woman struggling to navigate the hellish modern dating landscape. Bridget’s humorous inner monologues are both insightful and hilarious, making her a lovable and memorable character. Ultimately, the film is an honest look at the desire for love, connection and self-acceptance.
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (2008)
Composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) was formerly known as the boyfriend of TV star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), but after she unceremoniously dumps him for British rock star Aldous Snow (Russell Brand), Peter would rather just not exist. Struggling with the breakup, Peter decides to get over Sarah by booking a trip to Oahu, Hawaii – but when he gets there, he finds that his ex is already living there with her new boyfriend. Despite this, Peter tries to make the most of his less than ideal vacation, where he befriends the pretty hotel receptionist (Mila Kunis) and a silly surf instructor (Paul Rudd).
Only a select few actresses are synonymous with the romantic comedy genre – and Julia Roberts is certainly one of them. From her foray into the genre in 1988 in the popular film “Mystic Pizza,” in which young Roberts plays a teenage pizza waitress desperately trying to find her way after graduating from high school, to her (…)
Forgot Sarah Marshall is a romantic comedy that is equal parts funny and tender; A warmhearted look at forgiveness, overcoming heartbreak and finding new love, it’s unique in that it’s essentially a romantic comedy aimed at men. Segel is outstanding in his role as the desperate and painfully humiliated Peter, and the film surpasses any notion of a superficial bro comedy with its nuanced script and well-developed characters. In addition, the Dracula puppet musical in-universe is a real work of art.
