Love can happen in the most unlikely places, including within the dreary four walls of the corporate ladder. Workplace romance is one of the trickiest to navigate.
From high-stakes conflicts to juicy forced proximity, there is plenty to keep things interesting. Whether it’s an ’80s classic or a modern workplace romance, here are 10 of the most iconic office rom-com movies you should take a chance on.
10. The Hating Game (2021)
One of the most beloved adaptations amongst romance fans, ‘The Hating Game’ follows Lucy and Josh, two complete opposites who are trapped in one shared office and addicted to one-upping each other.
An opportunity for a promotion opens up at their office, and Lucy and Josh once again find themselves competing with each other. But when a growing mutual attraction turns into a steamy kiss, their rivalry gets a bit complicated.
Related: Top 10 Fake Dating Romance Movies Of All Time
9. Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Starring rom-com veterans Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant in the main roles, ‘Two Weeks Notice’ is your classic enemies-to-lovers story. Overworked lawyer Lucy has had enough of her boss and decides to walk out on him.
But when her boss George is handed her resignation letter, he is just clueless. As Lucy’s last day of work draws nearer and nearer, suddenly a newfound connection starts to complicate their employer-employee dynamic.
8. The Proposal (2009)
With its steamy enemies-to-lovers trope, a fake relationship and a kick-ass heroine, ‘The Proposal’ is a full package. Sandra Bullock stars in the role of Margaret, a demanding boss who has made her assistant, Ryan Reynolds starring Andrew’s life particularly difficult.
But when her visa expires, Margaret has to turn to Andrew for help. They decide to fake a marriage to keep her from getting deported. But pretending to be in a relationship suddenly grows much harder when they start to actually have feelings for each other.
7. Secretary (2002)
This dark comedy follows the timid young woman named Lee. After being released from a mental hospital, Lee is hired to work for Mr Grey, a dominant lawyer. Their professional relationship takes a turn when they venture into an intense BDSM relationship.
Surprisingly, the movie takes on a much more interesting route by exploring themes of mental health, sexuality, and power dynamics. It also features a critically acclaimed performance from Maggie Gyllenhaal as Lee and James Spader as Grey.
6. Jerry Maguire (1996)
This iconic ‘90s classic and the ultimate quotable movie follows Tom Cruise in the titular role of Jerry Maguire, a big-time sports agent. From the biggest clients to a beautiful fiancée, Jerry seems to have it all.
Until one day he starts to question his purpose, which ultimately leads to him getting fired. He finds support from his co-worker, Dorothy, portrayed by Renée Zellweger, and sets out to start a firm of his own. Soon enough, sparks begin to fly.
In Case You Missed It: Top 10 Most Realistic Romance Movies To Watch
5. Set It Up (2018)
Finding love takes some assistance, and this movie takes that up quite literally. ‘Set It Up’ tells the story of two overworked and burned-out corporate assistants, Harper and Charlie, and their very overbearing bosses.
When Harper and Charlie discover both of their bosses are single, they hatch a plan to fix them up. Eventually, they start to realise they were developing feelings for each other as well. Starring Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs in the lead roles, this movie takes up the hustle culture but with a warm and fuzzy love story.
4. Woman Of The Year (1942)
Featuring Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy in the lead roles, ‘Woman of the Year’ is a true classic. It follows the relationship between Tess Harding, a progressive political journalist, and Sam Craig, a traditional sports writer, who work for the same newspaper.
Despite a mutual dislike at first, Tess and Sam eventually fall in love and get married. But when Sam sees Tess’s complete dedication to her career, their relationship starts to suffer. The movie is absolutely a product of its time, and there are outdated themes in it, but Katharine Hepburn’s charming performance is infinitely rewatchable.
3. Working Girl (1988)
Starring Sigourney Weaver, Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford, ‘Working Girl’ is a peak ‘80s flick. It follows the undervalued assistant Tess, who decides to take matters into her own hands when her cruel boss is laid up with a broken leg.
She secretly assumes her identity and sets out to prove her worth. On the way, she meets Jack Trainer, an associate from another company. Soon, business and romance start to mix.
2. Broadcast News (1987)
Set behind the scenes of a television program, we follow Jane Craig, a high-strung news producer. Jane finds herself in a love triangle between two opposite reporters, Tom and Aaron. Tom is a charming news anchor but represents everything in media that Jane despises.
On the other hand, Aaron is a talented but plain and self-doubting reporter. As sparks start to fly, Jane has to balance both her job and personal life. In the lead roles, the film stars William Hurt, Albert Brooks and Holly Hunter.
1. His Girl Friday (1940)
There isn’t a more classic workplace romance than ‘His Girl Friday’. It tells the story of Newspaper editor Walter, portrayed by Cary Grant, and Hildy Johnson, portrayed by Rosalind Russell.
When Walter finds out that his former spouse and reporter Hildy is planning to remarry, he tries to stop her by offering her the chance to do one last story together. But things take a turn, and they get themselves entangled in a murder case.
You Might Also Like To Read: Top 10 Meet-Cute Romance Movies
