Some movies, no matter how recent, have already earned their place in the hall of fame as future classics. The 2010s gave us many memorable rom-coms, from swoon-worthy romances to sharp, witty comedies and even emotionally complex stories.
And some of these movies have already cemented their status as modern classics with their unforgettable characters, iconic aesthetics and sheer cultural impact. Here are ten such rom-coms that have proved that they will never go out of style.
10. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
A film that revived the teen rom-com like nothing before is ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’. It had that iconic aesthetic, a very lovable protagonist and a swoon-worthy romance at its center that instantly won over our hearts.
Lara Jean Covey’s world falls apart when the secret love letters she wrote to her crushes are mailed out by someone. To contain the damage, she enters a fake relationship with the popular boy Peter Kavinsky. What follows is a charming romance story that defined the new generation of teen rom-coms.
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9. Easy A (2010)
With its razor-sharp wit and a refreshing spin on the classic rom-com tropes, ‘Easy A’ remains a standout in the genre. Though the movie surely has some questionable parts, it still has some interesting takes. And on top of it, there is Emma Stone’s effortlessly charming performance.
When Olive tells a little white lie to her friend, it soon transforms her from a nobody to the subject of the high school’s gossip world. She decides to embrace her newfound notoriety and explore how far she can take controlling her own narrative.
8. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Few romantic comedies are as chaotic or as iconic as ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’. Featuring an ensemble cast of some of Hollywood’s most charismatic actors, the film tells an interconnected story about love at different stages of life.
When middle-aged Cal Weaver learns that his wife wants a divorce, his world falls apart. With encouragement from Jacob, a confident bachelor he meets at a bar, Cal begins learning how to navigate the dating scene once again.
7. Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World (2010)
You can tell a lot about a film when it initially starts as a box-office disappointment, only to later have one of the most passionate cult followings of all time. Blending video game aesthetics and comic book visuals with energetic music and absurdist humour, ‘Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World’ is truly one of a kind.
Scott Pilgrim meets Ramona Flowers and instantly becomes determined to win her heart. However, dating Ramona comes with an unexpected complication: he must defeat her seven evil exes.
6. About Time (2013)
Some films just stick with you long after you’ve watched them, and ‘About Time’ is a classic example. Blending romance, fantasy and some very bittersweet reflections on life, ‘About Time’ isn’t your conventional rom-com.
Tim Lake discovers that the men in his family can travel through time and decides to use his extraordinary ability to pursue Mary, the woman he loves. He sets out to perfect his future by changing his past, but things go a bit too out of control, and Tim learns some pretty hard lessons about life and love.
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5. Crazy Rich Asian (2018)
Bringing much-needed Asian representation and a refreshingly witty and emotional story, ‘Crazy Rich Asian’ really breathed new life into the romantic comedy genre. With a franchise continuing now on HBO, nobody can deny the enduring significance of the film.
Rachel Chu believes she is joining her boyfriend, Nick Young, for a simple trip to Singapore. Only to discover that his family belong to the country’s wealthiest elite. Suddenly, Rachel finds herself in the midst of lavish parties, family drama and class differences in Nick’s extraordinary world.
4. Love, Simon (2018)
A heartfelt celebration of friendship, family, identity and first love, ‘Love, Simon’ remains one of the most thoughtful teen rom-coms of all time. It has that universal coming-of-age story that only becomes more meaningful with its portrayal of a gay teenager navigating the uncertainty of revealing his identity.
Simon Spier keeps his sexual orientation a secret but is anonymously falling for a classmate online. When a blackmailer threatens to expose him, Simon embarks on an emotional journey towards self-acceptance and discovering the courage to embrace who he is.
3. The Big Sick (2017)
Based on the real-life relationship between comedian Kumail Nanjiani and writer Emily V. Gordon, ‘The Big Sick’ is a refreshingly nuanced portrayal of the modern romance, and for that it remains one of the most landmark rom-coms of the decade.
Despite being from different races, Kumail and Emily start dating, but their relationship starts to become increasingly complicated when she falls seriously ill. As they navigate her hospitalisation, the couple must also confront their family’s expectations and the uncertain future of their relationship.
2. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Combining an endearing love story with a deep exploration of mental health, grief and recovery, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ offers a deeply human take on the rom-com genre. The movie deservingly became an award season’s darling and still remains such a grounded watch.
After being released from a psychiatric institution, Pat is trying to build his life and reconnect with his estranged wife. He meets Tiffany, a young widow dealing with her own emotional struggles. She agrees to help Pat reconnect with his wife if he partners with her in a dance competition.
1. La La Land (2016)
This cinematic experience is a dazzling love letter to Hollywood dreams and the bittersweet nature of romance. ‘La La Land’ feels like a whimsical modern fairy tale, but then it catches you off guard with its painfully real and grounded themes.
Sebastian, a jazz pianist and Mia, an aspiring actress, fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. As their career begin to flourish, they confront the difficult balance between personal success and their relationship.
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