My Top 5 Rom-Coms for February
By: Matty Mooney
Rom-Coms are ranked
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it’s that I love rom-coms. Pass me a bucket of popcorn and a cheesy chick-flick, and you’ve got a solid way into my heart. However, there’s always that one movie you just can’t stop watching. But how could I choose? Spoiler alert: I couldn’t. Thankfully, my expertise has crafted the top 5 rom-coms perfect for February and beyond.
#5: Mamma Mia!
Director: Phyllida Lloyd, Date released: 2008
Kicking it off with number 5, Mamma Mia! Has everything one could want. Music! Dancing! ABBA! Dads! The movie is packed with star favorites like Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, and follows Sophie as she invites her Mother’s past lovers to her wedding in Skopelos. After revealing that she is unsure of who Sophie’s real father is, what ensues is a tasteful number of ABBA sing-alongs and picturesque greek backgrounds. Is this movie more of a musical than a rom-com? Yes. Would you still like it? That’s for me to tell you and you to find out! Go watch it!
#4: 13 Going on 30
Director: Gary Winick, Date released: 2004
13 Going on 30 is an early 2000’s teenage dream. Jennifer Garner plays the main character Jenna Rink, a young, spunky, lipgloss-wearing birthday girl who gets trapped in a closet at her party. When her wish comes true, she wakes up in the busy city of New York. Now 30, she navigates the adult world of finding love. Honestly, this movie is such a throwback to my childhood. Although I am giving it 4th place just because it has the “nice guy” trope. Look it up, you’ll thank me later.
#3: Clueless
Director: Amy Heckerling, Date released: 1995
Ugh, as if I’d rate this any lower than a 3! Clueless is my go-to movie for fashion inspiration, the mid 90’s outfits were so ahead of their time. Cher is witty and has a passion for taking others under her wing, including new to school friend Tai. She and Dionne are such a power duo I honestly think this movie would hold its own without the step-family turned-divorced romance with the ageless Paul Rudd. However, their wedding was Trés chic.
#2: 10 Things I Hate About You
Director: Gil Junger, Date released: 1999
Counting down to number 2, Kat Stratford in 10 Things I Hate About You is my favorite character of all time. She’s smart, funny, and tolerates no-nonsense, even from family members like her younger sister Bianca. Kat hasn’t been known to date, but when class athlete Patrick makes her swoon, the most beautiful monologue in all of rom-com history was created. Top it off with a singing number to get the girl and I’m in my feels. The best part is I would never hate this movie at all.
#1: The Princess Bride
Director: Rob Reiner, Date released: 1987
We’ve made it! Number 1! And (I will not be arguing this) the best rom-com of all time is The Princess Bride! It’s a fairytale love story wrapped up into one, Westly and Buttercup hold such a special place in my heart. Their love knows no bounds, I mean he literally scaled a side of a mountain and drank poison for her! Name someone who would do that for you! Yeah, I didn’t think so. The fight scenes and world-building are breathtaking. Dare I say one of the best movies to come out in the ’80s. I will continue to watch this movie over and over for the rest of my days, even when my own Westly dashes into my life.
My childhood was filled with the ambiance and magic of these movies, and rewatching them warmed my cold, single, heart. Want to fall in love with these movies? Take yourself on a first date and watch! All five movies are available on Amazon. Click here to find them!