As an avid movie lover one I love to watch romantic comedies, chick flicks as my husband so affectionately calls them. There is something wonderful about a movie that mixes the sweetness of love with some good belly laughs. It was really hard for me to choose my top 5 romantic comedies, I have so many that I love. Here are 5 of my favorite romantic comedy movies of all times.
1) The Philadelphia Story (1940)
Even though it was made long before I was born this black and white classic is one of my favorite movies. With the amazing cast including Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and Ruth Hussey it is easy to see how this romantic comedy is the top of the list. The story follows socialite Katherine Hepburn as she prepares for her second marriage. When her ex-husband, played by Carey Grant shows up unexpectedly with two undercover reporters the antics begin.
Jimmy Stewart won a well deserved Oscar for his role in this movie as reporter Macauly Conner, his witty side kick photographer was played by Ruth Hussey. The screenplay allows the actors to shine and they all play off one another perfectly. When it comes to romantic comedies it is virtually impossible to match this timeless masterpiece.
2) When Harry Met Sally (1989)
The second on my list of my top 5 romantic comedies are the perfect comedy pairing between Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Written by the amazing Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner, famous for his television sitcom in the nearly 1970’s “All In The Family.” Spanning many years it shows the ups and downs of the friendship between Sally (Meg Ryan) and Harry (Billy Crystal). They ride to New York together for college and bicker just about the entire trip. When they see one another years later they become friends. As the years pass their bond grows stronger as they help deal with all life throws at them.
Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal have a great chemistry together, and both are very endearing and funny. The supporting cast is also very talented. Their friends are played by the late Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher who end up together even though Harry originally tried to set Kirby up with Meg Ryan’s character. Even though this movie is over 20 years old it is timeless because it is one of the most well written and acted romantic comedies out there. It is always funny and touching, one you never get tired of seeing.
3) Sixteen Candles (1984)
If you grew up in the 1980’s like I did this pick on my top 5 romantic comedies are probably iconic to you. Written and directed by the late, great John Hughes, whose movies made a group of young actors known as the brat pack famous. He also gave us other classic teen coming of age movies such as: “Pretty In Pink”, “The Breakfast Club”, “Weird Science and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Giving us a realistic glimpse into what every teenager struggles with during high school makes this movie timeless for many generations.
This movie is a hilarious view of life for high school student Samantha Baker (Molly Ringwald) as she deals with her forgotten 16th birthday, and her crush on senior Jake Ryan, played by Michael Schoeffling. The supporting cast is so talented and includes: Anthony Michael Hall, Gedde Watanabe, Joan Cusack, John Cusack and Jami Gertz. The story is perfect with characters we all saw in high school: the jock, the prom queen, the nerd, the wanna-be’s. A teen romantic comedy that gives us a nostalgic trip down memory lane, it is one hilarious and memorable scene after another.
4) My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
This movie is written by and starring the lovely actor Nia Vardalos is number 4 on my list of my top 5 romantic comedies that are timeless. This movie is about love blossoming between a Greek woman Toula (Nia Vardalos) and a non Greek man Ian, played by John Corbett who is know as Aidan from “Sex and the City.
It also stars Lainie Kazan as Toula’s mother and Andrea Martin as her aunt. The entire cast is very talented and funny. Nia Vardalos did a wonderful job depicting the craziness of a big family and their reluctance to accept her boyfriend since he is not Greek. It is sweet, cute and appropriate for most ages, there is not excessive vulgarity or nudity like many movies have.
5) Sleepless In Seattle (1993)
Finishing up my list of top 5 romantic comedies are a timeless heart tugger starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Another wonderful screenplay by Nora Ephron, she also directed this gem. Hanks plays Sam Baldwin who moves to Seattle with his son Jonah after his wife passes away. Worried about his Dad being alone Jonah calls a radio talk show at Christmastime to try to find his dad someone. Annie Reed, played by Meg Ryan hears this on the radio, and even though she is engaged to Walter (Bill Pullman) she becomes infatuated with Hanks.
The rest of the supporting cast includes Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks wife), Victor Garber (best known for playing Sydney Bristow’s father on the television show “Alias”, Rosie O’Donnell, Rob Reiner, Gaby Hoffman and as her brother the hilarious David Hyde Pierce. Even though they live on opposite sides of the United States fate brings them together in the end. This movie is the perfect blend of sweet, sad and funny all rolled into one.- Finishing up my list of top 5 romantic comedies are a timeless heart tugger starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Another wonderful screenplay by Nora Ephron, she also directed this gem. Hanks plays Sam Baldwin who moves to Seattle with his son Jonah after his wife passes away. Worried about his Dad being alone Jonah calls a radio talk show at Christmastime to try to find his dad someone. Annie Reed, played by Meg Ryan hears this on the radio, and even though she is engaged to Walter (Bill Pullman) she becomes infatuated with Hanks.
