romcoms for people who don't like romcoms

let's talk about love

hey y’all. sunday is valentines day and i’m feeling sentimental. i’m usually a cynic through and through but love is tight and i’m currently experiencing it in many different arenas in my life.

that said, no matter how much I may love love, i’m not the biggest fan of the romantic comedy. i don’t hate them by any means, but they are certainly not what I seek out first when i’m looking to turn on a movie. which is probably unfair. there are good romcoms out there! today’s newsletter is just a quick little list of romcoms for people that maybe aren’t inclined to watch them or who want to be re-introduced to them. a couple classics, a few newer ones I like.

thanks for reading! i’ll be back with a little meatier newsletter next week!

Title: When Harry Met Sally
Released: 1989
Where To Watch: stream on Showtime, rent wherever
Why Watch: this movie isn’t exactly a sleeper and it’s not like it needs the boost of being on another list of romcoms that are good. that said, it’s good! it’s funny and charming and set in NYC which is always a delight. and my man Billy Crystal gets off some insane fits in this movie. real jawn shit. if you haven’t found your way to watching this one, get to it.

Title: You’ve Got Mail
Released: 1998
Where To Watch: stream on HBO MAX, rent wherever
Why Watch: 1998 was a hell of a year for Tom Hanks. he only put out two movies, but those movies were nothing but heat. the first? Saving Private Ryan. the second? a little movie called You’ve Got Mail. one of my favorite movies from the 90’s straight up. Tom Hanks. Meg Ryan. directed by the romcom queen herself Nora Ephron. 1998 level internet slang. set in two different bookstores. a classic

Title: Definitely, Maybe
Released: 2007
Where To Watch: stream on Peacock(lol), rent wherever
Why Watch: I’m a cardholder in the Isla Fisher simp club. founding member, baybee. she’s great in this and so is Ryan Reynolds who is sometimes hit and miss for me, but I like what he does in this movie. set in the ’90s with a very fun storytelling device. easily one of my most recommended romcoms.

Title: About Time
Released: 2013
Where To Watch: stream on Netflix
Why Watch: this movie definitely sways more to the “romantic” side of the romcom formula. it’s also a pretty strong fantasy/time travel movie that incorporates romcom elements for a romantic comedy, unlike anything I had seen. really, really enjoy this movie and Rachel McAdams kicks so much ass in everything, especially here.

Title: What If
Released: 2013
Where To Watch: not streaming, unfortunately. rent wherever
Why Watch: this movie took me completely by surprise. it’s probably my favorite romcom and the one that makes me laugh the hardest. i’ve personally loved Daniel Radcliffe’s post Harry Potter career and this movie was a step that started him down a cool path. also, this movie was my first exposure to Adam Driver who steals the entire movie and says a line that I still use in my life somewhat regularly.

Title: Before Sunrise
Released: 1995
Where To Watch: stream on Cinemax, rent wherever
Why Watch: i’m cheating a little bit on this one because it’s very much not a comedy. that said, I don’t think there’s a better movie out there that depicts what it’s like during those moments you’re falling in love with someone for the first time. it’s a really simple movie; just two people walking and talking. but the talking is good and both Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy shine. the entire “Before” trilogy is amazing, but. this is where it starts.