Five 21st-century rom-coms ranked from great to perfect

The romantic comedy formula typically involves a couple meeting, facing an obstacle that separates them, and reuniting for a final kiss. This simple structure allows for significant innovation within the genre. However, recent years have seen a decline in high-quality studio productions. The most notable 2026 entry is "One Night Only," which features a premise where premarital sex is legal only one night per year.

Golden era films

This list focuses on releases from the 2000s and 2010s, considered a golden era for the genre. While classics like "When Harry Met Sally..." remain iconic, these five selections represent the pinnacle of 21st-century romantic comedies. They are ranked from "pretty amazing" to "basically perfect."

Time travel romance

Richard Curtis wrote and directed "About Time" (2013), starring Domhnall Gleeson as Tim Lake. After a failed New Year's Eve party, Tim’s father James (Bill Nighy) reveals that men in their family can time travel. They cannot change historical events but can revisit personal moments for do-overs. Tim uses this ability to navigate his relationship with Mary (Rachel McAdams). He learns he cannot return to a time before his child is born. The film explores love and family dynamics deeply.

Breakup recovery story

"Forgetting Sarah Marshall" (2008) begins with a breakup, unlike most genre entries. Written by Jason Segel and directed by Nicholas Stoller, it follows Peter Bretter (Segel), who is dumped by girlfriend Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell) while nude. Peter travels to Hawaii to recover, only to find Sarah and her new boyfriend Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) at the same resort. He meets concierge Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis), and they develop a connection. The film highlights surviving heartbreak and starting over.

Competitive dating plot

"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" (2003) features Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), a columnist for Composure magazine, and advertising executive Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey). Andie bets she can drive a man away in ten days to earn a journalism assignment. Ben bets he can make a woman fall in love with him in ten days to secure a diamond campaign. Their opposing goals lead to chaotic interactions, including a gala attended by colleagues. The movie relies on strong chemistry between Hudson and McConaughey.

Cultural clash comedy

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" originated as a one-woman show by Nia Vardalos. Produced for approximately $5 million, it grossed over $368 million, making it highly profitable according to CNBC. Vardalos stars as Toula Portokalos, who works at her family’s Chicago restaurant. She takes a computer course and falls for Ian Miller (John Corbett), a patron. The couple must convince Toula’s large Greek family to accept Ian. Specific details, such as Gus’s belief in Windex as a cure, add humor. Two sequels exist, but the original remains the definitive version.

Top-ranked classic

"Bridget Jones's Diary" tops the list. Adapted from Helen Fielding’s novel by director Sharon Maguire, Fielding, Richard Curtis, and Andrew Davis, it stars Renée Zellweger as Bridget Jones. Bridget attends her mother Pamela’s (Gemma Jones) Turkey Curry Buffet on New Year's Day, meeting Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). Back in London, she resolves to improve her habits but pursues her boss Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). Narration provides insight into Bridget’s thoughts. Three sequels followed: "The Edge of Reason" (2004), "Baby" (2016), and "Mad About the Boy" (2025).