10 Best Rom-Com Movies Turning 20 in 2022, Ranked By IMDb

Time is a funny thing and as much as many people don’t want to acknowledge how long ago 2002 was, the truth is that it really was 20 years ago. And while 20 years can often date a movie for the worst, romantic comedies tend to be ones that age rather fairly well apart from mostly lacking in diversity.

2002 turned out to be a major resurgence for romantic comedies thanks to one movie in particular that broke records and help them for over a decade. The year also featured lighthearted teen rom-coms and some R-rated ones.

10 Bend It Like Beckham – Available On HBO Max

Bend It Like Beckham is not only a great romantic comedy, but it’s also one of the best teen movies released in 2002. The movie centers on Jess, a young woman who has been forbidden from playing soccer. However, she defies her strict parents’ orders since she’s an adult and ends up falling for her coach in the process.

The best part about Bend It Like Beckham is that not exclusively a romantic comedy. Sure, it has an airport chase scene, but it’s also about female friendships and sports.

9 40 Days And 40 Nights – Available On Hulu

2002 saw a rise of R-rated romantic comedies and that trend kicked off with the satirical erotic movie, 40 Days and 40 Nights. Set during Lent, the movie follows Matt, who has decided to abstain from any and all sexual contact until the religious holiday ends. Of course, complications arise when he meets a wonderful stranger on day one.

40 Days and 40 Nights isn’t your average rom-com, which is why it’s great for lukewarm fans of the genre. However, it is one that hasn’t aged well given that a major plot point involves Matt’s ex having sex with him while he is asleep.

8 The Sweetest Thing – Available On Tubi

Cameron Diaz is arguably an underrated romantic comedy star, which is why it’s not surprising that The Sweetest Thing is largely forgotten when talking about the genre. The movie follows Christina and her best friend who decide to go on an adventure to find the man Christina is convinced is “the one.”

The Sweetest Thing is a fun romantic comedy because it’s also part road trip movie and part friendship movie. It might not be the best rom-com out there, but it’s worth watching, at least once.

7 My Big Fat Greek Wedding – Available On HBO Max

My Big Fat Greek Wedding follows Toula, a Greek American, who falls in love with a man who isn’t Greek, much to the dismay of her family. Eventually, the family comes around after a series of hijinks that includes Ian getting baptized at a Greek Orthodox church.

No one expected this small independent romantic comedy to be a hit, but that’s exactly what happened. In fact, it’s one of the best sleeper hits of all time and it quickly became the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time, holding the title for two decades. Needless to say, it’s a classic that deserves a watch.

6 Serving Sara – Available On Hulu

Serving Sara doesn’t have the most romantic plot, which is probably why it is considered a box office flop. The movie follows Joe, a process server, who is initially hired to serve Sara her divorce papers.

His job should then be done, but Sara has other plans and convinces him to help her serve her ex-husband’s divorce papers instead, so she can get more money in the divorce. Despite a talented cast that included Friends star Matthew Perry and Elizabeth Hurley, the movie just wasn’t well-received by audience members or critics.

5 Sweet Home Alabama – Available On Hulu

Straight off the success of Legally Blonde, Reese Witherspoon landed the lead role in Sweet Home Alabama. The movie centers on Melanie, a fashion designer, who has just gotten engaged to New York’s most eligible bachelor. The high of the moment is short-lived, though, because Melanie is still married to her high school sweetheart back home, who refuses to divorce her.

Despite mixed reviews, Sweet Home Alabama became a massive box office success. It put a fun twist on the love triangle trope and ends with one of the best happily ever afters ever.

4 Brown Sugar – Available On HBO Max

Romantic comedies in the 2000s weren’t the most diverse, which is something Brown Sugar set out to change. The movie follows Sidney and Dre, two lifelong friends who work in the music industry. Despite achieving their dreams, they’re both a bit unsatisfied in their careers and become determined to rekindle their love of hip hop together.

Brown Sugar is a fun romantic comedy that also includes an amazing soundtrack. It went on to be nominated for several NAACP Image Awards and was a commercial success at the box office.

3 Punch-Drunk Love – Available On HBO Max

Adam Sandler might be an unlikely rom-com lead, but that hasn’t stopped him from staring in them regularly over the course of his career. In Punch-Drunk Love, Sandler plays Barry, a bathroom supply business owner who falls for his sister’s co-worker. However, their relationship takes a hit when Barry becomes a victim to an extortionist.

Punch-Drunk Love is one of Sandler’s more serious romantic comedies. Despite his stellar performance, the movie failed just short of recouping its budget. Still, there are some heartfelt and romantic moments that make the movie necessary for rom-com fans to watch.

2 Two Weeks Notice – Available On HBO Max

Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant star opposite each other in Two Weels Notice, a successful and yet underrated romantic comedy. The movie centers on Lucy, an environmental lawyer, who is hired to help billionaire George preserve a community center. However, the job becomes more than she thought when George begins coming to her for advice on matters outside the business world.

The movie is ripe with romance and comedy, especially in the form of one-liners. It also features one of the most underrated enemies-to-lovers couples out there.

1 Maid In Manhattan – Available On HBO Max

Maid In Manhattan may not have broken rom-com records but it’s definitely one of the most iconic rom-coms to come out of 2002. The movie centers on Marisa, a single mom who works as a maid in a wealthy Manhattan hotel. After accidentally being mistaken for a guest, Marisa finds herself entangled with Christopher, an heir to a political dynasty.

While Maid In Manhattan requires some suspension of disbelief, it delivers on all the best romantic comedy tropes. This is probably because the original story was penned by John Hughes.

About The Author

Danielle Bruncati
(302 Articles Published)

Danielle Bruncati was born and raised in Southern California and has been a story-teller for as long as she can remember. She is currently a freelance writer for ScreenRant and is also pursuing a Master’s Degree in Television Writing and Producing from a top 10 film school. When she’s not writing, Danielle can be found binging the latest sitcom or teen tv series with her dog by her side or walking around Disneyland with a Mickey-shaped snack in hand.

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