From Classics To Offbeat: 42 Romantic Comedies To Watch On Valentine's Day

This one is a no-brainer. Starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal, this is a quintessential rom-com. It follows the story of two graduate students who become close friends and part ways, only to meet five years later and having to confront their feelings about each other. From the iconic cafe scene with Meg Ryan faking an orgasm to the lovely friends to lovers arc, this one is a fun and heartwarming watch. 

Another classic, The Wedding Singer is an OG rom-com starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. In long-term relationships with different people when Robbie Hart meets Julia, he promises her that he will be the singer at her wedding. Little do they know that fate has other plans for them, and these plans lead to hilarious and beautiful consequences. 

This one has to be my favourite holiday movie, no matter what the holiday. The movie follows Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Iris (Kate Winslet), who live every different lives in the US and the UK, respectively, and decide to swap houses for a vacation after a series of unfortunate events in their lives. What happens on the vacation is a healthy and entertaining mix of self-discovery, nostalgia, and a whole lot of romance.

Another Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore classic (they really did rule the late 90s rom-com scene), 50 First Dates had a novel concept. When Henry meets Lucy, he is forced to let go of all his ideas that drove him away from long-term commitment because of how smitten he is of her. Lucy too falls for Henry and wants to be with him. But, no, that is just the beginning. Henry soon realises that Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss and has to win her over multiple times.  

I don't know about anyone else, but I am guilty of watching this movie about 200 times. Be it our moms or us, no one can resist the charm of Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, especially not when the plot is this spicy. Julia Roberts plays a young, troubled but smart sex worker named Vivienne who meets the dashing millionaire businessman Edward (Gere) when he asks her for directions on Hollywood Boulevard. What happens next over the course of the movie is nothing short of a fairytale, with a music score to boot!

If you've heard the line 'I am just a girl, standing in front of a boy...' and don't know where it is from, prepare your life to be forever changed. William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a bookstore owner, quite literally runs into Hollywood superstar Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) on the street and spills juice all over her shirt. An invitation back to his house to get cleaned up leads to an unlikely romance budding between the two and leaving all of us in a pile of mush. 

This one is for all the Ryan Reynolds fans out there (and yes, I am talking to myself too). An ambitious and seemingly cold senior publishing executive Margaret (Sandra Bullock) has to find a quick way to stay in the US after her visa expires, and who comes to the rescue? Her cute assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds)! Well, not very willingly at first. On a trip to Andrew's home town to announce the engagement, this unlikely pair finds out that they have more in common than they thought. If not for the pair's sizzling chemistry, watch it for the cute and hilarious Grandma, played by Betty White. 

A movie that was definitely ahead of its time, OK Kanmani follows the lives of Adi (Dalquer Salmaan) and Tara (Nithya Menen) who meet at a friend's wedding and fall in love. Both have plans of moving abroad to either study or work and are dead against marriage, and so decide to live together and enjoy the time they have with each other. What happens next, neither of them could have predicted. This one is really cute to watch with your partner. 

Another early 2000s gem, this one took the country by storm, with the cartoon introduced in the movie continuing to run in the TOI, years after the movie's release. After Karan (Saif Ali Khan) and Rhea (Rani Mukerji) meet on a flight to New York, they keep meeting each other due to twists of fate at various stages of their lives, and develop an unlikely friendship. But when fate intervenes again, the friendship turns into more and both are left trying to deal with the consequences of it. 

The movie that introduced us to the star that is Ranveer Singh, Band Baaja Baarat is a quintessential Delhi movie. Made in the golden age of Bollywood rom-coms, it follows the lives of Bitoo (Ranveer Singh) and Shruti (Anushka Sharma), who start a wedding planning business together. Coming from extremely different schools of thought, complications ensue when they spend one drunken night together and Shruti falls for Bitoo.

Even though not that well-known, the people who watch this movie instantly fall in love. Especially if you have Indian roots, this movie and its family dynamics are super relatable! Toula (Nila Vardalous) is trying to come to term with her Greek heritage in New York all the while managing the ups and downs that come with being in your 20s. When she falls for a non-Greek man, Ian (John Corbett), all hell breaks loose and she has to convince her huge, loud family to accept him as their own. 

Found on every top rom-com list, this one is a personal rewatch favourite. A How-To column writer Andie meets ad guy Benjamin and they both begin to date. The twist? Both have opposite goals in mind, Andie has to do every cringe-worthy thing she can think of to drive him away, and Benjamin and has to make her fall in love to win a big bet. But, of course, love find a way to actually creep in, giving us the perfect airport chase! 

This one is a real classic. Starring Frances aka Baby meets Johnny (Patrick Swayze), a dance instructor, at the resort her and her family are holidaying at, they strike up a connection. What happens next is a steamy, musical romance complete with a final choreographed dance number and family drama stemming from Baby's father's disapproval of the romance. Just the sequence of Johnny romancing Frances to Love Is Strange is worth watching the whole movie for. 

One of the first rom-coms with Black protagonists, this one doesn't feature in many lists but is definitely an iconic movie. Monica (Sanaa Lethan) and Quicny (Omar Epps) grow up next to each other and go from being friends at the age of 11 to young lovers. But the twist in the story happens when both their ambitions of becoming pro basketball players stands in the way of their romance.

If you're on the right side of the internet, I am sure you have seen various edits of this beautiful movie starring Kiera Knightely and Matthew Macfayden. Based on the classic with the same name by Jane Austen, the movie follows the story of Elizabeth Bennet (Lizzy), the second oldest daughter of the Bennet family, who is headstrong, straightforward and extremely well-read, much to her mother's dismay. When Mr. Darcy comes to town with his friends Bingley and strikes up a romance with Elizabeth's oldest sister, Darcy and Lizzy's lives intertwine in unexpected ways, leading to beautiful consequences. If you're a fan of the classic, I also suggest you check out the BBC's Pride & Prejudice, starring Colin Firth. 

Based on another book by Jane Austen named Emma, Aisha follows the story of a South Delhi brat called, of course, Aisha (Sonam Kapoor), who decides to meddle in all of her friends' lives by becoming a matchmaker for them. This, obviously, leads to hilarious and disastorous consequences, ultimately helping her find out who she loves. This one has amazing music, and of course, the ever dashing and gorgeous Abhay Deol. 

A better romance movie has never been made and we're ready to fight anyone on this. The series is the story of the lives of Celine (July Deply), who meets Jesse (Ethan Hawke), an American, on a train in France. It is Jesse's last day in the country and he decides to spend his last few hours there with Celine. The three-part series follows their lives after that chance meeting, through various stages of their lives and it will leave you heart full and definitely give you perspective on what it means to love someone. 

An Auprey Hepburn classic, Roman Holiday is about Princess Anne, who is utterly bored by the life of a royal, confined to her palace and never having been able to have a normal life. She escapes to Rome and falls in love with a political journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck), giving us an old-timey romance that transports you back in time and makes you long for those years and old Roman streets. 

Another modern classic, while Call Me By Your Name isn't your usual rom-com and is definitely more heartbreaking than one, it is a wonderful and beautifully made story of young love and has a great score. Elio (Timothee Chalamet), develops feelings for his father's assistant Oliver (Arnie Hammer), and they both strike up a romance. Although temporary, Elio realises the depth of his feelings for Oliver and has to come to terms with what that means for him when it comes to his sexual orientation.

The Big Sick is one of those movies where you start watching with the expectation of mindless fun, but finish with a heart that is full and having cried big happy tears. It follows the lives of Kumail (Kumail Nanjiani), a Pakistani stand-up comedian, who falls for Emily (Zoe Kazan), a graduate student. Their lives are suddenly upside down when Emily falls sick and has to be in a medically induced coma. Kumail takes care of her during this period and bonds with her family, what that leads to is a lot of light humour, big heartwarming moments and a movie you will definitely want to go back to.

If we had to pick one movie that defines what a classic is, it has to be Casablanca. During World War 2, Rick (Humphrey Bogart), who is a nightclub owner, decides to help his ex-lover (Ilsa, played by Ingrid Bergman) and her husband. Soon, during this tumultuous times, Ilsa's feelings for Rick resurface, leading to a love triangle without a match till this date. The movie is definitely rewatch worthy, and gave us many iconic lines such as 'Here's looking at you, kid.'

Based on a book by the same name, Crazy Rich Asians is a super fun and light movie to watch with your girlfriends. Rachel (Constance Wu), a professor of economics in New York is in a long-term relationship with Nick (Henry Golding). On a trip to Singapore to meet his family, she finds out that Nick is the heir to a huge hotel empire. What ensues is a lot of  family drama, beautiful Singapore sights, and a lot of crazy rich scenes. 

A childhood favourite of mine, Serendipity is one of those movies that will either make you believe that the universe really does conspire for two people to be together or make you feel annoyed at these two people clearly meant to be together leaving it all up to fate. Jon (John Cusak) and Sara (Kate Beckinsale) part ways after a night of romance as they are both in committed relationships, but their intense connection and twists of fate keep bringing them together.

Who doesn't love Mama Mia? Now a rendition being performed on Broadway, this start-studded movie is one of the most fun Hollywood musicals of all time. When Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) decides to find out who her father is and invites all three of her mother's (Meryl Streep) exes (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard) to her wedding, it leads to super cute consequences. Watch it for the friendship between Streep's character Donna and her three friends and the amazing ABBA songs. 

A millennial favourite, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na was the first movie of both Irfan Khan (Jay) and Genelia D'Souza (Aditi). Two best friends, Jay and Aditi insist that they are not in love with each other and try to find partners for each other. Only after they start seeing other people do they realise the intensity of their romantic feelings for each other. Complete with an airport chase, horses, a road trip and a talking portrait of Naseeruddin Shah, this movie is super entertaining watch! 

This one is intense, and you should be prepared to cry. Tomas (Franz Rogowoski) and Martin's (Ben Wishaw) relationship becomes complicated and is put to the test when one of them starts a relationship with a younger woman Agathe (Adèle Exarchopoulos). The movie talks about the complex nature of long-term relationships and the fluidity of sexuality. 

Another Bollywood classic, Jab We Met follows the life of Geet (Kareena Kapoor), a bubbly girl studying in Punjab, who meets Aditya (Shahid Kapoor), a telecom tycoon on a train to Bhatinda. When they miss their train due to hilarious events, and Aditya helps Geet run away to be with her boyfriend, they strike up a friendship and an unbreakable bond, with Aditya falling in love with Geet. 

Kar-Wai Wong's cinematic masterpiece, In The Mood For Love is a beautiful movie that I think everyone needs to watch. It is about two people (Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai) who live in the same apartment complex and build a slow and steady friendship and romance, finding companionship in each other while they partners spend most of their time away from them. 

One of Ranbir Kapoor's breakout movies, Anurag Basu tells the story of Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor) and Jhilmil (Priyanka Chopra), and how they form a special bond with Barfi taking care of Jhilmil's special needs and them building a life together. What complicated their cute little story is when Barfi's old flame Shruti (Ileana D'Cruz) walks back into his life, causing misunderstandings between him and his wife. An added bonus is the beautiful music. 

This one is for the ones recovering from a break-up. Jenny (Gina Rodriguez), a music journalist, has been in a nine-year long relationship with Nate (LaKeith Stanfield), until he decides to suddenly break their relationship off. Over the course of the next few days, Jenny tries to deal with the grief of this life, while preparing for a life in LA, where she is moving for her dream job. Strap in for a lot of crying, a lot of beautiful female friendships, and great music.

Sasha (Ali Wong) is a super successful celebrity chef in New York and has come back home to open another restaurant. While there, she rekindles her friendship with her high-school best friend Marcus (Randall Park), who is a failed musician. Even though there is obvious chemistry between the two, there are misunderstandings and fights because of how different their lives look and what they both think they want from their life. This is a super cute and heartwarming movie with a lot of great Asian food and a special appearance by Keanu Reeves.

When I say be prepared for your heart to break, trust me, I mean it 100%. This critically acclaimed French film is about two women, Marriane (Noemie Merlant) and Heloise (Adele Haelene). When Marriane is commissioned to paint a portrait of Heloise, they strike up a relationship that soon turns to love. Not being able to be with each other, they both have to come to terms with their reality.

Another heavy and heartbreaking movie, this one deals with sexual assault, race and the US criminal justice system. Clementine aka Tish (KiKi Layne) and Alonzo aka Fonny (Stephan James) have been childhood bestfriends and are now married to each other. But their quaint life is challenged and is in enormous upheaval when Fonny is accused of rape. A pregnant Tish then sets out on a brave journey to prove his innocence.

A thriller dance performance, fashion magazine shoots, a beautiful Jennifer Garner and a gorgeous Mark Ruffalo, need we say more? But I will, because this is the cutest rom-com out there. Jenny and Matty are childhood best friends, on Jenny's thirteenth birthday she sits under wishing dust and wishes she was 30 and popular and successful, and the wish comes true! Jenny wake up to find herself 30 and in an unfamiliar life with all the things she wished for, but no real love or friends, until she reconnects with Matt.

The ultimate romance movie, Sleepless In Seattle is about a young boy trying to help is dad find love. Sam's (Tom Hanks) 8 year old makes him call a radio show with the hopes that he would find a companion. Anne (Meg Ryan), who is unhappy with her relationship, hears Sam on the radio and decides to write to him to meet her at the top of the Empire State Building. What ensues is a series of events and bring them together and push them away. 

Adapted from a beautiful book by the same name, One Day takes place over a timeline of many years. Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) meet on the night of their graduation and then decide to meet every year on 15 July to see where they are in life. Over a period of 18 years, their relationship evolves and takes many heartwarming forms. 

The newest internet sensation and again, based on a book by the same name, Red, White & Royal Blue is everyone's newest movie to obsess over. Two high-profile young boys, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), the first son of the United States, and Price Henry II (Nicholas Galitzine) fall in love and start a very steamy relationship. But because of the positions they hold, they must keep their relationship a secret, leading to complications between them. 

If you're a fan of The Office, you will love this Steve Carell starrer. When Cal (Carell) finds out his wife wants a divorce, he is heartbroken and unable to move on. Then he meets Jacob (Ryan Gosling), who teaches him how to pick up women and insists that it is the best way for him to move on. All is well, until the biggest twist of all tests not only Jacob and Cal's friendship but also Jacob's newest relationship. 

No matter what you say about La La Land, words will always fall short. This Oscar-nominated film follows the file of Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a pianist who wants to one day open his own jazz bar, and Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress. After meeting at a party and starting a romance, they both fall deeply in love but must deal with and overcome the challenges their ever-changing lives throws at their relationship. Watch for the wonderful cinematography, the spendid performance and the stunning music. 

A Shah Rukh classic, Veer Zara is about love that survives a separation by borders, religion, and time. After a chance meeting, an Indian pilot, Veer (Shah Rukh Khan), a Pakistani girl, Zara (Preity Zinta) fall in love and strike up a romance. But they are forced to be apart as Veer spends his years in a Pakistani prison while Zara is made to believe his is dead. 

An absolute 80s classic, Say Anything is about changing for the better when in love. Diane (Ione Sky) meets and falls in love with Llyod (John Cusak), and while they are happy together, Diane's father tries to convince her to cut him loose as he is an underachiever who doesn't match up to her causing troubles in their relationship. If you don't know where the iconic boombox outside your window trope comes from, it is this one!