While the romantic comedy seems to be experiencing something of a resurgence in popularity, it’s important to remember that it has had many previous successes throughout Hollywood's long history. There are, therefore, dozens of romantic comedies that are worth watching, though obviously whether one likes them or not depends on a variety of factors.
To help make the choosing a bit easier, it is sometimes useful to use such lenses as the Chinese zodiac, such as the figure of the dragon, to figure out which romantic comedies are worth watching and which ones are good to avoid altogether. Dragons are typically dominant and individualistic so in a genre literally built on the idea of finding The One, what movies should they give a chance and avoid? Without further delay, here are 5 rom-coms that someone born on the Year of the Dragon would love and 5 more they would hate.
LOVE: Isn’t It Romantic (2019)
There’s something uniquely pleasurable about a romantic comedy that mocks its own genre even while adhering to its plot points, and that is exactly what happens in Isn’t it Romantic.
What really gives the film that extra bit of bite, however, is the presence of Rebel Wilson, who plays Natalie. In the movie, Natalie is a young woman who hates rom coms and yet somehow manages to find herself in one. With her usual saucy wit and comic timing, Wilson carries the film to the finish line.
HATE: Meet the Parents (2000)
The first in a series of films, Meet the Parents follows the misadventures of Ben Stiller’s Greg as he tries to make a good impression on his domineering and powerful father-in-law, played by Robert De Niro.
It’s an undeniably funny movie but for most of it, Greg seems unable to really seize control of the situation and bend it to his own advantage. A domineering and powerful personality like the dragon will probably find their patience beginning to flag quite quickly.
LOVE: The Proposal (2009)
There’s undeniable chemistry here between leads Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, who star as an editor and her assistant respectively who pretend to be engaged in order to keep her from being deported.
The dragon will appreciate Bullock’s no-nonsense demeanor, but they will especially appreciate the brilliant comedic skills of one Betty White. In fact White, in true dragon fashion, threatens to steal the entire film. Then again, who doesn’t want to see more of Betty White?
HATE: My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
In many ways, My Big Fat Greek Wedding is emblematic of the early 2000's style of romantic comedy, and it is perhaps its ability to capture the spirit of the age that allowed it to be such an enormous financial success. However, there is a great deal to this film that is in opposition to the dragon.
Since the movie is in many ways about the bonds of family, it tends to efface the particularity of the individual in the face of the collective - something that the individualistic dragon will struggle to appreciate.
LOVE: 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
This is one of the most iconic teen romantic comedies of the '90s, and there is an undeniable chemistry between Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger. They both play powerful personalities, and neither of them prove willing to bend as they engage in their hostile courtship.
The dragon will particularly appreciate the intelligence of the script, which is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, as well as the sharp wit and tremendous talent of Julia Stiles.
HATE: Just Married (2003)
Just Married is one of those romantic comedies that, despite the presence of two undeniably charismatic stars (Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy) just can’t quite get beyond the limits of its screenplay.
In this case, the two leads play a newly married couple that endures all sorts of mishaps, some of their own creation, while on their honeymoon. There’s an undeniable charm to the two of them, but the repetitious nature of the plot and the general dimwittedness of Kutcher’s character make this an unlikely fit for the dragon.
LOVE: Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Netflix's Always Be My Maybe may be a sign that the romantic comedy is at last showing signs of life again. Focusing on two people who reconnect after a brief hookup in their youth, it’s a charming and infectiously enjoyable reminder of why the romantic comedy has always been such a popular genre.
The fact that there is undeniable chemistry between the two leads, and that they are both very strong personalities with their own desires, makes this an ideal romantic comedy for the dragon to enjoy.
HATE: Say Anything (1989)
Say Anything focuses on the unusual romance between John Cusack’s average student and Ione Skye’s brilliant valedictorian.
Though it’s precisely this meeting of opposites that gives the film its romantic charge, it will be hard for the dragon not to feel that a valedictorian should, indeed, be looking for a partner that can match her abilities rather than settling for someone so obviously far below her. Coincidentally, this is a point her family keeps insisting upon.
LOVE: Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Sweet Home Alabama is one of those sweet, delightful romantic comedies that could only have emerged in the late '90s and early 2000s. Starring Reese Witherspoon, Patrick Dempsey, and Josh Lucas, it’s about a young woman’s attempts to get a divorce from her husband so that she can start a new life with another man, only to realize that she’s still in love with him.
The dragon will feel particularly drawn to Witherspoon’s performance as Melanie, a woman who knows what she wants and is absolutely determined to get it.
HATE: He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)
There are two key factors mitigating against this romantic comedy really resonating with the dragon. First is the fact that it is very much an ensemble film, with various characters and their romantic problems. The second is that one of these characters, Gigi, seems to go out of her way to misunderstand the various cues that her dates give her.
At times this can be a bit charming, but ultimately the fact that she is so hapless will lead the dragon to lose patience with her and the film as a whole.