Romantic comedies are a genre that often divides casual audiences and critics more than others. Those who review films for a living seem to want more from these movies, not falling for the tropes that have become expected from these releases. Meanwhile, moviegoers always seem up for a fun rom-com even if they know what's coming.
There's something comforting about the entire thing. That is why there are plenty of rom-coms that have been blasted by critics and labeled as "rotten" on Rotten Tomatoes, only for the response from viewers to be much more positive, leading to higher scores on IMDb.
Holidate (2020) - RT: 43%/IMDb: 6.1
Stream On Netflix
There is no shortage of Christmas movies available on various streaming services, so it was welcome that Holidate went a different route. The film focuses on many different holidays, centering on two strangers who agree to be each other's platonic dates for every holiday.
Of course, the romantic part of the story sees the two fall in love along the way as you'd expect. Critics didn't like some of the vulgar jokes and the premise but audiences were more positive about it. The strongest part had to be the chemistry between the talented Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey.
Love And Other Drugs (2010) - RT: 49%/IMDb: 6.7
Rent On Apple TV
Speaking of chemistry, that's the driving force behind Love and Other Drugs. Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway are electric together in this film and watching them do just about anything is captivating.
The plot follows a medicine peddler and a woman with Parkinson's disease as they fall for each other in complicated ways. Although critics didn't appreciate this, Gyllenhaal and Hathaway both nabbed Golden Globe nominations and audiences thought that it was very good.
50 First Dates (2004) - RT: 45%/IMDb: 6.8
Rent On Vudu
One of the most consistent on-screen pairings in rom-coms is Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. In between the beloved The Wedding Singer and the less popular Blended, they starred together in 50 First Dates.
In this, Sandler's character has to win the heart of Barrymore's character every day because an accident caused her to have no short-term memory, meaning she forgets who he is every night. Their chemistry was lauded and viewers love it but otherwise, critics found it to have too many gross-out comedy attempts.
Last Christmas (2019) - RT: 47%/IMDb: 6.5
Rent On Apple TV
It's next to impossible to get through the holiday season without hearing "Last Christmas" by Wham! Playing off of the popularity of the song, Last Christmas was a box office success starring Emilia Clarke and Henry Golding.
If you know the song, then you likely know the film's twist but saying too much else about it would give it away. Regardless, this was another case where critics liked the chemistry of the leads but were unimpressed by much else. Apparently, chemistry is more than enough for fans to enjoy a rom-com.
That Awkward Moment (2014) - RT: 22%/IMDb: 6.1
Rent On Vudu
If you were putting together a cast of young, up-and-coming actors during the mid-2010s you'd likely start with Michael B. Jordan, Imogen Poots, Zac Efron, and Mackenzie Davis, just to name a few. They were all part of That Awkward Moment, though that didn't lead to positive reviews.
That Awkward Moment is about three best friends in different stages of their relationships who all find themselves at a crossroads. Rotten Tomatoes lists it as "formulaic and unfunny" but it seems that audiences liked it just a bit more.
Along Came Polly (2004) - RT: 27%/IMDb: 6.0
Rent On Apple TV
In a lot of ways, Jennifer Aniston is a queen of rom-coms, though that does come with the caveat that a lot of those films were roasted by movie reviewers. She has helped lead The Break-Up, Just Go With It, The Switch, and Along Came Polly.
Here, she portrays the titular Polly who lives life on the edge and changes everything for the risk-averse man (Ben Stiller) she starts dating. This was a rare case when the chemistry wasn't praised, with most people pointing to the supporting cast (especially Philip Seymour Hoffman) for why this works.
The Ugly Truth (2009) - RT: 14%/IMDb: 6.4
Stream On Amazon Prime
Gerard Butler is one of those actors who most people enjoy and know is good but whose filmography is littered with stuff that critics were harsh on. Just look at Gamer, The Bounty Hunter, and Movie 43 for examples. The Ugly Truth also falls into that category.
The story sees a misogynistic man (Butler) become the popular part of a TV show produced by the woman (Katherine Heigl) he eventually falls for. It's a tried and true formula in the genre and it happens often because it works, even if critics disagree.
He's Just Not That Into You (2009) - RT: 41%/IMDb: 6.4
Stream On HBO Max
This is basically the Avengers: Infinity War of rom-coms as it boasts a ridiculously loaded cast of stars. He's Just Not That Into You includes Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johnsson, Ben Affleck, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Connelly, Bradley Cooper, and so many others.
The story is about nine people and the complications in their various relationships, with a common thread being Ginnifer Goodwin's Gigi. Critics felt this was too crowded, with some storylines not getting enough screen time. Still, audiences were into it.
The Nanny Diaries (2007) - RT: 34%/IMDb: 6.2
Stream On The Roku Channel & Vudu
It is well known that the actors of the Marvel Cinematic Universe have worked together in several movies outside of the franchise. However, nobody has done it quite like Scarlett Johansson and Chris Evans, who have appeared in a handful of films together, including The Nanny Diaries.
Years before either was cast in the legendary franchise, they were love interests in this film based on a 2002 novel of the same name. Audiences appreciate the lighthearted nature of the movie and it's fun to go back and see the two stars together.
The Proposal (2009) - RT: 44%/IMDb: 6.7
Stream On Amazon Prime, Peacock, & The Roku Channel
Sandra Bullock was on quite the roll in 2009. She earned herself an Academy Award for Best Actress thanks to her work in The Blind Side and was one of the leads in a beloved, box office rom-com, The Proposal.
The film sees Margaret (Bullock) get engaged to her overworked and disgruntled employee (Ryan Reynolds) in order to avoid deportation back to Canada. Critics were displeased with the formula but audiences couldn't get enough of Bullock and Reynolds together, or the hilarious Betty White supporting turn.