I asked myself two questions while considering the movies for this list. Are the films funny enough that both women and men can enjoy them, and is there a feel-good love story integral to the plot? When I finished, a few of these films had moved up or down in the order, but none dropped off. Here are the movies I'd recommend to anyone looking for a few hours of laughs.
1. 'Love Actually'
© Universal Studios Home Entertainment
Hugh Grant (no stranger to the romantic comedy genre) plays a newly elected British Prime Minister in this ensemble piece with interconnected stories. The Christmas theme doesn't mean this one's just for watching during the holidays. Plus, Love Actually is not actually just for women!
2. 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'
© IFC Films
This little indie grew from a $5 million project into one of the biggest grossing romantic comedies of all time -- all because of positive word-of-mouth. Shows what a little help from the audience can do to promote worthy projects. It doesn't hurt that the film was smartly written and featured a top-notch ensemble.
3. 'When Harry Met Sally'
© 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Meg Ryan's restaurant scene is one of the most recognizable scenes in movie history. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are wonderful in this romantic comedy about the trials and tribulations of friendships between men and women. The DVD includes a "Making Of" documentary, a Harry Connick Jr. music video, deleted scenes, and interviews with the stars of the film.
4. 'There's Something About Mary'
© 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Okay, so it's a little tasteless (after all, it is a Farrelly Brothers film), it's still a hilarious tale of love, jealousy, and persistence. Ben Stiller stars as a shy, yet lovable, loser who never gets over the love of his life, Mary (Cameron Diaz). And you'll never look at hair gel the same way after checking out this comedy. The DVD features include outtakes, commentary, and a music video.
5. 'Meet the Parents'
© Universal Studios Home Entertainment
This DVD is worth it just for the opportunity to watch Robert De Niro lose it while filming his scenes with Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller. This romantic comedy gem was so well-received, it spawned two sequels:Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers.
6. 'As Good As It Gets'
© Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Helen Hunt won an Academy Award for her portrayal of a hard-working single mom who is the target of unwanted, obsessive attention from a dysfunctional, anti-social, romance novelist (played to the hilt by Jack Nicholson). With a great supporting cast, including Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr., As Good As It Gets is as good as it gets.
7. 'The Wedding Singer'
© Warner Home Video
The Wedding Singer is an irresistible romantic comedy, teaming Adam Sandler with Drew Barrymore, and featuring a classic cameo by rocker Billy Idol. Set in the '80s, the film features some of the same music you hoped you'd never hear again, but in this film, it doesn't seem as bad as you remembered.
8. 'My Best Friend's Wedding'
© Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Best friends Julianne Potter (Julia Roberts) and Michael O'Neil (Dermot Mulroney) make a pact to marry if they are still single at age 28. Guess what age Julianne's about to turn? Cameron Diaz co-stars as Michael's fiancée who has the unenviable task of competing with Julianne for Michael's love.
9. 'A Life Less Ordinary'
© 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
Ewan McGregor and Cameron Diaz star in A Life Less Ordinary, an incredibly entertaining film that mixes romance, comedy, and karaoke, with angels masquerading as hit men. You may never have heard of this one as it came and went quickly in theaters, but it's worth a look on DVD.
10. 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'
© 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
An amazing cast, a tight, intelligent script, and an amusing storyline make Four Weddings and a Funeral a must-see/must-own romantic comedy.
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