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Pretty Woman is easily one of the most popular romantic comedies of all time. The rags-to-riches tale of a sex worker who falls in love with a wealthy businessman has charmed audiences the world over and made Julia Roberts into a movie star overnight.
But is it the best?
While Pretty Woman continues to endure as a high point of the rom-com genre, we feel that there are just three other romantic comedy movies that manage to surpass it.
Watch With Us has pooled together a list of rom-coms that we believe are the only ones that outshine Pretty Woman.
‘The Princess Bride’ (1987)
While in bed recovering from illness, a young boy (Fred Savage) receives a visit from his grandfather (Peter Falk), who brings the fantasy romance story of Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) and the swashbuckling farmhand, Westley (Cary Elwes). Reluctant to be read a “love story,” the boy can’t help but be pulled into the riveting tale of pirates, giants, duels to the death and, ultimately, true love. After Buttercup falls in love with Westley while he works for her, he leaves to seek a fortune for them. In his absence, Buttercup is forcibly betrothed to the nefarious Prince Humperdink (Chris Sarandon), and Westley must return to fight for his soulmate.
Infused with charm, tenderness and laugh-out-loud humor through direction by Rob Reiner and a screenplay by William Goldman, The Princess Bride is a timeless fantasy-adventure rom-com classic that will tug at your heartstrings just as intensely as it leaves you in stitches. The post-modern fairytale is a deft blend of romance, action and comedy that takes familiar tropes of damsels in distress and turns them into something fresh and exciting. Almost 40 years later, The Princess Bride still feels just as fresh.
‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’ (2001)
32-year-old publicity assistant Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) decides her life needs an overhaul, and at the start of the new year, she dedicates herself to keeping a diary to help make herself accountable for quitting smoking, drinking less and losing weight. Having mostly relegated her fantasies about her attractive but womanizing boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), to only her diary musings, the two begin flirting at the office. But no sooner does Bridget begin manifesting the life she wants to have than she suddenly finds herself the object of affection between two handsome men: Daniel and his ex-friend, Mark (Colin Firth).
Part of the reason Bridget Jones’s Diary has endured is its relatable and unapologetically authentic portrayal of womanhood through the character of Bridget, a flawed woman struggling to navigate a hellish modern dating landscape. Bridget’s humorous inner monologues are both insightful and hilarious, allowing her to be an endearing and memorable character. Ultimately, the movie is an honest look at the desire for love, connection and self-acceptance.
‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall’ (2008)
Composer Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) was formerly known as the boyfriend of TV star Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell), but after she unceremoniously dumps him for British rockstar Aldous Snow (Russell Brand), Peter would rather just not exist. Struggling with the breakup, Peter decides to help himself get over Sarah by booking a trip to Oahu, Hawaii — but when he gets there, he finds his ex already staying there with her new boyfriend. Nevertheless, Peter tries to make the most of his less-than-ideal vacation, where he befriends the pretty hotel receptionist (Mila Kunis) and a doofy surfing instructor (Paul Rudd).
Forgetting Sarah Marshall is a rom-com that is equal parts funny and tender; a warm-hearted look at forgiveness, moving past heartbreak and finding new love that is unique in that it is essentially a romantic comedy geared towards men. Segel is outstanding in his role as the desperate and painfully humiliated Peter, and the film surpasses any notions of just being a superficial bro comedy in its nuanced screenplay and well-developed characters. Plus, the in-universe Dracula puppet musical is a genuine work of art.
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