There is nothing like agood romantic comedyto lift your spirits! What we love about this beloved genre is the perfect mixture between love, laughter, and sometimes heartbreak. Romantic comedies leave people with a sense of warmth and comfort that is unlike any other movie genre. That, as a result, has many coming back over and over for more. Romantic comedies have become astaple in popular moviegenres and many are now considered to be “must-watches” or “instant classics.”
What’s not to love about love? We know everyone’sromantic comedy tiered listis going to look different, which is fair. There is a lot to take into consideration. You could base it on mainly the comedy, the main character, the chemistry between the main couple, or maybe even the supporting cast. However, there is one ranking statistic that is pretty much indisputable: box office gross. Of course, how much a movie makes does not always mean it is the best or the most popular among lovers of the genre. However, it does say something about the movie when people go out of their way and purchase a ticket to see it. Check out this list of the highest-grossing romantic comedies of all time.
Related:Best Movie Couples in Romantic Comedy History, Ranked
10Runaway Bride — $152.2M
Now, is it even possible to have a list of romantic comedies without including Julia Roberts?Runaway Brideis a 1999 film that follows our protagonist Maggie Carpenter, played by Roberts, who has the tendency to not go through with some very big life decisions. Maggie has left a whopping three men at the altar and has now established the reputation of a “runaway bride.” However, when journalist Ike Graham (Richard Gere) is absolutely certain that she’ll not make it down the aisle the fourth time, he ends up falling for her himself.Runaway Brideincorporates some of the best elements of a romantic comedy, making this one an instant classic, not to mention it made loads of money.
9Sex and the City — $152.6M
Sex and the Citywas originally a romance series that started in 1998 on HBO. With an already established fan base,Sex and the City: The Moviewas sure to be a success — and it was! The 2008 film follows Carrie Bradshaw (Sara Jessica Parker) and her three best friends Samantha (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte (Kristin Davis), and Miranda (Cynthia Nixon) as they now all face the realities of life in the big city, from love to their undecided futures. TheSex and the Cityseries went on for six seasons, and the movie is available to stream on HBO Max.
8The Proposal — $163M
Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds are romantic comedy GOLD!The Proposal, a romantic comedy following Margaret Tate, a book editor, who proclaims a false engagement to her assistant (Ryan Reynolds) out of concern over her possible deportation back to Canada, is a recipe for disaster. However, the fake-dating trope and a workplace romance bundled up in one movie is a recipe for one hell of a romantic comedy. Of course, Bullock and Reynolds absolutely nail it.
7Crazy Rich Asians — $174M
Crazy Rich Asiansis the most recent romantic comedy on this list, but there is no doubt that it fits right in. In 2018,Crazy Rich Asianstook the film world by storm as it showcased a romantic comedy surrounding Asian and Asian-American culture in a new and refreshing way. As an adaptation of Kevin Kwan’s acclaimed novel,Crazy Rich Asiansput the careers of Constance Wu and Henry Golding on the map, as their characters Rachel Chu and Nick Young, respectively, spend some time with Nick’s crazy rich family in Singapore.Crazy Rich Asianswas agroundbreaking film for Asian representationin the entertainment world and grossed a whopping $174 million.
6There’s Something About Mary — $176M
Man, there’s something about the 1990s. Cameron Diaz, Ben Stiller, and Matt Dillion are absolutely dynamic in the 1998 romantic comedyThere’s Something About Mary. This movie is about a possible second chance at romance for Ted (Stiller) and Mary (Diaz) after a disaster of a date from their high school years. However, reconnecting is not as simple as just a simple phone call in this rom-com. This absolute classic is a must for any lover of romantic comedies, and you’re able to watch it on Hulu.
Related:The Biggest Rom-Com Actresses of All Time
5Pretty Woman — $178M
Julia Roberts and Richard Gere are it. They’re just IT.Pretty Womancame out in 1990, and it is the classic story of a very surprising and unlikely pair. Roberts plays a sex worker named Vivian who ends up getting paid to stay the weekend with wealthy businessman Edward, played by Gere. Obviously, in true rom-com fashion, they fall for each other. If you, for any reason, have not yet seenPretty Woman, then it is available on Amazon Prime Video.
4Hitch — $179M
InHitch, the 2005 film from Andy Tennant,Will Smith starsas Alex Hitchens, a dating/relationship coach who is tasked to help a new client (Kevin James) win the heart of Allegra Cole (Amber Valetta). In the midst of all this, Alex is also trying to jumpstart a romance with Sara Melas (Eva Mendes) and just coming up short. With both potential relationships on the line as things get more and more complicated, this romantic comedy is a must-see if you want to laugh and get butterflies at the same time.
3What Women Want — $182M
In a surprising twist of events,What Women Wantis not your typical romantic comedy. In fact, fantasy is incorporated hilariously into the plot as our main character, Nick Marshall (Mel Gibson) develops the striking ability to read the minds of women. After using is newfound ability to win over the woman he is falling for, he begins to question his unfair advantage in the relationship.What Women Wantis all the quirky, funny, and romantic fun you could ever want.
2Mr. & Mrs. Smith — $186M
Our Brangelina hearts are bursting.Mr. & Mrs. Smithis an amazing balance between a thrilling, action-packed spy movie and a romantic comedy. Starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt,Mr. & Mrs. Smithfollows the dissipating marriage between John and Jane Smith. Their marriage, in simple terms, is pretty boring. That is, until they find out that they are both assassins. Yes, you read that right. Grossing an insane $186 million, it is definitely one to check out.
1My Big Fat Greek Wedding — $241M
At the top of this list, of course, isMy Big Fat Greek Wedding. This hilarious romantic comedy focuses on the practically nonexistent love life of 30-year-old Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos). Nonexistent for sure, until she falls in love with a handsome, not Greek, vegetarian teacher. However, she is dreading what her family is going to think when she breaks the news. If you just couldn’t get enough of this movie,My Big Fat Greek Weddingdid in fact have a sequel that was released in 2016, fittingly titledMy Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.
