Romance comedy, or the “rom-com,” is an extremely popular film genre, especially during the Valentine’s Day season. There are the classics that never get old, the cheesy yet entertaining, and the unfortunate ones that end up to be a waste of time. In my opinion, the best rom-coms are those that leave a lasting impression long after viewing. Some of my favorites stand out for that very reason. I know it left an impact when I’m talking about it with my friends the next day or still thinking about it a week later. Another top requirement is to include humor that is timeless and genuine as well as featuring characters who experience a meaningful development throughout the story. Of course, within the plot there needs to be that certain point where the two characters finally fall in love. This point can result in either a happily ever after, or an unexpected twist of heartache. Several films meet these standards, three in particular:

#1: Released in 1989, When Harry Met Sally, is a classic rom-com and one of my all-time favorites. The film portrays two college graduates, Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan). The two strangers share a car ride up to New York during which they discuss the question, can men and women ever just be friends? Throughout the film they both search for love, running into one another on multiple occasions. Eventually they reunite in a bookstore, where they start to form a friendship—one full of bickering. Nevertheless, their friendship takes a romantic turn towards the end of the film. When Harry Met Sally is much more than a simple ‘boy meets girl’ movie—the story has both layers and laugh-out-loud humor, which makes it incredibly worthwhile and memorable. The outstanding cinematography of New York City, the amazing acting, and writer Nora Efron’s witty dialogue are a winning combination. 

#2: 10 Things I Hate About You. A 1999 classic, the film captures the essence of teenage love and the familiar enemies-to-lovers formula. A new student, Cameron James (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) falls in love with popular girl Bianca Stratford (Larisa Oleynik). Bianca is not permitted to date unless her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) has a boyfriend. In order to date Bianca, Cameron attempts to make rebellious student Patrick (Heath Ledger) date Kat, an extremely anti-social and abrasive teenage girl who makes Cameron’s plan far more difficult. Directed by Gil Junger, the movie is hilarious, witty, and encapsulates the edgy ’90s aesthetic of grunge.

#3: Sleepless in Seattle, which  premiered in 1993 stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. The movie centers around a widowed architect, Sam Baldwin (Hanks) who lives in Seattle with his eight-year-old son Jonah. Jonah calls in on “You and Your Emotions,” a talk radio station where he hopes to find a new wife for his father. The host asks to speak with Sam, who reluctantly discusses his emotions regarding his wife’s death. Annie Reed (Ryan) and thousands of other women across the country fall in love with Sam and write him letters after hearing his story. Annie’s letter asks him to meet at the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine’s Day even though she herself is engaged. The movie continues to be a complicated yet romantic storyline illustrating the themes of fate, love, and humor.

I find that these films are ones I can watch over and over again without getting bored. They all include “that moment” of falling in love, and effortless humor which makes you appreciate it even more. It is clear that my favorites are certainly not new, but rather from the late ’80s to the late ’90s. I’ve noticed that the newer rom-coms are not as good as they used to be. The comedy most often feels forced; the plots, not as nostalgic; the characters, lacking strong development arcs. When Harry Met Sally, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Sleepless in Seattle all bring a sense of comfort that truly resonates and are perfect picks for this Valentine’s Day season.