While they might not always ring true to real life, here’s why these romantic comedy icons prove that the ’90s and ’00s were the golden eras of romance!
Why It’s Romantic: Who can forget that thundery kiss as Charles proposes a no-marriage commitment to Carrie? Ruined hair aside, there’s something kinda romantic about a kiss in the rain. I mean, what would a ’90s rom-com be without a bit of Hugh too? Romance Rating: 💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Another Hugh Grant classic, Notting Hill ends in true ’90s rom-com style with a public declaration of love at a press conference. A heart-warming mix of longing looks across a room alongside some well-timed one-liners gives this movie the romance wow-factor. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Joy tells Jack she doesn’t want the money and Jack realises he’s fallen for Joy. Their second proposal marks the turning point of their relationship and the warring couple sees the error of their ways. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Although this movie deals with some heavier topics at times, at its heart this film is the classic ‘opposites attract’ rom-com. Despite his fear of heights, in the end, Edward climbs up to Vivian’s apartment window and they agree they’ve rescued each other. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: While barging someone’s gate with your car isn’t to be recommended, you’ve gotta admire Tom’s determination to win his wife back when her family stop them from reconciling. Romance Rating: 💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: If ’90s movies do anything well, it’s popular girl/guy meets unpopular student and they fall in love. Clueless embodies the realisation we’ve all been through, that outside of school popularity means nothing and you love who you love. Romance Rating: 💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: As Cady wins Spring Fling Queen, she gives a heartfelt speech showing how she’s grown and apologises for her actions. Aaron has her back throughout the movie, encouraging her to be who she really is. As the students dance, they share a kiss…awww. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Lovestruck Tom brings out the softer side of love-sceptic Summer, however Summer is unapologetically who she is despite Tom wanting her to be someone else. It’s perhaps a message of self-love rather than traditional romance, and maybe a little more thought-provoking than many other rom-coms. Romance Rating: 💖 Why It’s Romantic: As Mary says in the movie “did you ever like somebody, but the timing is off?”. As Steve and Fran decide to part as friends, Mary gives into the love she’s been fighting pretty much all her life. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Despite some problematic moments, this movie is an early noughties classic for a reason. I mean, if running through the streets in your pants doesn’t scream “I love you” then I don’t know what does TBH. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Despite Marissa not feeling she can show who she truly is, Chris shows her that he wants to be with her and asks if any of her feelings were real. He reassures her of his intentions and says “you think you had to lie to keep me interested, you didn’t give me a chance.” Their worlds collide and they begin a relationship. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The couple realise they’re genuinely into each other while on holiday visiting Ben’s family. As with any great rom-com, the ending results in a taxi chase for the big finale. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The super satisfying ending to the film involves a wedding as Robbie finally wins his girl. There’s little better than seeing the nice guy come first. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Who can forget that heart-breaking moment when Brooke invites Gary to a concert in the hope of winning him back and he doesn’t turn up? But, in a turn of events, the true romance comes when Gary cooks a dinner and gives a heartfelt speech in the hope of reconciliation. There’s something kinda romantic about the eventual break-up as both characters are at peace and realise their mistakes. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Cliff encourages Torrance in her cheerleading, even when she’s close to quitting. He’s there for her as a friend during her relationship with Aaron, then finally gets his girl at the end of the film. Altogether now: “ahhhh.” Romance Rating: 💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Ben consoling Lucy as she discovers her mum’s new life is seriously cute. I mean, who doesn’t appreciate someone being there in their hour of need? Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Kevin is Violet’s biggest cheerleader throughout the movie, reminding her why she wants to become a singer, even when things get tough. The pair kiss at the end of the movie when LeAnn Rimes ends up recording Violet’s song…does it get any better? Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: As a caffeine-loving girlie, this one won me over with Kevin bringing Charlie a coffee on the beach. Plus, his detailed description of her eyes is adorable, just saying. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Joe turns up at Jess’ family home to let her dad know a scout is coming to their football game and he doesn’t want to give up on her. He also acknowledges how much her family care about her – we love a supportive beau! Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: Who can forget the satisfying moment when the crowds chant Austin’s name as he watches Sam leave the baseball game. He pulls off his baseball helmet, runs after her for a kiss, and of course, the heavens open. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: That agonising wait for Sam to turn up at the baseball game, and the way that Sam accepts Josie just as she is after years of being picked on had me sobbing. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The boat date the twins arrange where parents Nick and Liz reminisce, the reunion kiss at the end as Nick and Hallie surprise Annie and Liz in London. We love it when a plan comes together! Romance Rating: 💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The razzle sharing and Matty giving Jenna the doll’s house he’s built for her over the years…I’m not crying, you are. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The whole table singing ‘I say a little prayer’ at the pre-wedding gathering, Michael’s realisation that Kimmy’s the one for him, and Jules and Michael being honest about being the man and woman in each other’s lives… what’s not to love? Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The way Graham helps Amanda to be vulnerable, Miles asking heartbroken Iris out on an NYE date… it’s giving me all the feels. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖 Why It’s Romantic: The famous airport scene at the end, Jamie proposing to Auerlia, Natalie saving the boring biscuits with no chocolate on for the Prime Minister’s competitor, the different kinds of love are all iconic. Romance Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖
