Scene

Seasonal romantic comedies

It’s that time of the year again! That uncomfortable post-Christmas period where it’s not quite winter, but still not spring. Enter Valentine’s Day or not; a candy-filled interlude to the awkward pause between seasons. Maybe you have plans to make a big, 80s John Cusack like gesture tonight, or you’re planning on spending some quality time with good friends (Galentines day am I right?) or maybe you just want to enjoy the company of your pals Ben&Jerry. Whatever you’re plans might be, here are some movie suggestions to match your mood:

  1. When Harry Met Sally

Nora Ephron’s brilliantly funny romantic comedy starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan came out in 1989, and still resonates today. Harry believes men and women can never been just friends, but Sally disagrees. The story follows the unlikely pair through 10 years of falling in and out of love and keeps audiences reeled in with a classic β€œwill they or won’t they?” plotline. The film also stars the late Carrie Fisher as Sally’s best friend and confidant, Marie.

Β  Β  Β  2. Shrek

I know what you must be thinking. Shrek? Get real, that’s a kids movie about ogres. Yes, but it’s so much more than that. On the surface, Dreamwork’s 2001 animated feature is a story about an ogre and his donkey sidekick sent to rescue a princess during medieval times. But like ogres, this film has many layers. It’s a story about love that goes beyond physical appearances and social norms. Shrek and Fiona’s was a love that defied all odds. Paired with a winning soundtrack and celebrity voiceover talent, Shrek is a light-hearted romantic comedy for the skeptic in all of us.

Β  Β  Β  3. You’ve Got Mail

In another romantic comedy from written and directed by Nora Ephron, this 1998

classic pits the owner of a struggling independent book store

Β the owner of a small independent bookstore, Kathleen, and the owner of a Barnes&Noble like chain bookstore against each other

Β  Β  Β  4. Crazy, Stupid Love

This untraditional love story begins when a middle-aged man, Cal, gets his life turned upside down when his wife of 10 years, Emily, suddenly asks him for a divorce. The film interconnects relationships between Cal and Emily- an outstanding performance from Steve Carell and Julianne Moore- their kids, the babysitter next door, and Cal’s friend Jacob, a slick ladies man who just might find the one he didn’t know he was looking for. Even with a star studded cast (Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin freaking Bacon etc.), my favorite thing about β€œCrazy, Stupid Love” is that is portrays the messy, awkward and honest parts about navigating relationships at any age in life. In a refreshing change, this film depicts just how crazy, stupid and sometimes wonderful love is.

Β  Β  Β  5. (500) Days of Summer

This unconventional romance movie is about a man who falls in love with a woman who doesn’t believe love exists, and the ups and downs of their relationship throughout a 500 day period. Zooey Deschanel, perfectly cast as Summer, seems like the woman of Tom’s dreams, but could her personal beliefs about love ultimately get in the way of their happily ever after? (500) Days of Summer is a witty, offbeat comedy that satisfies the cynic and romantic sides of everyone.

View the Print Edition

May 2, 2025

Stay in the loop