As Valentine’s Day festivities officially come two a close, it is time to review our favorite romantic comedies. The following list is a comprehensive ranking of the top three rom-coms to watch next Valentine’s Day season. Each of these films has been graded 1-10 in romance and comedy, totaling a score out of 20.
3. Crazy Rich Asians
“Crazy Rich Asians” chronicles the romantic getaway of Rachel Chu and Nick Young to Nick’s home in Singapore, where Rachel learns the hidden truth about the family of her long-term boyfriend: they are uber-wealthy. Throughout their trip, both Rachel and Nick are forced to navigate their relationship as protective mothers and judgemental aunties try their best to drive them apart. The romance in “Crazy Rich Asians” is something quite literally out of a novel, from the lavish setting to the dreamlike wedding Rachel and Nick attend. Stir that in with the major obstacles our leading couple is forced to overcome, and you have the perfect formula for a 10/10 romance. Comedically, however, our No. 3 film only earns a 7/10. Despite the numerous laugh-out-loud scenes, which primarily feature Rachel’s best friend, Peik Lin, the film also deals with a lot of heavy topics such as Ingrid’s divorce and Rachel’s struggle to be accepted, which tend to really bring down the mood. Scoring a high 17/20, “Crazy Rich Asians” is a must watch for any rom-com fanatic, who is looking for a movie with romance, comedy and something a little deeper.
2. She’s the Man
This modern retelling of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night” chronicles the journey of Viola Johnson as she disguises herself as her brother, Sebastian, so she can play for his school’s boys soccer team. She befriends Sebastian’s roommate, Duke Orsino, who agrees to help her make the first string in exchange for Sebastian’s (well technically Viola’s) help winning over his crush, Olivia. However, along the way he falls for a different girl, Viola. Romantically, “She’s the Man” scores a solid 8/10. While Viola and Duke have incredible chemistry, their romance feels secondary to the primary plot line about Viola’s mission to become a starter on the boys soccer team. However, what “She’s the Man” lacks in romance it makes up for tenfold in comedy, scoring a perfect 10/10 due to Viola’s numerous laugh-out-loud imitations of Sebastian. In total, “She’s the Man” is an exquisite and hilarious watch, scoring a total of 18/20.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You
Deep down Shakespeare must have been a teenage girl as he is two for two when it comes to rom-coms. Our top pick, “10 Things I Hate About You,” is another modern adaptation of one of his plays, “Taming of the Shrew.” It follows the complicated and hilarious love lives of the Stratford sisters. Younger sister Bianca is barred from dating until her older, intelligent and somewhat abrasive sister, Kat, has a boyfriend, so Bianca schemes with her more-than-friend, Cameron, to set up Kat with Australian bad boy, Patrick Verona. Verona’s mission: convince Kat to date him. In the romance department, “10 Things I Hate About You” is easily 10/10. The love-hate relationship between Kat and Patrick is executed beautifully, and their sarcastic banter throughout the movie is nothing short of perfection. When it comes to comedy this film earns a cool 9/10. Despite being made in the 90s, the ridiculousness of characters like Ms. Perky are still found hysterical by audiences today. However, one point does have to be deducted since some scenes don’t age well like when Bianca uses the R-word. Overall, “10 Things I Hate About You” should be viewed as the romcom to watch with its near-perfect 19/20.
