I’ve been watching romantic comedies before I even knew there were different movie genres. Nothing comforts me like a good rom-com that makes you laugh and cry within the space of 90 minutes (besides horror movies). They are the perfect movie genre to binge on humid summer nights. There are hundreds upon hundreds of rom-coms out there and it can be so overwhelming, so which are the best? Here’s a list of my top 10 favorites (and a couple of honorable mentions).

DISCLAIMER: All opinions expressed in this article are just my opinions and I think all rom-coms are a good watch. If you are underage, please proceed with caution as most of these deal with adult topics and view all rated-R movies with a guardian.

10. You’ve Got Mail (PG): Starting at the bottom of the list is “You’ve Got Mail.” I love the trope this movie started where two people know each other in person and also talk to each other online anonymously. This movie is at the bottom just because it is so long.

9. 50 First Dates (PG-13): It hurts me to put this movie so low on the list, but it is a bit more serious than most rom-coms. This is one of the few movies that I like with the amnesia trope because it is just done so well.

8. Enchanted (PG): Now I know this is a Disney movie, but this was the first rom-com I ever watched. I love the contrast of fairytales and New York City in this and overall this movie is so adorable and warms my heart.

7. Pretty Woman (R): I absolutely adore Julie Roberts and this movie just hits so different. Pretty Woman manages to be light-hearted while also including commentary on the horrors of sex work.

6. Mean Girls (PG-13): I feel like it wouldn’t be right to not include this pop-culture classic on the list. The reason it’s in the lower half is because it’s a little light on the romantic part of rom-com but this movie is still so ingrained in pop culture it needed a spot on this list.

5. Bridesmaids (R): This is absolutely one of the funniest movies I’ve ever seen and I love how woman-centered Bridesmaids is. The friendships that drive this movie are touching as well.

4. 13 Going on 30 (PG-13): While most people would not put this movie so high on their favorites, I used to watch this movie on repeat and it is so nostalgic for me. Jennifer Garner perfectly captured the enthusiasm of a 13-year-old getting to live the life of a woman who is “30, flirty, and thriving.”

3. Legally Blonde (PG-13): Coming in at number three is Legally Blonde. This movie is a perfect storm of everything I love: Reese Witherspoon, social commentary and classic lines. Reese Witherspoon is amazing in everything and I love the commentary this had on surpassing the expectations people put on you.

2. 10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13): 10 Things I Hate About You is a hilarious take on The Taming of the Shrew. This movie helped to boost Heath Ledger’s career and he is absolutely phenomenal. This movie manages to be woman-centered which almost never happens in teen rom-coms and it is the original hate-to-love rom-com.

1. How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days (PG-13): At the very top of my list is How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days. This is my ultimate comfort movie that never fails to bore me. Andie played by Kate Hudson, is one of the most relatable characters I’ve ever come across and I love how the two characters have opposite goals that bring each other together. Sparks fly, tears are shed, and absolutely epic early-2000s outfits are worn.

Honorable mentions:

Clueless (PG-13): This movie is so dramatic in the most amazing way possible. This movie is a retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma but turned into a bright pink, plastic, kids-are-adults world of Beverly Hills. 

Grease (PG-13): While Grease is not a traditional rom-com it has some amazing musical numbers that I still vibe to on the regular. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John were absolutely amazing in this and who doesn’t love some cool leather jackets.

When Harry Met Sally (R): This movie is an absolute classic and I couldn’t not mention it. While I think this one is a must-watch and is the foundation for the rom-com genre, it plays too much into gender stereotypes for my liking.

Let me know if I left any of your favorite rom-coms off my list in the comments!