Top Rom-Coms to Watch From Every Decade

To fuel your Valentine’s Day movie watchlist

Watch them & weep

I mean… will we ever be over Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone landing the lift while dancing to “I’ve had the time of my life”? Or Elle Woods finally ending up with the colleague we knew truly loved her all along? The passionate anthem of “Bennie & The Jets” in 27 Dresses is somewhat all-time, in our opinion. In case you needed a blast from the past, or you’re planning a party for Galentine’s, or you honest-to-goodness are just craving a dose of timeless love to keep the dream alive. A movie list of our top romantic comedies, compiled from the decades.

Rom-coms are better with friends who will quote the best lines with you. Once you’ve picked a favorite, sign up free and plan a movie night with Partytrick. Invitations, RSVPs, and snack plans live in one place.

80s rom-coms:

1. When Harry Met Sally (1989 Meg Ryan)
2. Tootsie (1982)
3. Sixteen Candles (1984)
4. Dirty Dancing (1987)
5. The Princess Bride (1987)

90s rom-coms:

1. You've Got Mail (1998 Meg Ryan)
2. My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)
3. Pretty Woman (1990)
4. The Wedding Singer (1998)
5. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Early 2000s rom-coms:

1. The Notebook (2004)
2. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
3. Legally Blonde (2001)
4. Hitch (2005)
5. Bridget Jones’ Diary (2001)
6. The Proposal (2009)
7. P.S. I love You (2007)
8. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
9. Princess Diaries (2001)
10. Just Friends (2005)

Found a favorite yet? Turn it into a Friday night. Pick the movie, invite a few friends, and let Partytrick keep the RSVPs and snack list organized. Start planning free.

The 2010s to today:

1. Bridesmaids (2011)
2. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
3. 27 Dresses (2008)
4. About Time (2013)
5. Easy A (2010)
6. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
7. Trainwreck (2015)
8. La La Land (2016)
9. Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
10. Book of Love (2022)

There’s truly nothing more to say here. Do we advise watching them all in one sitting? We’ll let you answer that.

Host a Rom-Com Night by Decade

Let your friends vote on a decade, then build the evening around it.

Pair a ’90s pick with popcorn and a playlist from the same year, or go old-Hollywood with a classic and something sparkling to drink. Invite guests to dress from the decade if they want to, but keep it optional. Set an arrival time 30 minutes before you press play so there’s room to catch up first. Plan your rom-com night free with Partytrick.

Plan Your Rom-Com Night with Partytrick

You bring the movie and the popcorn. Partytrick handles the rest: invitations, RSVPs, and a plan that gets everyone on the couch by showtime.

Start with the Movie Night Playbook: It's got everything you need to plan a cozy night, complete with snack and app ideas, decor inspo, and tips to make it fun for you and your people.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Sign up for a free Partytrick account and open the Movie Night Playbook.
2. Create your gathering and set the date.
3. Send invitations with your movie pick and what you’re serving.

Sign up free and plan your rom-com night. Not hosting yet? Get more hosting ideas in your inbox.

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