Don't worry; Gigli does not make this list.
Picture this: it's a Friday night; you're feeling thoughtful and generous. Instead of subjecting your girlfriend to the usual Leinster match, complete with supersonic commentary 'as Gaeilge' that's sure to drill right through your skull and carve out a nasty headache, you offer to watch a movie of her choice. You even volunteer to make the tea (or pour the Prosecco) and run to the shop for a Galaxy caramel or four, securing you with extra non-refundable brownie points for the weekend ahead. You're a real keeper, you. Then, if your girlfriend is anything like me, she'll suggest what I like to call a good shit movie.
You know, one of those movies that are categorically God-awful, but quite satisfying too. Well, she certainly thinks so. At this point you wince, smile through gritted teeth and sit down for what you suspect will be two hours of mind numbing torture you'll never get back. Behold, the 'Good Shit Movie' genre: the movie you'd really rather not sit through but by the time the closing credits roll, you'll admit, however begrudgingly that, well, it wasn't half bad at all.
You can safely consider this genre to be a close relative to the rom-com category. There's usually a dalliance of some sort, there'll be plenty of opportunities to say aloud 'this is complete and utter bullshit and could never happen in real life' (to which she will respond, 'and yes, darling, Star Wars is so rooted in reality), but you'll bloody well enjoy it. You'll feel fuzzy inside, and as your girlfriend drifts off to sleep with 40 minutes of the movie to go, you'll continue watching 'til the end because you know... this is by no means a shit movie; it's a good shit movie.
Here's our definitive list to look forward to this weekend, and every other weekend 'til death do you part.
21. SERENDIPITY
Sorry, but anything that stars John Cusack and Jeremy Piven is Oscar worthy. The soundtrack; the juxtaposition of NYC versus San Fran; the utter cheesiness - we'll take it all please.
20. SHE'S THE MAN
The point at which Channing Tatum's career was on the cusp of greatness.
19. NOTTING HILL
Deep down we all have a soft spot for Hugh Grant
18. MICKEY BLUE EYES
Hence his second mention on this list. Also, this movie is damn funny.
17. THE PRINCESS DIARIES
Any movie with a decent make-over is worth the watch, even if it stars Mandy Moore.
16. BECAUSE I SAID SO
Actually, we spoke too soon; Mandy Moore is a solid actress, as proven in this flick where she stars opposite Diane Keaton.
15. GET OVER IT
High school rom-com like you've never seen it. If you say no to the suggestion of a rom-com that stars Sisqo, you ought to check your pulse.
14. OBSESSED
A Beyonce movie about a psycho stalker who has the hots for her husband played by Idris Elba? Hells YEAH.
13. ONE FINE DAY
George Clooney; enough said.
12. IT'S COMPLICATED
Sorry but this is rom-com gold. Alec Baldwin and Meryl Streep are an on-screen match made in heaven.
11. MAID IN MANHATTAN
Well, we had to include one J-LO movie, didn't we?
10. THE BACK-UP PLAN
Make that two.
9. THE LAST SONG
Even if you just watch this movie for anthropological reasons, it's interesting to see Miley be Miley Cyrus before she became the Miley Cyrus we know today.
8. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Falling in love with someone in a coma and then getting the hots for his brother? An original concept, and one that we like.
7. REMEMBER ME
One of Robert Pattinson's finer offerings.
6. BURLESEQUE
We know, the mention of Cher and Christina Aguilera don't exactly excite us either, but did you know Stanley Tucci is in this movie? Case in point.
5. THE HOLIDAY
Only the best Christmas themed rom-com starring some of Hollywood's finest. And forget about the leading men, in this movie it's all about the old man Eli Wallach (God rest his soul).
4. THE WEDDING SINGER
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler before they should really have just GIVEN UP.
3. WHAT WOMEN WANT
Before Mel Gibson went a bit mad. And Helen Hunt's rocking some serious hair goals in this movie.
2. MADE OF HONOR
Patrick Dempsey and a 'will they won't they' plot. Marvellous drivel.
1. THE BEST OF ME
A relative newbie but one that you'll want to watch right 'til the end. Tissues at the ready.