There is a common misconception that men don't enjoy watching romantic comedies. More often than not, it's true... but that's because more often than not, romantic comedies suck. Let's be honest here, rom-coms are usually lowest common denominator trash that have two attractive people fall in love, then fall out of love, and then fall back in love with each other, usually in an airport, right at the end. But every now and again, all the elements will fall into place and there will be a great rom-com and men will say "Oh yeah, I liked that one!", and not just because it was a good rom-com, but because it was a good FILM! Here are five examples:
AMELIE (2001)
Yes, it's in French, and yes, it's so over-the-top-sweet in telling its love story that it might cause diabetes, but it's also fantastic. Audrey Tautou plays Amelie, an innocent pixie flitting around Paris, helping out others who need it, and along the way finds the love of her life. The movie's endless joie de vivre will win you over again and again, and will leave a huge smile plastered on your face.
GROUNDHOG DAY (1993)
Possibly the most high-concept romantic comedy of all time; Bill Murray plays a narky, sarky weatherman who is forced to relive the same day over and over until he sees the error of his ways, while also falling in love with his new boss, Andie MacDowell. Murray has rarely been more cynical or hilarious, the supporting characters are fantastic - "Ned!" (removes hat) "Ryerson!" – and it actually makes the usually dowdy MacDowell pretty close to desirable!
HIGH FIDELTY (2000)
There are actually quite a few John Cusack rom-coms that could take a spot on this list (Say Anything, Grosse Point Blank), but this one pips them all by having a killer soundtrack to go along with it. Cusack plays a record-store owner and compulsive list-maker, who treats us to his Top Five Break-Ups, featuring the likes of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Lisa Bonet. Despite it being mostly about heartbreak, it's still very funny and hugely enjoyable.
THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY (1998)
Just about everyone has seen this film, and anyone who hasn't probably dismisses it as a brainless filth-fest, which is a mistake. Is it filthy? Yes, absolutely. Is it brainless? Absolutely not, as it's got a real IQ and its heart in the right place. Stand out moments involving zippers and "hair gel" initially overshadows a heart-warming story of man (Ben Stiller) seeking out his childhood sweetheart (Cameron Diaz), and the private detective (Matt Dillon) he hires to find her getting in the way.
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... (1989)
The quint-essential "guys" rom-com, the one rom-com that every last man will admit to liking. Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan) are best friends, and when they have sex, they fear it will ruin their friendship forever. That's it for story, but When Harry Met Sally is so hilarious with its insight that you will be laughing even as you recognize yourself on the screen.
