Who died and made me an expert of romantic comedies??? Absolutely no one! The only qualification I can offer is that my Letterboxd watchlist HATES to see a rom-com coming - typically one that I’ve already seen at least three times.

However, the Ritz is currently in the middle of their six-month-long celebration of romantic comedies where they screen the best of the genre every week. So, to honour such, I’ve curated a list of my favourite underrated rom-coms. And when I say underrated, you can forget about masterpieces like About Time (2013), You’ve Got Mail (1998), or any of Adam Sandler’s rom-coms because, let’s face it, they would take the cake. No, I will not be taking any criticism at this time. 

Here’s my list:

Starting strong with my all-time favourite, I have rewatched Music & Lyrics at least once every year since I learnt how to work a DVD player myself (I’m talking well over a decade. And counting…). The king of romantic comedies himself, Hugh Grant, stars as a washed-up pop singer who attempts to write a song with a plant-watering lady (Drew Barrymore) who is quick with rhymes to relive his old life of stardom and top hits. Of course, it’s unrealistic but it’s so sweet, and a lot of fun for those of you who briefly entertained a parasocial fantasy with any of the boys from One Direction.

Via IMDB

A more recent release which I love follows two best friends from college who make a pact to be each other’s dates to weddings they’re invited to so as to get through the wedding season as single people themselves. This perfectly balanced rom-com is a lot more tongue-in-cheek in that both characters claim they aren’t necessarily looking for love but actively ‘put up’ with the sweet wedding vows and cheesy photobooth props together. We all know exactly where it's going, but stay for the quick wit and chemistry between characters Ben and Alice. Also, Maya Erskine is just hilarious and she alone deserves your watch.

Via Allscreencaps

Rumour has it this is where the phrase, “I’m so lucky everything works out for me,” was born from.

Supernaturally lucky Ashley meets Jake, the nerdiest, unluckiest man in New York, and unknowingly swaps her fate with his. This rom-com comes complete with a wholesome girl best friend group and also McFly? Yes, that English pop-rock band. They sing a couple of times in this and it’s great. The back-and-forth exchange of luck and misfortune makes this film incredibly fun. You fight with yourself trying to decide who deserves to keep this supernatural luck by the movie’s conclusion. Just ignore the bits where she kiss-attacks random men… I have no justification for that.

Via The Viewer’s Commentary

For the hopelessly delusional who love an Italian summer, this one’s for you! And yes, for those looking for more Aunt May/Tony Stark content, I’m sure that imagining Only You as some sort of alternate universe will do the trick. As foretold by a fortune teller, Faith (Marisa Tomei) has believed her whole life that her soulmate goes by the name of Damon Bradley. In a bout of spontaneity, Faith decides to chase this mystery man across Italy and finally meets Robert Downey Jr.’s charming character who she believes to be the one. They spend the most romantic night together - like, the romantic night to end all other romantic nights - only for her to find out that his name is actually Peter Wright. Overlooking Peter’s problematic faking of identity, falling in love in Italy has never looked or sounded so lovely. Rachel Portman’s score is unbelievably dreamy – listen to ‘Lost in Tuscany ’, you won’t be disappointed.

Via FILMGRAB

Andy Samberg is in this. That should be reason enough. But also if you enjoyed Groundhog Day (1993) but could do with a lot more silliness, this will do it for you. Plus, Andy Samberg is in it. In case I didn’t mention that already.

Hope you enjoy the love and laughs! <3

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P.S. Don’t forget to catch your favourite classic Rom-Com at the Ritz in Randwick! 🎬✨ It's being screened every Tuesday until December 17th – the perfect midweek pick-me-up! 💖

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Ysabel Maranan is a fifth-year student studying a dual degree in International Studies and Media (Screen & Sound Production). As someone who spends her time on Spotify as if it’s her day job, she’s probably listening to that song you just posted on your Instagram story.

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