The 80s and 90s were glorious years for all things Hollywood, as many of America’s most monumental films hit theatres and touched audiences' hearts everywhere. In a wave of a new era of movie “biz,” let’s not forget some of the romantic comedies that made us fall head over heels years ago.
Here are 11 legendary romcoms that are a must-see:
1. "10 Things I Hate About You" (1999)
In a rivalrous household between two sisters with completely opposite personalities, tension heightens when their father strikes them a deal. Until Kat Stratford (the more abrasive and aggressive sister of the two) finds her own boyfriend, Bianca (the younger and much more flirtatious sibling) cannot date any boys of her own. As Kat doesn’t have the qualities that commonly attract boys, the cast creates a scheme to set her up. However, this doesn’t go exactly as planned.
2. "When Harry Met Sally" (1989)
While some people say that men and women can never truly be “just friends,” Harry and Sally thought that their friendship had turned that assumption on its head. As the long-time friends venture into the throes of adulthood, they come to realize that they need each other more than ever.
3. "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982)
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" follows a group of high schoolers living in Southern California. While they all go to the same school, each of the teens lives a completely different lifestyle and certainly show all of the different “phases” within the context of high school.
4. "You’ve Got Mail" (1998)
In the wake of a cyber-relationship era, two business owners (played by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan) become acquainted and form something of a deep relationship, as far as internet romances go. However, when the two find out that in real life their businesses are rivals, they must prioritize either the feelings they have for one another or their professional success.
5. "16 Candles" (1984)
In a high school where popularity stands at the forefront of nearly everything, sophomore Samantha finds herself feeling down in the dumps, and this only heightens when her family forgets her 16th birthday. As Sam’s sister's very unexciting wedding seems to be taking away all of her attention, Sam takes the time to navigate through embarrassment, insecurity, and affection from the school geek.
6. "Can’t Hardly Wait" (1998)
After a long senior year, nearly an entire high school graduating class gathers at a wealthy classmate’s home for a celebration of their achievements. Preston has been pining over Amanda since the first day he saw her and is hoping to use this night to confess to her his long encapsulated feelings.
7. "Pretty in Pink" (1986)
Andie, another role played by the 1980’s icon, Molly Ringwald, is a misunderstood outcast in her Chicago-based high school with only a few friends, that is until one of the most popular kids in school asks her out. While this would seem like a dream come true to any girl, the relationship is a little more difficult than she had anticipated.
8. "Groundhog Day" (1993)
In "Groundhog Day," Bill Murray plays laid-back and hilarious newscaster, Phil, who ironically has been sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover a story on Groundhog Day. While Phil doesn’t typically take his job or his coworkers seriously, he has no choice but to cooperate when faced with a never-ending Groundhog Day.
9. "She’s All That" (1999)
After a sudden breakup, hotshot Zack Siler is faced with a challenge: to transform an awkward Laney Boggs into the school’s prom queen within six weeks. While the bet stemmed from Zack’s bitterness from his breakup, it becomes much more than what Zack had originally intended.
10. "While You Were Sleeping "(1995)
When heroic Lucy Eleanor Moderatz (Sandra Bullock) dives onto the train tracks to save her long-time crush, Peter Gallagher, she gets herself into a mess causing his family to believe that she is his fiance. As Peter falls into a long-term coma, Lucy finds herself getting caught up in drama within his family, romantically.
11. "Never Been Kissed" (1999)
When Josie Geller (Drew Barrymore) finally gets her big break at the Chicago Sun Times, she is asked to put her immature physical features to use and pose as a high school student. This blast to the past allows Josie to recreate her high school story that had previously been unenjoyable...people called her “Grossie Josie,” for crying out loud.
