23 OF THE BEST MOST WHOLESOME ROMANTIC-COMEDIES
A romantic comedies is cinematic bliss around my house. Why is this? I cannot say for certain other than the reaction they leave me with long after I’ve ejected the disc: a smile. Over the years, I’ve watched many romcoms with my mother because apparently when we have a girls night in, that’s one of our favorite things to do. What makes it even better? When these romcoms are of the wholesome romantic comedies variety.
Today, I decided to do something a little bit different and share a list of 23 of the romantic-comedies I’ve seen that would fit the mold of being “clean.” Keep in mind, this is a subjective list since everyone’s definition of a “clean” or “wholesome” film is different. For me, as I picked the films I wanted to include, what I looked at to define my choices was the romance itself or the way the couple came to earn their HEA. How does the hero treat his lady? What is their relationship based on? Of course, even with these caveats the one thing that does usually crop up is profanity which nearly all of these share (no matter their rating) in varying degrees. And even with these blue prints, some I included are pure and simple, “fluff.”
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23 OF THE BEST MOST WHOLESOME ROMANTIC-COMEDIES. #ROMCOMS #MOVIES #MOVIELIST #MEGRYAN #HUGHJACKMAN #SANDRABULLOCK #HILARYDUFF Share on XSome of these, I’ll confess, I might be biased about because I love them so much. That said, I am trying to be thorough and include comedies that might not be my most favorites though still fit the category we’re talking about today.
Also, one last disclaimer. This is not an all-inclusive list. Because of this, I have chosen to eliminate from consideration the following subgenres: TV films (Hallmark), period films and classics. Long story short, this mostly features what we’d coin “box office” or feature films. If this post does well enough or if anyone is interested (or depending on how much fun this blogger has putting this together *smile*), there may be future lists.
*Edit to clarify: the use of “wholesome” in this list isn’t exclusive to the rating content. It’s more than “just” that element of a film. I’m using it to describe the filmmaking quality and how the story or character(s) or production makes the audience feel. There’s something about these films that just makes the viewer feel good and therefore the story quality or production has a “wholesome” bent.
Until then, let’s get started on the topic planned for today; our list of “wholesome romantic comedies”!
23 OF THE BEST MOST WHOLESOME ROMANTIC-COMEDIES!
listings from A to Z
1. Austenland
Who wouldn’t like this romance? It’s sassy, cute and that ohmygosh, that ending? *swoon* (PG13)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
2. The Bachelor
Silly in many ways, the charm of Chris O’Donnell and Renee Zellweger gives this oldie romance (check out the fashion!) plenty of appeal. It’s also a very underrated rom-com so I see next to no on talking about it, which is quite the crime against romantic-comedies. (PG13)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
3. Beastly
Based on Alex Flinn’s novel (of the same name), this one stars teen heartthrob (at the time) Alex Pettyfer and High School Musical star, Vanessa Hudgens. Though imperfect, it’s a wonderful little movie. (PG13)
Stream on Paramount+; or digitally purchase on places like Amazon
4. The Beautician and the Beast
Silly in many ways (but oh so sweet), this re-imagined fairy tale is a mash-up of Beauty and the Beast and The Sound of Music. So, yeah… (PG)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
5. Bride and Prejudice
Fun in so many ways, this darling film is all about the bright culture of Bollywood (song and dance) while mirroring itself after Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – and it works! Plus, if you love Netflix’s Virgin River, Martin Henderson plays a reasonably good Darcy. (PG13)
Stream on Pluto TV; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
6. A Cinderella Story
A Hilary Duff classic, this one contemporary Cinderella. It’s about a high schooler wanting to graduate high school early to escape her (not-so) wicked (more like annoying) stepmother; the faceless boy she IMs; and her dream of getting into Princeton (where all the princes go!). (PG)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
7. It Could Happen to You
Though this is one of those 90s movies I saw on TV or rented, I hadn’t seen this one in years (and yes, I’m suddenly realizing that by putting this list together I’m feeling old). And then I picked it up in one of those “5 dollar bins.” Needless to say, it’s as cute as I remember it being. (PG)
Stream on Paramount+; or digitally purchase on places like Amazon
8. I.Q.
Before You’ve Got Mail, and that handful of daisies, Meg Ryan starred in this cute romcom. In this one Einstein is cast as a matchmaker. (PG)
Stream on Pluto TV; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
9. Ice Castles
I’ve not seen the older adaptation of this film, but the 2010 version is sweet as it can be; it tells the story of a promising figure skater who injures herself and as a result, loses her sight. (PG)
Stream on Roku; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
10. Kate and Leopold
Despite my love of all things period drama, I had never seen this time-travel romance until last summer. With one of my favorite (*heart eyes*) leading men, Hugh Jackman, I think my love for this one may have been swayed ever the slightest. (PG13)
Stream on Max; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
11. The Lake House
Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves team for this time-bending romance that’s all about a “slow” story and romance. (PG)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
12. Leap Year
Yes, I realize this is a romcom about leap day or year, but whatever. This one is TOO CUTE not to include. (PG)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
13. Letters to Juliet
Amanda Seyfried stars in this one about a girl who visits Italy with her fiancé and discovers a love story (through letters) that never saw closure. It also happens to be the only thing I’ve seen its cute leading man, Christopher Eagan, in. (PG)
Stream on Peacock; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
14. Never Been Kissed
Drew Barrymore and Michael Vartan (Alias) co-star in this “classic” oldie romance about a klutzy reporter who goes undercover in a high school. (PG13)
Stream on Disney+ or Hulu; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
15. No Reservations
A perfectionist chef (Catherine Zeta-Jones) has her world turned upside down when she becomes her niece’s guardian. (PG)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
16. Penelope
A wonderfully imaginative film, this has Beauty and the Beast vibes that oddly enough blends in some Bachelor!? Yeah, it’s a thing. And it works. (PG)
Stream on Prime or Tubi; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
17. The Prince and Me
I can still remember seeing the poster for this film in a theater, and in my romantic teenager mind, I thought, “MUST. SEE.” Of course, I did and a contemporary fairy tale lover have I been ever since then. (PG)
Stream on Netflix or Pluto TV; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
18. The Proposal
My mom and I saw this one in theaters and laughed ourselves silly. Seven+ years later, our reaction is the same. (PG13) wholesome romantic comedies
Stream on Hulu; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
19. Sabrina
There are two adaptations of this romcom about a girl who returns to her father’s home (where he works as a groundskeeper for a wealthy family). She left a nerdy young girl, and returns a sophisticated woman who finds herself the objects of the family’s two sons’ affections. The oldie stars Audrey Hepburn in the titular role, the newer Julia Ormond. (PG)
Stream on Paramount+; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
20. Serendipity
This is another (like Kate & Leopold) that took me years to see. It might not be my favorite overall, but it’s magical and sweet. That’s good enough for this girl. (PG13)
Stream on Max; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
21. You’ve Got Mail
One of the most popular romance films, this movie is all about falling in love over emails. Also, it has the whole bit about “daisies.” Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks re-teamed for this one. (PG)
Digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
22. When In Rome
Kristen Bell is (contemporary) fairy tale magic in this sweet romantic-comedy. When first I watched it, I left feeling “so-so” about the story. But the more times I rewatch it, the more I adore it. Plus, there’s Josh Duhamel! (PG13)
Stream on Hulu; or purchase digitally on Amazon or Apple
Sharing 23 of the Best Most Wholesome Romantic Comedies! Talking fun romcoms in this list of 23 sweet #movies including Sandra Bullock fan favorites. #SandraBullock #Romance #CleanRomance #RomComs #FavoriteMovies #HappyMovies Share on X23. While You Were Sleeping
I take almost no issue with this classic romantic comedy. I’m sure there is plenty of people who do, but overall, I think it’s one of the more universally loved romantic comedies featuring Sandra Bullock in a role that is perhaps her best in the genre. (PG)
Stream on Disney+; or digitally purchase or rent on places like Amazon or Apple
What are some of your favorite sweetheart romcoms aka wholesome romantic comedies!? Comment down below with YOUR thoughts.
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This is a fantastic list! It reminds me of all the chick flicks I used to watch. I haven't watched them in a while. I need to have a marathon soon so maybe I'll use this list for recs when I do! Thanks!
Molly @ Molly's Book Nook
I know the feeling, Molly. I enjoy watching so many of these time and again. Glad the list is helpful; hope you enjoy that marathon. Some times that's the best way to end a day! :)
I think I've seen almost all of these! Great list!
They're all SO much fun. :) Thanks so much for visiting, Alison.
I've seen 10 of these — I would add "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Mrs. Winterbourne" and "Overboard" for starters — none of those have love scenes.
Thanks so much for the suggestions, Rachel. Aside from 'Seattle,' I've not seen the other two you mention. Overboard always looked really cute though. :)
Mrs. Winterbourne is a tiny movie from the '90s that nobody much has heard of, even though it's got Brendan Fraser at his most attractive, plus Shirley MacLaine. And Ricki Lake, who is surprisingly sweet and non-grating, which I would not have expected from the nature of the talk show she hosted back in the day.
I love the sound of Mrs. Winterbourne, Rachel. I think sometimes if I'm not 100% fond of a cast, I do steer clear of something so it's good to know the cast really shines in this one! I'll have to check for it on Amazon. Thanks so much for the recommendation. :)
You have some of my favs on here, like IQ, You’ve Got Mail, Kate & Leopold (I really wish the language was cleaner so I could show my kids!), While You Were Sleeping, Sabrina, Lake House… obviously I agree with many of your choices. ;) Fun post!
Hi, Tressa!! Always so glad to chat with you.
I only just re-watched IQ and thought it was really cute. It’d been a long time. You’ve made me want to watch K&L (only seen it once) and The Lake House again, too!! So many favorites. :)
You need to go back in time:
Bringing Up Baby (1938) With Katherine Hepburn
Charade –Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant
It Happened One Night (1934) Clark Gable.
Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Branaugh and Emma Thompson
The Philadelphia Story–Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, and Cary Grant
Roman Holiday (1953)
What’s Up, Doc –Barbara Streisand and Ryan O’Neal
Thanks for the suggestions, Sherry.
I actually have seen ‘Philadelphia Story’ (HILARIOUS!) and “Roman Holiday” (not a favorite). Someday I need to watch more of these though. And who knows! Perhaps that will then inspire a “Classic Romantic Comedy” list.
Thanks for the list. My husband and I enjoy watching romantic movies together, but stuggle to find clean ones worth watching now days. We have started warching the movies on your list and have made it a goal to see them all. Thanks again.
(My apologies for the reply delay, Cindy; not sure how I overlooked this comment.)
I do hope you found a few you enjoy! I’m all about fun, wholesome rom-coms. :) Let me know if you’ve discovered any new-to-you titles too! I do need to post an updated list one of these days.
This is a great list!! I was searching the internet for some recommendations as I have been trying to find some sweet, clean non-Hallmark romcoms! Only You with Marisa Tomei & Robert Downey Jr is a favorite :) Not sure if you watch any Bollywood movies? So many great romcoms! Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is an absolute must see for any rom com fan! They live in London and meet on a trip around Europe but her father has promised her hand to his friend’s son back in India! Also really enjoyed Dawaat E Ishq. It’s about a young woman who is sick of young men and their families trying to get a large dowry out of her single dad (dowry is illegal in India but it is still widely practiced), so she decides to take her revenge on one of them. Interesting cultural differences make for great sources of conflict and tension that we don’t see in Western movies!
Hi, Lindsey! Thank you so much for visiting, and for reading. I don’t think I’ve ever seen “Only You,’ but I love RDJ in the Avengers movies! Definitely one to add to my list – and hopefully put on a follow up list to this one. :)
I’ve seen a few Bollywood movies, yes. What I’ve seen are ADORABLE! The one you mention is unfamiliar to me though. Appreciate you sharing a few of your favorites – and let me know if you see any of these. :)
Thank you so much for this list!!! It is so hard to find a “wholesome” romantic comedy. I’ve learned to enjoy my husband’s choice of action packed films because at least their mostly “clean”, but sometimes I just want to watch a silly romantic comedy with him.
Melissa, I hope you find something here to enjoy! Most of these do still contain some “content,” but I do define how I came up with this list at the top. Let me know if you haven’t seen some of these, what you think. And I’m all a about a good romcom!! :)
‘Everything You Want‘ 2005
Shiri Appleby, Nick Zano
Oo! Yes. That one is cute. Thank you for sharing, Josie; I’ll add it to my in progress part two list. :)
Thanks for this! Just watched “no reservations” with my husband because of this article (hadn’t heard of it before), and loved it.
I’m so glad, Kelly! I haven’t seen that one in a long time but remember thinking it was super sweet and heartwarming. :) Appreciate you letting me know.
Some shows listed are good, some not so good. Language is definitely an issue with some. Also, research was not really done on them, Sabrina for an example. The father was the chauffeur in both the original version and the newer version, not a grounds keeper.
Yes. Some of these still have content. As I say at the beginning of this, everyone’s idea of what’s “good” vs not is different. I’m also using terms like wholesome to look beyond just content.
Some of these movies I have already seen at least once and some of these I still watch when it comes across the screen. Thanks for sharing chick flicks!
I love so many of these! Lots I should re-watch, too. :) Thanks for stopping by, Stephanie.