Top 27 Greatest Romantic Comedies in Hollywood History

Roman Holiday is a 1953 romantic comedy that introduced the world to Belgian-born screen legend Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn earned an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Princess Ann in this iconic film. Gregory Peck and Eddie Albert played the male leads. Directed and produced by William Wyler, the film was written by John Dighton and Dalton Trumbo.

In the 1970s, both Peck and Hepburn were interested in a sequel, but the project was never realized. A 1987 television remake, starring Tom Conti and Catherine Oxenberg (who also hailed from European royal lineage), was produced.

The film follows Princess Ann (Audrey Hepburn), a refined symbol of royalty on a European tour. She receives a warm welcome from thousands in England, and after three days at Buckingham Palace, she visits Amsterdam, Paris, and finally Rome.

Despite her elegant exterior and diplomatic decorum, Ann grows weary of her restricted royal life and longs for personal freedom.

One evening, gazing out the window at the everyday lives of ordinary people, Ann longs for the same experience. When reminded of her packed schedule the next day – including a visit to an orphanage, a press conference, and a lunch with diplomats – Ann rebels, shouting, “Enough!” She decides to explore Rome on her own. Ann escapes and, with Hepburn and Peck riding a Vespa, they tour the city. However, Ann unknowingly took a sedative earlier, leaving her dazed until a chance encounter with American journalist Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). Joe is intrigued by the spectacle of a well-dressed woman lying in the street like a drunken beggar, penniless. It’s only the following day that Joe discovers the true identity of the woman he helped – Princess Ann, the very subject he planned to interview.

The next day, the Rome American newspaper reports that Princess Ann is ill and cancels her day’s events. Joe, with an idea for a column, spends the day showing Ann around Rome, acting as her tour guide. Ann is delighted and surprised by the ordinary world she’s never experienced before. Meanwhile, the young reporter, once obsessed with his stories, finds himself falling for the princess.

Ultimately, Ann returns to her royal world. The spontaneous adventure was brief, but it’s one she must leave behind as she walks away from the life she’d come to know. In the final scene, Ann silently walks away, the heavy sound of her footsteps, and the door slamming shut, signaling the end of her carefree days.

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Tomatometer Rating: 97%

Audience Score: 93%

The Philadelphia Story is a beloved romantic comedy featuring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and James Stewart, directed by George Cukor. Based on the Broadway play by Philip Barry, with a script by Donald Ogden Stewart and Waldo Salt (credits may vary), the film centers around Tracy Samantha Lord Haven, a wealthy socialite who finds herself in a dilemma when preparing to marry a dull businessman, only to be interrupted by her ex-husband and a charming reporter. It is considered a classic of the marriage comedy genre, popular in the 1930s and 1940s, following the familiar trope of a divorced couple who, despite new relationships, ultimately find happiness together again.

The play The Philadelphia Story was a huge success for Hepburn, who had been struggling with a string of box office flops that earned her the dubious title of "box office poison." She bought the rights to the play and adapted it into a film, marking her return to Hollywood’s good graces.

The Philadelphia Story was a major hit, garnering seven Academy Award nominations, with two wins: Stewart for Best Actor and Donald Ogden Stewart for Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie was remade in 1956 as a musical titled High Society, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Louis Armstrong.

In 1995, The Philadelphia Story was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry.

The story follows Tracy Samantha Lord Haven (Katharine Hepburn), a rich and famous woman from Philadelphia, who divorces C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), a member of her social circle, because he didn’t live up to her high expectations. She plans to marry George Kittredge (John Howard), a wealthy man with a public image. Dexter, along with the Spy magazine's reporter Sidney Kidd (Henry Daniell), concocts a plan to send reporter Macaulay "Mike" Connor (James Stewart) and photographer Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey) to cover the wedding as family friends. Tracy, while not naive, initially resists their presence, especially after Dexter reveals that Kidd has damaging information about Tracy’s promiscuous father, Seth (John Halliday). Despite her animosity toward Seth, Tracy is determined to protect her family’s reputation.

Dexter is warmly accepted back into the fold by Tracy’s mother, Mary (Mary Nash), and her younger sister Dinah (Virginia Weidler), although Tracy remains steadfast in her opposition. As the wedding approaches, Tracy begins to admire Mike’s talents and finds herself torn between her ex-husband and the reporter.

The night before the wedding, Tracy gets drunk for the second time in her life and creates a scandal with Mike. When George sees Mike carrying an intoxicated Tracy into the house, he assumes the worst. The following day, George demands an explanation, prompting Tracy to cancel the wedding. However, when she realizes all the guests have arrived, Mike offers to marry her (despite Liz's heartbreak), but Tracy politely declines. Ultimately, she chooses Dexter.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Tomatometer Rating: 100%

Audience Score: 93%

When Harry Met Sally... is a 1989 American romantic comedy written by Nora Ephron and directed by Rob Reiner. The film follows the story of two characters, Harry (Billy Crystal) and Sally (Meg Ryan), from their first meeting during a cross-country trip to their romantic relationship that develops over twelve years in New York City. The film explores the question, "Can men and women just be friends?" and delves into the complexities of relationships that many people can relate to in real life.

The film's origin lies in Reiner’s return to single life after his divorce, which laid the groundwork for Harry’s character, while Sally was inspired by Ephron and several of her real-life friends. Crystal contributed to the script, injecting humor into Harry’s character. Ephron structured the film, with dialogues reflecting the friendship between Reiner and Crystal. The soundtrack, featuring Harry Connick Jr., with orchestral arrangements by Marc Shaiman, helped Connick win a Grammy Award for "Best Jazz Vocal Performance, Male."

Columbia Pictures released the film using a "platform release" strategy, initially opening in select cities and building momentum through word of mouth before expanding nationwide. When Harry Met Sally... grossed $92.8 million in North America. Ephron received a BAFTA Award, an Academy Award nomination, and a Writers Guild of America Award for her screenplay. The film was included in the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 greatest comedies and Bravo's "100 Funniest Movies" list. Entertainment Weekly ranked it among the "10 Greatest Romantic Comedies of All Time."

The film is often credited as a major influence on subsequent romantic comedies and for popularizing relatable ideas about relationships.

IMDb Rating: 7.7/10

Tomatometer: 91%

Audience Score: 89%

Adam's Rib is a 1949 American romantic comedy directed by George Cukor, based on a screenplay by Ruth Gordon and Garson Kanin. The film stars Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as a married couple of lawyers who find themselves on opposite sides of a courtroom. Judy Holliday plays the third lead role, marking her second film appearance. The music, composed by Miklós Rózsa, includes the song "Farewell, Amanda," written by Cole Porter.

The film was well-received upon its release and is considered a classic romantic comedy. It was nominated for both the AFI's 100 Films and Passion lists, and it ranked 22nd in AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs list.

The plot follows Doris Attinger (Judy Holliday), who, suspecting her husband (Tom Ewell) of having an affair, confronts him with a gun and shoots at him multiple times, one of the bullets hitting him.

The following day, married lawyers Adam and Amanda Bonner (Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn) read about the incident in the newspaper and begin to debate the case. Amanda empathizes with Doris, particularly regarding the double standards between men and women when it comes to infidelity. Adam believes Doris has committed murder. When Adam arrives at work, he learns he has been assigned to prosecute the case. Amanda, upon hearing this, seeks out Doris and becomes her defense attorney.

Amanda's defense is based on the belief that men and women are equal, and that Doris was coerced into her actions by her husband's mistreatment. Adam views Amanda's stance as a disregard for the law, believing there should be no excuse for Doris's actions. Tension grows between the couple as they clash in court. The situation escalates when Adam feels humiliated during the trial after Amanda encourages one of her witnesses, a female weightlifter, to lift him. Still angry, Adam storms out of their apartment. When the verdict is delivered, Amanda asks the jury to "judge this case as you would if the genders were reversed," proving successful, and Doris is acquitted.

Moonstruck is a 1987 American romantic comedy directed by Norman Jewison and written by John Patrick Shanley. It tells the story of a 37-year-old Italian-American widow who falls for her fiancé’s hot-tempered younger brother.

Moonstruck is a family-oriented romantic comedy filled with laughs, focusing not just on the central characters Ronny and Loretta but also on the entire Castorini family across three generations, living together under one roof with five dogs. The film emphasizes the importance of family unity in contemporary society, resembling the dynamics of an Italian mafia family where every member tolerates one another.

The film was released in New York City on December 16, 1987, before expanding nationwide on January 15, 1988. It received six Academy Award nominations at the 60th Academy Awards, winning Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress (Cher), and Best Supporting Actress (Olympia Dukakis).

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Tomatometer: 94%

Audience Score: 80%

Harold and Maude is a 1971 American dark romantic comedy directed by Hal Ashby and released by Paramount Pictures. The film blends dark humor with existential drama. It follows Harold Chasen (Bud Cort), a young man fixated on death, who becomes estranged from his emotionally distant mother (Vivian Pickles) and forms an unlikely, but deep, friendship with a 79-year-old woman named Maude (Ruth Gordon). Maude teaches Harold to embrace life fully, revealing that life itself is the greatest gift of all.

Based on a screenplay by Colin Higgins, the film was later adapted into a novel in 1971. The movie was shot in locations around the San Francisco Bay Area, including Holy Cross Cemetery, Golden Gate National Cemetery, and the ruins of Sutro Baths.

Initially a commercial failure, the film gained a cult following and started to earn profits in 1983. It was ranked 45th in the American Film Institute's list of the 100 funniest films of all time and was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 1997 due to its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance. A special Blu-ray and DVD edition was released by the Criterion Collection on June 12, 2012.

Harold and Maude is not a film for everyone, as it deals with sensitive and unconventional themes. The characters are complete opposites. Harold is a young man obsessed with death, staging elaborate suicides to gain his mother's attention. However, his mother is more focused on planning his future than on understanding him. Harold's strange obsession with death manifests in acts like turning his new sports car into a hearse and attending funerals for people he doesn’t know. It is at one of these funerals that he meets Maude, an eccentric, vibrant 79-year-old woman who, despite her age, has the spirit of a candy-sweet adventurer. She lives life unapologetically. The unlikely pairing of Harold and Maude creates a striking contrast, a fascinating paradox like two celestial bodies colliding in a burst of wonder and chaos.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Tomatometer: 86%

Audience Rating: 93%

Sleepless in Seattle is a 1993 romantic comedy directed and co-written by Nora Ephron, based on a story by Jeff Arch. The film stars Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, with supporting roles by Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger, Rob Reiner, Rosie O'Donnell, Gaby Hoffmann, Victor Garber, and Rita Wilson. Released on June 25, 1993, the film became a major critical and commercial success, grossing over $227 million worldwide.

The plot centers on Sam Baldwin, a Chicago architect who is grieving the death of his wife Maggie from cancer. He moves to Seattle with his young son Jonah, but both are still deeply affected by their loss. A year and a half later, on Christmas Eve, Jonah calls into a radio talk show and convinces a reluctant Sam to share his sorrow on air. Hundreds of women across the country are touched by Sam's story. One of them is Annie Reed, a reporter for the Washington Sun, who is engaged to Walter but feels something is missing in her relationship. After watching the film An Affair to Remember, Annie writes a letter suggesting Sam meet her on the top of the Empire State Building on Valentine's Day. She hesitates to send it, but her friend and editor, Becky, sends it without her consent, and Annie decides to go to Seattle.

Sam begins dating a colleague, Victoria, whom Jonah dislikes. Jonah reads Annie's letter and is intrigued by its mention of Canada, but he can't convince Sam to go to New York. Following advice from his friend Jessica, Jonah writes back to Annie, agreeing to meet her in New York. While dropping Victoria off at the airport, Sam notices Annie leaving her flight and feels an instant attraction, though he doesn't recognize her. Annie secretly follows Sam and Jonah to a beach, then goes to Sam's house, mistakenly thinking his sister is Victoria. Sam recognizes her from the airport and says 'hello,' but Annie just replies 'hello' and leaves. She returns to Baltimore, then heads to New York for Valentine's Day with Walter.

With Jessica's help, Jonah flies to New York and goes to the Empire State Building to find Annie. When Sam learns what Jonah has done, he catches a plane to New York and tracks Jonah down at the observation deck. Meanwhile, Annie, dining with Walter in the Rainbow Room, admits her doubts about their relationship and ends their engagement amicably. She rushes to the Empire State Building, arriving just after Sam and Jonah, who are reunited on the observation deck.

When Annie spots Jonah’s backpack, she pulls out his teddy bear. Sam and Jonah appear from the elevator, retrieving it. After locking eyes, Sam extends his hand to Annie, and they leave together, joined by Jonah as they all enter the elevator, the doors closing behind them.

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Tomatometer: 75%

Audience Rating: 75%

If you're looking to experience all the classic romantic date tricks, Isn't It Romantic is the film for you. On top of that, you’ll be treated to a delightful moment where heartthrob Liam Hemsworth plays the saxophone in the streets. This movie takes you through the magical highs of love, keeping you intrigued to see if Natalie, the protagonist, will ultimately find her happy ending.

Rebel Wilson receives much praise for her performance, showcasing a variety of talents, from singing to dancing, captivating the audience in every scene.

The film presents a fresh perspective on modern women who have a more liberal view of love, family, and life in general. The story inspires those who feel insecure about their appearance to adopt a more open mindset, helping them to appreciate their own happiness.

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

Tomatometer: 70%

Audience Rating: 47%

With a style reminiscent of The Fault in Our Stars, Five Feet Apart tells the story of two young lovers who, due to a severe illness, can’t be closer than five feet apart. Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse deliver powerful performances, capturing the emotional tension of living on the edge of life and love, while suppressing their feelings. Watching this movie will leave you reflecting on your own life and appreciating the precious moments with loved ones.

Five Feet Apart tugs at the heartstrings with its relatable story, evoking a wide range of emotions from joy to heartache and deep affection. The film’s success lies in the stark contrast between the two main characters and the obstacles that prevent them from truly connecting.

Cole and Haley's natural performances are nothing short of impressive, with Cole's charm captivating audiences. The supporting cast also delivers memorable performances, making a lasting impact with their dialogue and acting.

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10

Tomatometer: 53%

Audience Rating: 79%

After is based on a fanfiction by Anna Todd, featuring the well-worn trope of the good girl falling for the notorious bad boy. The story follows Tessa, a college freshman, who meets Hardin Scott (a character inspired by Harry Styles). From this encounter, Tessa's life begins to spiral into unexpected changes.

While the film gained significant attention from audiences, critics were less impressed due to its heavy reliance on romantic clichés. Nevertheless, the movie found success in its own right.

IMDb Rating: 5.4/10

Tomatometer: 18%

Audience Rating: 67%

Someone Great is the ultimate feel-good movie to enjoy with your best friends. Gina Rodriguez delivers a fantastic performance as Jenny, a music journalist who is about to move to San Francisco. This means she’ll have to leave behind her friends, her boyfriend, and New York City. But before she departs, she and her BFFs embark on one last unforgettable adventure together. Watch Someone Great to join in on their fun-filled farewell celebration.

The strong chemistry between the cast is a major factor in the film’s success. The storyline is relatable, and the natural performances make the characters feel real and easy to connect with.

Although classified as a romantic comedy, Someone Great is also a heartfelt exploration of friendship, LGBTQ+ love, and self-discovery. The film highlights the complexities of modern relationships and offers a fresh perspective on life today. While the movie presents many meaningful messages, it also contains some mature content that might not be suitable for all viewers.

IMDb Rating: 6.1/10

Tomatometer: 83%

Audience Rating: 65%

Under The Silver Lake is not your typical romance film. While it starts off with a familiar boy-meets-girl setup, there’s a twist: the girl mysteriously disappears without a trace.

Andrew Garfield stars as Sam, a young man who embarks on a journey across Los Angeles to solve the mystery of Sarah's disappearance (played by Riley Keough). Although the film doesn’t feature a star-studded cast, it brings a refreshing and unique touch to the genre.

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Tomatometer: 58%

Audience Rating: 56%

Stars Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron lead the cast of the romantic comedy Long Shot, which offers a fresh take on politics. Fred Flarsky, a talented but awkward journalist, reconnects with his childhood crush.

Flarsky and Charlotte Field, the poised and intelligent Secretary of State who is also running for president, unexpectedly fall in love under unusual circumstances. Watch the film to see how their unlikely relationship unfolds.

IMDb Rating: 6.8/10

Tomatometer: 81%

Audience Rating: 74%

The Last Summer depicts the final moments of high school for a group of teens before they embark on new journeys and paths. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, they decide to take one last adventure together, saying goodbye to their school years.

Filled with vibrant shots capturing the essence of youth, The Last Summer takes you on a nostalgic trip back to your teenage years. The on-screen chemistry between Tyler Posey and KJ Apa elevates this romantic comedy.

IMDb Rating: 5.5/10

Tomatometer: 29%

Audience Rating: 31%

Prepare your tissues if you're planning to watch The Sun Is Also a Star, as it's a tearjerker. Adapted from the novel by Nicola Yoon, this beautiful teen romance stars Yara Shahidi and Charles Melton as Natasha and Daniel. On the same day, Daniel meets Natasha and tries to convince her to fall in love with him, but it's also the day Natasha is about to leave New York.

The Sun Is Also a Star captivates audiences right from the start, blending love with deeper themes such as race and religion, which adds a unique and persuasive layer to the story.

IMDb Rating: 5.9/10

Tomatometer: 52%

Audience Rating: 61%

For those who can't stop humming the tune of A Whole New World, Aladdin is likely to be your favorite movie. Departing from its animated roots, the 2019 live-action version brings the classic story to life with vibrant new visuals. Mena Massoud stars as Aladdin, Naomi Scott as Princess Jasmine, and Will Smith as the Genie, each showcasing their impressive acting and captivating vocal talents on screen.

While Aladdin follows the original plot, there's nothing overly unique about the storyline. However, what sets the film apart is its modernized music, making it more in tune with today's era. The blend of realism and the enchanting fairy tale offers a whole new world that is fresh and exciting.

IMDb Rating: 6.9/10

Tomatometer: 57%

Audience Rating: 94%

If you loved Ali Wong's hilarious stand-up special Baby Cobra and often watch Fresh Off the Boat, then you'll adore the romantic comedy Always Be My Maybe. Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, the film stars Randall Park and Ali Wong, who team up to tell the story of two childhood friends who drifted apart only to reunite after 15 years.

Always Be My Maybe is a must-watch for its realness, featuring an all-Asian cast that offers a glimpse into the culture and lifestyle of Vietnamese communities. It's a perfect film for younger audiences looking for insights into how modern love and relationships are evolving at a rapid pace.

IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Tomatometer: 90%

Audience Rating: 80%

Disney reimagines the classic tale of Lady and the Tramp, one of the most beloved animated films, in a live-action version. A standout moment in this rendition is the heartwarming spaghetti dinner scene shared by the two dogs. In this new adaptation, Tessa Thompson voices Lady, and Justin Theroux provides the voice for Tramp.

Lady and the Tramp shines with its unforgettable dinner date scene between Lady and Tramp. While the film has received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics, it has been praised for its impressive voice acting performances.

IMDb Rating: 7.3/10

Tomatometer: 65%

Audience Rating: 50%

Slim (Daniel Kaluuya) and Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) unexpectedly form a deep connection after an unlikely encounter on their first date. As they escape together, their bond intensifies, leading to unforgettable memories. However, the “twist” involving the police officer from the beginning of the film forces them to confront reality and figure out their next move in the romantic drama Queen and Slim.

Queen and Slim brought Daniel Kaluuya prestigious recognition and quickly made him one of Hollywood's most sought-after stars. The film has been described as “redefining love for people of color as a revolution in itself.”

IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Tomatometer: 83%

Audience Rating: 92%

Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver deliver standout performances as Nicole and Charlie in Marriage Story, two characters caught in the emotional struggle of a crumbling marriage. While the teaser hints at love being at the heart of the story, the film is a deep exploration of relationships, making it a perfect choice for fans of romantic dramas.

Marriage Story dives into the deteriorating marriage of Charlie (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Scarlett Johansson), portraying their gradual emotional fractures that grow into major rifts. The film powerfully conveys the psychological toll this struggle takes on the characters, allowing viewers to feel the intensity of every small conflict and major eruption. At its core, the film emphasizes the importance of love and the warmth in a marriage.

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Tomatometer: 94%

Audience Rating: 85%

Fans of Louisa May Alcott's novel are already familiar with numerous cinematic adaptations of Little Women. This timeless story explores the romantic relationship between writer Jo and Laurie, as well as the feminist struggles of Jo alongside her sisters. Once again, this literary classic graces the big screen, directed by Greta Gerwig, the visionary behind Lady Bird.

Little Women is a deeply relatable film that draws viewers into the intertwined lives of its characters. With emotional depth and a skillful blending of meaningful messages, the film touches the audience in a genuine way, keeping the story engaging and fresh without feeling repetitive.

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Tomatometer: 95%

Audience Rating: 92%

Based on Jennifer Niven's poignant and heartbreaking novel, this teen drama will have you reaching for the tissues. In All the Bright Places, Violet (Elle Fanning) and Theodore (Justice Smith) help each other navigate the rough patches of adolescence, learning how to grow up and love in the process.

With Elle Fanning and Justice Smith leading the way, their on-screen romance is a bittersweet yet beautiful journey. Together, they explore the need for love and acceptance, each finding solace in the other’s arms. All the Bright Places is a song for those longing to be loved, offering a gentle yet realistic portrayal of innocent love amidst real-world struggles.

IMDb Rating: 6.5/10

Tomatometer: 64%

Audience Rating: 61%

City Lights (also known as Ánh sáng đô thị in Vietnamese) is a classic American silent comedy-drama film released in 1931. Written, directed, and starring Charlie Chaplin, the film also features Virginia Cherrill and Harry Myers. Despite the growing popularity of sound films, City Lights was a massive success and is still considered one of the greatest silent films of all time.

The film begins with the unveiling of a new statue. After a speech (with no sound), a cloth is removed to reveal Charlie Chaplin’s character, a tramp, who has fallen asleep underneath. He struggles to free himself as his pants get caught on the statue’s sword, creating a hilarious scene that eventually leads to him being saluted along with the statue during the national anthem.

As the tramp continues his journey, he falls in love with a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill) who mistakenly believes him to be a wealthy man. Meanwhile, he encounters a real millionaire (Harry Myers) who, in a drunken state, tries to commit suicide, only to be saved by the tramp. Grateful, the millionaire offers him a place to stay, but once sober, forgets the tramp and kicks him out. The tramp’s love story with the blind girl continues as he does whatever it takes to earn enough money to pay for her eye surgery, so she can regain her sight.

Despite facing hardships, including a humiliating loss in a boxing match, the tramp eventually saves the blind girl with the money he earns. When the millionaire, drunk again, gives him a large sum of money, the tramp uses it for the girl’s surgery and rent. Unfortunately, the millionaire doesn’t recognize him when sober, and the tramp is accused of stealing the money. After helping the girl, the tramp is forced to leave. But months later, when he is released from jail, he finds the girl has recovered her sight and is working at a flower shop. She recognizes him through his touch, and in a heartwarming final moment, she realizes the true nature of the man who sacrificed everything for her.

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Tomatometer: 97%

Audience Rating: 96%

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen and co-written with Marshall Brickman. Starring Allen as Alvy "Max" Singer, the film chronicles the reasons behind the end of his relationship with the titular character, played by Diane Keaton, whose persona was shaped by a script tailored to her own quirks.

Filming took place in South Fork, Long Island, on May 19, 1976, and continued for the next 10 months. Allen regarded this film, his first collaboration with cinematographer Gordon Willis, as a “turning point,” marking a departure from his usual satirical and comedic works to something far more serious. The film explores contrasts between New York and Los Angeles, gender roles, Jewish identity, as well as elements of psychoanalysis and modernism. It tells the romantic journey of Alvy Singer, a neurotic comedian, and his equally eccentric girlfriend, Annie Hall. Their relationship unfolds as a fascinating historical document about love in the 1970s.

The film became a massive hit in the 1970s and was widely praised by critics. It ranks 31st on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest American films of all time, surpassing iconic films like Forrest Gump, Amadeus, Goodfellas, and Patton. Premier Magazine even named it one of the top 10 films in Oscar history. Annie Hall won 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and boasts an impressive IMDb rating of 8.0/10. With such high praise, why not give it a try?

IMDb Rating: 8.0/10

Tomatometer: 97%

Audience Rating: 92%

It Happened One Night is a classic 1934 romantic comedy directed by Frank Capra. The plot centers around a famous socialite (Claudette Colbert) who is trying to break free from her controlling father, only to fall for a crafty reporter (Clark Gable). The film is based on Samuel Hopkins Adams' short story, *Night Bus*.

This film was the first to win all five major Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay). Since then, only two other films, *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest* (1975) and *The Silence of the Lambs* (1991), have achieved the same feat.

In 1993, *It Happened One Night* was preserved in the United States National Film Registry for its “cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.” It was remade in 1956 as a musical comedy, *You Can’t Run Away from It*, starring Jack Lemmon and June Allyson.

Ellen "Ellie" Andrews (Claudette Colbert) is a wealthy and famous heiress controlled by her overbearing father, Alexander Andrews (Walter Connolly). She plans to marry the charming "King" Westley (Jameson Thomas) in defiance of her father. However, before the wedding, she runs away, catching a bus to New York, where she meets Peter Warne (Clark Gable), an out-of-work reporter. Peter recognizes her and offers her a deal: if she gives him an exclusive interview, he will help her marry Westley; if not, he will inform her father in exchange for a reward. Ellie agrees.

The adventure that follows brings the two closer, with Peter’s growing affection for Ellie and her innocent charm softening his heart. However, a misunderstanding near the trip's end causes chaos when Peter leaves briefly, and the innkeeper wrongly believes he skipped out without paying. Ellie, thinking Peter betrayed her for the reward, contacts her father, who is eager to control her. Though Ellie loves Peter, she believes he sold her out, and so she prepares to marry Westley in a grand ceremony. Meanwhile, Peter feels hurt and misled.

Peter reaches out to Ellie’s father, who offers him a substantial reward. Peter refuses, only asking to be reimbursed for his travel expenses. Eventually, Andrew forces Peter to admit the truth: that he loves Ellie, despite his self-doubt. On the day of Ellie’s wedding, her father hints that she should run away again, and a car is waiting for her. In the final moments, as the priest asks if she will marry, Ellie bolts, and her father arranges for her and Peter to be married instead of Westley.

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Tomatometer: 99%

Audience Rating: 93%