7 Sappy Rom-Coms That Actually Have a Genuinely Great Script

"Nora Ephron. Period. The queen! This isn't just a rom-com; it's a masterclass in dialogue. Every line is quotable, every conversation is insightful, and the chemistry between Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan is off the charts. I remember watching this for the first time in film school. It was an absolute revelation. The way Ephron weaves together their individual stories over a decade, all while exploring the age-old question of whether men and women can truly be friends...genius. Also, the editing? Sublime. The use of split screen in the interview segments alone makes it perfect. The writing is why it's a cultural touchstone. Simple as that."

"Okay, I know a lot of people HATE Summer. But that's kind of the point, isn't it? The script, by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, does such a brilliant job of deconstructing the manic pixie dream girl trope and exploring the complexities of relationships from a male perspective. The non-linear storytelling keeps you constantly guessing, and the witty banter is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Joseph Gordon-Levitt's performance is stellar, and the soundtrack is iconic. The choice to shoot in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio also adds to the film’s unique, almost dreamlike quality. Why did this do so well? Because Gen-Z loved the indie vibe and cynicism!"

"Hear me out! Yes, it's cheesy. Yes, it's over-the-top. But Richard Curtis knows how to write a genuinely heartwarming and funny script. The way he weaves together multiple storylines is impressive, and the ensemble cast is phenomenal. I will admit, the Keira Knightly/Andrew Lincoln plot line is a little creepy in retrospect, but the overall message of love and connection is undeniable. I remember watching this with my family every Christmas for years. We would always quote the Prime Minister's speech. While a hit, it has aged poorly due to some of the themes and representation in the writing which is why it may be ranked lower in the future."

"This movie was a cultural phenomenon for a reason. The script, by Adele Lim and Peter Chiarelli, is sharp, funny, and surprisingly insightful. It tackles themes of family, tradition, and cultural identity with grace and humor. Constance Wu and Henry Golding are fantastic, and the visuals are absolutely stunning. I saw this in the theater and it was so refreshing to see an Asian-led rom-com on the big screen. The production design is incredible too; the way they used practical effects to create the extravagant parties really added to the film's authenticity. I think modern audiences are impatient with slow-burn romances; and some people hated this."

"Okay, this one's a bit darker, but it's still a rom-com at heart. David O. Russell's script is a raw and honest portrayal of mental illness and the power of human connection. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence both give Oscar-winning performances, and the film is both hilarious and deeply moving. The way Russell uses close-ups and handheld camera work creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. This did well because it dared to take a hard topic and turn it into something beautiful and real."

"A true comedy masterpiece. The premise is simple, yet the script explores profound themes of self-improvement and finding meaning in life. Bill Murray is at his comedic best, and the film is endlessly rewatchable. Harold Ramis's direction is spot-on; the way he creates a sense of repetition and disorientation is brilliant. I watched this countless times as a kid. It shaped my sense of humor. This is an absolute gem, and why was this film so well received? Because it’s a genius concept, executed to perfection, with relatable themes of self-improvement. Period."

"Jenny Slate is a comedic force of nature in this film. The script, by Gillian Robespierre, is honest, relatable, and tackles the topic of abortion with humor and sensitivity. It's a refreshing take on the traditional rom-com formula, and it's a film that I think everyone should see. The film’s low-budget, indie feel, shot with natural lighting, contributes to its authenticity. The use of long takes in some scenes allows the actors to really connect with each other and convey genuine emotion. It had a mixed reception. Because, it’s a polarizing topic and the ambiguous ending deterred casual viewers looking for a neat resolution. However, its bravery has made it stand the test of time."