My Favourite RomComs (by a hopeless romantic)

[@montyswift5661]

As brilliant as About Time is, it's not really a rom-com. There is obviously rom, and plenty of com, but he gets the girl pretty quickly and then the film moves on, so if ranked as a rom-com, it definitely deserves 7th. If ranked as a film in general, it blows every other film on this list out of the water and it is a sin that you've only seen it once.

[@Feraloidies]

I truly love that movie so deeply

[@wanderingoff13]

Dan I am LOVING this booktube-for-movies vibe you have going. I don't watch a lot of movies (like, probably 75% of the movies I've seen in the last ten years have been on planes) but I love this "easy" movie content that's not a lecture. After your last video like this I watched Padington for the first time and had such a nice time. I feel like I forgot 90 minute movies existed and thought all movies were like, 3 hours long. I have so much to do tonight but you've made me really want to watch a film and I love that for me.

[@wanderingoff13]

Oh also Anne Helen Peterson ran a whole piece on her newsletter recently about fast fashion and the hook was "why does Ben Schwartz's recreation of Billy Crystal's outfit look so bad/ why are sweaters so much worse now," it was really cool

[@wanderingoff13]

Happy to report I just watched When Harry Met Sally for the first time and what a fucking delight, oh my g-d. SO good, absolutely hilarious that it ended up 5th

[@elimeg]

completely agree on When Harry met Sally. I saw it in the theater recently, which was lovely, and two things stood out for me: 1. Very soft lighting? Or do the clothes they wear just look so soft? There is something inherently cozy about the shots. 2. I love that both Harry and Sally are kind of difficult people, and they both change and grow, but for example Sally stays a picky eater, and that is framed as a good thing about her? Lovely. I mean, it's summed up in "the" speech: They love each other not because they're perfect, but because they're best friends and want to spend all their time together :)

[@DanLayton]

I think the softness is partly due to the clothes and lighting, but also probably on a budget and technical level! There’s something charming I think about it being shot on film and having a fuzziness to it that is lacking in some of the direct-to-streaming films. But I also don’t know what I’m talking about lol

[@HarryBarr]

I was really worried that When Harry Met Sally wasn't going to get its flowers but you articulated everything I love about it. It is the perfect rom com. That being said, About Time needs another rewatch, it is an absolutely gorgeous movie that makes you feel every emotion!

[@KatyListerX]

immediately mad about About Time (I have so much love for this, even walked down the aisle to the piece of music that recurs throughout) … but also: yes, fine. sure.

[@MrJakewray]

i watched about time today after watching this video and reading this comment and i can confirm, it was thoroughly amazing. Almost made up for my saddest valentines day haha

[@teresasloupova6769]

I just feel a need to announce into the world that 10 things I hate about you is my bisexuality awakening movie… can anyone relate?

[@chelmrtz]

10 Things I Hate About You is a masterpiece

[@alicewonderland9527]

I am absolutely flabbergasted that Notting Hill is your number 1, it’s at 8 or 9 for me

[@alicegale4016]

I loved this so much! When Harry Met Sally is the best film of all time, it's just perfect. I would love for you to do this video again with 10 more rom coms!

[@JudithARobinson]

Rom-com is one of my favourite movie genres, and I own quite a few. And yet, despite having seen and loved most of these, there's not a single one thats on my shelves! I feel there are some gaps in my collection that i need to fill!

[@kikiwantshercookie]

That thumbnail had me ready to fight but I’m glad we’re on the same page 😌

[@Feraloidies]

I finished this video and started Rumour Has It. This movie is Lovely!! I forgot how delightful Ruffalo is. And Anniston is of course divine.

[@reyanrgrace3313]

This came just in time! I'm just trying to get into Rom Coms. I just watched When Harry Met Sally last year then decided a couple months later I NEEDED to own a physical copy. So good!!

[@kirstingwillym6061]

Love this format! Also very intrigued to know what the other 5 were. I’ve never seen When Harry met Sally, but out of the others my top three would be 10 things, You’ve got mail & Bridget

[@nolabean]

Answer in progress did a brilliant video about the "death" of romcoms which touches on what you were saying at the end. Highly recommend

[@basicwhitegirl3558]

love the idea of a cozy movie club! 💘

[@UniverseMeetMiranda]

Please call the cosy movie series ReelTalk 😅 Beacuse if it's not reel, it's not right

[@DanLayton]

Oh now that is spectacular

[@leahnidy4109]

I can't say I agree with Notting Hill being #1 because I would have held out hope that When Harry Met Sally was in there. But! I agree with the rest. I love the idea of cozy movie content. There was a booktok trend of recommending books you may not know based off of books you already liked with similar vibes. I feel like that would translate well to movies. Lovely video as always :)

[@montyswift5661]

I'm not sure if the spelling error was deliberate, but Knotting Hill would be a very different film to Notting Hill. Hardly the makings of an iconic rom-com.

[@leahnidy4109]

@@montyswift5661 oh my goodness I’m so dumb I’m gonna edit that thank you

[@teddyverillion]

Yet another video that plasters a big smile on my face. You have the knack! And you are absolutely right about the joy of something that's earnest and sincere. I love crappy old adventure stories and detective shows for this very reason. Stuff that revels in itself, that knows you know all the tricks, but takes you along for the ride anyway. Never thought I really cared for romcoms, but then I popped Notting Hill on a little while back in a 'well it's something to watch' mood, and yeah, I'm mentally ticking off all the tropes and the clichés, but also I'm cackling gleefully and then I'm in floods of tears?? What a delight! So I think I need to watch some more. There's so much to be said for storytelling that doesn't overthink itself xx

[@JoopBoop]

Big fan of the fancy film journal you’ve posted a few times - have you ever thought about Letterboxd? It would be so cool to have a list after every video comes out with all the movies you mentioned each time!

[@PhiaSN]

Delightful. You actually did convince me to watch a RomCom right this evening. Thank you for that!

[@Feraloidies]

I reckon lots of us did, what did you watch?

[@oliviak.4585]

No one has ever quite captured my vibe of rom coms/love of rom coms quite as well as this entire video has🥹 I feel so seen. Dan this video is wonderful❤️

[@abbyfroidl8167]

I would watch you shop for DVDs. Like your own version of visiting the Criterion closet

[@DanLayton]

Excellent shout!! I’ll copy that haha

[@mvwinf]

you SCARED me with the thumbnail, daniel!!! glad to hear you recognize the best romcom as such

[@JackHoward]

watch pretty woman for god sake you'll obviously love it

[@DanLayton]

I bought it yesterday, it’s on the agenda I PROMISE

[@Skyrodin]

Hey Dan! I just love your channel so much, thanks for all your videos. I''m a huge RomCom fan, they made me start writing romance novels in a RomCom style. I think - knowing which movies were in the bag of course - I would've had a hard time to decide between Notting Hill and About Time for #1. But I have to admit I've never seen When Harry Met Sally. And I love your concept of BookTube for movies. I think this is something I could join in as well. I love talking about movies but I don't know how comfortable I would be in front of a camera. Anyways... I'm very much looking forward to seeing your next videos. Much love from Germany.

[@DanLayton]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@Feraloidies]

Give it a go! It's so fun, and I think you learn a lot by making videos

[@hattietaylor2548]

Love this cosy film-tuber content. Also have a really soft spot for Monster in Law, because when I was about 13 I went on an exchange trip to Germany and it was one of two films my host family had on DVD with English subtitles for me to watch along so I watched it about 4 times in a week and truly got to appreciate what a joy it is.

[@Sabinee211]

I loved this! I’m a big fan of art house films, but not always. And I feel that romcom always are held to the same standard as art house. But some are just brilliant in the way that they are. So your review ‘it’s not good, it is good i love it’ is just what I want to know for these films

[@targusintyme]

Love the cozy movie content! Romcoms did not exist in my world growing up, so I'm finally now trying to crack into them. Your description of Sleepless in Seattle is perfect. I knew nothing about it and was so conflicted the whole time! I loved both characters and wanted them to get together, but also THIS IS MANIC BEHAVIOUR. Definitely want to see more of both actors. Don't know if you're into YA, but Better than the Movies it's the sweetest teen romance about a girl obsessed with romcoms. I loved it but probably missed so many romcom references.

[@CaityReadsEverything]

The happy dance I do when one of your cosy videos come up. Thank you Daniel J, exactly what I needed today

[@Tessothemorning]

Absolutely love this concept Dan - and it's a beautiful place to start as well. Cup of tea chat-ahoy.

[@martonhabel4208]

I definitely had fun watching this, thank you.

[@sockertomte]

This was so fun a cozy, thank you :)

[@emhob]

speaking of 10 things I hate about you I just got back from a cineworld 25th anniversary screening and it's one of my favourite films of all time. this is also to say you successfully influenced me to get an unlimited card which has come in very handy when i have a horrific 5 hour uni break and i dont live close enough to uni to go home

[@FrabbyCrabsis]

You make a really solid point of a lot of film tube being very intellectual and analytical - I love films so goddamn much, and I want to hear about them, but I don't always want to watch them broken down to the minutae 😂

[@DanLayton]

There’s a time (often when I’m in the bath) where I DEVOUR film essays, but sometimes you just want something chill y’know??

[@megans3313]

um yes please to vids of you repurchasing the dvds you thought you could let go! My sister and I love finding the covers we always wanted from second hand stores. Plus the ones we never owned. Or after we split up our dvd collection the ones we are now missing individually

[@MrCRAIGJSTEVENS]

Cosy vibez indeed and very welcome as always x

[@ilikecupcakes09]

Your videos always make me feel like I'm hanging out with a friend :) Loved this one so much!

[@chiarathomas5044]

the thing about he's just not that into you is that the trailer is the absolute peak of romcom trailers. the voiceover, the music, the sheer number of jennifers. it's my roman empire.

[@DanLayton]

Oh you’re so right it absolutely is

[@LemonTeeth]

An underrated one for me is "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People".

[@bkuras]

I was TERRIFIED that Four Weddings and A Funeral was going to pop up at some point. As someone who doesn't really do rom-coms, that'd be my easy number 1. Also Dylan Moran's in Notting Hill so even if the film itself isn't something I'd go back to, it gets bonus points there.

[@arghlcasey]

Ooh I wasn't sure what to do this evening but now I do! About Time it is

[@DanLayton]

Book tomorrow off work to recover 😭

[@tess77262]

Aw dang it. I'm going to have to watch When Harry met Sally again aren't I? I was already on the verge to be honest

[@nikkil3130]

Loved this ❤️. Great format with not being able to move the films around, very much enjoyed

[@laurargriffith9284]

Erm PLEASE do a cex vlog!

[@lizziec90]

Alright Dan, I've been following you for many years. I have heard you talk about Monster In Law many times over that time period. In fact, the only things I know about that movie are that you love it and that Jennifer Lopez is in it lol. You've finally convinced me. I'll watch it. In honor of you. 😂 💜💜💜

[@kepriest]

if someone was to design a KZbin video for me,,,,, this would be exactly it immaculate vibes, immaculate film choices

[@sarahburgess7306]

I am such a lover of romcoms

[@megans3313]

Dan in real life! This had the pretty little liars haleb shower scene first (iykyk)

[@claudiajade624]

Flying home tomorrow and I will watch When Harry met Sally

[@megancita75]

But what about the 5 movies that didn’t make it into the bag?! I must know what those were! I don’t know if this counts as a rom-com, but the most delightful movie I’ve seen in recent months was Moonstruck, which I had never seen before, and it was such a sublime delight. A perfectly constructed film with a very specific vibe and aesthetic. And Cher, glorious. I was entranced.

[@nikkat6sxe]

Loved the concept please do more as always another fantastic video

[@JamesMorfa]

About Time gets a lot of hate for its quite obvious flaws, but its a romcom I immediately fell in love with and (along with Notting Hill and The Boat That Rocked) it might be my favourite Richard Curtis film. Can't say I've seen Monster In Law or Sex and The City but I'm willing to give them a go. Also, Hollywood: The Oral History in the background? Excellent choice of reading material.

[@elisecollins8467]

Idea for this series - 'watch this not that', where you pick some movies (could be limited by genre or not, maybe could be submitted by viewers) that aren't the best and recommended a better alternative to watch instead - they don’t have to be 'bad' per se, but movies that you'd be like 'why watch that when you could watch THIS instead?'

[@sunfreckledmoonchild]

I'm so here for cozy movie reviews

[@DanLayton]

You got it, more to come!

[@theboringkaren]

I'm now convinced that Dan, alone, will be the one to bring back rom coms to the cinema.

[@Thoughtsmith]

We gotta know what the other five were. I have to know how Sliding Doors failed to make the cut.

[@molly.o23]

perfect! i have yet to pick tonight's movies

[@uri65]

Mr Daniel J, firstly, loved this. top notch, thank you. secondly, hast thou seen Man Up (2015)?

[@DanLayton]

I haven’t!! But I will take the rec

[@uri65]

@@DanLayton it's my top romcom tied with When Harry Met Sally; it is GOLDEN

[@chelmrtz]

Also sorry I hate You’ve Got Mail because of the extended deception and manipulation. It feels like a fluffier version of You. It’s a no go for me

[@mackenziediver7037]

I had the same experience with "when Harry met Sally", and I still feel weird when I recommend it because of the "can men and women be friends" thing

[@DanLayton]

I realised when I was a bit older that the question isn’t “can men and women be friends” It’s “Can THESE two be friends…” and that changed everything.

[@mackenziediver7037]

The answer is of course yes- they are friends before they're romantically together, which is the best kind of romance tbh :)

[@EllieRoseMcKee]

Random video request: you views on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

[@emmonaghan5605]

When Harry met sally is my dads favourite film of all time. I Personally HATE billy crystal in it but have been forced to watch it so many times I know it back to front 😂

[@whatafangirlcando7947]

We love a not spon just friends 😂

[@CrasandBurn]

I want to know your though on Normal people. Is it rom com? Is it a new kind of rom com? Just love to hear your thoughts

[@DanLayton]

I’ve never seen it! Although based on what everyone says it sounds far more like a romantic drama than comedy. Similar to One Day.

[@CrasandBurn]

@@DanLayton oh yeah! I see what you mean. Well if you ever want to have a binge of it, of course like others id recommend. ✨

[@TheVeryLastHippy]

Aww did sponsorship Dan get fired?

[@jaybehkay2438]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOUVE NEVER SEEN PRETTY WOMAN?!? Its iconic

[@rhair7143]

Yes let's have some more utter bollocks romcoms!!! Cheers to that ☕

[@rexblackheart9167]

God i love this channel ❤

[@childmiddle]

YOU'VE NEVER SEEN PRETTY WOMAN?

[@SnapGrapplePop]

As a lover of films like Just Like Heaven, with Reese Witherspoon & Mark Ruffalo, which is objectively not a great movie but I don’t care, this list speaks to me

[@DanLayton]

I watched that recently with my friend Edith who somehow managed to convince me it had been nominated for an Academy Award for VFX. It sounded JUST strange-but-true enough for me to believe it.

[@pretsal4955]

Hugh Grant pogchamp

[@emmarubacava]

10 things I hate about you is my number 1!!! No hesitation! Crazy Stupid Love is a very close second. Bridget Jones’ Diary is my number 3. I’ll let you get back to Reginald’s quivering member.

[@alyssatate122]

I am a huge rom com fan but my unpopular opinion is I think Notting Hill is very over rated . I liked it I thought I was just okay.

[@DanLayton]

We love a spicy and incorrect take on this channel, you’re in a safe space x

[@alyssatate122]

@@DanLayton hahaha . Thank you.

[@Dr.Tectonic]

My favorite rom-com is Hot Fuzz. Yes, it is a buddy-cop action parody, but it's also 100% a rom-com. Watch it and tell me it doesn't hit all the beats, i dare you.

[@TestSubjectNerd]

Hello, yes I know you didn't ask but I have three recommendations of my own: 1) The Proposal. Sandra Bullock is a corporate woman who has to get married else she'll get deported back to Canada, so she gets engaged to her assistant, Ryan Reynolds. The two of them go on a trip to his family home in Alaska. The scenery is stunning and Betty White *kills* me every single time. Also, it's cute!!! 2) Crazy, Stupid, Love. I think this actually might be one of the greatest romcoms ever and it's one of the movies I always point to when I say RYAN GOSLING NEEDS TO DO MORE COMEDY. He and Steve Carrell are hysterical together and the moment all these disparate characters converge is *so funny*. Also, it's the original Emma Stone/Ryan Gosling film. Come on. (yes some of it hasn't aged well but please forgive it okay) 3) Man Up. Please don't let the title fool you, I promise it's the sweetest. Proper British romantic comedy. Lake Bell (doing a spectacularly natural English accent) decides she needs to "do something spontaneous" after constantly being set up and let down by the people she's set up with. So, when Simon Pegg's character mistakes her for his blind date, she just... goes along with it. The two of them are magical together and it never fails to make me smile. I don't think many people know about it but I recommend it to every one because it's!! it's the best!!! Okay I'm done. Lovely video, Dan, as always!

[@DanLayton]

Crazy Stupid Love was in the top 15 long list!!! Big fan, and so rare for RomComs to have a genuine honest to goodness plot twist!

[@TestSubjectNerd]

@@DanLayton It's maybe one of my favourite plot twists in cinema. I'm not joking. Also, I just love seeing Steve Carrell as a romantic lead - he does it so well!

[@SarahSchreck]

When Harry Met Sally ❌!?? I'm sure you will have reasonable reasons and yet my heart is alarmed! Successful thumbnail (distressed)!!

[@DanLayton]

It’s CLICKBAIT because of the THEME, and I don’t feel ashamed AT ALL

[@SarahSchreck]

@@DanLayton No shame necessary!!! The first live premiere I tuned into with that level of eagerness. And I just have to hope you know about Molly Ringwald's performance as Sally on the stage in slightly more recent years >:)

[@Andy__H]

Nothing wrong with basic. 💪🫡