The 80s were a...unique time, and although not everything aged very well or makes very much sense in the 2020s, one thing is for sure; the rom-com thrived. It was the heyday for directors like John Hughes and Rob Reiner as young people had more financial resources and, therefore, more freedom to go out and see movies.
There are a lot of elements that go into making a decent romantic comedy, but arguably the most important is the "com" part. These rom-coms of the 80s have the best laughs, whether it be because they are well-written or just because they have aged hilariously.
10. Valley Girl (1983)
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Where To Watch: Amazon
It may not be the most profound film of the '80s, but Nicolas Cage's performance alone makes it worth the watch. The story follows the love story of Julie (Deborah Foreman), an upper-class girl from San Fernando Valley, and Randy (Nicolas Cage), a poor punk from the city. A modern-day Romeo and Juliet, this one.
Valley Girl gets the bottom spot on this list because its humor is particular to the time. The actual comedy of the film comes from the outrageous costumes, the '80s dialogue, and Nicolas Cage being Nicolas Cage. If you needed to choose one film to showcase the '80s to someone who didn't live through it, Valley Girl would be good.
9. Pretty In Pink (1986)
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Where To Watch: Hulu
John Hughes' Pretty In Pink is one of the teen rom-coms to never go out of style, perhaps because of its charming lead performance by Molly Ringwald and exploration of class and poverty in the lives of young people. Howard Deutch directed with Hughes as the screenwriter, and it has his touch.
The film revolves around Andie (Molly Ringwald), a poor, unpopular high-schooler who has a crush on Blane (Andrew McCarthy), a classmate who lies on the polar opposite end of the social food chain. The story takes place right before prom, an event that Andie desperately wants to attend but can't afford. Of course, her childhood friend Duckie (Jon Cryer), who harbors a secret love for her, will be there to support her every step of the way. It is a heartwarming film with a classic 80s ending and not one to be missed.
8. Desperately Seeking Susan (1985)
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Where To Watch: Philo or Amazon
Rosanna Arquette and Madonna star in this rom-com about a bored housewife's obsession with a free-spirited woman she knows only by name, Susan. Due to a mix-up, Roberta (Arquette) is mistaken for the infamous Susan by the people after her, and both ladies end up on the run.
More than anything else, Desperately Seeking Susan is a fun watch, and it has quite a few laughs. The film also explores the role(s) society expects women to play and how role-rebellion can be liberating and even healing. It's fun to watch Madonna on screen in her natural habitat (the '80s), and Rosanna Arquette does a great job playing opposite her.
7. Moonstruck (1987)
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Where To Watch: HBO Max
Cher won an Oscar for her role as Loretta Castorini, an Italian-American bookkeeper from Brooklyn, New York, and Nicolas Cage makes another appearance on the list. Moonstruck tells the story of Loretta's love triangle with her fiancé and her fiancé's brother, Ronny (Cage), after accidentally falling madly in love with the latter.
Nicolas Cage's performance is outstandingly weird, as is his custom. Ronny is an extraordinary character, but he's also pretty hilarious, which is true of the film overall. Cher's performance as a woman trying to stay true to herself while learning from the experiences of those around her is outstanding. Beyond a doubt, this one is worth a watch.
6. Coming To America (1988)
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Where To Watch: HBO Max
Eddie Murphy doesn't disappoint, and neither does this film. Murphy stars as Akeem, an African prince engaged to be married to a woman he has never met. Tired of the ways of tradition, Akeem takes a trip to America to find his true bride, a woman to stimulate his mind, heart, and soul.
A plethora of hilarious antics ensues as Akeem and his royal servant, Semmi (Arsenio Hall), attempt to adapt to life in Queens, New York. Beyond the fact that this film is funny (what else would we expect from Murphy), it is a genuinely touching story about following the heart and being better for it. James Earl Jones co-stars as Akeem's father, King Jaffe Joffer, and although Jones is known as a serious actor, he plays this comedic part beautifully.
5. Romancing The Stone (1984)
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Where To Watch: HBO Max
Romantic comedies are one thing, but romantic adventure comedies are an entire genre of their own. Romancing the Stone is a unique film as it captures the essence of both Indiana Jones and Casablanca, but the result is not nearly as odd as you would think.
Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) is a romantic novelist who travels to Colombia to pay the ransom of her sister, the ransom being a map that leads to a priceless treasure. While in Colombia, Joan meets Jack Colton (Michael Douglas), a rugged and somewhat less romantic survivor whose primary drive is his financial need. As the two search for the stone and attempt to save Joan's sister, romance blossoms, and the rest is rom-com history.
4. Overboard (1987)
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Where To Watch: Philo or Amazon
It's funny how rom-coms get us to root for the most detestable people. In the case of Overboard, Dean Proffitt (Kurt Russell) is our protagonist, but he is also sort of a kidnapper...but it works out in the end. Anyway, he's pretty charming, so we let the kidnapping thing slide.
Goldie Hawn appears opposite Kurt Russell as Joanna, a rich and spoiled woman who refuses to pay impoverished Proffitt for work he's done on her yacht. When Joanna takes a tumble off her boat late at night and loses her memory, Proffitt sees it as an opportunity to make his money back...by claiming she is his wife and putting her to work. The concept is disturbing, but the movie is golden, with Hawn and Russell giving unforgettable performances.
3. The Princess Bride (1987)
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Where To Watch: Hulu
Rob Reiner's beloved fairy tale needs no introduction. If you haven't seen it for some reason, it is a must-watch. The film is outlandishly funny, and it pokes fun at the fairy tale genre while simultaneously giving the audience a touching and riveting adventure story about love and friendship.
The film has countless stars, with Cary Elwes, Mandy Patinkin, Robin Wright, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Andre Roussimoff, and Billy Crystal in an unrecognizable role. The Princess Bride remains a classic and is the ultimate go-to family film.
2. When Harry Met Sally (1989)
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Where To Watch: HBO Max
Hollywood has a couple of writer-director duos that work, and Nora Ephron and Rob Reiner are one of them. When Harry Met Sally is one of, if not the most famous rom-com of all time, and the fame is well-earned. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan star as Harry and Sally, two people who keep meeting each other over ten years, their relationship deepening each time they become reacquainted.
The dynamic between the two seemingly opposite characters is a blast to watch, but their interactions with their friends bring the best comedy. Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby co-star as Sally and Harry's trusted confidantes, respectively, and they are both hilarious. If you need a Carrie Fisher fix (we're only human, after all) When Harry Met Sally is a great choice.
1. Tootsie (1982)
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Where To Stream: Tubi
Sydney Pollack's Tootsie isn't just one of the most hilarious rom-coms ever made; it also tells a fantastic story. The film centers on Michael Dorsey (Dustin Hoffman), a struggling actor who dresses up as a woman to get a role on a soap opera, leading him to fall in love with the TV show's female lead, Julie (Jessica Lange). While in disguise, Michael begins to discover what it's like to live as a woman while growing closer and closer to troubled Julie.
The film is a comedy, but it is also a very touching drama. Tootsie has an original message, separating it from many rom-coms of that era. Tootsie is funny, charming, and honest, and it is considered one of the best films ever made. If you want a rom-com with no cheese, you've got one!