PremiumAs 50 First Dates turns 20, check out these 5 newer romcoms that have similar evergreen potential and Valentine vibes
Adam Sandler-Drew Barrymore's 50 First Dates turns 20 this year, though it feels like no time has passed. On this occasion, take a look at these 5 films that may similarly last the cinematic run.
Last Updated: 01.49 PM, Feb 13, 2024
50 First Dates was released in 2004 and received mixed reviews from critics. But the film did well and was a commercial success, being made on a $75 million budget and grossing $198 million at the box office. The film has an intriguing and bittersweet premise, a woman, who suffers from a type of amnesia that renders her unable to remember any new memories she has formed the day before, including the people she meets.
It follows the journey of a man who falls for her, and decides to remind her diligently about their love, every day, forever. As the roles were essayed by the iconic Adam Sandler and the stunning Drew Barrymore, 50 First Dates’ uniqueness was further highlighted, and the film remains a significant part of romcom history in Cinema. If you enjoyed 50 First Dates, then these five new romcoms may be just up your alley for Valentine's Day.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)
Available on - Netflix
The Tudum original, based on its eponymous novel, follows the angst endured by a shy Lara Jean in high school. However, her habit of writing love letters to her most passionate crushes without ever posting them bites her back when her naughty younger sibling posts them. Now Lara Jean must stave off these awkward encounters and navigate high school by fake dating her former crush Peter Kavinsky without catching feelings for him. To put a cherry on the top, both Lana Condor and Noah Centino are enchanting, their chemistry going through the roof.
Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
Available on - Apple TV for rent
The romcom drama stars Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper in rather different roles, both suffering from mental illnesses while trying to navigate social life without exploding around others for the way they are treated. As the two firecrackers find each other, initially only sparks emerge, which later turn into a full-blown flame while practicing for a dance championship. The film has its highs and lows but is worth binging now and again, for its excellent performance and entertaining plotline.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Available on – Netflix
When a film is written by the two lead actors, both highly talented, the result is bound to be a fun rom com, full of wordplay and iconic punchlines. Ali Wong and Randall Park write and star in the film, and are childhood best friends Sasha and Marcus, who have spent every day together since childhood. But when Marcus’ mother dies, and the two end up hooking up, it results in confusion and awkwardness instead of clearing the years of suppressed feelings.
Sixteen years have passed since then, and their distance and gap of communication are suddenly challenged when Sasha moves back to her hometown for her new restaurant and their paths cross again. Also, the film features a hilarious cameo by Keanu Reeves.
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The Hating Game (2021)
Available on – Prime Video
This is one of the best enemies-to-lovers films of the decade, with Lucy Hale’s Lucy and Austin Stowell’s Josh forced to work together after their respective publishing companies merge. Opposites in every way yet great at their jobs, both despise each other and go out of their way to irk the other. But things come to a head when they both vie for the same promotion. The less said, the better, The Hating Game is an easy-on-the-eyes romcom without being cliched with sincere performances and refreshing incidents.
Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)
Available on – Prime Video
Based on the 2019 eponymous novel by Casey McQuiston, Red, White & Royal Blue is one of the best romcoms of recent times. An LGBT romance, between the son of the United States President and a British Prince, the film has a royal, indulgent touch to it, while containing all the benefits of the modern times, like electricity, social media, private planes, endless champagne. Not only is the cast impeccable, starring the likes of Uma Thurman, Stephen Fry, Nicholas Galitzine, and Taylor Zakhar Perez, but the film is also well-executed (excluding the idealistic ending), adding its name to the small list of films that do justice to the books they are based on.