A decade of Bridesmaids: 10 reasons why the film is still the best romcom

It’s been 10 years since Bridesmaids first made us laugh (and then cry) but the rom-com still remains as fresh as in our minds as ever. We’ve learnt so much from this group of friends trying to be the perfect bridesmaids in a wedding, that the movie deserves its own appreciation post. And honestly, what’s not to love? There’s a giant cookie, a bunch of puppies, a lot of funny moments, and ultimately, a beautiful wedding in the film. Here are 10 reasons why Bridesmaids deserves to be rewatched even after 10 whole years:

1. Bridesmaids is incredibly relatable

Though Bridesmaids gives its audience plenty of moments to laugh, it does not glaze over the harsher parts of life that all characters experience. Annie feels like she’s hit a roadblock in her life and in her friendship with Lillian, who is moving on to wonderful things. Even in the best of friends, the feeling of being left behind in life creeps in sometimes. And what is more relatable than that?

2. Bridesmaids shows that friendships are complicated

Not all friendships begin instantly, but some do end that way for sure. It almost feels like the wedding takes such a giant toll on Annie that her friendship with Lillian is permanently ruined. Also, picking bridesmaids is one of the most difficult parts of a bride’s job. Things can get very messy very quickly, as they evidently do in the film. Even in all the ups and downs and complications that a friendship brings, the crux of it is always pure.

3. The tale is from women, but not just for women

Though women are increasingly gaining recognition in Hollywood now, the success of Bridesmaids was completely revolutionary 10 years ago. Two women managed to skillfully penetrate the box office comedy hit club that mostly male writers dominated. Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig established themselves as superior comedians who made everyone laugh without a trace of sexist jokes, as was (and still is) a popular way for filmmakers to take.

4. Bridesmaids has no sequel and that makes it extra special

Unlike other comedy films that have juiced their plotlines as much as they could just to make profits, Bridesmaids chose to stay true to its plot and has never ventured into a sequel.

5. Bridesmaids does not shy away from talking about failure

While her best friend is getting married, Annie is struggling to even make ends meet. The movie begins with her silently grieving her bakery shutting down and her very recent breakup. Not once does Bridesmaids try to cover up the fact that Annie is hurt and has hit rock bottom - the filmmakers believed that there is no shame in being at your worst moments in life sometimes and that’s okay. This has especially resonated with a lot of people in the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Bridesmaids humorously depicts the monstrosity that is wedding planning

A wedding is no fun and games - the stress of planning a wedding, especially for a Maid of Honour, is colossal. Brides and grooms-to-be definitely should unwind by watching Bridesmaids and laughing at the effort and pain it takes to plan a wedding. The movie also reminds us that it is not easy to put an event as grand as a wedding together and often, a wedding takes over personal relationships that are more important in the long run.

7. Annie getting drunk in the airplane is pure gold

Unlike Annie, not many of us can say that we have been arrested for being drugged and drunk on a flight. Kristen Wiig’s incredible talent as a comedian makes this scene absolutely hilarious. From her drunken jabs at Helen to her lousy attempts to sneak into first class, Annie had us laughing for days.

8. Bridesmaids offers some solid life advice

Throughout the movie, the audience learns that life does reward you for being a good person, and above all a good friend, eventually. It also teaches us to be open to the possibility of finding love unexpectedly, letting go of the ones who are clearly not right for us, to accept jealousy as normal, and above all, to never mix alcohol with drugs.

9. The food poisoning scene is all kinds of memorable

You’re lying if you tell us you’ve never been as sick as the bridesmaids. The scene is so gross, so sickly but so funny and so real that it has become a marker for the film. Sure, the scene will freak out some of us, but the rest of us can’t stop laughing every time we think about it.

10. Bridesmaids teaches us that marriage is not the only way to be happy

Though Lillian finds happiness with Doug, not everyone is as lucky. Helen is stuck in a rocky marriage which brings her no joy and ultimately Annie finds happiness without marriage. The belief that the end goal of one’s life is to get married is completely (and rightly) shattered in Bridesmaids.