Many romantic comedies have become an integral part of popular culture, influencing fashion, music and the cultural perception of love and relationships. The dialogues and iconic scenes from these films often integrate into collective memory.
Although this style of production often follows certain patterns, it has also allowed for the exploration of diverse love stories, from classic to more contemporary ones. This has contributed to the diversification of the genre’s narratives in cinema.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Friends with Benefits, Anyone but You, 10 Things I Hate About You, When Harry Met Sally and 13 Going on 30 are some of the titles that have established themselves as unbeatable romantic comedies over time, serving as references in new films.
Beautiful Wedding
Beautiful Wedding is the upcoming sequel to Beautiful Disaster, set to be released on January 24, 2024, in limited theaters before making its grand debut on streaming platforms. It is expected to arrive on Hulu and Koopla, as the previous installment became available on these platforms shortly after its release.
Dylan Sprouse and Virginia Gardner in Beautiful Wedding. (Source: IMDb)
The cast will reunite for the continuation, which follows Abby and Travis, who, after a wild night in Las Vegas, discover that they are married. Despite the impulsive decisions they have made, they embark on a honeymoon in Mexico with friends and family.
Roger Kumble will direct the film, collaborating on the screenplay with the saga’s author, Jamie McGuire. Returning to star in the story are Dylan Sprouse and Virginia Gardner, while accompanied by Rob Estes, Austin North, Libe Barer, Neil Bishop, Trevor Van Uden, Micky Dartford and Declan Michael Laird, among others.
It Ends With Us
It Ends With Us is not only a sensation among booktubers, but over time, it has become one of the biggest successes written by Colleen Hoover. In 2023, it was confirmed that the book would finally have its own film adaptation, starring major Hollywood stars.
These include Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate and Justin Baldoni. The actor who has been in Jane the Virgin and now plays Ryle is directing the film. He also assisted the author in adapting the screenplay.
Blake Lively and Brandon Sklenar in It Ends with Us. (Source: IMDb)
The film is set to hit the big screen on June 21, 2024, and after a considerable run in theaters, it will make its debut on a streaming giant. The plot explores deep themes such as love, loss, family relationships, and domestic violence.
The story follows the life of Lily Bloom, a young woman living in Boston, as she navigates love, relationships, and the complexities of her past. There, she encounters Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon, and they form a connection. However, Lily’s past resurfaces when she crosses paths with Atlas Corrigan.
As she believes she has found true love with Ryle, a painful incident brings forth traumas from the past, and she must decide if love alone will save her marriage, even when her first love returns.
Challengers
Challengers is the highly anticipated new title from director Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name and Bones & All) and writer Justin Kuritzkes (Queer and Boy Leroy). It is estimated to hit the big screen on April 26, 2024, so it’s only a few months away from its grand debut.
Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist are the stars of the story, which follows three players who met as teenagers while competing in a tennis tournament to become the winner of the world-renowned Grand Slam. They rekindle old rivalries both on and off the court.
A Family Affair
A Family Affair is the new romantic comedy that is not only filled with great funny moments but also a lot of drama, chaos, and mega-recongnized stars. The cast is led by Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman and Joey King. The three actors were joined by figures such as Kathy Bates, Liza Koshy, Sherry Cola and Wes Jetton, among others.
Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, and Joey King in A Family Affair
The story portrays an unexpected romance that triggers comedic repercussions for a young woman, her mother, and her boss, who grapple with the complications of love, sex, and identity. Richard LaGravenese is in charge of directing the film, while Carrie Solomon is responsible for the screenplay. It is known that it will be released in 2024, but an exact date is not yet available.
Irish Wish
Irish Wish will mark Lindsay Lohan‘s return to romantic comedies that are not set during the holiday season. Directed by Janeen Damian and written by Kirsten Hansen, the story follows Maddie Kelly, who is in love with her best friend, James Thomas, who is engaged. James Thomas is portrayed by Ed Speleers (known for You, Outlander, Downton Abbey and Star Trek: Picard).
Lindsay Lohan and Dakota Lohan in Irish Wish. (Source: IMDb)
Despite Maddie’s love of her life getting engaged to her best friend, she must set aside her feelings to be the maid of honor at their wedding, which will take place in Ireland. The film will be added to Netflix‘s catalog on March 15th of this year, making it the actress’s second production with the streaming giant.
The Idea of You
Anne Hathaway and Nicholas Galitzine are set to star in The Idea of You, one of the most anticipated romantic comedies of the year, especially for fans of both actors. Amazon Studios is the production company behind the film, set to be released at some point in 2024. There is no exact date yet, but it is estimated to be around mid-year.
The story revolves around a 40-year-old single mother who takes her 16-year-old daughter to Coachella, but destiny had other plans for her. Things take an unexpected turn when she embarks on a forbidden romance with the 24-year-old singer of a famous pop band. Michael Showalter is directing the film, which is based on the novel by Robinne Lee.
Wallbanger
Wallbanger is the 2024 adaptation of the novel written by Alice Clayton. The story follows interior designer Caroline, who seems to have moved into the perfect apartment, only to be awakened every night by her neighbor banging on the walls. Kelli Berglund portrays the main female character.
The film is directed by Tosca Musk, who already has experience in the genre, having been responsible for Driven and The Matchmaker’s Playbook. As expected, the title will have its exclusive streaming premiere on Passionflix, the platform founded by Elon Musk’s sister.
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow
A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow was one of Laura Taylor Namey‘s bestselling novels, according to The New York Times. The adaptation is set to be released this year and will be starring three of the most well-known young actors of 2023: Maia Reficco (Do Revenge and Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin), Kit Connor (Heartstopper) and Kate del Castillo.
Kit Connor and Maia Reficco in A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow. (Source: IMDb)
According to Screen Rant, the story follows Lila Reyes, who, after her grandmother’s death, leaves Miami and spends the summer cooking at her aunt’s inn in Winchester. Here, she falls in love with the British countryside and a romance unfolds with a charming tea shop clerk. Katherine Fairfax Wright will make her cinematic debut and will be in charge of all the behind-the-scenes aspects.
Upgraded
Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux joined forces with big stars like Marisa Tomei and Lena Olin to bring to life Upgraded, Prime Video‘s new romantic comedy that shares a similar style to The Hating Game. With less than a month to go, we’ll finally get to see the chemistry of the actors on screen as it arrives on the platform on February 9.
Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux in Upgrade. (Source: IMDb)
Carlson Young is in charge of directing, while Christine Lenig, Luke Spencer Roberts and Justin Matthews are the ones behind the screenplay. The story follows Ana, an aspiring art intern who is invited on a last-minute work trip to London by her super boss, meeting the handsome and wealthy William on the plane.
The Threesome
The Threesome is the upcoming romantic film that brings Zoey Deutch back to the genre, accompanied by big stars like Jonah Hauer-King and Ruby Cruz in the rom-com directed by Chad Hartigan. Jonah and Zoey joined the project as replacements for Logan Lerman and Phoebe Dynevor.
Jonah Hauer-King and Zoey Deutch on the set of The Threesome. (Source: @FilmUpdates)
The story follows Connor, a long-time lover who finds himself involved in an unexpected trio. He believes it’s his ultimate dream come true, but when the fantasy ends, the three face surprising consequences that change their lives and force them to take responsibility for their actions.
