These might just be the worst rom-coms ever made
Don’t get us wrong, we love a good rom-com. We grew up with them, after all. It was what Friday nights were all about, Blockbuster, popcorn and hot young things falling in love, with hilarious moments along the way.
So, what makes a good one? There needs to be chemistry, some funny lines. And, of course, an iconic love-overcomes-all scene at the end. We aren’t asking for Oscar-worthy performances or complicated, code-breaking storylines, they just need to leave us happy, maybe even a tiny tear in our eye too if you’re lucky. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, the best ones give us a glimmer of hope that anything is possible.
Think of the classics - The Notebook, Roman Holiday, Pretty Woman, When Harry Met Sally- these are the gods of rom-coms, the ones that have prevailed through the Netflix and Amazon Prime noise, they’ve stood the test of time and we will never get tired of them.
Which leads us to the rom-coms that are actually pretty terrible. The ones that end up leaving us feeling worse off than we did to begin with. Whether it’s through outdated messaging (we can understand if the film was made in 1950 but many of them were the 90s and Noughties), bad chemistry (just cos they’re A-listers doesn’t mean they can act), terrible script writing, unlikable characters and outrageous scenes. Or maybe they are just too predictable and the storyline lacked the extra spice it needed, with a bad ending not worthy of our time.
While you may have previously not noticed their weak points, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to helpfully point them out for you - sorry if they happen to be one of your personal favourites, but this is essential information. Whether you want to watch them again is a decision you’ll have to make for yourself.
Here are the worst rom-coms ever made, according to GLAMOUR…
A Cinderella Story (2004)
All we have to say on the matter is that everyone pretends Hilary Duff's masquerade mask is a balaclava hiding all of her features - of course you can see who it is. You telling me he doesn't recognise her in the diner? BS!
Monster-in-Law (2005)
Another brilliant stereotype, mother-in-law despises daughter-in-law-to-be. Not all mother-in-laws are dreadful.
Endless Love (2014)
It’s sickeningly cheesy and Alex Pettyfer’s character is just plain arrogant (rumours are he’s pretty similar in RL).
What Women Want (2000)
Here we have a man who has the power to hear women’s inner thoughts. The best bit? Two female characters apparently have no thoughts at all.
The Ugly Truth (2009)
Katherine Heigl plays a lovelorn TV producer who, despite a long and arduous search for the perfect mate, is hopelessly single (because, you know, you can never be truly happy alone). Then chauvinistic Mike comes along, played by Gerard Butler, who teaches her how to deep-throat a hot dog. Just no.
Kate & Leopold (2001)
This time travelling-themed rom-com is just plain sexist. Kate (Meg Ryan) leaves the New York dating scene and her career to be with a guy from 1876. Did they tell you, you’ll be at home cooking all day now, Kate?
Bride Wars (2009)
Where do we start with this one? As if two best friends for life would spectacularly fall out over a wedding venue. We like women being friends not trying to ruin each other’s weddings, which is depicted as the only route to true happiness.
Baggage Claim (2013)
Montana, the main character, feels the need to track down her ex boyfriends after her sister gets engaged because she’d rather be with a someone dreadful than single.
Down to You (2000)
OK, it stars Julia Stiles and Noughties teen heartthrob Freddie Prinze, Jr but sadly this one leaves a lot to be desired. Al (FPJ) tries to kill himself by drinking a bottle of shampoo after breaking up with dull Julia. Oh, and Selma Blair stars as a predatory porn star.
The Proposal (2009)
Sandra Bullock plays a female boss, who of course, is evil and lacking in any kind of empathy.
Last Christmas (2019)
We do feel a bit guilty about this one as we love Emilia Clarke but wow, this was a really bad Christmas rom-com. The script was just lacking in anything spectacular and mildly predictable.
