Paramount Pictures This list is updated regularly, as titles come and go from Prime.
1. 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)
Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger charm in a superior teen rom-com inspired by The Taming of the Shrew. Later adapted for the small screen; 20 episodes of the show ran from 2009-2010 on ABC Family. Buena Vista
2. The Big Sick (2017)
An incredible real-life story of illness, family and cultures colliding inspired Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon to write this acclaimed, often laugh-out-loud romantic comedy with surprising dramatic heft. The Big Sick was nominated for an Academy Award for its original screenplay. The supporting cast includes Holly Hunter, Ray Romano and Zoe Kazan.
3. Legally Blonde (2001)
If Freeway made her a star, Legally Blonde cemented Reese Witherspoon in the A-List. It’s quite a thing for a performer who’s only been in the game for a matter of years to headline a $144-million smash that seemingly came out of nowhere, and delights millions as a fan-favorite to this day. In Robert Luketic‘s uproariously funny and entertaining comedy—which isn’t as fluffy as it might have been, thanks to Witherspoon’s deathly serious conviction just beneath the chipper exterior—Elle Woods goes after a boy who underestimates her, and discovers herself along the way. If you can’t fall under the spell of this heartwarmer, check for a pulse. MGM
4. Dog (2022)
There are some cases where a movie practically markets itself: Here’s Channing Tatum and a German Shepherd. The actor makes his co-directing debut alongside Reid Carolin, in a dramedy about an Army Ranger who inherits his fallen friend’s troubled dog Lulu. There’s a clash of grim and broadly funny tones here and there, but mostly Dogis engaging, nuts-and-bolts entertainment that’s easy to ride along with.
5. Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)
A shockingly worthy—and just straight-up shocking—sequel to one of the best comedies of the century, Sacha Baron Cohen‘s second mockumentary sees the famous and very nice Kazakhstani journalist grapple with 14 years of American change. The tradeoff here is that this moviefilm is more contrived than its predecessor (though major props to Cohen for making this work after becoming internationally famous) but the enterprise works better narratively; there’s an arc. A downright touching bond develops between Borat and his daughter. She’s played brilliantly by Maria Bakalova, really and truly an overnight sensation.
6. Heathers (1988)
Winona Ryder and Christian Slater star in one of the great cult classics of the 1980s, a brilliant and merciless dark comedy about a twisted romance, and an uprising against an oppressive high school clique. One of the best teen movies ever made; there’s a case to be made that it’s the G.O.A.T. It’s gut-bustingly funny—and it’s got lots of heart.
7. The Lost City (2022)
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum are as delightful together as you’d expect in Aaron and Adam Nee’s adventure comedy romance, about a reclusive romance novelist who’s kidnapped by an outlandish billionaire. Tatum plays the handsome cover model who sets out to rescue her. Bolstered by a scene-stealing Daniel Radcliffe, The Lost City is a lighthearted but tremendously fun romp on a level that only top-tier talent can deliver.
8. Bad Grandpa (2013)
AKA Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa sees Johnny Knoxville take his guerilla style of comedy to another level, as an 86-year-old man on a cross-country road trip with his young grandson. They encounter strippers, fake poo, and seemingly infinite crotch gags. Bad Grandpa became the first Jackass film to be nominated for an Academy Award, for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
9. Licorice Pizza (2021)
Some debatably queasy elements aside, Paul Thomas Anderson’s romantic bildungsroman is euphoric, an instant classic. Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman give star-making turns—and Bradley Cooper nearly walks away with the whole enterprise. Licorice Pizza is nostalgic but thoroughly fresh, a movie to get lost in.
10. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
Iconic and enchanting if shy of great, Breakfast at Tiffany’s hasn’t aged as well as Audrey Hepburn’s breakthrough Roman Holiday—but it’s a cultural touchstone all the same. Aside from a racially-insensitive subplot that’s aged like milk, the other major issue with the big-screen adaptation of Truman Capote‘s book is that the charms of Hepburn and Patricia Neal upstage star George Peppard throughout. Still, there’s no denying the transporting power of the opening scene, or Hepburn singing “Moon River” on a New York fire escape.
11. The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers the best performance of his career in Martin Scorsese’s indulgent, breathless, masterful satirical biopic about former stockbroker and convicted felon Jordan Belfort. In a scene-stealing supporting role, this was Margot Robbie’s big breakthrough. Now, she’s arguably the most sought-after film star on the planet.
12. Jennifer’s Body (2009)
Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried star in Juno Oscar winner Diablo Cody and The Invitation helmer Karyn Kusama‘s teen horror comedy about a high school hottie possessed by a demon, and the girl who vows to stop her reign of carnage. Critical and commercial disappointment upon release, now a widely admired cult classic.
13. Marry Me (2022)
What a cheery, escapist Valentine’s Day surprise this was. Kat Coiro’s Marry Me fully delivers on its confidently contrived ambitions. The splashy rom-com is a little too long at nearly two hours, and Sarah Silverman deserved sharper material in a supporting role—but Marry Me is mostly a grin-inducing win. Above all, the outlandish movie works because the performances are so damn good: Jennifer Lopez is perfect, and Owen Wilson is in full command of the boyish allure that’s made him a star for decades. The chemistry between the veteran actors (mature enough that a bewitching, knowing melancholy seeps through) is understated and even better than expected. Sure, it all feels very 2006—but in a way that’s not so much dated as refreshingly retro.
14. Love and Monsters (2020)
Dylan O’Brien proves yet again that he can carry a studio action picture with grace and wit in Michael Matthews‘ sci-fi romance about a survivor who leaves his bunker in search of his lady love after Earth is ravaged by the Monsterpocalypse. Were there films that aimed much higher than Love and Monsters does in 2020? Absolutely. Still, there’s an indefatigable charm—and even a splash of melancholy—that linger after the credits roll. Love and Monsters deserves award recognition for its seamless visual effects, and the lovingly constructed film delivers so fully on its modest ambitions that it leaves a bigger-than-expected mark. Paramount Pictures Next, check out the best LGBT romantic movies of all time.
