23 OF THE BEST MOST WHOLESOME ROMANTIC-COMEDIES

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A romantic comedies is cinematic bliss around my house. Why is this? I cannot say for certain other than the reaction they leave me with long after I’ve ejected the disc: a smile. Over the years, I’ve watched many romcoms with my mother because apparently when we have a girls night in, that’s one of our favorite things to do. What makes it even better? When these romcoms are of the wholesome romantic comedies variety.

Today, I decided to do something a little bit different and share a list of 23 of the romantic-comedies I’ve seen that would fit the mold of being “clean.” Keep in mind, this is a subjective list since everyone’s definition of a “clean” or “wholesome” film is different. For me, as I picked the films I wanted to include, what I looked at to define my choices was the romance itself or the way the couple came to earn their HEA. How does the hero treat his ladyWhat is their relationship based on? Of course, even with these caveats the one thing that does usually crop up is profanity which nearly all of these share (no matter their rating) in varying degrees. And even with these blue prints, some I included are pure and simple, “fluff.”

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Some of these, I’ll confess, I might be biased about because I love them so much. That said, I am trying to be thorough and include comedies that might not be my most favorites though still fit the category we’re talking about today.

Also, one last disclaimer. This is not an all-inclusive list. Because of this, I have chosen to eliminate from consideration the following subgenres: TV films (Hallmark), period films and classics. Long story short, this mostly features what we’d coin “box office” or feature films. If this post does well enough or if anyone is interested (or depending on how much fun this blogger has putting this together *smile*), there may be future lists. *Edit to clarify: the use of “wholesome” in this list isn’t exclusive to content. It’s more than “just” that element of a film. I’m using it to describe the filmmaking quality and how the story or character(s) or production makes the audience feel. There’s something about these films that just makes the viewer feel good and therefore the story quality or production has a “wholesome” bent.

Until then, let’s get started on the topic planned for today; our list of “wholesome romantic comedies”!


23 OF THE BEST MOST WHOLESOME ROMANTIC-COMEDIES!

listings from A to Z


1. Austenland

Who wouldn’t like this romance? It’s sassy, cute and that ohmygosh, that ending? *swoon* (PG13)

2. The Bachelor

Silly in many ways, the charm of Chris O’Donnell and Renee Zellweger gives this oldie romance (check out the fashion!) plenty of appeal. (PG13)

3. Beastly

Wholesome Romantic Comedies

Based on Alex Flinn’s novel (of the same name), this one stars teen heartthrob (at the time) Alex Pettyfer and High School Musical star, Vanessa Hudgens. Though imperfect, it’s a wonderful little movie. (PG13)

4. The Beautician and the Beast

Silly in many ways (but oh so sweet), this re-imagined fairy tale is a mash-up of Beauty and the Beast and The Sound of Music. So, yeah… (PG)

5. Bride and Prejudice

Fun in so many ways, this darling film is all about the bright culture of Bollywood (song and dance) while mirroring itself after Austen’s Pride and Prejudice – and it works! (PG13)

6. A Cinderella Story

A Hilary Duff classic, this one contemporary Cinderella. It’s about a high schooler wanting to graduate high school early to escape her (not-so) wicked (more like annoying) stepmother; the faceless boy she IMs; and her dream of getting into Princeton (where all the princes go!). (PG)

7. It Could Happen to You

Wholesome Romantic Comedies


Though this is one of those 90s movies I saw on TV or rented, I hadn’t seen this one in years (and yes, I’m suddenly realizing that by putting this list together I’m feeling old). And then I picked it up in one of those “5 dollar bins.” Needless to say, it’s as cute as I remember it being. (PG)

8. I.Q.

Before You’ve Got Mail, and that handful of daisies, Meg Ryan starred in this cute romcom. In this one Einstein is cast as a matchmaker. (PG)

9. Ice Castles

I’ve not seen the older adaptation of this film, but the 2010 version is sweet as it can be; it tells the story of a promising figure skater who injures herself and as a result, loses her sight. (PG)

10. Kate and Leopold

Despite my love of all things period drama, I had never seen this time-travel romance until last summer. With one of my favorite (*heart eyes*) leading men, Hugh Jackman, I think my love for this one may have been swayed ever the slightest. (PG13)

11. The Lake House

Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves team for this time-bending romance that’s all about a “slow” story and romance. (PG)

12. Leap Year

Yes, I realize this is a romcom about leap day or year, but whatever. This one is TOO CUTE not to include. (PG)

13. Letters to Juliet

Amanda Seyfried stars in this one about a girl who visits Italy with her fiancé and discovers a love story (through letters) that never saw closure. It also happens to be the only thing I’ve seen its cute leading man, Christopher Eagan, in. (PG)

14. Never Been Kissed

Drew Barrymore and Michael Vartan (Alias) co-star in this “classic” oldie romance about a klutzy reporter who goes undercover in a high school. (PG13)

15. No Reservations

A perfectionist chef (Catherine Zeta-Jones) has her world turned upside down when she becomes her niece’s guardian. (PG)

16. Penelope

A wonderfully imaginative film, this has Beauty and the Beast vibes that oddly enough blends in some Bachelor!? Yeah, it’s a thing. And it works. (PG)

17. The Prince and Me

I can still remember seeing the poster for this film in a theater, and in my romantic teenager mind, I thought, “MUST. SEE.” Of course, I did and a contemporary fairy tale lover have I been ever since then. (PG)

18. The Proposal

Wholesome Romantic Comedies

My mom and I saw this one in theaters and laughed ourselves silly. Seven+ years later, our reaction is the same. (PG13)

19. Sabrina

There are two adaptations of this romcom about a girl who returns to her father’s home (where he works as a groundskeeper for a wealthy family). She left a nerdy young girl, and returns a sophisticated woman who finds herself the objects of the family’s two sons’ affections. The oldie stars Audrey Hepburn in the titular role, the newer Julia Ormond. (PG)

20. Serendipity

This is another (like Kate & Leopold) that took me years to see. It might not be my favorite overall, but it’s magical and sweet. That’s good enough for this girl. (PG13)

21. You’ve Got Mail

One of the most popular romance films, this movie is all about falling in love over emails. Also, it has the whole bit about “daisies.” Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks re-teamed for this one. (PG)

22. When In Rome

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Kristen Bell is (contemporary) fairy tale magic in this sweet romantic-comedy. When first I watched it, I left feeling “so-so” about the story. But the more times I rewatch it, the more I adore it. Plus, there’s Josh Duhamel! (PG13)

23. While You Were Sleeping

This one has its share of “crude” humor in one section in particular, but overall, it’s charming. RomCom favorite Sandra Bullock stars. (PG)


What are some of your favorite sweetheart romcoms aka wholesome romantic comedies!? Comment down below with YOUR thoughts.

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23 of the Best Most Wholesome Romantic-Comedies! A list of 23 clean and wholesome romantic-comedies! Text © Rissi JC

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About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

35 comments

    1. I know the feeling, Molly. I enjoy watching so many of these time and again. Glad the list is helpful; hope you enjoy that marathon. Some times that's the best way to end a day! :)

    1. Thanks so much for the suggestions, Rachel. Aside from 'Seattle,' I've not seen the other two you mention. Overboard always looked really cute though. :)

    2. Mrs. Winterbourne is a tiny movie from the '90s that nobody much has heard of, even though it's got Brendan Fraser at his most attractive, plus Shirley MacLaine. And Ricki Lake, who is surprisingly sweet and non-grating, which I would not have expected from the nature of the talk show she hosted back in the day.

    3. I love the sound of Mrs. Winterbourne, Rachel. I think sometimes if I'm not 100% fond of a cast, I do steer clear of something so it's good to know the cast really shines in this one! I'll have to check for it on Amazon. Thanks so much for the recommendation. :)

  1. You have some of my favs on here, like IQ, You’ve Got Mail, Kate & Leopold (I really wish the language was cleaner so I could show my kids!), While You Were Sleeping, Sabrina, Lake House… obviously I agree with many of your choices. ;) Fun post!

  2. You need to go back in time:
    Bringing Up Baby (1938) With Katherine Hepburn
    Charade –Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant
    It Happened One Night (1934) Clark Gable.
    Much Ado About Nothing with Kenneth Branaugh and Emma Thompson
    The Philadelphia Story–Katharine Hepburn, Jimmy Stewart, and Cary Grant
    Roman Holiday (1953)
    What’s Up, Doc –Barbara Streisand and Ryan O’Neal

  3. Thanks for the list. My husband and I enjoy watching romantic movies together, but stuggle to find clean ones worth watching now days. We have started warching the movies on your list and have made it a goal to see them all. Thanks again.

  4. This is a great list!! I was searching the internet for some recommendations as I have been trying to find some sweet, clean non-Hallmark romcoms! Only You with Marisa Tomei & Robert Downey Jr is a favorite :) Not sure if you watch any Bollywood movies? So many great romcoms! Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is an absolute must see for any rom com fan! They live in London and meet on a trip around Europe but her father has promised her hand to his friend’s son back in India! Also really enjoyed Dawaat E Ishq. It’s about a young woman who is sick of young men and their families trying to get a large dowry out of her single dad (dowry is illegal in India but it is still widely practiced), so she decides to take her revenge on one of them. Interesting cultural differences make for great sources of conflict and tension that we don’t see in Western movies!

    1. Hi, Lindsey! Thank you so much for visiting, and for reading. I don’t think I’ve ever seen “Only You,’ but I love RDJ in the Avengers movies! Definitely one to add to my list – and hopefully put on a follow up list to this one. :)

      I’ve seen a few Bollywood movies, yes. What I’ve seen are ADORABLE! The one you mention is unfamiliar to me though. Appreciate you sharing a few of your favorites – and let me know if you see any of these. :)

  5. Thank you so much for this list!!! It is so hard to find a “wholesome” romantic comedy. I’ve learned to enjoy my husband’s choice of action packed films because at least their mostly “clean”, but sometimes I just want to watch a silly romantic comedy with him.

  6. Thanks for this! Just watched “no reservations” with my husband because of this article (hadn’t heard of it before), and loved it.

    1. I’m so glad, Kelly! I haven’t seen that one in a long time but remember thinking it was super sweet and heartwarming. :) Appreciate you letting me know.

  7. Some shows listed are good, some not so good. Language is definitely an issue with some. Also, research was not really done on them, Sabrina for an example. The father was the chauffeur in both the original version and the newer version, not a grounds keeper.

    1. Yes. Some of these still have content. As I say at the beginning of this, everyone’s idea of what’s “good” vs not is different. I’m also using terms like wholesome to look beyond just content.

  8. Some of these movies I have already seen at least once and some of these I still watch when it comes across the screen. Thanks for sharing chick flicks!

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