Romantic period rom-coms? Now that’s a charming blend of fun and cheek!
Romantic comedies have really captured our hearts, right? They’ve got everything—humour, drama, and those moments that make you go "aww." But imagine if these stories were set in the past! It’s interesting to think about how old-fashioned manners and quirks might add a hilarious twist to the search for love. Have you ever seen a period rom-com? They mix historical settings with classic rom-com charm and can be a lot of fun. Here are a few that’ll make you wish you had a time machine!
Before Romeo and Juliet, there was Romeo and Rosaline—though many people forget that part. In this fun retelling, Rosaline (Kaitlyn Dever) is Romeo’s ex, who tries to win him back from Juliet. The story playfully shows how even the best poets don’t always make the best romantics. Rosaline’s adventure also includes some great moments with Dario (Sean Teale), a suitor who goes from being a bit annoying to really charming. It’s a fun twist on the classic tale!
Set in England during the Georgian era, “Pride & Prejudice” follows the Bennet sisters, especially Elizabeth (Keira Knightley), who isn’t interested in just finding any rich husband. When a wealthy man named Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen) arrives, Elizabeth thinks he’s stuck-up and rude. Some might not think of it as a rom-com, but it actually has a lot of rom-com elements: a classic meet-cute, slow-growing attraction, a big misunderstanding, and a happy ending. Plus, there are some funny moments from the actors. Elizabeth and Darcy are the ultimate enemies-to-lovers duo, and their story is definitely worth recognising!
In “My Fair Lady,” a fancy professor named Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) bets that he can turn a street-smart girl named Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn) into a proper lady. Eliza wants to improve her job prospects, so she agrees to take lessons from him. Even though they argue a lot, they end up forming a surprising friendship. There was some fuss when Audrey Hepburn was cast instead of Julie Andrews, but “My Fair Lady” has become a beloved classic musical. It’s filled with beautiful costumes and catchy songs. Despite their rocky start, Eliza and Higgins’ relationship turns out to be quite special, giving the story a fresh twist.
In “Shakespeare in Love,” we see the famous playwright William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) struggling with writer’s block. He finds inspiration in Viola De Lesseps (Gwyneth Paltrow), a noblewoman who dreams of becoming an actress. While the film takes some creative liberties with history, it’s both entertaining and heartwarming. With a charming romance, great chemistry between the stars, and plenty of humour, it’s a fun movie that’s sure to make you smile.
In the winter of 1929, musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) need to escape from some trouble and decide to dress up as women to join an all-female jazz band. Things get complicated when Joe falls for the band’s singer, Sugar (Marilyn Monroe), and Jerry, disguised as Daphne, attracts a wealthy suitor who won’t take no for an answer. “Some Like It Hot” is a funny, lively movie with great performances and lots of charm. It’s so enjoyable that you might want to watch it again and again!
If you enjoyed those, consider checking out The Wedding Singer (1998), a fun rom-com about a wedding singer who falls for a waitress; The Importance of Being Earnest (1952), a classic adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s witty play; Emma (2020), a stylish retelling of Jane Austen’s novel about matchmaking; and Much Ado About Nothing (1993), a lively Shakespearean comedy full of romance and misunderstandings!
