Romantic comedies often captivate audiences with their charming characters, witty dialogues, and heartwarming storylines, but it’s the soundtracks that often play a crucial role in shaping the mood and tone of these films. In classics like Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, and Love Actually, the music not only enhances the emotional resonance of key scenes but also underscores the themes of love, vulnerability, and humor. For instance, the upbeat and iconic "Pretty Woman" by Roy Orbison sets a playful and romantic tone, while the soulful melodies in Notting Hill complement the film's tender and bittersweet moments. Similarly, the eclectic mix of tracks in 10 Things I Hate About You and The Proposal adds a youthful and modern edge to their stories, while Bridget Jones' Diary and 50 First Dates use their soundtracks to underscore the protagonists' emotional journeys and quirky personalities. These carefully curated musical choices are instrumental in creating the ambiance and emotional depth that make these romantic comedies so memorable and beloved.
Here are ten of some of the best romantic comedies and the magical music moments that make them special.
1. When Harry Met Sally
Meg Ryan
Billy Crystal
Bruno Kirby
Carrie Fisher
Steven Ford
Lisa Jane Persky
Michelle Nicastro
Gretchen Palmer
Robert Alan Beuth
David Burdick
Joe Viviani
Harley Jane Kozak
Directed by Rob Reiner, portrays the advancing relationship between Harry Burns (Billy Crystal) and Sally Albright (Meg Ryan) for twelve years. Initially meeting as college graduates who argue that men and women cannot be friends, they keep running into each other, leading to a developing friendship and a yearning for something more. The soundtrack, featuring jazz standards performed by Harry Connick Jr., perfectly complements the film's romantic vibe.
Check out the full When Harry Met Sally soundtrack here.
2. Pretty Woman
Richard Gere
Julia Roberts
Ralph Bellamy
Jason Alexander
Laura San Giacomo
Alex Hyde-White
Amy Yasbeck
Elinor Donahue
Hector Elizondo
Judith Baldwin
Jason Randal
Bill Applebaum
Directed by Garry Marshall, tells the story of rich businessman Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), who employs Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a Hollywood escort, to accompany him on a week of business and social gatherings. As they spend more and more time together, their professional arrangement turns into an authentic connection, challenging their preconceived notions of social boundaries and societal norms. The Roy Orbison classic “Pretty Woman” is the perfect companion piece to the entire film, but most importantly, Vivian’s shopping spree.
Check out the full Pretty Woman soundtrack here.
3. Notting Hill
84%
68
7.2Julia Roberts
Hugh Grant
Gina McKee
Tim McInnerny
Rhys Ifans
Emma Chambers
Hugh Bonneville
Richard McCabe
James Dreyfus
Dylan Moran
Roger Frost
Henry Goodman
Directed by Roger Michell, the film follows bookstore owner William Thacker (Hugh Grant) as he leads a reserved lifestyle until he meets world-famous actress Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) in his London establishment. Despite their different upbringings, they form an unlikely and odd romance, navigating the complexities between fame and ordinary life. The soundtrack features tracks from artists like Bill Withers, 98 Degrees, Al Green, and Shania Twain. Elvis Costello's "She" plays during the opening credits, beautifully setting up the film's romantic atmosphere.
Check out the full Notting Hill soundtrack here.
4. 10 Things I Hate About You
Heath Ledger
Julia Stiles
Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Larisa Oleynik
David Krumholtz
Andrew Keegan
Susan May Pratt
Gabrielle Union
Larry Miller
Daryl Mitchell
Allison Janney
David Leisure
Directed by Gil Junger, this modern rendition of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" focuses on the Stratford sisters: popular Bianca (Larisa Oleynik) and rebellious Kat (Julia Stiles). New student Cameron (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) wants to court Bianca but can't until Kat courts someone herself. He enlists bad boy Patrick (Heath Ledger) to flirt with Kat, leading to an unexpected affection and inner change. The soundtrack features '90s hits from artists like Letters to Cleo and Save Ferris. Patrick's serenade of "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" in the school stadium is a standout musical moment.
Check out the full 10 Things I Hate About You soundtrack here.
5. The Princess Bride
Cary Elwes
Robin Wright
Mandy Patinkin
Chris Sarandon
Christopher Guest
Wallace Shawn
André Roussimoff
Fred Savage
Peter Falk
Peter Cook
Mel Smith
Carol Kane
Directed by Rob Reiner, a fairy tale fantasy-style film about the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright) and her true love Westley (Cary Elwes), who must rescue her after a conniving prince kidnaps her. Filled to the brim with humor and romance, the story is structured as a grandfather (Peter Falk) narrating the tale to his ill grandson (Fred Savage), merging fantastical elements with heartfelt, authentic moments. The film's soundtrack by Mark Knopfler adds to its enchanting quality. The tune "Storybook Love" during the final credits encapsulates the film's whimsical and romantic essence.
Check out the full The Princess Bride soundtrack here.
6. Love Actually
Hugh Grant
Alan Rickman
Emma Thompson
Liam Neeson
Martine McCutcheon
Colin Firth
Bill Nighy
Laura Linney
Lúcia Moniz
Andrew Lincoln
Keira Knightley
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Directed by Richard Curtis, this film is a mosaic of interconnected love stories set during the Christmas season in London. The ensemble cast includes Hugh Grant, Laura Linney, Alan Rickman, Rodrigo Santoro, Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Martin Freeman, Keira Knightley, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Joanna Page, Andrew Lincoln, Liam Neeson, and Emma Thompson, each portraying characters navigating the ups and downs of love and relationships. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Mariah Carey and The Beach Boys, adds to the film's festive charm. Bill Nighy's hilarious rendition of "Christmas Is All Around" adds a humorous and memorable touch to the film.
Check out the full Love Actually soundtrack here.
7. Crazy, Stupid, Love
Steve Carell
Ryan Gosling
Julianne Moore
Emma Stone
Lio Tipton
Jonah Bobo
Joey King
Marisa Tomei
Beth Littleford
John Carroll Lynch
Kevin Bacon
Liza Lapira
When Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) learns that his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) wants a divorce, he is thrown back into the dating scene with the help of Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), a suave player. Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa, the savvy adult rom-com follows Cal as he learns the ropes of modern dating as unexpected relationships and comic moments unfold. The soundtrack includes tracks from artists like The B-52s and Goldfrapp. "Blood" by The Middle East plays during the heartfelt wrapup of all the craziness, and all the stupid, and all the love, highlighting the film's emotional depth.
Check out the full Crazy, Stupid, Love soundtrack here.
8. The Proposal
45%486.7
Sandra Bullock
Ryan Reynolds
Malin Åkerman
Craig T. Nelson
Mary Steenburgen
Betty White
Denis O'Hare
Oscar Nunez
Aasif Mandvi
Michael Nouri
Gregg Edelman
Michael Mosley
Directed by Anne Fletcher, the film follows high-powered book editor Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock) as she faces deportation to Canada and convinces her assistant, Andrew Paxton (Ryan Reynolds), to marry her in exchange for a promotion. As they pretend to be a couple to fool immigration officials, real feelings begin to emerge. The soundtrack includes songs from artists like Michael Bublé, Living Colour, and Frankie Goes to Hollywood that enhance the film's comedic and romantic moments—the dance scene to “Get Low" by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz ft. Ying Yang Twins is both hilarious and charming.
Check out the full The Proposal soundtrack here.
9. Bridget Jones's Diary
Renée Zellweger
Colin Firth
Hugh Grant
Jim Broadbent
Gemma Jones
James Callis
Sally Phillips
Shirley Henderson
Embeth Davidtz
Lisa Barbuscia
Celia Imrie
James Faulkner
Directed by Sharon Maguire and based on Helen Fielding's novel of the same name, this film follows the adventures of Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) as she navigates her love life, career, and personal insecurities. With love interests Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), Bridget's journey is filled with humor and relatable moments. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Gabrielle and Chaka Khan, adds to the film's appeal. Bridget singing "All By Myself" at the film's start perfectly captures her character's vulnerability and humor.
Check out the full Bridget Jones's Diary soundtrack here.
10. 50 First Dates
Adam Sandler
Drew Barrymore
Rob Schneider
Sean Astin
Lusia Strus
Dan Aykroyd
Amy Hill
Allen Covert
Blake Clark
Maya Rudolph
Pomaika'i Brown
Joe Nakashima
Directed by Peter Segal, the story finds Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) falling for Lucy Whitmore (Drew Barrymore), only to discover that she has short-term memory loss and forgets him daily. Determined to win her over, Henry devises creative ways to make her fall in love with him anew each day, leading to a heartfelt and comedic romance. The soundtrack includes hits from bands like Toots & the Maytals, Paul McCartney, Bob Marley & the Wailers, Snoop Dogg, The Flaming Lips, and 311. "Wouldn't It Be Nice" by The Beach Boys is used throughout the film in creative ways but mostly played for laughs as Sandler’s Roth wails the lyrics while sailing alone.
Check out the full 50 First Dates soundtrack here.