The 1980s were the decade when the romantic comedy truly found its modern voice. The stories became sharper, the characters became more relatable, and the genre embraced a new balance of wit, sincerity, and emotional honesty. It was the era of Meg Ryan, Molly Ringwald, John Cusack, and the high-water mark formula that would shape romcoms for the next twenty years.
Here are the best romantic comedies of the 1980s that defined the decade and still deliver today.
When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
The pinnacle of 80s romcoms. Rob Reiner and Nora Ephron’s story of two friends navigating love, timing, and the fear of commitment remains the genre’s gold standard. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan’s chemistry, along with Ephron’s razor-sharp script, shaped the blueprint for the modern romcom.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Moonstruck (1987)
Cher gives a career-defining performance as a widowed bookkeeper who falls for her fiancé’s fiery brother, played by Nicolas Cage. The film mixes operatic passion, Italian American family chaos, and genuine heart, earning Cher an Oscar and cementing the film as a romantic comedy masterpiece.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Say Anything… (1989)
A heartfelt teen romance built on sincerity rather than clichés. John Cusack’s Lloyd Dobler remains one of the most beloved romantic leads in film history, and the iconic boombox scene became an instant part of pop culture. The film captures the uncertainty and hope of young love with uncommon warmth.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Working Girl (1988)
Part romcom, part workplace comedy, this story follows Melanie Griffith as an ambitious secretary fighting her way up the corporate ladder. Harrison Ford brings charm as the romantic interest, but the film’s appeal lies in its blend of romance, resilience, and 80s ambition. Carly Simon’s theme song does not hurt either.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Broadcast News (1987)
James L. Brooks delivers a smart, cerebral romantic comedy set inside a Washington newsroom. Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks, and William Hurt form a love triangle built on ethics, ambition, and emotional vulnerability. It is sharp, funny, and one of the most realistic takes on workplace romance.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold digitally.
Sixteen Candles (1984)
John Hughes mixed teen angst and romantic longing into a story about a girl whose family forgets her sixteenth birthday. Molly Ringwald’s charm and the film’s blend of awkwardness and sweetness cemented it as an 80s classic, though some elements have aged unevenly.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Roxanne (1987)
Steve Martin reimagines Cyrano de Bergerac as a warm, contemporary romantic comedy. As a witty fire chief with an exceptionally large nose, Martin balances humor and vulnerability as he helps another man woo the woman he secretly loves. It is one of the decade’s most clever romcoms.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Overboard (1987)
Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn headline this oddball comedy about a spoiled heiress who loses her memory and ends up living with a carpenter and his kids. The premise is questionable, but the chemistry is undeniable and the humor still lands.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Arthur (1981)
Dudley Moore stars as a perpetually drunk billionaire who must choose between an arranged marriage and the working-class woman he truly loves. Moore’s comedic timing and Liza Minnelli’s grounded charm make the romance feel genuine despite the outrageous premise.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
About Last Night (1986)
A more mature look at modern relationships, starring Rob Lowe and Demi Moore as two Chicago singles navigating commitment, friendship, and real-world expectations. Adapted from a David Mamet play, it offers a surprisingly honest view of love in the 80s dating scene.
Where to watch: Available to stream; sold on physical media and digitally.
Why 1980s RomComs Still Matter
The 1980s perfected the mix of humor, heart, and character depth that the romcom still relies on today. The decade embraced flawed protagonists, complicated relationships, and endings that felt earned rather than forced. Many of today’s romantic comedy tropes were either created or refined during this era, making the 80s the genre’s most influential decade.
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
