The recent release of Marry Me saw a return to the 'stuck together' trope, with Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson's characters finding themselves in an unconventional arrangement. It proved to be a success with critics, such as those of Vanity Fair, with them calling the plot "credible in an age of social media" and "public theatrics."
It wasn't just the critics who enjoyed it either, as many fans also took to the internet to discuss how much they loved it (with even a few asking whether there were any other movies that followed a similar formula). While they're not exactly the same, luckily for them, there are quite a few that have the same relationship dynamic. Whether it's a witness protection program that traps a once loved-up couple together, a fake dating arrangement, or a snowstorm that turns a one-night stand into more than just a sleepover, rom-coms fans will be thrilled with what they will find.
Did You Hear About The Morgans? (2009)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Nothing quite says reviving a dying romance like a witness protection program but for Paul and Meryl, this was indeed the answer to their up-and-coming divorce when they become key witnesses and are forced to live together under police protection.
The movie explores all of the emotions that come with divorcing the love of one's life, offering the audiences a unique tale of heartbreak but also providing a hilarious reminder that sometimes it's not the love that stops blossoming. Did You Hear About The Morgans reminds viewers how important time is in a relationship, when the once loved-up pair get their second chance at romance after being stuck together, giving fans hope for their own love stories.
Pretty Woman (1990)
Available To Stream On Peacock
Pretty Woman contains one of the best examples of the fake relationship trope to date due to the obvious romantic connection between Edward and Vivian. What starts as a business proposition soon becomes much more when the tied-together pair tear down stereotypes both on and offscreen by changing the narrative through love and acceptance.
The movie is a tale of mutual understanding that allows fans to view both romance and society in a new light through the fiery attitude of Vivian and Edward's charming acceptance. Pretty Woman is considered an iconic watch by many love struck fans who advocate how the movie proves that class, wealth, and public opinion are no match for a genuine love connection (even if it did begin as a business contract).
The Proposal (2009)
Available To Stream On DIRECTV
Proving to be one of Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds' best movies, The Proposal is a comfort film that many viewers love to come back to due to the actors' chemistry and its hilarious plot. The pair put a new twist on the stuck-together romance trope when Andrew (Reynolds) and his boss, Margaret, forge a fake engagement to prevent her from being deported.
However, while this feel-good romance does provide plenty of laughs, there is also some drama too (it shines a light on deportation and shows how it can emotionally and physically affect a person's health). It's certainly one viewer will never forget in a hurry.
Palm Springs (2020)
Available To Stream On Hulu
Groundhog Day, where Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) find themselves stuck within the same time loop as they slowly fall in love.
The movie throws viewers into complete chaos from the offset, with humorous performances from both Samberg and Milioti mainly carrying the plot. It mirrors that honeymoon, loved-up period through the topsy-turvy time loop, providing an unusual yet believable depiction of love.
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Two Weeks Notice is easily considered one of Hugh Grant's best rom-coms due to his chemistry with Sandra Bullock. Whilst the pair aren't initially stuck together, they become inseparable when George blacklists Lucy by essentially making her unemployable and forcing her to work her two weeks' notice (meaning the two spend every waking moment together in and out of the office).
Although there are certain elements of the movie that haven't aged well, Two Weeks Notice is seen to have an infectious charm as George and Lucy undergone huge character arcs and develop a great bond. It might contain a few cliches, but it's still worth a watch if someone isn't in the mood for anything drama heavy.
Blended (2014)
Available To Stream On Peacock
Lauren (Drew Barrymore) and Jim (Adam Sandler) may have hoped to leave their disastrous first date behind them, but, unfortunately for them, fate had a different idea when the pair suddenly found themselves on a pre-paid romantic getaway.
With Barrymore and Sandler's chemistry shining through once again, audience will thoroughly enjoy this movie's hilarious but sweet take on finding love once again. While the jokes can be a bit hit-and-miss at times (particularly as it can rely on juvenile humor), there are some heartwarming moments in the way the two families strike up a bond and help each other through some tough times.
Love, Hard (2021)
Available To Stream On Netflix
Catfishing has become a fear that haunts dating apps, with Love, Hard showing the dangers of finding love online when Natalie (Nina Dobrev) finds herself catfished by Josh (Jimmy O. Yang). While she does intend to leave, Natalie eventually makes a deal with Josh to become his fake holiday girlfriend in return for a date with the man in those famous catfish photos.
The movie toys with the idea of what someone might think makes the perfect partner, in comparison to what truly makes the perfect partner (with Love, Hard proving in many ways how Josh is the better boyfriend). The movie explores how important personality is when finding love and gives viewers a sweet festive romance that represents modern society and contains an important message.
What Happens In Vegas (2008)
Available To Stream On HBO Max
What Happens In Vegas stays in Vegas, but that's not always true - especially for Joy and Jack, who, after a night of drinking, find themselves both rich and trapped in a marriage where they slurred their 'I do's." What Happens In Vegas provides a hilarious view of the quick and easy marriages that occur in the world of alcohol, casinos, and clubs.
The movie is the perfect enemy-to-lovers romance, where their wild night continues to entertain fans throughout, but it also creates a love story that is representative of the changing attitudes towards marriage whilst also providing fans with a wacky but wonderful romance.
Two Night Stand (2014)
Available To Stream On Amazon Prime Video
Miles Teller is a name that's been circulating within popular media recently due to his latest role as Rooster in Two Night Stand. The movie employs the modern use of dating apps to pair up two unlikely individuals for a fun, flirty, fling.
However, like any good romance movie, the twist results in Lucy's (Analeigh Tipton) escape not being so lucky when the pair are snowed in. The movie traps the pair together, allowing viewers to act as a voyeur into Alec and Lucy's growing attraction and cleverly encourages fans to empathize with the characters whilst creating a charming yet unusual love story.
