Reality television became popular after the premiere of The Real World in the '90s. Viewers and critics alike found themselves quickly enamored by the idea of watching real people live their real lives on television for a million people to see. In the early 2000's ABC took this format a step further when they introduced The Bachelor a reality series following one man's quest to find love and the twenty-five women competing for his heart.
The show's concept was risky for the time, but it became an overnight success and fans now have spin-offs like Bachelor in Paradise, which means there's pretty much always a show from the franchise airing on our televisions, but if there isn't, here are a few films that might hold you over.
Friends With Benefits
One of the reasons fans tune into The Bachelor week after week is to see the chemistry between the contestants and the eligible man. Fans have started "Bachelor Fantasy Leagues" to make predictions on who the Bachelor that season ends up with, who gets the first kiss, and who goes home every week.
Seeing Friends with Benefits. The chemistry between Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake in this film is palpable.
The Proposal
The final episode is always a favorite for its guaranteed drama and hopefully a happy ending. Watching the final contestant and the Bachelor reveal how they feel about one another and having those words end in a proposal is what every Bachelor Nation fan hopes for every season.
Fans who love the proposal on the series will also love the film with the same name starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, who initially get engaged for all the wrong reasons, but eventually get their happily ever after.
Bridesmaids
The female relationships and dynamics in the house are another addictive element to this successful franchise. When they aren't on dates or with the Bachelor, the woman doesn't have much to do, except making friends or enemies with one another.
A lot of really strong female friendships are formed on this series, but an equal amount of rivalries also develop. In Bridesmaids, viewers get to experience that same variety of female friendships and all of its ups and downs.
The Five Year Engagement
This is a great movie for fans to watch if they love Jojo and Jordan's season the most. It may also give those same fans hope that this couple will eventually make it down the aisle.
A lot of Bachelor couples don't get engaged at the end of the show, but the ones who do, usually start planning a wedding shortly after. Jojo and Jordan are one of the few Bachelor Nation couples choosing to take their time walking down the aisle but do promise fans it will happen soon.
The Truman Show
The Truman Show is a late 90's film that examines the reality of reality television and the effects it can have on not just the viewers, but the subjects. This film stars Jim Carrey, who plays Truman, a man who is unknowingly starring in his own television show.
Truman has been the subject of a television experiment since he was born and when the veil is finally lifted, Truman's world comes crashing down. It's a really interesting take on the dangers of this medium and a must-watch for fans who love binging reality television.
Valentine's Day
Another reason fans tune into The Bachelor week after week, even after twenty-four seasons, is to see the different relationships form between the Bachelor and his contestants.
No Valentine's Day, exhibits different relationships on what is supposed to be the most romantic day of the year.
Something Borrowed
The amount of drama on any Bachelor Nation series is always unexpected but welcomed by fans. Both the women and the men competing for the Bachelor or Bachelorette's heart will not let anything get in the way of finding love.
The drama intensifies each week as more people are sent home and real feelings start to develop. The drama and secrets and manipulations are every fan's guilty pleasure, which is why Something Borrowed, a guilty pleasure rom-com starring Kate Hudson and Gennifer Goodwin is a must-see for the fanbase.
Hitch
Will Smith stars as the title character in this 2005 romantic comedy about a dating guru who finds himself in need of his own services when he meets the woman of his dreams. Hitch in a lot of ways is like the host of The Bachelor, Chris Harrison. Chris Harrison has been hosting the series since the very beginning.
Not only does he introduce audiences to the season's cast, but he is also there to lend a helping hand or offer some advice to the contestants. Harrison has become a bit of a dating guru himself over the course of the series' twenty-four seasons.
The Bachelor
Not only does this 90's feature film starring Chris O'Donnell have the same name as our favorite reality dating show, but it has very similar themes as well. Chris O'Donnell plays Jimmie, who is set to inherit a fortune, but must be married in order to get it. Jimmie delivers a less-than-perfect speech to his girlfriend, Anne, played by Renee Zellwegger.
When Anne turns Jimmie down he has one day to find a woman and marry her if he wants to get his large inheritance.
The Princess Bride
At the end of the day, what keeps fans coming back for more and what keeps others submitting to become contestants on the show, is the idea of true love, soulmates, and finding your own happily ever after.
There isn't another movie out there that depicts true love better than the classic 80's fan-favorite, The Princess Bride. This movie should be a must-watch, not only for fans of The Bachelor but for all of the contestants to remind everyone what they're really competing for.
