critically acclaimed romantic comedies of the 2010s. The true story follows Kumail Nanjiani as an aspiring comedian whose world is turned upside down when a woman he is dating, played by Zoe Kazan, goes into a coma. Kumail proceeds to fall deeper and deeper in love as he develops a friendship with her parents and learns more about her.
The movie, which was co-written by Nanjiani and his now-wife Emily Gordon, deals with the complexity of love and the myriad of things that can get in its way. It also foregrounds the pursuit of one's dreams, which in Kumail's case is stand-up comedy. While there isn't one film quite like The Big Sick, these are some of the best films in a similar vein.
The Lovebirds (2020)
The Lovebirds follows a couple on the brink of a break-up who rediscover their love for one another after inadvertently winding up as accessories to murder. They scramble across the city of New Orleans trying to solve the mystery and clear their names, all the while being chased by a homicidal ex-policeman. It's a hilarious, action-packed plot that showcases the talent of the two lead actors, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani.
The movie was originally scheduled for theatrical release, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was exclusively released via Netflix. Michael Showalter, who also directed The Big Sick, served as the director, with a screenplay co-written by Aaron Abrams and Brendan Gall.
Ruby Sparks (2012)
Ruby Sparks has a lot in common with The Big Sick. For one, Zoe Kazan plays the female lead, in another of her standout comedic performances. And secondly, the male protagonist, Calvin (Paul Dano), is a struggling writer (albeit a novelist and not a comedian). However, the film has a more surreal edge that approaches fantasy territory.
While writing at his typewriter, Calvin begins to fall in love with the female character in his new novel. Before long, his dream woman is somehow magicked into existence - the two are in a relationship and live together. The screenplay was written by Zoe Kazan, who plays Ruby, and was inspired by her real-life partner Paul Dano, who plays Calvin.
Palm Springs (2020)
Like Ruby Sparks, fantastic comedic performances from Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, it's definitely one to add to the watch list.
The time loop premise goes hand-in-hand with romantic comedies, as demonstrated by the recent Amazon release The Map of Tiny Perfect Little Things, as well as Groundhog Day. Having the two main characters bond over their mutual predicament or shared situation is a classic rom-com trope, but the time loop situation takes this to the extreme and allows the relationship to develop in a world that is totally unchanging. Palm Springs is currently available on Hulu, and notably, it even broke a record for the biggest sale of a film at the Sundance Film Festival at the time ($17,500,000.69).
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
Always Be My Maybe is another brilliant "will they, won't they" flick packed with a diverse cast, brilliant musical performances from Randall Park and his in-movie band Hello Peril, and some hugely funny scenes. The beloved Keanu Reeves even plays a comically unlikable and pretentious version of himself.
The story follows Marcus, a slacker who lives at home with his dad and performs at local venues with his hip-hop band. While working at his day job, installing air conditioning, Marcus realizes that he's in his childhood love Sasha's new house. Sasha (Ali Wong) is a celebrity chef who is back in town to open up a hip new restaurant. Marcus and Sasha eventually rekindle their relationship after some big romantic gestures, such as Sasha naming her new restaurant in honor of Marcus's late mother, who used to cook for her.
What If (2013)
What If, released in some countries as The F Word, is another pick that stars Zoe Kazan, alongside Daniel Radcliffe. Wallace and Chantry are two twenty-something introverts who meet at a party in Toronto and bond over some witty fridge magnet poetry. They instantaneously form a strong connection. The movie features hilarious performances from Adam Driver as Wallace's best friend, and Rafe Spall, Chantry's British boyfriend who, in one standout scene, gets hot chili in his eye and is then accidentally knocked out of a second-story window.
What If was one of Radcliffe's first movies after the conclusion of Harry Potter. During a red-carpet interview, he said of the role that it was the first time he had played a contemporary character, someone who was very similar to himself, as opposed to his fantasy roles. His knack for comedy acting is on show in this charming and cozy film, particularly during his scenes with Adam Driver.
Me Before You (2016)
The Big Sick explores the challenges of being in a relationship when the person you love is in a coma, and while the story of Me Before You isn't quite the same, it follows a blossoming relationship between a paralyzed man and his newly hired caregiver, played by Emilia Clarke.
The British film, which is based on a novel by Jojo Moyes, is set in a small rural town and sees Clarke's gregarious and optimistic character try to pull Will (Sam Claflin) away from nihilism and help him rediscover a love for life. It's a beautiful film and a must-see for any self-identifying romantic.
Isn't It Romantic (2019)
While it can be enjoyable to soak up a conventional rom-com, some movies like to play with the genre's ingredients and take it to unexpected places. The Big Sick leans heavily in this direction -- romances don't typically unfold while one of the parties is in a coma. However, Isn't It Romantic takes this to the extreme, tipping the rom-com on its head and parodying every aspect.
After a mugging leaves her unconscious, Natalie (Rebel Wilson) wakes up and mysteriously finds herself inside a romantic comedy: there's Vanessa Carlton music, a handsome doctor, and flower shops and bright colors have replaced New York City's trash, traffic, and thugs. Natalie also finds herself the object of Liam Hemsworth's character's attention and affection. It's a very amusing movie and features some likable characters, particularly Adam DeVine's character Josh.
The Art Of Getting By (2011)
The romantic comedy spectrum can go from Adam Sandler making fun of someone's testicles in a Hooters restaurant all the way to deep, dramatic, and soul-searching tales with big questions and bittersweet endings. The Art of Getting By firmly leans towards the latter end. It follows Freddie Highmore as George, a cynical art student who is laissez-faire with his attendance and assignments. George has nothing to say with his art and will fail school unless he finds some inspiration. That's when the cool and aloof Sally, played by Emma Roberts, comes into his life.
Once again, like The Big Sick and Ruby Sparks, the protagonist is creative - this time an artist - and is following his dreams while trying to figure out life. The answer, he finds, is love (as is almost always the case in romantic comedies). The movie is visually great, with impressive paintings, and a well-utilized New York City setting (Monk's Restaurant from Seinfeld even makes a brief cameo).
Obvious Child (2014)
Much like The Big Sick, Obvious Child follows a stand-up comic who's looking for love in a big city while chasing their dream. Donna is a bookstore employee who has to contend with an unwanted pregnancy after a drunken one-night stand, in one of Jenny Slate's best roles. The results are hilarious and heart-warming, and often subversive of rom-com tropes. There are many unapologetically awkward moments that don't sugarcoat life as an aspiring performer and an independent woman.
The connection between Donna and Max, played by The Office alumnus Jake Lacy, is foregrounded and completely charming. He turns up to watch her stand-up set, even though she leaves with another guy; even when she repeatedly pushes him away, he is there when it really counts at the end of the movie, which ultimately has a satisfying conclusion for the couple.
Late Night (2019)
Another pick written by a comedian - this time Mindy Kaling - Late Night follows a late-night talk show host in the autumn of her career who decides she wants to shake things up in order to stay relevant. Consequently, Kaling's character is hired to the show's all-male writers' room. Emma Thompson plays the talk-show host Katherine Newbury in a role written specifically for her.
At the center of the movie is Kaling's character attempting to find her feet in the male-dominated comedy-writing world, possibly inspired by Kaling's time interning for Conan O'Brien. Her relationship with the stubborn and comically direct Newbury is also a key ingredient. The movie confronts issues of positive discrimination, aging, and sexism, yet it wraps these in funny and light-hearted wrapping paper, making for a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
