Anne Hathaway Romantic Comedies Ranked

Anne Hathaway’s Rom-Com Reign: Ranking Her Most Beloved Romantic Comedies

Anne Hathaway, a name synonymous with captivating performances and undeniable charm, has carved out a significant niche in the romantic comedy genre. Her ability to embody both the awkward, relatable protagonist and the glamorous leading lady has gifted audiences with a treasure trove of memorable rom-coms. This comprehensive ranking delves into her most celebrated romantic comedies, analyzing their strengths, enduring appeal, and why they stand out in a crowded landscape. From witty dialogue and heartfelt romance to iconic fashion moments and laugh-out-loud humor, we explore what makes these films shine and solidify Hathaway’s status as a queen of the genre.

1. The Princess Diaries (2001)

While not a traditional romantic comedy in its entirety, The Princess Diaries lays the crucial groundwork for Hathaway’s romantic prowess and introduces her to the world as a relatable, albeit initially awkward, heroine. The film’s charm lies in its Cinderella-esque premise: Mia Thermopolis, a shy San Francisco teenager, discovers she is the heir to the throne of Genovia. Her journey of transformation, guided by her regal grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (a magnificent Julie Andrews), is punctuated by burgeoning adolescent crushes and the initial awkward fumblings of young love. The romantic subplot, involving the charming Michael Moscovitz (Robert Schwartzman), provides a sweet and innocent exploration of first love and self-acceptance. The film masterfully blends humor, heartwarming moments, and a powerful message of embracing one’s true self. Its enduring appeal lies in its timeless fairy tale narrative, Hathaway’s authentic portrayal of an outsider finding her footing, and the delightful chemistry she shares with her young male lead. The sequels further explore her romantic entanglements, cementing the franchise’s status as a beloved coming-of-age story with strong romantic undertones. The popularity of The Princess Diaries cannot be overstated, as it introduced Hathaway’s star power and her innate ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level, setting the stage for her future rom-com triumphs.

2. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Undoubtedly a masterpiece of modern cinema, The Devil Wears Prada transcends the typical rom-com boundaries while still offering a potent dose of romantic tension and personal growth. Hathaway stars as Andrea "Andy" Sachs, a recent journalism graduate who lands her dream job as the junior assistant to the formidable fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep, in an Oscar-nominated performance). The film masterfully satirizes the high-stakes world of fashion, but beneath the glossy surface lies a compelling narrative of self-discovery and the complex dynamics of ambition and personal relationships. While the primary focus is Andy’s professional ascent and her fraught relationship with Miranda, the romantic subplot with Nate (Adrian Grenier), her boyfriend, serves as a crucial anchor. Their relationship struggles under the weight of Andy’s demanding career, highlighting the sacrifices often made in pursuit of success. The film’s brilliance lies in its sharp, witty dialogue, its impeccable costume design, and the powerhouse performances of both Hathaway and Streep. Hathaway’s portrayal of Andy’s evolution from an outsider to a confident, albeit conflicted, woman is captivating. The underlying romantic threads, though often strained, offer a realistic portrayal of how external pressures can impact a relationship. Its lasting impact is undeniable, influencing fashion trends and solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

3. Ella Enchanted (2004)

Ella Enchanted presents a charming and whimsical take on the classic fairy tale, with Anne Hathaway delivering a spirited performance as Ella of Frell. Cursed at birth with the gift of obedience, Ella finds herself unable to refuse any direct order, a predicament that leads to a series of comical and perilous situations. Her quest to break the enchantment brings her into contact with Prince Charmont (Hugh Dancy), a handsome and kind royal who becomes increasingly entangled in her extraordinary life. The romance between Ella and Charmont is a central pillar of the film, developing organically amidst their adventures. Hathaway’s portrayal of Ella is filled with wit, resilience, and a delightful sense of humor, making her an incredibly likable and relatable heroine. The film’s vibrant aesthetic, catchy musical numbers, and clever subversion of fairy tale tropes contribute to its enduring appeal. The chemistry between Hathaway and Dancy is palpable, offering a sweet and genuine romantic connection that complements the film’s fantastical elements. Ella Enchanted remains a beloved choice for its blend of adventure, romance, and a strong, independent female lead who refuses to be defined by her curse.

4. Get Smart (2008)

In Get Smart, Anne Hathaway trades in her royal gowns for spy gear, playing the formidable Agent 99, partner to the bumbling but brilliant Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell). Based on the classic 1960s sitcom, the film injects a fresh dose of contemporary humor and action into the espionage genre. Hathaway’s portrayal of Agent 99 is a perfect blend of intelligence, strength, and understated comedic timing. Her dynamic with Steve Carell is a comedic goldmine, with their witty banter and escalating romantic tension providing many of the film’s highlights. The romantic arc between Smart and 99, though often intertwined with their dangerous missions, is a crucial element that adds warmth and heart to the action-packed plot. Hathaway’s ability to navigate both the comedic and the more heartfelt moments, while maintaining her character’s cool and competent demeanor, is a testament to her versatility. The film’s success lies in its clever gags, its impressive action sequences, and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Get Smart remains a fun and engaging romantic comedy that showcases Hathaway’s comedic chops and her ability to shine in a more action-oriented role.

5. Bride Wars (2009)

Bride Wars pits two lifelong best friends, Emma (Anne Hathaway) and Liv (Kate Hudson), against each other in a hilarious and no-holds-barred wedding planning rivalry. Their meticulously planned fairytale weddings, scheduled for the same day at the same prestigious venue, descend into a delightful battle of sabotage and one-upmanship. Hathaway brings a perfect balance of sweet sincerity and underlying competitive spirit to her role as Emma. Her journey through the wedding chaos, dealing with the emotional fallout of her rivalry with Liv, is both humorous and relatable. While the film’s primary focus is on the friendship between the two women, the romantic elements surrounding their impending marriages serve as a backdrop to their escalating conflict. The film’s humor stems from the over-the-top scenarios and the characters’ increasingly desperate attempts to outdo each other. Hathaway’s chemistry with Kate Hudson is electric, making their friendship the undeniable heart of the movie, even as they wage war. Bride Wars is a fun, fast-paced romp that celebrates the complexities of female friendship while still delivering on the romantic comedy promise.

6. Love & Other Drugs (2010)

Love & Other Drugs delves into a more mature and emotionally resonant romantic comedy territory for Anne Hathaway. She stars as Maggie, a free-spirited young woman living with Parkinson’s disease, who embarks on a passionate and unconventional romance with Jamie Randall (Jake Gyllenhaal), a charismatic pharmaceutical salesman. The film unflinchingly tackles the realities of a serious illness, but it does so with a surprising amount of humor and a deep exploration of love, intimacy, and the acceptance of life’s vulnerabilities. Hathaway’s performance is raw and powerful, showcasing a vulnerability and strength that is truly captivating. Her chemistry with Gyllenhaal is intense and believable, making their on-screen connection a compelling force. The film’s ability to balance its serious themes with moments of genuine romance and humor is remarkable. It’s a story about finding love in unexpected places and cherishing the present moment, even in the face of adversity. While more dramatic than some of her previous rom-coms, Love & Other Drugs solidified Hathaway’s ability to deliver nuanced and impactful performances within the genre.

7. One Day (2011)

One Day offers a poignant and bittersweet exploration of a lifelong friendship that blossoms into romance. Based on David Nicholls’ acclaimed novel, the film follows Emma Morley (Anne Hathaway) and Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgess) from their meeting on graduation day in 1988 to their lives over the next two decades, checking in on them on the same day each year. Hathaway delivers a deeply moving performance as Emma, capturing her intelligence, her insecurities, and her enduring love for Dexter. The film’s narrative structure, spanning years, allows for a nuanced development of their relationship, showcasing the highs and lows, the missed opportunities, and the inevitable shifts in their lives. The romantic arc is a slow burn, built on shared experiences, unspoken feelings, and the passage of time. Hathaway’s chemistry with Jim Sturgess is subtle yet powerful, conveying a deep emotional connection that transcends the years. While tinged with melancholy, One Day is ultimately a beautiful and affecting story about enduring love, the complexities of life, and the impact of a single connection.

8. The Intern (2015)

In The Intern, Anne Hathaway takes on the role of Jules Ostin, the driven and successful founder of a fast-growing e-commerce fashion company. Her life takes an unexpected turn when Ben Whittaker (Robert De Niro), a 70-year-old widower, joins her company as a senior intern. While not a traditional romantic comedy, the film features a significant and heartwarming platonic relationship that is central to its charm and offers moments of romantic exploration for Jules. Hathaway’s portrayal of Jules is nuanced and relatable, showcasing her struggles to balance her demanding career, her personal life, and her budding romance with her husband, Matt (Anders Holm). The film’s humor arises from the intergenerational interactions and the gentle wisdom exchanged between Jules and Ben. The romantic subplot, though not the primary focus, adds another layer to Jules’ character development and her journey of self-discovery. Hathaway’s chemistry with De Niro is exceptional, creating a powerful and touching dynamic. The Intern is a feel-good film that celebrates mentorship, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection, with a touch of romantic intrigue.

9. Alice Through the Looking Glass (2016)

While primarily a fantasy adventure, Alice Through the Looking Glass features a romantic subplot that adds to Anne Hathaway’s diverse rom-com portfolio. Hathaway reprises her role as the White Queen, a benevolent and whimsical ruler with a heart of gold. The film centers on Alice’s return to the fantastical realm of Underland, where she must embark on a quest to save the Mad Hatter. The romantic thread, though secondary to the overarching plot, involves Alice’s evolving relationship with the Hatter. Hathaway’s performance as the White Queen is ethereal and captivating, bringing her signature grace and charm to the role. Her interactions with the Hatter, while tinged with the surreal nature of Underland, offer moments of tender connection and shared vulnerability. The film’s visual splendor and imaginative storytelling provide a unique backdrop for its romantic elements. Alice Through the Looking Glass showcases Hathaway’s ability to embody enchanting characters and contribute to romantic dynamics even within more fantastical narratives, further solidifying her versatility.

10. The Hustle (2019)

The Hustle presents a fresh take on the con artist genre with a comedic twist, starring Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson as two women from different sides of the tracks who team up to pull off a series of elaborate scams. Hathaway plays Josephine Chesterfield, a sophisticated and cunning con artist who takes a shine to the more down-to-earth Penny Rust. Their contrasting personalities and methods lead to a series of hilarious situations and escalating schemes. While the film’s focus is on their comedic partnership and their elaborate heists, there are subtle undertones of romantic possibility and playful banter between the characters, particularly in their strategic flirtations with their targets. Hathaway’s performance is a masterclass in comedic timing and her ability to embody a character with both cunning and charm. The film’s humor is sharp, its pacing is energetic, and the chemistry between Hathaway and Wilson is a significant draw. The Hustle allows Hathaway to showcase her comedic versatility and her talent for playing characters with a mischievous edge, offering a fun and engaging romantic comedy experience.