The ‘Anyone But You’ Dynamic in our favourite ‘Pretend Romance’ rom coms
- Featured Film
Staff Writer- 10 minutes read
Everyone’s been fawning over Anyone But You where Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell’s take on the fake-dating trope. Their characters, roped into a wedding charade to fool nosy relatives and jealous exes, soon find real sparks flying. With banter and mishaps, and just the right amount of awkwardness, the film had us all missing the original ‘pretend romance’ movies that introduced us to the genre. Here are 10 beloved rom-coms to rewatch where the ‘Anyone But You dynamic’ is the star of the show.
The Proposal, 2009
In The Proposal, no-nonsense book editor, Margaret Tate, faces a one-way ticket back to Canada unless she can conjure up a pretend engagement with her unsuspecting assistant, Andrew Paxton. What starts as a desperate immigration workaround turns into a comedy of errors and surprising sentiments, proving that even the most rigid business arrangements can’t resist true love.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 2003
Meet Andie Anderson, a journalist at a women’s magazine, tasked with showcasing the ‘don’ts’ of romance. In 10 days, she must find an eligible man, drive him away and then write an article on her experience. Enter Benjamin Barry, a charming ad executive aiming to make any woman fall head over heels for him. All seems to be fair in deliberately sabotaging a love story.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
The Wedding Date, 2005
Debra Messing’s character reaches peak desperation when she hires the dashing Dermot Mulroney to play the part of her fake boyfriend for her sister’s wedding. They navigate the awkward dance of romantic charades, unexpected emotions and ensuing laugh-out-loud mishaps, proving that sometimes love can be found in the most unlikely places – even in a pretend relationship.
Available on Apple TV.
Can’t Buy Me Love, 1987
In this ’80s teen classic, Ronald Miller takes the phrase “popularity comes at a price” quite literally when he pays the popular cheerleader, Cindy Mancini, to be his fake girlfriend. What follows is a rollercoaster of high school mishaps, unintentional popularity, and the lesson that genuine connections can’t be bought, even if your pocket money can.
Available on Apple TV.
To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before, 2018
Lara Jean Covey’s life takes an unexpected turn when her secret love letters are mistakenly sent to her crushes. To avoid a teen drama of epic proportions, she enters a fake relationship with the charming Peter Kavinsky who wants to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. The result is a teen rom com filled with teenage awkwardness and a surprising journey from fake fling to to first love.
Available on Netflix.
Just Go with It, 2011
In this laugh-out-loud Adam Sandler comedy, dermatologist Danny, spins a web of lies involving a failing marriage to win over another woman. When he convinces Palmer, his reluctant assistant, to pretend to be his ex-wife in exchange for money, they dive into a tangled mess of fake spouses, a beach vacation, and a surprising discovery that sometimes the best relationships start with a little bit of pretending.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
John Tucker Must Die, 2006
John Tucker, the resident high school heartthrob, juggles three unsuspecting girlfriends simultaneously. When the betrayed trio discovers his romantic triple play, they concoct a plot for sweet revenge. Kate, the new girl in school, becomes the linchpin of their plan, strategically wooing him so that she can get revenge for her newfound friends.
Available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
What happens in Vegas, 2008
Joy and Jack wake up in Sin City married after a wild night and, to claim their jackpot winnings, must maintain the illusion of a loving relationship. From spontaneous wedding chapels to ridiculous couple’s therapy, What Happens in Vegas is a comedy-packed adventure exploring the absurdities of pretending to be madly in love.
Available on Netflix.
The Holidate, 2020
The Holidate introduces us to two singles tired of facing family events solo, poked and prodded with questioning on their love lives, and unsolicited set-ups. What starts as a strategic pact to endure the holiday season together transforms into a year-round companionship filled with festive faux romance.
Available on Netflix.
Pretty Woman, 1990
Last but definitely not the least, Pretty Woman, the classic master of pretend romance, tells the story of wealthy entrepreneur Edward, who pays Vivian, a sex-worker, to accompany him to high society social events. What begins as a financial transaction evolves into the rom-com genre’s most beloved Cinderella story.
Available on Netflix.
