All 6 Kristen Bell rom-coms, ranked

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s Nobody Wants This.

Actor Kristen Bell is no stranger to romantic comedies, appearing in six movies and TV shows in the rom-com genre, each of which found varying degrees of success. Since her 1998 movie debut, Bell has grown in popularity, becoming a household name. Although she has shown herself to be able to perform in any genre, she is especially skilled in comedy and has great chemistry with co-stars. These characters lend themselves well to romantic comedies.

Not surprisingly, she has appeared in six different rom-coms – five movies and one TV show. Critics generally do not respond well to genre films, so it’s not surprising that most of the critics dislike the movies and shows meant to fit into romantic comedy tropes. however, The projects have a pretty even share when it comes to quality, entertainment value, writing and acting – All that contribute to the overall success with audiences.

6

Couples Retreat (2009)

Couples go on a vacation where they are forced into couples therapy

Many romantic comedies are lambasted by critics but praised by viewers, however Couples Retreat is a rare instance where most people straight up hate it. The premise may be interesting, however Couples Retreat Is mediocre at best and downright bad at worst. It’s a bad sign when a film tries to get the audience to root for reconciliation though Elicits the desire for all the couples to get divorced already so that the movie will end. Some issues the couples are facing are not things that can be wrapped up in a two-hour movie, especially when the focus is split four ways.

Unfortunately, the A+ cast, including powerhouse actors Kristen Bell, Vince Vaughn and Jason Bateman, can’t even save the rom-com. Despite their best efforts, the characters they portray are two-dimensional and uninteresting, making it hard to invest in their stories. The couples’ banter feels mean and hurtful instead of funny. Couples Retreats pacing feels disjointed, slowing and speeding seemingly randomly.

Worse than this is the lack of humor in romantic comedy, which is one of the most fundamental needs. Only a few lines actually offer laughs, with most of the jokes falling flat. Ultimately, the movie’s saving grace is that the setting is visually stunning, a positive that can only do so much to save the Couples Retreat. This is by far the weakest Kristen Bell rom-com.

5

The People We Hate at the Wedding (2022)

The relationship of family members becomes messy when they come together for a wedding

When Amazon announced a romantic comedy starring Ben Platt and Kristen Bell, there was a lot of excitement. These two actors can make even the most ordinary film enjoyable. unfortunately, The people we hate in marriage Not otherwise because it feels like two vastly different stories mashed together in a discordant way. Amazon branding the film as a rom-com feels misleading after watching it.

Part of the film is a family drama focusing on a family trying to mend their bonds at a wedding after a family death and miscarriage tear them apart. The other part of the film is a romantic comedy about the love life of a mother and her three children. As hard as the creative team tries, the stories don’t blend together. Each of these stories could have thrived independently, but they ultimately destroy each other’s strong points when forced together.

The figure of The people we hate in marriage Not surprisingly offers good performances, with Kristen Bell’s humor and charm shining. However, they cannot make up for the minimal character growth in the story. The dialogue could also be punchier, offering more verbal jokes instead of just physical comedy. finally, The people we hate in marriage Is not terrible or great, falling into the category of moderately enjoyable but mostly forgettable movies.

4

When in Rome (2010)

A New Yorker steals coins from a fountain in Rome, and creates a magic that attracts suitors

Kristen Bell When in Rome is a schlocky, formulaic rom-com that’s easy to watch but has nothing to say. This movie will appeal to romantic comedy lovers as long as they go into it with low expectations. Viewers should not expect anything remarkable from this film, or they will be very disappointed.

Unfortunately, the premise and message are vastly underwhelming. When in Rome It also relies on a serious suspension of disbelief that a conventionally attractive woman with a good job and pleasant personality cannot find a relationship without the help of the magic of the Fountain of Love. Unfortunately, the two main actors, Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel, are also stuck with one-dimensional character archetypes. Their acting abilities can only do so much when it comes to a lackluster script.

Unlike worse Kristen Bell rom-coms, When in Rome Does at least offer a decent number of laughs, leaning into the fact that it’s stupid. The movie doesn’t apologize for its cheesy tone, and it doesn’t pretend to have a deep message, which makes its shortcomings more forgivable. The setting of the movie is also beautiful to look at, showing the advantages of filming on location. However, this is not enough to save it from being labeled a mundane romantic comedy of the 2010s – a period with a massive legacy for great rom-coms considered modern classics in the genre.

3

Stuck in Love (2013)

Three couples in a family navigate the ups and downs of love in all forms

The Kristen Bell rom-com Stuck in love is a great movie that could be among the best rom-coms of the 2010s if it weren’t for problematic stories that didn’t age and underdeveloped subplots. The film presents a fascinating exploration of existentialism and love at various different stages in a very similar way to Crazy, stupid, love. The characters seem like real people with flaws and strengths, going through powerful arcs that force them to grow.

Unlike many other rom-com movies, Stuck in love Leans into dark comedy and shock humor that won’t appeal to everyone. Regardless of whether an individual favors this tone, it certainly sets the movie apart. Nate Walcott’s score is complex and evocative in the best possible way, showcasing his competence as a composer.

unfortunately, Stuck in love Fails to develop subplots, such as William sleeping with Tricia and Kate’s addiction recovery. The ending also feels abrupt because so much happens to keep the storylines in a span of 15 minutes. Finally, despite being well told, Stuck in love Sends a really problematic message. William’s arc promotes the harmful idea that someone stalking and pining for an individual who rejects them is romantic. If he faces any consequences, it could have been different, but the fact that William and Erica are coming back together says that these behaviors will result in the victim falling for the perpetrator.

2

Nobody Wants This (2024)

An agnostic podcaster falls for a charming Jewish rabbi

From the beginning to the end of Nobody wants thatRom-com fans will find themselves swooning over the phenomenal chemistry between Kristen Bell, who plays Joan, and Adam Brody, who plays Noah. The sexual tension between them feels palpable and grows over season 1. Joan and Noah have witty banter, bouncing off each other with perfect comic timing. While this aspect of Nobody wants that Is the highlight of the show, it is not the only strength.

The supporting actors give memorable performances that inject characters with nuance and offer compassion for their mistakes. Although they are meant to be the antagonists, both Esther and Rachel are gentle and kind. The only character who feels completely one-dimensional is Noah’s mother, Binah, who unfortunately falls into the exaggerated, evil Jewish mother stereotype – one of the most significant negative ways. Nobody wants that Season 1.

Apart from the fantastic characters and actors, music is also an important part of the success of the series. Duncan Blickenstaff wrote an incredible score for the Netflix series that relays the longing, tenderness and jubilation of two people falling in love. Nobody wants that‘ Soundtrack is equally beneficial for the success of the romantic comedy series, form the characters and atmosphere. Each track feels perfectly curated for the scene in which it appears. Finally, Nobody Wants This Country is Kristen Bell’s second-best romantic comedy because of its questionable use of the Jewish mom trope and the fact that Forget Sarah Marshall is just all-around better.

1

Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)

A broken man flies to Hawaii to get away only to discover his ex is there

In addition to being one of Jason Segel’s best movies of all time (via movieweb), Forgetting Sarah Marshall landed at the top of the list of Kristen Bell’s rom-coms. The 2008 movie is truly hilarious, offering a solid blend of witty dialogue and physical comedy. It’s hard to forget the naked break-up scene at the beginning of the movie. In addition, the script seamlessly ties into a ridiculous but wonderful Dracula puppet musical – most people don’t know that part of Forgetting Sarah Marshall was written by Segel.

The movie also offers a refreshing take on masculinity that is incredibly progressiveEspecially considering that it came out in the late eighties. The main character, Peter Brighter (Segel), is extremely sensitive and emotional. While other movies like to make fun of people’s feelings, Forget Sarah Marshall Do not treat this as a joke. The other person vying for the affection of the titular main character is a rock and roll singer with long hair who blends feminine and masculine clothing styles together. Neither of these people is the traditional stereotype, but they are treated as equally valid.

On top of these strengths, the actors give top-caliber performances. Jason Segel has equally strong chemistry with Mila Kunis and Kristen Bell, the actors who play both of his love interests. This makes it easy to understand why Peter was with Sarah Marshall to begin with and also why he develops an interest in Rachel Jansen. Ultimately, these elements combine to create one of the funniest, best-written romantic comedies that consistently ranks among the best Kristen Bell Movies.

Sources: movieweb