No one does romantic comedies quite like Hugh Grant. With his effortless charm, self-deprecating humor, and signature stammer, he ruled the genre throughout the 90s and the 2000s, starring in some of the most beloved rom-coms ever made. In recent years, he’s stepped away from the genre that made him famous, taking on more complex and unexpected roles, such as his turns in the family film Paddington 2, the crime thriller The Gentlemen, and the horror movie Heretic. Nevertheless, his rom-com era remains unforgettable. Whether he was playing the bumbling yet lovable Englishman or the smooth-talking cad, every role that Grant did made him the definitive leading man for a generation of love stories. His films captured the highs and lows of modern romance, cementing his place in rom-com history. Let’s take a look at his ten best romantic comedy films to show that no one does it quite like Hugh Grant.
In his fourth collaboration with director Marc Lawrence, Hugh Grant stars as Keith Michaels, a washed-up screenwriter who finds himself struggling to land another hit after winning an Oscar years ago. As opportunities dry up, he reluctantly takes a teaching job at a small university, where he plans to coast by with minimal effort. However, as he gets to know his students — particularly the passionate Holly (Marisa Tomei) — Keith rediscovers his love for storytelling and is finally excited about writing his next chapter. The Rewrite is Hugh Grant’s final rom-com to date before he began his journey in much more diverse roles. The film received lukewarm reviews from critics, but everyone agreed that the cast’s — which includes Allison Janney and J.K. Simmons — great onscreen presence is the main highlight of the film. Grant exudes his signature charm even in a mature role as the jaded Keith. His chemistry with Tomei is compelling, and their dynamic brings an effortless sweetness to the film. The Rewrite might lean more toward a self-discovery story than romance, but it remains a respectable entry in Grant’s rom-com catalog.
Set in Wales during World War I, The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain follows two English cartographers, Reginald Anson (Hugh Grant) and George Garrad (Ian McNeice), who arrive in a small village to measure what the locals proudly call a mountain. When they determine that it’s actually just a hill, the villagers — led by the determined Morgan the Goat (Colm Meaney) — rally together to add enough dirt to push it over the required height. Meanwhile, Anson finds himself falling for the lovely Betty (Tara Fitzgerald), who was enlisted to entertain the two Englishmen. As one of the kings of the genre, it is only right that Hugh Grant is able to tackle any rom-com story in any setting and time period. This underrated gem showcases Grant as the reserved and slightly awkward Englishman, who plays perfectly against the film’s eccentric and passionate townspeople. His slow-blooming romance with Betty is sweet and natural, not like the typical formulaic rom-coms. While it may not have the grand gestures of some of his more famous rom-coms, this film is a testament to Grant’s ability to shine in smaller, character-driven stories.
Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger) returns in Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and while she’s finally in a happy relationship with Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), things aren’t as perfect as she hoped. Her insecurities and clumsiness lead to a series of misadventures, including an ill-fated trip to Thailand and an unexpected reunion with her ex-flame, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant). She begins to question whether her relationship with Mark is truly meant to be or maybe she’s supposed to stay single forever. While it doesn’t quite match the charm of the first film, The Edge of Reason still has its own charm, thanks in part to Hugh Grant’s return as Daniel. Grant thrives in the role of the handsome yet untrustworthy womanizer so much that he returns in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, after skipping the third film. His rivalry with Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy once again provides some of the film’s best moments, including an utterly ridiculous yet entertaining fight scene. While the sequel leans into slapstick and too many silly moments, the interactions between Zellweger, Grant, and Firth are still a fun ride.
In Music and Lyrics, Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is a washed-up 80s pop star who gets a chance at a career revival when a young, chart-topping diva, Cora Corman (Haley Bennett), asks him to write a song for her. However, he hasn’t written anything in years. So, he reluctantly enlists the help of Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), a quirky and talented writer who helps him find the right words. As they collaborate, an unexpected romance blossoms between them. The rom-com may not be one of Grant or Barrymore’s best films, but Music and Lyrics thrives on their undeniable chemistry. Grant has impeccable comedic timing in this film, making Alex one of his most fun roles. He makes a great duo when paired with Barrymore, who’s very experienced in this genre. The film’s original songs, from the catchy 80s throwback to “Pop! Goes My Heart” to the lovely “Way Back Into Love,” give this film a strong staying power. It may rely heavily on the rom-com formula, but its effective use of it makes Music and Lyrics one of the most entertaining, feel-good rom-coms of the late 2000s.
Two Weeks Notice follows Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock), an idealistic, Harvard-educated lawyer devoted to environmental and social causes. Her passion leads her to work for billionaire real estate developer George Wade (Hugh Grant), a charming but completely dependent boss who treats her more like a personal assistant than a legal advisor. Fed up with his behavior, Lucy hands in her two weeks’ notice. But as she trains her replacement, they realize that their relationship might be more than professional. After writing Bullock’s hit, Miss Congeniality, this film is director Marc Lawrence’s feature film debut. With a classic enemies-to-lovers trope, Lawrence managed to play into both Bullock and Grant’s strengths, utilizing Bullock’s sharp energy and Grant’s suave charm. While Two Weeks Notice doesn’t reinvent the rom-com formula, it’s a warm and fun showcase of the leading stars’ abilities. The film itself was a strong performer at the box office when it was released as counter programming for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, proving that audiences connected with this entertaining film.
Adapted from Nick Hornby’s novel, About A Boy sees Will Freeman (Hugh Grant), a wealthy, carefree bachelor who lives off the royalties of a Christmas song his father wrote. Content with his commitment-free lifestyle, he comes up with the idea of dating single mothers. His plan leads him to Marcus (Nicholas Hoult), an awkward and lonely 12-year-old boy. What starts as an unwanted obligation slowly turns into an unexpected friendship, as Will helps Marcus with his troubles and, in turn, the kid forces Will to grow up. Not a typical rom-com but more of a personal drama, About A Boy sees Hugh Grant in one of his most layered performances. The film balances comedy and drama perfectly, offering sharp humor alongside genuine emotional weight. Grant’s chemistry with young Nicholas Hoult is at the heart of the movie. The heartwarming film, which also stars Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz, was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. About A Boy proves Grant is more than his typical rom-com roles with a nuanced character that would lead to even more complex roles like he’s doing recently.
Bridget Jones’s Diary follows the titular Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), a single, 30-something woman in London, determined to take control of her life by keeping a diary to track her self-improvement. Struggling with her career, weight, and love life, she finds herself caught in a love triangle between her dashing but unreliable boss, Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), and the seemingly cold but endearing Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). This film is one of the defining rom-coms of the early 2000s, and one of Renée Zellweger’s best performances. As Daniel Cleaver, Hugh Grant plays a charming yet sleazy bad boy archetype, ditching his usual lovable persona. His chemistry with Zellweger is simply electric, while his rivalry with Firth’s Mark Darcy adds a fun dramatic tension. Bridget Jones’s Diary remains essential viewing not just for its humor and heart but for how it allowed Grant, the rom-com heartthrob at the time, to be the second lead complete with a mischievous smirk to his character.
Bridget, a single woman in her thirties, embarks on a mission to overhaul her life by keeping a diary, where she records her resolutions, romantic entanglements, and professional aspirations. Her love life becomes a rollercoaster as she juggles the attentions of her charming but roguish boss and a seemingly cold but earnest family friend. Amidst comedic blunders and poignant reflections, Bridget’s journey highlights themes of self-discovery and genuine love. The film offers a witty and heartwarming portrayal of personal growth and the complexities of relationships in the contemporary world.
A staple holiday rom-com woven through multiple interconnecting love stories, Love Actually features Hugh Grant as David, the newly elected British Prime Minister who unexpectedly falls for his assistant, Natalie (Martine McCutcheon). This London-set Christmas classic features a star-studded cast that includes Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Keira Knightley, and Alan Rickman. Hugh Grant shines in this role as the Prime Minister, delivering one of his most effortlessly charming performances. His impromptu dance through 10 Downing Street remains one of the film’s most iconic moments, while his natural charm makes his flirtation with McCutcheon’s character endearing. But beyond Grant’s segment, Love Actually endures as one of the greatest rom-coms because of its emotional resonance—balancing feel-good romance with heartbreaking moments. Richard Curtis crafts a film that celebrates love in its many forms, making it an undeniable holiday favorite with its warmth, humor, and sincerity.
Four Weddings and a Funeral follows Charles (Hugh Grant), a charming but always unlucky-in-love Englishman, as he goes through a whirlwind of weddings and one unexpected funeral—just like the title suggested—alongside his eccentric group of friends. At each event, Charles repeatedly crosses paths with the beautiful and enigmatic American woman, Carrie (Andie MacDowell), sparking a complicated romance that spans years while he sees his friends find happiness and closure. Hugh Grant delivers a career-defining performance as the bumbling yet irresistibly charming Charles, which set the tone for his future roles as the ultimate rom-com leading man. His screen presence with Andie MacDowell is irresistible, making audiences root for their unconventional romance, while his chemistry with his friend group adds depth to his character. Nominated for two Oscars for Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay, Four Weddings and a Funeral perfectly captures the highs and lows of relationships, friendship, and self-discovery with warmth and humor, cementing its status as one of the greatest rom-coms of all time.
In Notting Hill, Hugh Grant plays William Thacker, a British bookseller who leads a quiet life in Notting Hill, a neighborhood in London. His world is changed forever when he meets Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a famous Hollywood actress who literally walks into his shop one day. Their improbable encounter blossoms into a relationship filled with ups and downs, as William and Anna try to overcome the challenges of fame and their different worlds. Hugh Grant has the perfect role for him in this film. His chemistry with Julia Roberts is undeniable, as their characters’ contrasting worlds create both comedy and emotional depth throughout the film. Roberts herself brought her A-game to this film with her strong Anna Scott character. Grant’s ability to deliver the film’s witty lines with impeccable timing, coupled with his genuine charm, makes his portrayal of William one of his most endearing roles. With memorable moments like the iconic “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy” scene, Notting Hill has become an unforgettable romantic classic.
Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, Notting Hill is a romantic comedy that tells the story of a charming British bookseller who falls in love with an American movie star. Released in 1999, the romantic comedy written by Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually screenwriter Richard Curtis was a critical and box office success.
