Romantic comedies are a tricky beast. Gone are the simple days of You’ve Got Mail or Sleepless in Seattle. Now, we have edgy and rated-R affairs such as No Hard Feelings featuring Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence. However, love and relationships have been documented in different ways through movies and television. Oftentimes, Rated R films touch on sensitive subjects that are open to an ugly truth about love and relationships in general.
These types of films are few and far in-between these days, but there are classics ready to watch in the comfort of your own home. These are the best R-rated comedies that will make you laugh, cry, and laugh some more! They bring out the best of their subject and they certainly aren’t shy with crude and raunchy humor throughout.
Zack and Miri Make A Porno
This could be Kevin Smith‘s sweetest movie he’s ever done. Zack and Miri Make a Porno aren’t shy about displaying sex and nude (or poop jokes) onscreen, but the wonderful thing about this rom-com is that it’s not about the physical stuff. The development of Zack and Miri’s romance was pretty strong and believable due to the perfect casting of Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks.
The humor never dominates the subject manner nor does the film make any mean judgments about porn and the industry itself. The Katie Morgan diarrhea scene was pretty gross. But, it didn’t stop the film from being a funny and well-intentioned rom-com.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Break-ups are hard. So is being on the receiving end of a spouse cheating on you. Forgetting Sarah Marshall was an honest rom-com that tackled its subject with sensitivity and care. As funny as the sex wars was, the heartbreaking conversation between Peter and Sarah about why the latter cheated was raw and powerful. It no longer painted Sarah as the villain. It was clear the deterioration of their relationship was at the fault of Peter’s end as well.
Jason Segel is always great in these types of roles. However, Kristen Bell was equally great in her portrayal of Sarah Marshall. Their respective partners – Mila Kunis and Russell Brand – had great chemistry with their partners and the film was able to effortlessly blend awkward humor, sad drama, and romance nicely.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaids is still one of the funniest all-female comedies ever made! Anne (Kristen Wiig) is a relatable character. Her life is currently a mess after the failure of Cake Baby (Cock Baby works too) and she’s scrambled into the position of bridesmaid despite not being ready for it. Bridesmaids is more about female friendships, but her development with Officer Rhodes was an organic development that highlighted the importance of love and human connection.
Of course, the iconic scene with Anne drunk on the airplane stands out the best. Though, the entire food poisoning gag is top-tier as well. However, Melissa McCarthy‘s brash and crude character stands out as the funniest. Her heart-to-heart moment with Annie was hilarious and insightful.
The 40-Year-old Virgin
“You know how when you grab a woman’s breast… it feels like… a bag of sand.” Oh Andy, never change. The film put Steve Carrell and Seth Rogan on the map as stars. It’s cool that Judd Apatow took a different approach to male virginity and didn’t judge Carell’s character for not having sex yet. Sex should have true meaning and it was funny seeing Andy on his path of discovery on trying to do the opposite before realizing this.
Despite being 20 years old, The 40-Year-Old Virgin remains relevant as the conversations between Andy and his friends feel picked up from real talks between men. Yes, the film is still a bit too long, but the jokes remain sharp and poignant despite the long length.
Trainwreck
Judd Apatow does it once again but from a female’s perspective. Like The 40-Year-Old Virgin, it’s great that he doesn’t cast judgment on Amy’s character for being sexually active. Instead, it explores the importance of monogamy and the fears we sometimes have when it comes to love. Amy Schumer is great; however, John Cena and Lebron James often provide the biggest laughs in the film.
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