Born on September 9, 1960, Hugh Grant is one of the most renowned British actors working in Hollywood. He rose to fame in the early 1990s, quickly becoming the quintessential rom-com leading man. With his dashing good looks, suave demeanor, infectious smile, and quick wit, Grant charmed audiences with his effortless charm and charisma.
Grant’s ability to convey vulnerability, humor, and lovable awkwardness made him a beloved fixture on the big screen, earning him a reputation as one of the most bankable stars of the era. In recent years, he has made efforts to branch out from romcoms, starring in the drama series The Undoing and the upcoming horror movie, Heretic. However, to many, he will likely always be best known for his romantic comedies. With that said, here are 5 movies that make Hugh Grant the king of romcoms.
5. Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Two Weeks Notice, released in 2002, is a romantic comedy that may have flown under the radar in terms of critical reception, but has stood the test of time as a charming and delightful addition to Hugh Grant’s romantic comedy portfolio. The film tells the story of Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock), a feisty and idealistic lawyer who falls for her boss, George Wade (Hugh Grant), a charming but irresponsible billionaire. When Lucy discovers that George’s company is planning to tear down a local community center, she decides to take matters into her own hands and announces her resignation – only to find herself falling for him.
As they navigate their complicated feelings for each other, Lucy and George must confront their own flaws and learn to prioritize what truly matters. While it may not be as widely praised as some of Grant’s other rom-coms, Two Weeks Notice boasts undeniable chemistry between its leads, with Bullock’s sharp wit and Grant’s signature charm making for a winning combination. Despite its relative lack of recognition, the film has developed a lasting legacy in the world of romantic comedies, with its lighthearted humor and heartwarming romance continuing to delight audiences to this day.
Watch Two Weeks Notice on Apple TV+
4. Love Actually (2003)
Love Actually is widely regarded as one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, and its enduring popularity can be attributed to its cleverly woven storyline, memorable characters, and impressive ensemble cast. With a who’s who of Hollywood A-listers, including Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth, and Keira Knightley, among others, the film masterfully balances multiple storylines and characters to create a cinematic tapestry that explores the complexities of love in all its forms. However, amidst this star-studded cast, Hugh Grant’s segment stands out as perhaps the most memorable.
As the charming but awkward British Prime Minister David, Grant’s character falls for his junior staffer Natalie (Martine McCutcheon) in a sweet and tender romance that serves as a beacon of hope and possibility amidst the chaos of holiday season. The film’s use of Grant’s character as the Prime Minister adds an extra layer of humor and charm to the story, making his romance with Natalie all the more relatable and endearing. The result is a romantic comedy that has become a holiday classic, with Grant’s segment remaining one of the most beloved in the film, particularly his now iconic dance scene.
Watch Love Actually on Apple TV+
3. Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)
Bridget Jones’s Diary, released in 2001, is a delightful romantic comedy that has become a modern classic. The film is based on the bestselling novel by Helen Fielding and follows the story of Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger), a single woman in her early 30s who is struggling to find love and balance her life in modern-day London. As she navigates her way through a series of disastrous dates and misadventures, Bridget finds herself caught in a love triangle between two vastly different men: Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), a handsome and uptight barrister, and Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), her charming but unreliable boss.
The love triangle adds tremendous comedic moments to the film, as both Mark and Daniel vie for Bridget’s attention and affections, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and awkward encounters. In a particularly memorable scene, Hugh Grant’s character finally loses his cool and gets into a physical fight with Colin Firth’s Mark Darcy – serving as Grant’s first ever fight scene on screen. Ultimately, Bridget must decide which man is right for her, and the film’s witty dialogue, relatable protagonist, and charming performances make it a must-see romantic comedy.
Watch Bridget Jones’s Diary on Max
2. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)
Four Weddings and a Funeral, directed by Richard Curtis, is a witty and charming romantic comedy that premiered in 1994. The film follows Charles (Hugh Grant), a charming but awkward Englishman who is part of a close-knit group of friends, including Gareth (Simon Callow), Fiona (Kristin Scott Thomas), and Scarlett (Andie MacDowell). As the group attends a series of weddings and funerals, Charles finds himself falling for Scarlett, an American woman he meets at the first wedding. However, their budding romance is complicated by Charles’s inability to express his feelings, as well as his deep affection for his friend Carrie (Andrea Corr).
The film’s humor is derived from the witty banter and relatable characters, as well as the awkwardness of Charles’s romantic misadventures. Four Weddings and a Funeral marked a major turning point in Hugh Grant’s career, cementing his status as a leading man and propelling him to international stardom. His charismatic performance as Charles earned him widespread acclaim and set the tone for his future romantic comedy roles.
Watch Four Weddings and a Funeral on Apple TV+
1. Notting Hill (1999)
Notting Hill, released in 1999, is widely regarded as one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed romantic comedies of all time. The film tells the story of William Thacker (Hugh Grant), a humble bookstore owner in the eclectic neighborhood of Notting Hill, London, who falls for Anna Scott (Julia Roberts), a famous Hollywood actress. When Anna walks into his store, their chance encounter sets off a whirlwind romance that challenges their respective worlds.
Writer Richard Curtis masterfully weaves together the unlikely pairing of an ordinary Londoner and a Hollywood superstar, creating a unique blend of British charm and Tinseltown glamour. This film marked Hugh Grant’s second collaboration with Curtis, following Four Weddings and a Funeral, and cemented their reputation as a dynamic duo in the rom-com genre. Notting Hill‘s cultural mashup and nuanced portrayal of love across borders made it a standout hit, earning widespread critical acclaim and solidifying its place as one of the most iconic romantic comedies ever made. Want to read about a different type of romance movie? Here’s our pick of the best twisted romance stories in cinema.
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