These ten movies have two things in common: bad reviews and immense popularity. Whether these movies are good or bad is a personal opinion, but their widespread popularity definitely suggests they should have higher ratings!

While every genre is subject to harsh scrutiny from critics and audiences alike, none receives quite the level of criticism as the Rom-Com. This trend could stem from several reasons. Perhaps this is from the predominantly older and male critic viewpoint clashing with the younger, female-targeted audience. It would make sense that considering many of these movies are made for young teens yet reviewed by adults that the scores may not reflect how audiences really feel. As a result, features like the Google User ratings and the audience score section of Rotten Tomatoes may be a more accurate measurement of the film’s quality.

Sleepover

IMDb: 5.4/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 15%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 54%

Google users: 60% liked this movie

This movie follows a group of friends as their sleepover turns into a scavenger hunt adventure complete with a school dance, a chance encounter with the school hottie, and a clash with some mean girls. The movie is fun and fresh for its time. However, a few plot-lines, such as the fatphobia directed at Yancy, definitely could be improved. Overall, the scavenger hunt-based plot makes this fun and the 2000s high school setting brings excellent nostalgia!

My score: 7/10

13 Going On 30

IMDb: 6.2/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 65%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 70%

Google users: 90%

Jennifer Garner shines in this adorable coming of age rom-com about a 13-year-old girl who accidentally wishes herself into her 30s as a glamorous writer for a New York magazine. The film serves up great 80s and 2000s fashion while also telling one of the sweetest love stories on this list! All in all, you can’t go wrong watching as Jenna Rink becomes thirty, flirty, and thriving!

My score: 9.5/10

Monster In Law

IMDb: 5.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 18%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 55%

Google users: 89% liked this movie

This comedy delivers on the laughs and one-liners, with even some surprisingly sweet moments peppered in. While it lacks a bit in the stakes and overall character development, it’s still definitely worth the watch, thanks to a stellar performance from Jane Fonda. 

My score: 6/10

She’s the Man

IMDb: 6.3/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 44%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 79%

Google users: 90% liked this movie

Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this Amanda Bynes rom-com follows Viola (Bynes) as she impersonates her brother at his boarding school and finally gets a shot to play for a great soccer team. The movie is surprisingly fresh, with its plot mainly revolving around how Viola struggles to gain the respect she deserves as a female athlete. That, in combination with its humor and unexpectedly endearing love story, makes this 2000s rom-com worth the watch. 

My score: 9/10

27 Dresses

IMDb: 6.1/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 41%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 57%

Google users: 89% liked this movie

In any rom-com, a fresh take, and excellent cast are what make the difference between entertaining and overdone. 27 Dresses is no exception, with the best moments coming from hilarious Katherine Heigl, 2000s dreamboat James Marsden, and of course the ultimate character actress Judy Greer. Overall, Heigl’s Jane could have been a bit more challenged by the “enemy” that is the fairytale wedding industry, but the movie still tackles this current issue, albeit in a light-hearted manner. 

My score: 7.2/10

John Tucker Must Die

IMDb: 5.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 27%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 69%

Google users: 85% liked this movie

The ultimate revenge chick flick, John Tucker Must Die, boasts a star-studded cast and some of the most hilarious takedowns of a movie womanizer that I’ve seen on screen. While it doesn’t bring much new to the table for the genre, it’s one of the best casts I’ve seen of its kind. 

My score: 8/10

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist

IMDb: 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 74%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score:

Google users: 82% liked this movie

This 2008 rom-com starring Micheal Cera and Kat Dennings highlights some of the decade’s best music while revealing the complicated dynamics of young millennial romance. Between the stars’ excellent performances, the killer soundtrack, brutally honest love story, and bustling New York City setting, this film is sure to maintain its status as a wonderful tribute to New York, modern love, and 2000s music. 

My score: 9.5/10

What a Girl Wants

IMDb: 5.8/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 36%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 62%

Google users: 87% liked this movie

This film certainly has an unusual pairing for its two stars: Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth. The two play an estranged daughter and father reunited after Bynes’ Daphne decides it’s time to leave America and meet her posh British father. Silly and sweet, this film scored points primarily for its sweet father-daughter story, killer fashion, and genuine character development for both Daphne and her father. 

My score: 7.8/10 

A Cinderella Story

IMDb: 5.9/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 12%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 53%

Google users: 90% liked this movie

The nature of a remake is that it’s predictable, which seems to be a common criticism for this modern take on the classic Cinderella starring Hillary Duff. However, that doesn’t stop the movie from being a cute and sweet rendition of the quintessential love story with some hilarious moments from Jennifer Coolidge’s Fiona. 

My score: 7/10

Bend it like Beckham

IMDb: 6.6/10

Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer: 85%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience score: 73%

Google users: 85%

This rom-com takes a much different focus than many on this list. Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, and the whole cast give stunning performances. These, combined with the excellent writing and inspirational message, make this film required viewing.

My score: 10/10

Seeing these various films ranked across multiple platforms and by yours truly shows just how objective taste in movies can be. However, I hope this inspires you to potentially look past critic reviews or at least take them with a grain of salt, especially those of the romantic comedy genre. While it may not always be the most typically ‘serious’ category, these films often use comedy and simple settings to push more powerful messages than audiences may expect.