Romantic comedies are great for first dates and couples providing laughs and heartwarming moments, and some actors would be perfect to star in a rom-com but have yet to appear in the genre. Romantic comedies are a wonderful combination of two genres that have widespread appeal, telling very real, human stories, with less of the frills that go into sci-fi or fantasy. They are also perfect for showcasing actors’ talents, as they deliver lines rich with humor and emotion that can resonate with audiences when played right, and fall flat when they aren’t.
However, rom-coms have a reputation for often being relegated to small-scale releases, often appearing as direct-to-TV projects or on streaming platforms. Actors who make a big splash in this genre also often find themselves locked in with actors like Hugh Grant, Adam Sandler, and Drew Barrymore, becoming synonymous with the genre and sometimes struggling to break out of that niche. However, with so many studios and networks producing a huge range of content, actors today have the flexibility to try their hands in multiple genres without generally being typecast, and these actors who have yet to appear in a rom-com would be great for a fun, romantic outing.
10 Barry Keoghan
Action Star And Dramatic Comedy Actor
Barry Keoghan has been appearing in TV and movies since 2010. He rose to prominence for work in horror films like The Killing of a Sacred Deer in 2017. He has since appeared in major productions by Marvel and DC, playing Druig in Eternals and Joker in The Batman. He has also appeared in award-winning dramedies like The Banshees of Inisherin, proving his versatility and range. Keoghan knows how to embody a character and add depth to a role, and his ability to deliver charm, goofiness, and serious, and dramatic roles certainly proves he is equipped with all the necessary skills to excel in a rom-com.
9 Sophia Di Martino
More Than Capable As A Leading Lady
Sophia Di Martino has most recently played the role of Sylvie in the MCU Disney+ show, Loki. While the series had elements of comedy and a very loose romantic plot, neither genre took center stage. Di Martino has appeared in romantic comedies as a supporting actor, but she has yet to secure a lead role. Her talents for delivering an emotional and layered performance would make her perfect for a lead in a rom-com, where she could be hesitant about falling in love, before meeting the right person and forming a romantic connection.
8 Jenna Ortega
Possibly Typecast In Horror And Thrillers
Jenna Ortega exploded in popularity after the success of Tim Burton’s Wednesday series debuted on Netflix. Ortega has also appeared in prominent roles in several other horror movies, like Scream and X, and thriller series like You, but she has yet to appear in a lead rom-com role. She was recently announced to appear in the upcoming movie, Winter Spring Summer or Fall, playing opposite her Wednesday co-star, Percy Hynes White. Ortega is a talented young actress who has displayed a great ability to deliver comedy and humor in films like Yes Day and her SNL appearances, but it is about time she puts those skills to the test in a rom-com.
7 Rachel Zegler
Rising Star In Hollywood
Rachel Zegler has exploded onto the scene in Hollywood with three credits to her name in major pictures, West Side Story, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Three further projects with her playing a leading role are also slated to be released over the next few years, with the most notable being a live-action remake of Snow White. Each role Zegler has appeared in so far has contained elements of romance for her character, and some minor comedy beats, but she has yet to put her skills to a dedicated rom-com hit. However, with her popularity exploding, it doesn’t appear that it will be too long before she does.
6 Henry Cavill
Statuesque Action Hero
Henry Cavill has played major roles like Superman, Sherlock Holmes, and Geralt of Rivia, but for the most part, he has yet to prove his talents by appearing in a dedicated romance story. While Cavill typically plays strong, confident, and hypermasculine roles, his personality is much more muted, opting to play computer games and Warhammer, in favor of traditional sports. This juxtaposition would be great to see in a rom-com with Cavill playing the unwitting and shy hunk, who struggles to build a relationship. Letting Cavill bring more of his vulnerability and softer side to the big screen in favor of the classic action stuff.
5 Joe Keery
The Boy Next Door From Hawkins
Joe Keery gained international fame after appearing as Steve in the hit Netflix show, Stranger Things. Keery has continued to add to his resume with roles in straight horror movies like Spree, but his talent for playing a romantic lead is made clear by his overt magnetism on screen. His character in Stranger Things was only supposed to appear for a limited time in the show and play a bully, but due to his charismatic performance, he quickly became a fan-favorite and was given a redemption arc to become an integral part of the Hawkins gang. His talent would definitely translate to a rom-com with him in the lead role.
4 Maya Hawke
Versatile And Talented, Just Like Her Parents
Maya Hawke may have an advantage in Hollywood with two very famous parents, but over the last few years, she has proven her talent and ability to stand on her own two feet with performances in Stranger Things and several films. Hawke is charming and confident, with the ability to immediately grab attention and command a scene. She would make a great addition in a rom-com as a lead, or a character who causes chaos for the couple and gets between them.
3 Jenna Coleman
Period Drama And Thrillers To Rom-Com
Jenna Coleman is a spectacular actress who showed off her talent during a lengthy stint on Doctor Who. She has also appeared in shows like The Sandman, Wilderness, and others which further highlight her talents. Coleman easily transitions between light comedy and dramatic scenes, which is perfect for any rom-com. Surprisingly, she has yet to star in a rom-com, despite her credentials and skills making her a perfect fit.
2 Emily Browning
Tense, Quiet, And Great With Action Scenes
Emily Browning rose to prominence with her role as Violet in the 2004 series, A Series of Unfortunate Events. Since then, she went on to star in action movies like Sucker Punch and a range of other dramatic and comical roles. Browning is incredibly talented and her quiet demeanor could make her perfect for a role as the girl next door in a rom-com who comes out of her shell after developing a crush. Otherwise, she would be just as capable of playing the more dominant and forward character, as evidenced by her action roles.
1 Tom Blyth
Letting Down His Guard
Tom Blyth has been performing in films since 2010. However, in his performance in The Hunger Games: A Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Blyth showcased his ability to play a romantic lead. Despite his character in that film being significantly more complicated and the relationship breaking down, Blyth clearly has the potential to explore chemistry and romance in a comedy film. His ability to create and deliver quality monologs, build chemistry, and deliver a charismatic performance shows he would excel in a rom-com.
