Traditionally romantic comedies don’t make tons of money at the box office, but that doesn’t stop Hollywood from churning them out year after year. In fact, one of the most interesting things about romantic comedies is that they’re able to subvert genres all the time. Sure, they’re always trope-y but they also have the ability to shock viewers.
2012 might not have been the best year for romantic comedies, but it did put out several interesting ones that continued to push the boundaries of the genre. From anthologies to a Wes Anderson coming-of-age rom-com, the genre was full of interesting mash-ups.
Exit Strategy – February 10th
When it comes to 2012 romantic comedies, Exit Strategy is one of the most underrated. This is largely due in part to the fact that it did not have a wide release in theaters. Still, the characters were somewhat well known since the movie was originally a seven-part web series that began in 2007.
The movie centers on James (Jameel Saleem), a young man who moves in with his new girlfriend after he is evicted from his own place. James quickly realizes he no longer has feelings for Kim (Kimelia Weathers) but his living situation complicates his break-up plans.
This Mean Wars – February 17th
Reese Witherspoon may be known now for her more dramatic roles, but before that, she was an A-list romantic comedy star. Unfortunately, her star power wasn’t enough to save This Means Wars from being panned by critics despite making a profit at the box office.
This Means War follows two CIA operatives (Chris Pine and Tom Hardy) who are best friends and partners. However, their relationship is put to the test when they both fall for Lauren (Witherspoon). Now, the two must use their CIA skills to compete against each other in the hopes of winning her affection.
Think Like A Man – April 20th
Think Like A Man doesn’t sound like a romantic comedy title but that’s what makes it such a fun one. The movie, which was released in April 2012, is actually based on a 2009 book written by Steve Harvey. The movie was so successful that it earned a sequel.
The movie centers on four friends who discover that their significant others have been using Steve Harvey’s relationship advice book against them. An anthology movie: some of the stories include “the mama’s boy” vs “the single mom” and “the dreamer” vs “the woman who is her own man.”
The Five-Year Engagement – April 27th
The Five-Year Engagement was one of the more “high-profile” romantic comedies released in 2012 partly because it was produced by Judd Apatow. The movie was also co-written by Jason Segel who also starred in the movie alongside Emily Blunt.
The romantic comedy begins when Tom (Segel) decides to propose to Violet (Blunt) on their one-year anniversary. The proposal doesn’t go exactly as planned which becomes a precursor for the couple’s life as they plan their wedding. As their wedding continues to get postponed, their relationship begins to take a turn for the worse.
What To Expect When You’re Expecting – May 18th
It’s not a coincidence that What To Expect When You’re Expecting shares a name with the bestselling pregnancy guide of the same name since the movie was based on the guide. Though the movie starred an all-star cast that included the likes of Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, and Chris Rock the movie received mixed reviews from critics.
Another analogy rom-com, the movie follows five couples as they navigate the highs and lows of pregnancy. From a woman who runs a breastfeeding boutique and dreamy of being pregnant only to realize she hated it to a young woman who deals with a miscarriage, there is a pregnancy story that everyone can relate to.
Moonrise Kingdom – May 25th
Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom was one of the most anticipated romantic comedy/coming-of-age movies of 2012. It also marked the first time in over five years that Anderson returned to live-action movies instead of stop-motion ones. A move that paid off since it’s now his fourth highest-grossing movie of all time.
The coming-of-age/romantic-comedy follows the life of an orphan boy who lives on the fictional island of New Penzance. The boy escapes from his scouting camp and tracks down his pen pal and the two decide to run away together.
Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World – June 22nd
Apocalpyse and romantic comedies don’t usually go well together but that didn’t stop the creators of Seeking A Friend For The End Of The World from trying. Perhaps, the movie was ahead of its time because it went on to become one of many box office bombs of the year.
The movie, which starred Steve Carell and Kiera Knightley, centers on two strangers who decide to help each other find closure before a massive asteroid hits Earth and kills all living things.
Hope Springs – August 8th
Meryl Streep isn’t a name synonymous with romantic comedies but in 2012 she lent her immense talent to the rom-com Hope Springs. The movie was a massive hit at the box office and even earned a Golden Globe nomination during its award season run.
Hope Springs followed Kay and Arnold, a long-married couple, who are at an impasse in their relationship. Kay believes the two need to spice things up to keep their love strong which leads them to attend a marriage retreat which causes them to do a lot more deep thinking than Kay thought.
Bachelorette – Septemeber 7th
Not to be confused with one of the best reality dating shows of all time, Bachelorette was a 2012 romantic comedy that was released in September. The movie, which shares no connection to the show, was actually adapted from a play written by Leslye Headland.
Led by Kristen Dunst, Bachelorette centers on three bridesmaids who accidentally destroy their friend’s wedding gown. The three friends set out to replace the gown before the bride can find out but end up on a wild night out instead.
Save The Date – December 14th
When it comes to the independent film circuit, romantic comedies typically aren’t popular but Save the Date managed to be the exception. In fact, it went on to win a major award at both the Newport Beach Film Festival and was even nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.
Save the Date centers on two close sisters who are in different phases of their love lives. One is in the midst of planning for her wedding while the other sister spends most of her time avoiding a man who very well could be her soulmate.
