The 10 Best Julia Roberts Romantic Comedies, Ranked by Charm
Julia Roberts has a knack for lighting up the screen with her radiant smile and effortless charisma, making her a queen of romantic comedies. Her rom-coms from the ’80s to the 2000s blend humor, heart, and that undeniable Roberts magic, turning even simple love stories into feel-good classics.
I’ve ranked her top 10 romantic comedies based on their charm—how well they capture that warm, swoony vibe that makes you root for love. These films showcase her star power, from quirky underdogs to glamorous leads, and each entry dives into what makes them so delightful. Here’s the countdown of Julia’s most enchanting rom-coms.
10. I Love Trouble (1994)
Julia Roberts plays a rookie reporter sparring with Nick Nolte’s veteran journalist in this romantic mystery. Their rivalry turns flirty as they uncover a conspiracy, but the chemistry feels forced.
The film’s lighthearted newsroom banter and Julia’s spunk give it some charm, though it’s a bit messy with a 22% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s a lesser-known entry, but her charisma carries the weaker moments.
9. America’s Sweethearts (2001)
Julia shines as a shy assistant caught in a love triangle with John Cusack and a chaotic movie star, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. This Hollywood satire pokes fun at fame while delivering romance.
Julia’s understated charm and the witty script add sparkle, though the crowded cast dilutes the love story, earning a 32% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s a fun, if uneven, glimpse of her comedic range.
8. Runaway Bride (1999)
Reuniting with Richard Gere, Julia plays Maggie, a woman who keeps ditching grooms at the altar until a journalist tries to crack her story. Garry Marshall directs this breezy rom-com.
Julia’s infectious energy and Gere’s suave charm make it a cozy watch, despite a predictable plot and 46% Rotten Tomatoes score. Their chemistry keeps the small-town romance sweet and engaging.
7. Mystic Pizza (1988)
Julia’s breakout role as Daisy, a fiery waitress navigating love and family in a Connecticut pizzeria, is pure charm. This coming-of-age tale, with a young Matt Damon cameo, feels raw and real.
Her vibrant performance and the film’s heartfelt vibe earn it a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s a nostalgic gem that showcases Julia’s early star power in a small-town love story.
6. Everyone Says I Love You (1996)
Woody Allen’s musical rom-com features Julia as a woman caught in a whirlwind of New York romance, alongside Goldie Hawn and Alan Alda. Everyone sings, adding quirky charm.
Julia’s warm presence and the dreamy musical numbers make it delightful, though the sprawling cast can overwhelm, earning a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s a whimsical, underrated treat.
5. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)
Julia plays Julianne, scheming to stop her friend’s wedding to Dermot Mulroney’s fiancée, Cameron Diaz. P.J. Hogan’s film mixes sharp humor with messy emotions.
Julia’s flawed, desperate character and the iconic sing-along scene ooze charm, earning an 74% Rotten Tomatoes score. It’s a bold, bittersweet rom-com that flips the usual formula.
4. Erin Brockovich (2000)
Though more drama than comedy, this Steven Soderbergh film has Julia as a brassy single mom taking on a corrupt company, with a flirty romance alongside Albert Finney. It’s based on a true story.
Julia’s fiery charm and Oscar-winning performance make it irresistible, with an 84% Rotten Tomatoes score. The romantic sparks and her unstoppable spirit elevate this crowd-pleaser.
3. Ticket to Paradise (2022)
Julia reunites with George Clooney as divorced parents scheming to stop their daughter’s Bali wedding. Ol Parker’s tropical comedy is packed with bickering and rekindled sparks.
Their electric chemistry and Julia’s joyful performance, earning a 56% Rotten Tomatoes score, make it irresistibly charming. It’s a breezy, laugh-filled love story.
2. Pretty Woman (1990)
Julia’s star-making role as Vivian, a sex worker swept into a fairy-tale romance with Richard Gere’s businessman, defines ’90s rom-coms. Garry Marshall’s film is pure magic.
The iconic shopping scene and Julia’s radiant smile carry the film to a 65% Rotten Tomatoes score. Its blend of glamour and heart makes it endlessly charming.
1. Notting Hill (1999)
Julia plays a famous actress falling for Hugh Grant’s shy bookstore owner in this London-set romance. Roger Michell directs a witty, warm story of unlikely love.
Julia’s grounded performance and the film’s cozy vibe, with a 84% Rotten Tomatoes score, make every scene sparkle. The chemistry and heartfelt moments are rom-com perfection.
Which of Julia’s rom-coms warms your heart the most, or is there another that deserves a spot? Share your favorites in the comments!