6 Best Political Rom-Coms, Ranked
Pop culture and politics are often seen in completely different realms. However, the two are sometimes more intertwined than originally thought. With certain celebrities swaying public opinion and garnering praise for being the gateway to crucial information, it’s more important than ever to see the link between the two.
But even the fictional sphere doesn’t escape this reality. Some stories highlight the dramatics that come into play, but the ones focused on in this list are slightly more positive. Plus, who doesn’t want a fun rom-com to watch during election season?
The intricacies of elections are brought up in movies like Red, White & Royal Blue, and The American President, but there’s still ample opportunities for romance in and out of the Oval Office.
So, scroll down below to see our ranking of six political rom-coms.
First Daughter
The swoonworthy James (Marc Blucas) is quick to get First Daughter Samantha (Katie Holmes) to fall in love with him. We will never forget the moment when James reveals that he is a Secret Service agent hired to protect her.
This causes lots of issues between them and even Samantha’s dad’s re-election campaign. Why? Oh, because her drunken photos are splattered all over the tabloids. As with every rom-com, everything ends up well in this light-hearted flick. First Daughter is a fun watch for all ages and should be revisited more often!
Chasing Liberty
This is the second movie on this list that follows the First Daughter trying to escape from a life filled with Secret Service agents in 2004. Chasing Liberty is slightly better that First Daughter.
Hopping around Europe, Anna Foster (Mandy Moore) does some reckless things, much to the annoyance of her father, President James Foster (Mark Harmon). During her summer of fun, she jumps onto a motorcycle and falls in love with Ben Calder (Matthew Goode). Unbeknownst to her, he’s a Secret Service agent.
Once Ben’s secret is revealed, Anna is heartbroken and even tries to run off. However, she does eventually find her way back home with a stint of rebellion under her belt. With lots of different locations and plot twists, Chasing Liberty is a must-watch.
No, Maid in Manhattan is not exactly about the presidential elections, but another important form of government – a senate race.
Interestingly, it’s also loosely based on a true story. When Steven Clark Rockefeller and Anne-Marie Rasmussen met in the 1950s, she probably didn’t impersonate a socialite, but she actually was a maid who worked in his family’s hotel.
Knowing that this story is somewhat true makes it all the more romantic. Jennifer Lopez gives a stellar performance as Marisa Ventura, a single mother. Ralph Fiennes as Christopher “Chris” Marshell compliments Lopez perfectly. Maid in Manhattan was a true rom-com breakout for Lopez, and it remains one of her best.
Millennials will never forget this one! This rom-com premiered as part of The Wonderful World of Disney in 1998 when Boy Meets World was in its heyday. Duncan (a delightful Will Friedle) and Hallie (Elizabeth Harnois) have an adorable meet-cute at the mall, but he doesn’t realize that she’s the First Daughter of the United States. Duncan and Hallie have a memorable first date in D.C. that’s filled with adventure. My Date with the President’s Daughter is fun, flirty, and a total vibe. Plus, Hallie’s iconic pink dress and that soundtrack make this political rom-com a bonafide hit.
When Harry Met Sally’s director Rob Reiner teamed up with Michael Douglas and Annette Bening to make this iconic rom-com.
When the widowed President Andrew Shepherd falls in love with environmental lobbyist Sydney Ellen Wade, it causes trouble for his re-election campaign. Seeing the two legendary actors play with complicated emotions onscreen elevate the already extremely well-written Aaron Sorkin script.
The American President shows that romance movies are always able to withstand the test of time if created well. Made just slightly earlier than The West Wing, the epic speeches allow you to realize their Sorkin connection.
Red, White & Royal Blue follows the at-first hostile relationship between the First Son, Alex Claremont-Diaz (Taylor Zakhar Perez), and the young Prince Henry (Nicholas Galitzine) of the UK. Through hilarious and heartfelt plot lines, the couple navigates their budding relationship, which is tested by the extreme pressures of Henry’s royal family.
Red, White & Royal Blue always knows how to keep you captivated. There’s plenty of steamy fun and dramatic twists. However, the important question that prevails throughout the movie is: Will the countries’ inhabitants accept that their important figures are within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum?
Turns out they do, making it one of the most hopeful and joyous rom-coms to watch. To make it even more topical, the turning Texas blue plot point in Red, White & Royal Blue has many fans hoping this will be the case with the 2024 presidential election. Will this actually happen in real life? I sure hope so!
