The Idea of You just might be the best Anne Hathaway romcom but it is not the only time she has charmed us on screen with her romances. If her recent turn as an older woman falling in love with a younger man has whetted your appetite for some more giddy romances, here are our five favourite Hathaway romantic films across genres, from comedy to drama to fantasy. They will tickle your heart, and sometimes your tear ducts too.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
While The Princess Diaries was a coming-of-age movie high on the comedy and low on the romance, with just a kiss at the end of the film, the sequel was an out-and-out romcom which saw Hathaway’s Mia Thermopolis looking for a suitor to marry and finding Nicholas Devereaux (Chris Pine) instead, who starts out with wooing Mia to help with his uncle’s nefarious plans but ends up falling for her.
One Day (2011)
Based on a book by David Nicholls, this film sees Hathaway’s Emma Morley pursue a friendship with Dexter Mayhew (Jim Sturgesse) over the course of 20 years, meeting (or not meeting) each year on July 15. Their friendship lasts – often precariously – through the ups and downs of their lives till they finally acknowledge their love for each other. This one is a heart-wrenching romance that is sure to leave you teary-eyed.(The Netflix series One Day, based on the same book, is now a talking point but do watch the good ol’ Anne-and-Jim saga first?)
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
This romcom starring Hathaway and Jake Gyllenhaal is about a womanising medical representative, Jamie Randall, who strikes up a casual sexual relationship with Maggie Murdoch, a woman with early onset of Parkinson’s disease. Their casual relationship turns serious and despite looming difficulties finds a happy-teary conclusion. Hathaway makes Maggie Murdoch sexy and vulnerable, fun and fragile.
Ella Enchanted (2004)
Very far removed from the traditional Cinderella tale, this musical starring Hathaway as Ella and Hugh Dancy as Prince Charmont is a fun watch if you are interested in fantasy. Ella is magicked into being obedient from birth, which lands her in trouble with both her family and the evil Regent who wants to use it to kill Prince Charmont, who is in love with Ella. And, of course, there is a happily ever after.
Bride Wars (2009)
More comedy with a little bit of romance thrown in, Bride Wars, though panned by critics, was a commercial success. The film sees Hathaway and Kate Hudson play childhood friends-turned-fierce frenemies when both their weddings are scheduled on the same day. Chris Pratt plays Hathaway’s fiance in the film while Hudson’s fiance is played by Steve Howey.
