Over 4,700 movie enthusiasts have come together to create this epic lineup of the most unforgettable wedding movies. From heartwarming romantic comedies like 27 Dresses and The Proposal, to captivating films like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Four Weddings and a Funeral that make you ponder, these movies have struck a chord with audiences throughout the ages. But wedding movies aren’t just about love stories and wild shenanigans, oh no! They offer a whole lot more. Take Muriel’s Wedding, for instance—it brilliantly pokes fun at society’s expectations while keeping you in stitches.
In this extraordinary list, you’ll find timeless classics like Father of the Bride and The Wedding Singer, as well as dazzling new releases like Crazy Rich Asians and Love Actually. Each film captures the essence of special moments we all experience during celebrations, whether it’s navigating tricky family dynamics or discovering self-acceptance. With such a vast array of fantastic choices, it’s quite a challenge to pick the ultimate winners. That’s why we invite you to join in the fun and cheer for your personal favorites on this list, so they can skyrocket to the top of our rankings.
1. Father of the Bride
The movie “Father of the Bride” is a heartwarming comedy that tells the story of George Banks, played by Steve Martin. George is a loving father who finds himself caught up in the whirlwind of wedding planning when his daughter Annie, played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, announces her engagement. As the wedding preparations unfold, George has to deal with escalating costs, eccentric wedding planners, and the bittersweet reality of his impending empty nest.
Throughout the movie, George navigates through this comedic chaos with the support of his patient wife Nina, portrayed by Diane Keaton. Their relationship serves as a pillar of strength as they face the challenges that come with their daughter’s wedding. The movie brings a light-hearted perspective on the importance of family bonds and the changing times we live in.
Released in 1991, “Father of the Bride” was a major success at the box office. Steve Martin’s performance in the film earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor. This recognition is a testament to Martin’s talent and the overall appeal of the movie.
Released: 1991
Directed by: Charles Shyer
Actors: Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams-Paisley
2. Father of the Bride
When Kay Banks, a beautiful woman, shares the news of her engagement to Buckley Dunstan, her loving and middle-class father, Stan, finds himself facing a range of challenges. These include financial concerns and the complexities of planning a wedding. Amidst the chaos, Stan’s wife, Ellie, attempts to bring a sense of calm to the situation. However, the core of the comedy lies in Stan’s emotional connection to his daughter and his realization that she has grown up.
Released: 1950
Directed by: Vincente Minnelli
Actors: Spencer Tracy, Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Bennett
3. Sweet Home Alabama
In Sweet Home Alabama, we meet Melanie Carmichael, a successful fashion designer from New York who is about to marry the city’s most eligible bachelor, Andrew Hennings. However, Melanie’s past in rural Alabama comes back to haunt her in the form of her husband, Jake Perry, who is unwilling to grant her a divorce. This romantic comedy-drama takes us on a journey as Melanie goes back to her hometown, reconnecting with old friends and confronting her past love. It’s a story of finding oneself and embracing second chances, reminding us of the importance of our roots even in the midst of success and urban life.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Andy Tennant
Actors: Reese Witherspoon, Josh Lucas, Patrick Dempsey
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
In the comedic romance, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, we meet Toula Portokalos (Nia Vardalos), a 30-year-old woman who finds herself caught between her traditional Greek family’s expectations and her own desires for something different. Despite working in her family’s restaurant and being unmarried, Toula craves change in her life. And that change comes in the form of a chance encounter with Ian Miller (John Corbett), a non-Greek man who enters her life unexpectedly.
Their unlikely romance begins to blossom, but it’s not without its challenges. Toula and Ian must navigate the complexities of blending their vastly different cultures. The clash between Toula’s traditional Greek upbringing and Ian’s non-Greek background adds a layer of depth to their relationship, making their love story all the more compelling.
Released in 2002, this endearing film became a sleeper hit, capturing the hearts of audiences. It even earned a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, a testament to its ability to deliver witty dialogue and tell a poignant story that resonates with viewers.
Released: 2002
Directed by: Joel Zwick
Actors: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine
5. The Proposal
In the 2009 romantic comedy movie, “The Proposal,” we meet Margaret Tate, a meticulous book editor played by Sandra Bullock, who finds herself in a tricky situation. Her work visa is denied, putting her prestigious job in New York at risk. Enter Andrew Paxton, her harried assistant portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, who unexpectedly becomes her solution. To get around immigration laws, they hatch a plan to have a fake engagement, leading them to embark on a hilarious adventure. Their journey takes them to Alaska, where they meet Andrew’s lively family and partake in some eccentric local customs. Amidst all the comedic moments, something unexpected happens – they start developing genuine feelings for each other. Directed by Anne Fletcher, this film cleverly weaves together humor and romance, showing us that love can bloom in the most unconventional circumstances.
Released: 2009
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Actors: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Mary Steenburgen
6. 27 Dresses
Jane Nichols, the perpetual bridesmaid, has a major fashion dilemma. Her closet is overflowing with a whopping 27 dresses, each one representing yet another wedding she has been a part of. Talk about commitment! But as fate would have it, Jane’s life takes an unexpected twist when she crosses paths with Kevin Doyle, a cynical journalist who sees her story as his golden ticket to success. Sneaky, right?
To make matters even more complicated, Jane’s sister Tess swoops in and manages to steal the heart of Jane’s boss, George. And guess what? Jane has secretly been in love with George this whole time. Can you say drama?
But fear not, my friends. 27 Dresses is not all doom and gloom. It takes you on a fun and lighthearted journey through love, self-discovery, and yes, the occasional hideous bridesmaid dress. So get ready to laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe a little as you join Jane on her quest to find happiness in the midst of all these wedding shenanigans.
Released: 2008
Directed by: Anne Fletcher
Actors: Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman
7. My Best Friend’s Wedding
In the romantic comedy “My Best Friend’s Wedding,” Julianne Potter, played by Julia Roberts, finds herself in a tricky romantic situation. Her longtime friend, Michael O’Neal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, drops a bombshell by announcing his engagement to the vibrant and youthful Kimmy Wallace, played by Cameron Diaz. This revelation makes Julianne realize that she actually has feelings for Michael. As the wedding day approaches, Julianne embarks on a hilarious journey of self-discovery and unrequited love. Adding another layer of complexity to this tale of love and friendship is Rupert Everett as George Downes, Julianne’s confidant. Directed by P.J. Hogan, this film offers a fresh and unconventional exploration of relationships.
Released: 1997
Directed by: P.J. Hogan
Actors: Julia Roberts, Dermot Mulroney, Cameron Diaz
8. The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
In The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, we find Mia Thermopolis (played by the talented Anne Hathaway) suddenly thrown into a whirlwind of regality and responsibility. As a recent graduate, Mia is now faced with the task of taking over the throne of Genovia from her beloved grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi (the iconic Julie Andrews).
However, there’s a catch – an old law states that a princess must be married before she can officially become the ruler. This unexpected hurdle creates quite the commotion, as a parade of potential suitors compete for Mia’s hand in marriage. One particular suitor, Nicholas Devereaux (played by the charming Chris Pine), raises suspicions with his seemingly hidden agenda.
The film itself is a delightful romantic comedy that effortlessly blends humor, love, and the complexities of royal politics. It’s a story filled with palace intrigue and laughter, guaranteed to keep you entertained throughout.
Released: 2004
Directed by: Garry Marshall
Actors: Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Héctor Elizondo
9. The Wedding Planner
Set in the lively city of San Francisco, The Wedding Planner tells an enchanting story. Mary Fiore (played by Jennifer Lopez) is a dedicated professional in the wedding planning business, creating extravagant ceremonies for others while her own love life remains uncertain. By a stroke of luck, she crosses paths with Dr. Steve Edison (portrayed by Matthew McConaughey), mistakenly assuming he is engaged to another woman. The movie weaves a captivating tale of mistaken identities, unexpressed emotions, and conflicting responsibilities. At its core, The Wedding Planner is a romantic comedy that effortlessly combines humorous moments with heartwarming scenes, pushing the characters to discover love in the most unexpected of places.
Released: 2001
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Actors: Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras
10. The Princess Bride
The Princess Bride is a delightful mix of adventure, romance, and comedy. It follows the journey of Westley, a former farmhand-turned-pirate, as he sets out on a grand mission to rescue his beloved Buttercup from the clutches of the wicked Prince Humperdinck. Alongside a lively group of misfits, including the vengeful Inigo Montoya and the cunning strategist Vizzini, Westley must navigate dangerous terrains and outsmart formidable enemies. This timeless story is filled with memorable lines and unforgettable characters, and it received the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Motion Picture in 1988. The film goes beyond genre boundaries and has become a classic in popular culture.
Released: 1987
Directed by: Rob Reiner
Actors: Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin
11. Bridesmaids
The comedy film Bridesmaids tells the story of Annie, played by Kristen Wiig, who is a single woman struggling with a failing bakery. Her best friend Lillian, portrayed by Maya Rudolph, is about to get married, and as the maid of honor, Annie finds herself dealing with a series of funny and sometimes awkward pre-wedding traditions. Alongside a diverse group of bridesmaids, including the perfect and affluent Helen, played by Rose Byrne, Annie embarks on a hilarious journey. The movie is filled with slapstick humor and genuine moments of friendship that earned Melissa McCarthy an Academy Award nomination for her outstanding performance as Megan. With its talented cast and clever writing, Bridesmaids has redefined the comedy genre in a modern and refreshing way.
Released: 2011
Directed by: Paul Feig
Actors: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne