10 Movies Like Anyone But You

As a lover of romantic comedies and someone who has had their fair share of misunderstandings leading to unexpected connections, I can certainly appreciate the stories that unfold in these movies. Each one tells a unique tale about two characters who, at first glance, seem to be polar opposites, but as they spend more time together, they discover common ground and fall in love.

The common thread between “Anyone But You” and its counterparts is the enemies-to-lovers trope. Bea and Ben, Lucy and Josh, Margaret and Andrew – all these pairs start off with a deep dislike for each other, but as they navigate family dramas, work challenges, and personal growth, they become inseparable. It’s always fascinating to watch characters evolve from adversaries to partners, especially when they’re forced together by circumstances beyond their control.

What I find particularly intriguing is the way these movies explore power dynamics. In “Anyone But You,” Bea and Ben have a clear imbalance due to their family connections, but as the story unfolds, Ben steps up to support Bea against her domineering father. Similarly, in “The Proposal,” Margaret and Andrew’s relationship is influenced by Margaret’s need for a green card, but as they spend time together, they develop genuine feelings for each other.

Lastly, I must mention the humor in these movies. Whether it’s Glen Powell’s charming performance or Betty White’s memorable appearance in “The Proposal,” these films know how to make audiences laugh while tugging at their heartstrings. So, if you’re looking for a light-hearted yet emotional ride, give one of these movies a try – just don’t blame me if you end up binge-watching them all!

On a side note, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony: here I am, recommending romantic comedies to find love… and I’m still single. Guess I need to keep watching these movies for inspiration!

The theatrical production titled “Anyone But You” became an unexpected blockbuster due to widespread positive buzz about it on social media platforms such as TikTok. People shared videos of themselves dancing to Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten,” one of the film’s character-associated songs, and discussed the popular grilled cheese scene. This viral excitement led countless individuals to cinemas to catch the romantic comedy. As a result, “Anyone But You” proved to be a financial triumph, generating a box office revenue of $220 million on an estimated production budget of only $25 million.

In this movie, Sydney Sweeney plays Bea and Glen Powell takes on the role of Ben. Initially, they have an exceptional first date, but a series of misunderstandings the following morning causes them to dislike each other. Over time, they run into each other frequently through their mutual friends’ circles. However, it isn’t until Bea’s sister’s wedding that they truly interact again. To avoid further questions about their relationship status, they decide to feign a romantic connection.

The film ‘Anyone But You’, while not pioneering the fake dating trope in romantic comedies, has still garnered an impressive 87% score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. Fans of this movie featuring Sweeney and Powell are certain to find delight in other films as well. Ranging from a youthful McDreamy with an astronomical interest to couples trapped in a time loop during weddings, here is a list of 10 movies similar to ‘Anyone But You’ that you might want to include in your viewing queue.

10 Things I Hate About You

As a lover of classic romantic comedies and someone who has been on both sides of the high school dating scene, I can confidently say that “10 Things I Hate About You” is a must-watch. The film perfectly captures the angst, confusion, and longing that come with teenage romance, all while delivering sharp wit and memorable characters. Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Cameron embodies the awkward yet charming new kid in school, trying to win over the popular Bianca (Larisa Oleynik), but finding himself drawn into a complex web of sibling rivalry when he learns that her older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) must also be courted before Bianca can date.

Heath Ledger, in his breakout role as Patrick, brings the brooding bad boy to life, but as the story unfolds, we see him transform into a more sensitive and introspective character who finds himself genuinely falling for Kat. Julia Stiles delivers a standout performance as Kat, a fiery and intelligent young woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.

The film’s dialogue is sharp and clever, with witty banter that will leave you laughing out loud. The chemistry between the characters is palpable, and their relationships evolve in believable and relatable ways. From the iconic prom scene to the heartwarming ending, “10 Things I Hate About You” is a timeless rom-com classic that will resonate with anyone who has ever navigated the treacherous waters of high school romance.

The narrative primarily revolves around Cameron’s pursuit of Bianca’s affection, yet Kat and Patrick’s relationship plays a substantial role and significantly contributes to Cameron’s success with Bianca. If it weren’t for them, Bianca wouldn’t have ended up with Cameron, and Kat’s father would not have learned that his eldest daughter is capable of standing on her own two feet. Similar to Bea, Kat’s father is somewhat intrusive in her life, but eventually allows her to enroll at Sarah Lawrence College in the fall, giving her more independence.

10 Things I Hate About You” is an excellent choice for fans who enjoy “Anyone But You”. Both movies draw inspiration from Shakespearean plays, and they both tell a compelling enemies-to-lovers story through the use of a pretended romance. The characters, Bea and Kat, grapple with feelings of betrayal, albeit at different points in their respective stories, and share similar stances when it comes to asserting control over their own lives’ choices.

Starring: Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Larry Miller
Director: Gil Junger
Year: 1999
Runtime: 1h 37m
Rating: PG-13
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

Palm Springs

After two wedding attendees, Nyle (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti), stray from Sarah’s half-sister’s wedding to share a private moment, an unexpected event occurs. Nyles is struck by an arrow, which inexplicably transports them into a cave vortex. When they regain consciousness the next day, they discover that they are trapped in a time loop, reliving the same wedding day repeatedly without any sign of escape.

The duo keep searching for an escape, but they encounter many blind alleys along the way. Roy, who killed Nyle, too finds himself trapped in the loop and instead of attempting to leave, he often pursues Nyle for amusement. Prior to using explosives as a means to return to the current time, Sarah and Nyle have a disagreement. This is due to Nyle deceiving Sarah about how he spends his time within the loop, causing her to no longer trust him. It’s similar to why Bea and Ben dislike each other after their first date because of lies told on that occasion.

The magical town of Palm Springs elevates the experience of falling in love at a wedding due to its time-loop phenomenon. Fans of the witty comedy “Anyone But You” will be charmed by the various attempts made by Nyles and Sarah to escape this loop. Despite their genuine feelings for each other, they face similar challenges, particularly due to Nyles’s deceitfulness. Their union ultimately occurs because of the wedding itself.

Starring: Andy Samberg, Cristin Milioti, J. K. Simmons
Director: Max Barbakow
Year: 2020
Runtime: 1h 30m
Rating: R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%

Deliver Us From Eva

In the story, when Eva’s (Gabrielle Union) sisters feel she’s too deeply involved in their relationships – a lingering impact from raising them after their parents passed away – their partners decide to engage an old friend named Ray (LL Cool J) as a diversion for Eva. Their initial date doesn’t go smoothly, but as they spend more time together, things start to improve between them.

As a gamer, let me put it this way: When I compare my relationships to what Eva’s cooking up with Ray, my buddies start sweating bullets. If they think she might pick Ray over a trip to Chicago, they pull out all the stops to keep their names from being mentioned in the same breath. Their desperate plan? Snatch Ray and fake his death. They even throw a funeral for good measure. But things go south when Ray shows up alive at the funeral, leaving them red-faced. When Eva finds out about the charade, she calls it quits with Ray. After her move to Chicago, we give it another shot.

Both “Anyone But You” and “Deliver Us From Eva” are modern takes inspired by Shakespeare, and they both received relatively poor reviews from critics but positive feedback from audiences. In 2003, Gabrielle Union was at the peak of her fame, having starred in popular teen movies such as “Bring It On,” “She’s All That,” and “10 Things I Hate About You.” This popularity made “Deliver Us From Eva” appealing to audiences in a similar way to “Anyone But You.”

“Anyone But You” and “Deliver Us From Eva” are movies based on Shakespeare, got mixed reviews from critics but were liked by the audience. In 2003, Gabrielle Union was very famous because of her roles in popular teen movies like “Bring It On,” “She’s All That,” and “10 Things I Hate About You.” This popularity made people want to watch “Deliver Us From Eva” as much as they wanted to watch “Anyone But You.

Starring: LL Cool J, Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, Essence Atkins, Robinne Lee, Meagan Good
Director: Gary Hardwick
Year: 2003
Runtime: 1h 41m
Rating: R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 43%

Which Brings Me to You

As a seasoned observer of human connections, I find that “Which Brings Me to You” offers a compelling exploration of two strangers finding each other at a pivotal moment in their lives. The narrative unfolds with Jane (Lucy Hale) and Will (Nat Wolff), who serendipitously meet at a wedding, each carrying baggage from past relationships. Their initial encounter in a closet sets the stage for an intriguing dynamic, as they navigate through shared stories of heartbreak and intimacy. The ensuing hours, spent in a diner and on the beach, reveal the raw vulnerability that comes with opening up to someone new. This film resonated with me because it captures the essence of those fleeting encounters that can leave lasting impacts on our lives. It’s a testament to the power of connection and the transformative nature of human interaction, even if it’s just for one afternoon and evening.

As they delve deeper into understanding one another, their feelings for each other grow stronger. Sharing some of their most difficult moments, such as when Jane’s high school boyfriend’s father passed away and when Will abandoned college to be with an older woman he eventually ghosted, helps strengthen their bond. However, a moment of mistrust arises when it appears that Will is dishonest about being in a serious relationship after Jane reveals her heartache over a failed engagement. Temporarily distancing herself, Jane eventually returns to him several hours later.

Both “Anyone But You” and “Which Brings Me to You” revolve around the theme of finding love unexpectedly at a wedding. Similar to Bea, Jane has recently called off her engagement and has been concentrating on personal growth. Unlike a fake relationship, Jane and Will’s bond is formed due to the event, as they may not have crossed paths otherwise. In the case of Bea and Ben, their relationship might not have blossomed if it weren’t for Bea’s sister’s wedding, allowing them to resolve misunderstandings that could have kept them apart.

Starring: Lucy Hale, Nat Wolff, Britne Oldford, Genevieve Angelson, Alexander Hodge, John Gallagher Jr.
Director: Peter Hutchings
Year: 2023
Runtime: 1h 38m
Rating: N/A
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 71%

Set It Up

In a shared office building, Zoey Deutch’s character Harper and Glen Powell’s character Charlie work as assistants for powerful bosses. Recognizing that bringing their bosses together could lead to improved work-life harmony, they cleverly arrange opportunities for them to meet. This way, Charlie gets to spend more quality time with his girlfriend, and Harper finally has the chance to explore romance during her free hours.

In “Set It Up,” unlike typical romantic comedies that revolve around weddings or fake relationships, the plot centers on two assistants trying to arrange meetings between their bosses with the intention of setting them up. This movie offers hilarious humor reminiscent of “Anyone But You.” Similar to Bea’s parents attempting to reconcile her and her former fiancé, the bosses endeavor to set Charlie and Harper up, but their attempt proves more successful. For those who enjoy Glen Powell and are fans of high-quality romantic comedies, “Set It Up” is now available on Netflix.

In “Anyone But You,” viewers were captivated by the grilled cheese moment, while “Set It Up” offers an equivalent experience with its pizza scene. Towards the end of a shared night out, Harper and Charlie ascend a fire escape leading to Charlie’s apartment, bringing along a pizza which they consume on the floor as they engage in deep conversation about various topics. Although Deutch might have second thoughts about shooting that particular scene, it serves the same narrative purpose as the grilled cheese moment in “Anyone But You” and offers an ideal chance for the main characters to grow closer.

Starring: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Taye Diggs, Lucy Liu
Director: Claire Scanlon
Year: 2018
Runtime: 1h 45m
Rating: TV-14
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Easy A

Amongst the top-tier high school movies ever made, “Easy A” is an engaging choice for those seeking excitement akin to “Anyone But You.” In this film, Emma Stone delivers an exceptional portrayal of Olive, who fabricates stories about her past amorous adventures to aid a friend. This deception leads others at school to believe she’s promiscuous, with more and more boys claiming they’ve been intimate with her. To emphasize this newfound reputation, Olive adopts the red “A” on her attire, similar to “The Scarlet Letter,” and learns to cope with the comments and stigma attached to it. Both Olive and Bea are strong-willed and resolute characters, despite their stories taking place in different environments.

If you’re a dedicated fan of “Anyone But You,” I’d highly recommend checking out “Easy A.” Both films share the same director, Will Gluck, and you can definitely sense that common thread in their cinematic style. One aspect that resonates with me from “Anybody But You” is how the Natasha Bedingfield song “Unwritten” became a hit, and “Easy A” mirrors this by using her song “Pocketful of Sunshine.” This tune becomes a sort of anthem for the protagonist Olive, although perhaps not quite as deeply as “Unwritten” was for Ben. If you’re eager to explore more of Will Gluck’s romantic comedies, “Easy A” is the ideal stepping stone into his diverse body of work.

Starring: Emma Stone, Penn Badgley, Amanda Bynes, Thomas Haden Church, Patricia Clarkson, Stanley Tucci
Director: Will Gluck
Year: 2010
Runtime: 1h 33m
Rating: PG-13
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Andie (Kate Hudson), in the process of composing a piece about breaking up with someone soon after starting a romance, is unaware that Benjamin (Matthew McConaughey) is working to manage a diamond ad campaign, typically handling brands more appealing to men. Both individuals are oblivious to each other’s perception that their relationship is insincere, unbeknownst to them that genuine emotions will eventually grow between them.

In her scheme to make Benjamin leave her, Andie goes to great lengths, even sabotaging a Knicks game for him. However, instead of breaking up, they both end up going to couple’s therapy and attending a work function together. Unfortunately, their relationship disintegrates when they both realize they’ve been manipulated. Similar to Bea and Ben after a promising first date, Andie and Benjamin only end up causing harm to each other in their efforts to hide their own dissatisfaction with what seemed like the end of their relationship. Both pairs share an understanding that their association is purely for personal benefit. However, they are oblivious to the fact that the manipulation isn’t as one-sided as they initially thought.

Starring: Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Michael Michele, Shalom Harlow
Director: Donald Petrie
Year: 2003
Runtime: 1h 56m
Rating: PG-13
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 42%

Can’t Buy Me Love

In the movie “Can’t Buy Me Love,” Patrick Dempsey plays Ronald, a high school student who had been saving money to buy a telescope. However, instead of purchasing the telescope, he decides to use his savings to help improve his social status at school by paying popular classmate Cindy (Amanda Peterson) to go on dates with him. In return for his cash, she agrees, as her mother needs money to replace a ruined suede outfit from a party. The plan seems beneficial for both until their contrived breakup occurs.

When it’s time for their sham relationship to conclude, Ronald turns out to be more harsh than required by coldly breaking up with her right in front of the school. On their last outing together, Cindy begins to develop genuine feelings for Ronald, making his words sting even more deeply than usual. Despite her heartache, Ronald’s popularity continues to soar. The situation reaches its peak when she reveals at a New Year’s Eve party that he had been paying her to be his girlfriend, which significantly damages his social standing.

Just like “Anyone But You,” the movie “Can’t Buy Me Love” portrays a sham romantic relationship that benefits both characters. Interestingly, this film shares a title with a famous Beatles song, which plays as Ronald and Cindy rekindle their bond at the end of the story, echoing the original tune’s theme. While Ben’s anthem captivated moviegoers, “Can’t Buy Me Love” is named after The Beatles hit that shares its name.

Starring: Patrick Dempsey, Amanda Peterson, Seth Green, Courtney Gains
Director: Steve Rash
Year: 1987
Runtime: 1h 37m
Rating: PG-13
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 50%

The Hating Game

In the novel titled “The Hating Game,” characters Lucy (portrayed by Lucy Hale) and Josh (Austin Stowell) share not just romance, but also a significant amount of animosity and contempt, much like Bea and Ben. Their first encounter leaves them cold towards each other, and from then on, they become sworn enemies as they work for the same publishing company, where their bosses have conflicting ideas about how to manage the business. While supporting their respective bosses, Lucy and Josh take every opportunity to irritate one another; Lucy messes with Josh’s workspace, and Josh gives Lucy a nickname she detests.

In both stories, “Anyone But You” and “The Hating Game”, we find characters who initially dislike each other but eventually fall in love. A notable similarity is that one character supports the other during family conflicts. Unlike a fake relationship, Lucy accompanies Josh to his brother’s wedding in “Anyone But You,” which is already an awkward situation because the bride was once Josh’s girlfriend and left him for his brother. In “The Hating Game”, Bea stands up for Ben against his family when he decides to reject the traditional path of becoming a doctor, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. While “The Hating Game” may not be as famous as “Anyone But You,” it offers just as much entertainment.

Starring: Lucy Hale, Austin Stowell, Damon Daunno, Sakina Jaffrey, Corbin Bernsen
Director: Peter Hutchings
Year: 2021
Runtime: 1h 42m
Rating: R
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 69%

The Proposal

In “The Proposal,” the fictional story unfolds as Margaret (portrayed by Sandra Bullock) and her assistant, Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), fake a marriage to secure Margaret a U.S. green card to avoid deportation to Canada. To make their ruse believable, they pretend to be an engaged couple and visit Andrew’s fictional family home in Alaska—although the movie was not actually filmed there—to announce their engagement and spend time with his family. As the wedding plans speed up, Margaret becomes more attached to Andrew’s family and develops a closer relationship with him as she learns about them.

Margaret and Andrew may have worked together for years, with a power dynamic stemming from her being his employer, but it isn’t until a family gathering that they truly get acquainted. Similar to Bea and Ben, their professional interactions had given them certain perceptions about each other, which only shifted when they could explore each other’s personal lives beyond the office.

In both “Anyone But You” and “The Proposal,” the acting ensembles are exceptional. The on-screen pairing of Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney is remarkably similar to Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, while the extended family members in each film add an enjoyable layer of support.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Åkerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Betty White
Director: Anne Fletcher
Year: 2009
Runtime: 1h 48m
Rating: PG-13
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 45%

2025-01-04 15:31