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25 Movies Similar to The Proposal

25 Movies Similar to The Proposal

Directed by Anne Fletcher, The Proposal is a romantic comedy film that premiered in 2009. The film centers around Margaret Tate (Sandra Bullock), a chief editor at a publishing house who forces her assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her so she can retain her United States visa. 

The Proposal was a critical and commercial success. In particular, critics praised the on-screen chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds, which elevated both the comedic and romantic elements of the film. Made on a $40 million budget, the film grossed more than $317 million at the box office. Bullock received a Golden Globe nomination for her acting in the film.

There are countless reasons to fall in love with The Proposal, from the chemistry of the cast to the laugh-out-loud hilarity. An instant classic upon its release, we don’t blame you for looking for similar films. Keep reading as we break down 25 films every fan of The Proposal should watch!   

1. 10 Things I Hate About You

Ten Things I Hate About You Poster Movie (27 x 40 Inches - 69cm x 102cm) (1999)

Directed by Gil Junger, 10 Things I Hate About You is a romantic comedy that was released in 1999. Based on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, this film follows a popular girl who cannot go on a date until her ill-tempered older sister Kat (Julia Stiles) does, so she tries to set her up with rebel, Patrick (Heath Ledger).

The film was well-received by critics, who praised the chemistry and acting from Stiles and Ledger. Made on a budget of $30 million, the film grossed $60 million at the box office. A television adaption of the same name ran for one season in 2009.

If you’re looking for a film where the chemistry of the lead actors is as palpable as that of The Proposal, then this modern Shakespearean romantic comedy should be right up your alley. We could easily name more than ten things we love about this movie!

2. 27 Dresses

27 Dresses POSTER Movie (27 x 40 Inches - 69cm x 102cm) (2008)

Directed by Anne Fletcher from a screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna, 27 Dresses is a romantic comedy that was released in 2008. The film revolves around Jane (Katherine Heigl), a single woman who has been a bridesmaid a whopping 27 times.

Made on a budget of $30 million, the film grossed more than $160 million at the box office. While the film was not critically well-received, it was a commercial success that solidified Heigl as a rom-com leading lady. 

If you enjoyed watching Margaret take down the walls she had put up in The Proposal, then you’ll love watching Heigl’s performance in this 21st-century classic!

3. The Accidental Husband

The Accidental Husband Poster 27x40 Uma Thurman Colin Firth Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Directed by Griffin Dunne, The Accidental Husband is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2008. The film – which stars Uma Therman, Collin Firth, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan – revolves around a talk show host who convinces one of her daily listeners to end a relationship, only for their broken-hearted ex to seek revenge.

The film did not receive a widespread theatrical release and was predominantly a direct-to-DVD release. The film, which has found a second life on streaming services, made $22 million dollars during its limited theatrical release.

Without giving away any spoilers, there’s a twist in The Accidental Husband that will make this movie all the more appealing to fans of The Proposal. Let’s just sat; at least Margaret knew who she was fake marrying in The Proposal...

4. The Break-Up

The Break-Up

Directed by Peyton Reed, The Break-Up is a romantic comedy film that premiered in 2006. The film stars Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn as a couple who go through the titular breakup, which soon turns into a battle of the sexes.

Grossing more than $200 million at the global box office, the film was made on a budget of $52 million. While the show received mixed reviews from critics, it was a moderate success at the box office. Aniston and Vaughn won the Teen Choice Award for Best Movie Chemistry.

If you enjoyed the way The Proposal subverted rom-com tropes that audience members have come to expect from these types of films, then you’ll love the fresh perspective offered by The Break-Up.

5. Green Card

Green Card

Written and directed by Peter Weir, Green Card is a romantic comedy that was released in 1990. The film centers around Georges (Gerard Depardieu), a man who enters into a green card marriage with Bronte (Andie MacDowell) in order to stay in the United States.

Made on a budget of $12 million, the film grossed just short of $30 million at the box office. The film was well-received by critics, who praised the acting from the leads. The film was nominated for an Academy Award and four Golden Globe Awards, winning the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy).

If you enjoyed watching Sandra Bullock avoid deportation through an elaborate scheme in The Proposal, you’re sure to love the story of Georges and Bronte in Green Card.

6. He’s Just Not That Into You

He's Just Not That Into You

Based on a self-help book of the same name and directed by Ken Kwapis, He’s Just Not That Into You is a romantic comedy that was released in 2009. The film’s ensemble cast includes Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johannsson, Drew Barrymore, and Bradley Cooper. The film follows various characters and their romantic problems, told through interconnected story arcs.

 While the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing more than $170 million on a budget of $40 million. He’s Just Not That Into You was nominated for the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedy Movie.

If you’re looking for a movie that will leave you feeling as good as The Proposal, then you’ll love watching He’s Just Not That Into You. When you’re done, you’ll feel like you read the self-help book the film is based on!

7. Hitched for the Holidays

Hitched For The Holidays (Hallmark)

Directed by Michael M. Scott, Hitched for the Holidays is a romantic comedy film that premiered on Hallmark in 2012. The film centers around Rob and Julie (Joey Lawrence and Emily Hampshire), an unlikely pair who pretend to be one another’s significant other during the holiday season.

If you’re looking for a fun rom-com with a similar premise to The Proposal, then you’ll enjoy watching Rob and Julie try and pull off their sham relationship over the holiday season in Hitched for the Holidays.

8. The Holiday

Pop Culture Graphics The Holiday Poster Movie 11x17 Cameron Diaz Kate Winslet Jude Law Jack Black

Written and directed by Nancy Meyers, The Holiday is a romantic comedy film that premiered in 2006. The film centers around Iris (Kate Winslet) and Amanda (Cameron Diaz) as they swap homes across the Atlantic Ocean to escape their holiday season heartbreak. Each in a foreign country, they find more than they bargained for.

Made on a budget of $85 million, the film grossed more than $200 million at the box office. The film received mixed reviews from critics upon release. The film won the Teen Choice Award for Best Chick Flick.

If you loved watching Margaret explore Andrew’s quaint hometown in The Proposal, where she feels more than a tad out of place, you’d love watching Iris and Amanda as they switch hometowns in The Holiday.

9. Holiday Engagement

Holiday Engagement

Directed by Jim Fall, Holiday Engagement is a romantic comedy that was premiered on Hallmark in 2011. The film – which stars Bonnie Somerville, Shelley Long, and Jordan Bridges – centers around a woman who hires an actor to pose as her fiancé during Thanksgiving weekend.

The film was well-received, being praised for its ability to balance comedic elements with romantic ones. If you’re looking for a feel-good film that will make you laugh and swoon the way The Proposal did, this is worth the watch!

10. How to Be Single

HOW TO BE SINGLE MOVIE POSTER 2 Sided ORIGINAL 27x40 DAKOTA JOHNSON REBEL WILSON

Directed by Christian Ditter and based on the book of the same name by Liz Tuccillo, How to Be Single is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2016. The film stars Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie, and Leslie Mann in leading roles as a group of young adults who navigate the trials and tribulations of relationships in New York.

Made with a budget of $38 million, the film grossed $112 million at the box office. While the film received mixed reviews from critics, many praised its ability to blend romantic movie tropes with feminist themes. The film was nominated for the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Comedic Film.

If you’re looking for a movie that’s able to skillfully subvert rom-com tropes, then you need to watch How to Be Single. What’s more subversive when it comes to a romantic comedy than the notion of being single?

11. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Movie Posters 11 x 17 How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

Directed by Donald Petrie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is a romantic comedy movie that was released in 2003. Starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, the film follows an advertising executive who makes a wager that he can get a woman to fall in love with him in just ten days.

Made on a budget of $50 million, the film grossed more than $170 million at the box office. While reviews of the film were mixed, many critics praised the chemistry between the leads. If you’re looking for a film where the two lead’s chemistry could rival that of Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal, this is a must-watch!

12. Isn’t It Romantic?

newhorizon Isn't It Romantic Movie Poster 17'' x 25'' NOT A DVD

Directed by Todd Strauss-Schulson, Isn’t It Romantic is a romantic comedy with musical elements that was released on Netflix in 2019. The film stars Rebel Wilson as a woman who finds herself inexplicably trapped inside a romantic comedy. Liam Hemsworth, Priyanka Chopra, and Adam DeVine also star.

The series was well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising the chemistry of the cast. Given the subversive nature of this movie, critics praised the cast’s ability to play to and against the conventions of romantic comedies.

If you’re looking for a movie that will take your expectations and flip them upside down and turn them inside out the way The Proposal did, this is the perfect rom-com for you!

13. Just Go with It

JUST GO WITH IT MOVIE POSTER 2 Sided ORIGINAL Advance 27x40 ADAM SANDLER JENNIFER ANISTON

Directed by Dennis Dugan, Just Go with It is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2011. The film follows a plastic surgeon, Danny (Adam Sandler), who asks his faithful assistant Katherine (Jennifer Aniston), to pose as his soon-to-be ex-wife in order to cover up a lie he told to his younger girlfriend.

While the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success. Made on a budget of $80 million, the film grossed $215 million at the box office. Aniston and Sandler won the Teen Choice Award for Best On-Screen Chemistry.

If you’re looking for a movie like The Proposal about a sham relationship with hilarious outcomes, then you’ll love watching Danny and Katherine give it a go in Just Go with It. We suggest putting the film on and… just going with it.

14. Just Married

Just Married Double Sided Original Movie Poster 27x40

Directed by Shawn Levy, Just Married is a romantic comedy movie that was released in 2003. The film stars Ashton Kutcher and Brittany Murphy as a newly married couple whose relationship begins to unravel during their honeymoon.

The film was a commercial success, grossing $101 million at the box office against a budget of $18 million. While The Proposal is about a fake marriage, Just Married is about a very real marriage that both parties wish were fake when they learn the truth about one another shortly after their nuptials.

15. Laws of Attraction

LAWS OF ATTRACTION - 27"X40" D/S Original Movie Poster One Sheet 2004 Pierce Brosnan Julianne Moore

Directed by Peter Howitt, Laws of Attraction is a romantic comedy film that premiered in 2004. The film centers around two divorce lawyers in New York City who find love against all odds. The film stars Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan in the leading roles.

If you enjoyed watching the characters in The Proposal constantly compete against one another despite falling in love, then this is the perfect movie for you! Laws of Attraction, to this day, remains a fresh take on the rom-com genre.

16. Leap Year

LEAP YEAR 27x40 ORIGINAL D/S MOVIE POSTER

Directed by Anand Tucker, Leap Year is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2010. The film stars Oscar nominee Amy Adams as Anna Brady, a woman who decides to take a leap of faith by proposing to her longtime boyfriend (Matthew Goode) on February 29th.

Made on a budget of $19 million, Leap Year grossed $32 million at the box office. While the film received a mixed response, critics praised Adams’ acting. If you’re looking for a film with a strong female lead like The Proposal, this movie is sure to do the trick.

17. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES Original Movie Poster 27x40 - Dbl-Sided - AUBREY PLAZA - ANNA KENDRICK - ZAC EFRON

Directed by Jake Szymanski, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a romantic comedy that was released in 2016. The film stars Zac Efron and Adam DeVine as brothers Dave and Mike Stangle, who post an online ad in order to find dates to their sister’s wedding. The film also stars Anna Kendrick and Aubrey Plaza as their wedding dates.

Made on a budget of $35 million, the film grossed $77 million at the box office. Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates received mixed reviews. However, critics praised the performance of the cast, particularly Plaza’s.

If you’re looking for a movie that will have you laughing as much as The Proposal did, then look no further than the raunchy and hilarious Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates.

18. My Fake Fiancé

My Fake Fiance Poster Movie Style A (11 x 17 Inches - 28cm x 44cm)

Directed by Gil Junger, My Fake Fiancé is a made-for-television romantic comedy film that premiered on ABC Family in 2009. The film, which stars Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence, centers on two broke strangers who decide to stage a wedding for the free gifts.

It’s not hard to see the similarities between the premises of The Proposal and My Fake Fiancé. However, in this instance, motivation makes all the difference! If you enjoyed watching the characters in The Proposal trying to pull off a fake engagement, you’d love watching Jennifer and Vince pull off an entire fake wedding in My Fake Fiancé.

19. No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached Movie Poster #01 24"x36"

Written by Elizabeth Meriwether and directed by Ivan Reitman, No Strings Attached is a romantic comedy movie that was released in 2011. The film follows Emma (Natalie Portman) and Adam (Ashton Kutcher) as they try to keep their relationship casual but realize they both might want more.

The film received mixed reviews, though critics praised Portman’s performance and Reitman’s directing. Despite not being critically acclaimed, the film was a commercial success, grossing $149 million on a budget of $25 million.

Despite being ‘engaged’, the characters in The Proposal definitely try to keep it cool – even after running into one another while stark naked. If you’re looking for a rom-com where the characters struggle to keep it cool, then No Strings Attached is required watching.

20. Sweet Home Alabama

POSTER STOP ONLINE Sweet Home Alabama - Movie Poster (Regular Style) (Size 27" x 40')

Directed by Andy Tennant, Sweet Home Alabama is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2002. The film stars Reese Witherspoon as Melanie Smooter, a woman who must return to her hometown in order to get a divorce from her husband of seven years.

While the film received mixed reviews, famed critic Roger Ebert gave the film ¾ stars, praising Witherspoon’s performance for elevating the film. The film was a commercial success, grossing $180 million against a $30 million budget.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in a charming small town like the one featured in The Proposal, you’ll love watching Melanie Smooter return to her hometown in Sweet Home Alabama.

21. Two Weeks Notice

Movie Posters Two Weeks Notice - 27 x 40

Directed and written by Marc Lawrence, Two Weeks Notice is a romantic comedy that was released in 2002. The film centers around Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock), a lawyer who has had enough of her boss George (Hugh Grant) and decides to give her notice.

Made on a budget of $60 million, the film grossed nearly $200 million at the box office. While critics gave the film mixed reviews due to the predictability, they praised the performances and chemistry of Bullock and Grant.

If you enjoyed seeing the boss-secretary relationship between the lead actors in The Proposal, then you’re sure to love watching these lawyers fall in love against all odds. Plus, more Sandra Bullock never hurts!

22. The Ugly Truth

The Ugly Truth 11 x 17 Movie Poster - Style B

Directed by Robert Luketic, The Ugly Truth is a romantic comedy film that premiered in 2009. The film centers around Abby (Katherine Heigl), a highly-strung producer who is forced to take control of a show hosted by the misogynistic Mike Chadway (Gerard Butler).

The film was a commercial success. Made on a budget of $38 million, the film grossed $205 million at the box office. While the film received mixed reviews, many critics praised the witty writing and the sheer chemistry between Heigl and Butler.

If you loved watching two people with extremely different personalities butt heads while also falling madly in love in The Proposal, then The Ugly Truth is a movie that you should be watching right now. Rom-com fans are sure to love this modern classic.

23. Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day (2010)

Directed by Gary Marshall, Valentine’s Day is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2010. The film’s ensemble cast includes Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, and more. The film, through intertwining narratives, explores the pressures and expectations of the titular day of love.

Made on a budget of $52 million, the film grossed $216 million at the box office. While the film received lackluster reviews from critics, the film was a hit with audiences. In fact, Valentine’s Day won the Teen Choice Award for Favorite Romantic Comedy.

If you’re looking for a movie that could rival the witty dialogue and originality of The Proposal, you’ll love watching the phenomenal cast of Valentine’s Day try and survive what’s supposed to be the most love-filled day of the year.

24. The Wedding Date

The Wedding Date Poster 27x40 Debra Messing Dermot Mulroney Holland Taylor

Directed by Clare Kilner, The Wedding Date is a romantic comedy movie that premiered in 2005. The film follows Kat Ellis (Debra Messing) as she hires an escort, Nick Mercer (Dermot Mulroney), to pose as her boyfriend at her sister’s upcoming nuptials to make her ex-fiancé jealous.

Though the film received unfavorable reviews from critics, it recouped its production cost. Made on a budget of $15 million, the film grossed $47 million at the box office, indicating that the film was moderately successful.

If you loved the idyllic setting, interesting characters, and the original script of The Proposal, then The Wedding Date should be on your list of movies to watch. This rom-com is sure to tick all of the right boxes for you!

25. What Happens in Vegas

What Happens in Vegas 8 inch x 10 inch PHOTOGRAPH Ashton Kutcher & Cameron Diaz Arms Around Each Other Very Happy Movie Poster kn

Written by Dana Fox and directed by Tom Vaughan, What Happens in Vegas is a romantic comedy film that was released in 2008. The film stars Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, who get married in Vegas before winning a jackpot in the casino. However, they’ll need to stay married longer than they initially thought if they want to get a divorce and split their money.

Though the movie received negative reviews from critics, it was a commercial success. Made on a budget of $35 million, the film grossed just short of $220 million at the box office. If you’re looking for a film that balances romantic and comedic elements as well as The Proposal, then look no further than What Happens in Vegas.

Sources:

IMDB: The Proposal

IMDB: 10 Things I Hate About You

IMDB: 27 Dresses

IMDB: Accidental Husband

IMDB: The Breakup

IMDB: Green Card

IMDB: He’s Just Not That Into You

IMDB: Hitched for the Holidays

IMDB: The Holiday

IMDB: Holiday Engagement

IMDB: How to be Single

IMDB: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

IMDB: Isn’t It Romantic

IMDB: Just Go With It

IMDB: Just Married

IMDB: Laws of Attraction

IMDB: Leap Year

IMDB: Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

IMDB: My Fake Fiancé

IMDB: No Strings Attached

IMDB: Sweet Home Alabama

IMDB: Two Weeks Notice

IMDB: The Ugly Truth

IMDB: Valentine’s Day

IMDB: What Happens In Vegas

IMDB: The Wedding Date

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