Filipino cinema has a treasure trove of films that will tickle your fancy if you’re a fan of romantic comedies that blend heartwarming moments with hilarious antics. From timeless classics to modern hits, these movies are not just about romance; they also showcase Filipino storytelling’s unique charm and wit. So, grab your popcorn and get ready to swoon and laugh with these delightful Filipino Rom-Com films!
What’s Inside
- Got 2 Believe
- She’s Dating the Gangster
- Bride for Rent
- My Big Love
- A Very Special Love
- My Amnesia Girl
- Close to You
- Diary ng Panget
- Can’t Help Falling In Love
- An Inconvenient Love
- The Achy Breaky Heart
- Kiss Mo ‘Ko
- Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?
- Love You to the Stars and Back
- That Thing Called Tadhana
- Kita Kita
1. Got 2 Believe
When it comes to Filipino rom-com movies, Got 2 Believe is a must-watch. It’s a film directed by Olivia Lamasan, which tells the story of Toni (Claudine Barretto), a 25-year-old wedding planner who is desperate to find love as she believes that if she doesn’t get married at her current age, she’ll stay single for the rest of her life because of a family curse, and Lorenz (Rico Yan), a photographer who doesn’t believe in true love. As they work together to find Toni, someone who’ll love and marry her, they are led to a series of comedic and heartwarming situations that will cause them to fall in love. No doubt, Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan’s undeniable chemistry has its way into the hearts of Filipinos, making Got 2 Believe a beloved classic in Filipino rom-com history.
2. She’s Dating the Gangster
Based on the pop-fiction book of the same name, She’s Dating the Gangster is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina. It centers on Athena (Kathryn Bernardo) and Kenji (Daniel Padilla), who pretend to be in a relationship to make Kenji’s ex-girlfriend jealous. As their fake relationship evolves, they discover genuine feelings for each other. This film captivated audiences with its touching moments and the on-point acting of Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.
3. Bride for Rent
In the romantic comedy Bride for Rent, directed by Mae Czarina Cruz, we follow the story of Rocky (Kim Chiu) and Rocco (Xian Lim). Rocky, facing financial struggles to support her family, enters into a fake marriage arrangement with Rocco, a wealthy man bound by his grandmother’s condition to marry to get his trust fund. As they navigate their pretend relationship, genuine feelings develop between them.
4. My Big Love
Directed by Jade Castro, My Big Love tells the story of Macky (Sam Milby), an obese pastry chef who struggles with self-esteem because of weight issues. He then decides to go on a physical transformation by getting in shape with the help of his beautiful personal trainer, Aira (Toni Gonzaga), to get the attention of the woman he admires, Nina (Kristine Hermosa). But as he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to love himself for who he is, he also starts falling in love with Aira, who loves him regardless of how heavy he is. This film blends humor with heartfelt moments, making it a touching and entertaining watch.
5. A Very Special Love
In the box office success film A Very Special Love, we witness the charming love story of Laida Magtalas (Sarah Geronimo), a young woman who applies as an Editorial Assistant at the man of her dreams, Miggy Montenegro’s (John Lloyd Cruz) newly launched men’s magazine. With Miggy’s stoic and reserved personality, Laida grows even more determined to work harder and look beyond Miggy’s tyrant facade. This film, directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina, explores the dynamics of their unlikely romance as they navigate misunderstandings and comedic situations. Sarah Geronimo and John Lloyd Cruz’s chemistry on screen made this film a hit among audiences, and it became the highest-grossing film in 2008.
6. My Amnesia Girl
Another rom-com film directed by Cathy Garcia-Molina falls on this list – My Amnesia Girl. The story revolves around Apollo (John Lloyd Cruz), who meets his ex-girlfriend Irene (Toni Gonzaga) years after their breakup. The catch? Irene has amnesia, and Apollo sees this as an opportunity to rewrite their love story. The film’s humor and some tear-jerking scenes make it a must-watch for rom-com enthusiasts.
7. Close to You
In Close to You, we follow the story of Manuel or Palits (John Lloyd Cruz) and Marian or Bru (Bea Alonzo), who have been best friends since they were kids. But over the years of their friendship, Manuel never dared to tell Marian his true feelings and how much he had loved her ever since. Marian sees him only as a best friend. She goes after her long-time crush, Lance (Sam Milby), a classmate who protected her from bullies in elementary school, who has now become the main vocalist of an international band named Orion. Manuel and Marian embark on an adventure to see Lance when Marian discovers Orion will have a show in the Philippines.
Close to You provides a relatable exploration of love and friendship. As the story unfolds, it becomes evident how one can search elsewhere for true love, unaware that it may have been the right one in front of them all along — in the form of their best friend.
8. Diary ng Panget
Diary ng Panget is based on the famous Wattpad story of the same name by Denny R., most commonly known by her pseudonym, HaveYouSeenThisGirL. Directed by Andoy Ranay, the film centers on the story of Eya (Nadine Lustre), a poor and unassuming girl who becomes the personal assistant or “yaya” of Cross (James Reid), a handsome and arrogant guy. As they clash and eventually get to know each other, unexpected feelings develop.
9. Can’t Help Falling In Love
Directed by Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar, Can’t Help Falling in Love is a romantic comedy that follows the story of Gab (Kathryn Bernardo), the supposed “perfect girl” who accidentally marries a total stranger, Dos (Daniel Padilla) while they were drunk at a party one night. A year later, when Gab gets engaged to her long-time boyfriend, she discovers that her marriage with the stranger has been registered. As Gab and Dos try to annul their marriage, they discover common interests and a deeper connection – eventually finding true love in each other.
10. An Inconvenient Love
An Inconvenient Love, directed by Petersen Vargas, tells the story of Ayef (Belle Mariano), a hopeful animator working at the 24-Ever convenience store and setting her sights on a career in Singapore. Love takes a backseat until she meets Manny (Donny Pangilinan), a plant boutique owner and secret social activist. Bonding over their shared belief that love is inconvenient, they enter a contractual relationship. This film serves as the debut project of Petersen Vargas on Star Cinema.
11. The Achy Breaky Heart
Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, The Achy Breaky Hearts follows the story of Chinggay (Jodi Sta. Maria), a woman torn between two men: Ryan (Ian Veneracion), a charming and carefree guy, and Frank (Richard Yap), her ex-boyfriend who’s a stable and successful businessman. As Chinggay navigates her feelings and choices, viewers are taken on a journey of love, self-discovery, and second chances. It’s a movie that will make you feel all sorts of kilig!
12. Kiss Mo ‘Ko
Kiss Mo ‘Ko is a 1999 movie starring one of the most successful love teams of their time: Dingdong Dantes and Antoinette Taus. The film is about Clarisse (Antoinette Taus), whose boyfriend neglects her and decides to make up an imaginary suitor named Aaron Nakpil (Dingdong Dantes) with her best friends Dindi and Cynthia (Sunshine Dizon and Katya Santos). Then, they find out that Aaron Nakpil is a real person. The discovery of the real Aaron Nakpil sends Clarisse on a journey of self-discovery and romantic confusion as she grapples with her feelings and desires. Through laughter and unexpected twists, this story explores the blurry lines between fantasy and reality in matters of love.
13. Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang?
Next on the list is a film entitled Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang? Starring another famous love team in the 90’s: Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin. Directed by Jerry Lopez Sineneng, this romantic comedy follows the story of childhood best friends Bujoy (Jolina Magdangal) and Ned (Marvin Agustin), who realize their true feelings for each other when they begin to date other people. The film explores themes of friendship, unrequited love, and the courage to take risks. Its heartwarming moments make it a beloved classic in Filipino cinema.
14. Love You to the Stars and Back
Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, Love You to the Stars and Back is a quirky and heartwarming romantic comedy. The film follows the journey of Mika (Julia Barretto), an eccentric and socially awkward girl who feels left out at home, and Caloy (Joshua Garcia), the free-spirited guy with a positive outlook on life. They go on a road trip when Mika offers Caloy a free ride to his destination. Feelings arise when they get to know each other during their short adventure.
15. That Thing Called Tadhana
That Thing Called Tadhana became an instant classic after its release in 2014. Directed by Antoinette Jadaone, this film revolves around Mace (Angelica Panganiban) and Anthony (JM de Guzman), who meet at an airport in Rome and decide to go on a spontaneous road trip when they arrive in the Philippines. The witty banter between the characters and the beautiful scenic backdrop of Baguio add to its charm.
16. Kita Kita
Kita Kita, directed by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, is a romantic comedy that gained widespread acclaim for its unique storyline. The film follows Lea (Alessandra de Rossi), a Filipina tour guide in Japan who goes blind after a heartbreak. She then meets Tonyo (Empoy Marquez), her funny and charming neighbor, who becomes her unlikely guide and friend. As their friendship blossoms, viewers are treated to a heartwarming and humorous tale of love and second chances.
Filipino Rom-Com films offer a unique blend of romance, humor, and heart that appeals to audiences worldwide. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic love story or a modern take on the genre, these films are guaranteed to make you swoon and laugh.
