Reese Witherspoonis a common name in the rom-com genre. As a queen ofromantic comedies, Witherspoon has led a successful career as a leading lady within the genre. From staring in the films to producing them, “rom-com” and Witherspoon’s name are almost interchangeable these days. In fact, in a recent interview promoting her latest rom-com,Your Place or Mine, Witherspoon admitted rom-coms areher favorite genreto partake in.
Fans of the successful actress and producer have been following her career since her early age. While most of her young career showcased her acting ability inin drama movies, the actress still boasts a large number of rom-coms in her filmography. Some of her early works include films such asElection, Sweet Home Alabama, and, of course, her most iconic role inLegally Blonde. Many fans argue that it was Legally Blonde that sealed the actress' success within the rom-com genre. After two successful films in the franchise and 20 years later, Witherspoon is dropping hints that a third film is “definitely happening” (viaGood Morning America).
Whether or not this is true, fans can catch most of Witherspoon’s rom-coms on one of the many streaming services. For those looking to catch up on her rom-coms, we suggest checking out her most successful ones ranked byRotten Tomatoes.
Related:Best Reese Witherspoon Movies, Ranked
10This Means War — 25%
This Means Waris a love triangle rom-com that features Chris Pine and Tom Hardy as love interests for Witherspoon. Both Hardy and Pine are spies who end up falling for the same woman, Witherspoon. The pair start a “war” over who will win her heart. Though the critics weren’t a fan of this film, its action and quirky story make for an interesting watch.
9Four Christmases — 25%
Four Christmasesis a holiday rom-com that stars Witherspoon alongside Vince Vaughn. The pair play an unmarried, long-term relationship couple who spends their Christmases away from their families. When bad weather cancels their planned trip and a news crew features the couple on camera, the pair are forced to spend Christmas with their families — all four of them. If this film isn’t already part of your holiday movie repertoire, it should be added next season!
8Your Place or Mine — 31%
Your Place or Mineis Witherspoon’s most recent rom-com, having aired on Netflix in early-2023. The quirky rom-com stars Witherspoon as a single mom who turned a one-night stand into a long-term friendship. 20 years later, that friendship is tested when Ashton Kutcher’s character volunteers to watch her son so that she can come to New York for a week to get her accountant degree. In true rom-com fashion, their switching of places allows for both parties to learn more about each other and bridge the gap from friendship to relationship.
7How Do You Know — 31%
As with many rom-coms,How Do You Knowis a film that features a love triangle. In this film, Witherspoon finds herself questioning what she wants from her life after having been cut from the USA softball team. Does she want to stay with her current baseball-playing boyfriend (Owen Wilson), or will she fall for the recently dumped corporate guy (Paul Rudd)?
6Home Again — 33%
Home Againstars Witherspoon as a single mom living in L.A., who lets three young filmmakers move into her home with her. When her ex-husband shows up, her new budding romance is threatened and her life once again takes an unexpected turn. The film is certainly one of Witherspoon’s most underrated rom-coms as this one is both funny, but teaches a lesson that starting over is not always easy.
Related:Reese Witherspoon’s Best Rom-Com Movies, Ranked
5Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blue 36%
Like most sequels, the follow-up toLegally Blondedid not receive as high of ratings as the first film. Where the first was iconic, the sequel fell short. Although it wasn’t Witherspoon’s best rom-com,Legally Blonde 2is still a beloved film for her fans. In the sequel, Witherspoon finds herself headed to Washington D.C. to pass a bill that would ban animal testing.
4Sweet Home Alabama — 38%
Sweet Home Alabamais one of Witherspoon’s early films and is easily one of her most well-known. The film showcases a Southern-speaking Witherspoon who returns home to Alabama to get her ex-husband (Josh Lucas) to sign their divorce papers, so she can marry her current boyfriend (Patrick Dempsey). While home, she ends up falling back in touch with her old life, something that not even New York could completely erase.
3Just Like Heaven — 54%
Just Like Heavenis a rom-com meets ghost story. In this 2005 film, Witherspoon’s spirit haunts the apartment that Mark Ruffalo’s character just moved into. As a twist, it’s revealed Witherspoon’s character is in a coma after a tragic car accident. As the pair begin to fall for each other, their romance is cut short when Witherspoon’s sister wants to pull the plug on her sister, ending her life.
2Legally Blonde 71%
Legally Blondeis easily Witherspoon’s best and most well-known rom-com. In this iconic film, Witherspoon plays Elle Woods, a blonde sorority queen who goes to law school after being dumped by her boyfriend. While there, she proves she is as smart as she is fashionable and ends up cracking a high-priority case. The film is filled with memorable lines, romance, and a lot of pink.
1Election — 92%
Electionis a 1999 film that stars Witherspoon alongside Matthew Broderick. Witherspoon plays a high school student who is running for student-body president. She is a shoo-in to win until her perkiness gets on the nerve of one of her teachers (Broderick) who then convinces the school’s jock (Chris Klein) to run against her.
