Romance movies hit home all across the board. Whether it’s hopeless romantics looking to indulge in their greatest fantasies, or couples looking for the perfect date movie, romance movies have a place in just about everyone’s heart. Some romance flicks end up having a sequel due to their success at the box office, sometimes proving superior to their source work. Here are 10 romance movies that are as good as the first.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (2016)
My Big Fat Greek Wedding was an absolute success at the box office, coming in as the highest-grossing rom-com of 2002. 2016’s My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 proved equally successful, bringing in $90 million at the box office. This sequel pays homage to the original in an innovative way, bringing back Nia Vardalos and John Corbett to reprise the titular couple as they explore the ups and downs of married life.
This time focusing on universal issues, such as financial struggles, parenting, and reigniting their romance, Toula and Ian must find a way to overcome these obstacles and keep their marriage going as their daughter, Paris, tries to find her own identity with college fast approaching. Funny, touching, and fresh, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 lives up to the glory of the original.
Meet the Fockers (2004)
The sequel to the popular 2000s comedy, Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers has Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro reprising the roles of Greg Focker and Jack Byrnes, the prospective son-in-law and father-in-law duo at odds at every turn. This time around, Greg introduces his parents (portrayed by Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman) and future in-laws to each other, leading to a whole array of comedic antics as both families bring out the worst in each other. Hilarious and over-the-top, Meet the Fockers is a prime example of a comedy sequel done right.
Analyze That (2002)
Another Robert De Niro romance comedy, Analyze That is the sequel to the highly successful Analyze This. As Paul Vitti completes his time at Sing Sing, he becomes increasingly withdrawn as he faces threats at every turn. When the FBI resorts to psychiatrist Ben Sobel once again to assist Paul amidst his life crisis, the question arises; is Paul truly on the brink of a nervous breakdown, or is this an elaborate scheme to be released from jail early?
As Paul and Ben once again bond as Paul attempts to turn over a new leaf, Ben’s marriage to his new wife, Laura, begins to experience problems of its own as a result. De Niro and Crystal bring their A-game to this sequel, making Analyze That as good if not better than the original.
Fifty Shades Darker
The sequel to the erotic romance, Fifty Shades of Grey, this second installment in the trilogy has Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey rekindling their tumultuous romance. Throw in a jilted lover and Christian’s insatiable sexual appetite, and Fifty Shades Darker is even more electric than its predecessor, satisfying fans of the E.L. James book series.
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse corrects many of the pitfalls of New Moon, once again focusing on Edward and Bella’s romance as their wedding day approaches. Before the couple can tie the knot, they must overcome the looming threat of Victoria and her legion of vampire outcasts. This sequel does a good job of cementing Edward as Bella’s definite love interest, with Jacob acting as the anti-hero love interest who won’t take no for an answer.
Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)
Two films and two love interests in, Bridget Jones’s Baby finally has Bridget confidently embracing her identity and the single life. Nonetheless, life takes an unexpected turn for Bridget when she discovers she’s pregnant–and has no idea who the father is. As Mr. Darcy competes against new love interest, Jack, for Bridget’s affection, Bridget navigates an uncharted territory, motherhood. Hilarious and touching, Bridget Jones’s Baby is the perfect conclusion to the Bridget Jones’s movie universe.
The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement
The Princess Diaries was a hit, so it was no surprise when a sequel was announced. Reprising her role as Mia, Princess of Genovia, Anna Hathaway gives a nuanced rendition of the soon-to-be queen. Nonetheless, Mia must meet one requisite before assuming the throne, marriage. As Mia looks through prospective suitors, she realizes love can’t be forced. Cheeky and heartwarming, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement satisfies Disney fans all across the board.
Sex and the City 2 (2010)
After seeing Carrie and Big finally tie the knot in Sex and the City, fans didn’t expect to see yet another entry in the series. Sex and the City 2 brings back Carrie Bradshaw to do what she does best, trivialize Aidan’s feelings as they meet once again, leading Carrie to question her love for Big and her past with Aidan one final time. Dramatic, funny, and unexpectedly fresh, Sex and the City 2 lives up to everything that made the original series so great.
The Kissing Booth 2 (2021)
The second installment in The Kissing Booth trilogy has Joey King and Jacob Elordi reprising their respective roles as Elle Evans and Noah Flynn, the film’s titular couple. As Elle and Noah navigate a long-distance relationship, Elle finds herself attracted to her classmate, Marco, a situation that leads her to question just how deep her love is for Noah. The Kissing Booth 2 delivers one of the most entertaining rom-com tropes, love triangles! A fun-watch through and through.
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! is a bittersweet installment in the series, focusing on Sophie’s life following her mother’s passing. As Sophie learns more about Donna’s past and how she came to get pregnant with Sophie, the film plays out in a series of flashbacks, with Lily James taking over for a younger version of Meryl Streep’s Donna. Funny, clever, and moving, Mama Mia 2: Here We Go Again is an excellent comedy sequel despite Meryl Streep’s departure from the series.
