12 Romantic Comedies That Will Make You Swear Off Dating Forever

Ah, romantic comedies: the genre that professes to celebrate love and companionship, yet often leaves us questioning the very idea of dating itself. Join us, dear reader, as we traipse through twelve films that might just make you want to delete your dating apps, ignore those set-ups from well-meaning friends, and invest in a solid tea set for one. You just know you low-key want to.

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

This film, while entertaining, is a love letter to every dating game we wished stayed in glossy magazines. From adopting a love fern to staging a 'girly' home invasion, Andie Anderson's attempts to drive away her beau have left more than one viewer cringing. The notion that deceit and manipulation could be a foundation for true love is as troubling as it is bewildering.

The Break-Up (2006)

Despite its comedic moments, this film is a raw and often painful look at the breakdown of a relationship. From escalating petty fights to hurtful words flung in the heat of an argument, it serves as a harsh reminder of love's not-so-rosy side. It's enough to make one treasure their solitude.

Bridget Jones 's Diary (2001)

Poor Bridget's love life is a veritable minefield of awkward encounters, miscommunications, and questionable choices. Despite its humorous approach, one can't help but sympathize with Bridget's constant struggle. Who wouldn't prefer a quiet night in over a dipping a toe into that chaotic dating pool? We certainly have a lot to say about that.

Failure to Launch (2006)

Is there anything more daunting than dating a fully grown adult who still lives with their parents? This film takes this situation to an extreme, featuring a thirty-something man who seems to have no intentions of leaving the nest. The movie is a stark reminder of the importance of independence in a relationship and the hurdles that one may have to overcome when it's missing.

He's Just Not That Into You (2009)

This film, inspired by a self-help book, presents an ensemble cast navigating the turbulent waters of modern dating. Its portrayals of one-sided love, obsession, and miscommunication are enough to make anyone nervous about stepping into the dating world. It's a firm reminder that love isn't always a two-way street, and that could be a very sobering thought.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past (2009)

When the protagonist needs to be visited by spectral exes to realize he's a cad, you know you're in for a dating horror story. This film, while funny and eventually heartwarming, is also a stark reminder of the emotional havoc a 'player' can wreak – enough to make anyone pause before their next date.

Trainwreck (2015)

Amy Schumer's character might be endearing, but her chaotic love life is less so. From awkward one-night stands to commitment issues, Trainwreck showcases the messier side of dating. It's entertaining, yes, but also an example of how complex and confusing the journey to find love can be.

Knocked Up (2007)

An unexpected pregnancy following a one-night stand? That's a dating mishap of epic proportions. As the two protagonists navigate their unplanned journey into parenthood, the film provides more than a few reasons to reconsider the casual dating scene.

My Best Friend's Wedding (1997)

Nothing says 'dating is a nightmare' quite like falling in love with your best friend who is about to get married to someone else. From embarrassing karaoke performances to desperate schemes to sabotage the wedding, this film is a veritable treasure trove of reasons to steer clear of the dating game.

50 First Dates (2004)

Imagine having to win over your love interest every single day because they suffer from short-term memory loss. It's a unique premise that results in plenty of comedic moments, but it's also a stark reminder of the lengths to which we sometimes must go to make a relationship work. A bit daunting for anyone considering stepping into the dating pool, isn't it?

The Proposal (2009)

A high-pressure workplace, a boss who's forcing you to marry her to avoid deportation – surely that's everyone's dating nightmare come to life (however slightly unrealistic)? While the film wraps it all up in comedic charm, the underlining premise gives one a pause before jumping headlong into the dating world.

What's Your Number? (2011)

The concept of worrying about your number of partners to the point of tracking down exes in hopes of finding love? That's enough to make anyone swear off dating. This film shows us that love isn't a numbers game, but the dating anxiety it highlights is all too real.