Iconic Rom-Com BFFs
Every leading lady or lad needs a best friend – someone to stand by them when the going gets tough, to validate their sometimes insane choices, or to be the comedic relief. These characters almost never get the credit they deserve (even though they’re usually the most entertaining), so we’re here to pay homage to some of the most iconic rom-com bffs over the years.
Megan from Bridesmaids
Melissa McCarthy’s depiction of Megan in Bridesmaids spawned hundreds of memes and quotable lines. Not only is Dougie’s no-nonsense sister objectively hilarious, but she’s also unabashedly herself. Despite her quirks, she’s a loyal and reliable friend to Annie, and one of the most real and relatable characters in the film. When Annie’s life is in shambles, Megan is the one to shake her out of her funk and offer her some sage wisdom: “you’re your problem, but you’re also your solution.” Plus, we love her overcommitment to free puppies.
Casey from 27 Dresses
We’d be remiss not to include the ultimate rom-com sidekick – the one, the only Judy Greer. She’s played many-a-romantic comedy bestie (and nemesis), but her role as Casey in 27 Dresses stood out as most memorable (okay, Penny from The Wedding Planner is a close second). Sex-positive Casey with her IDGAF attitude is often the reality check people-pleaser Jane desperately needs. Casey always encourages Jane to stand up for herself and while she admits that her moral compass doesn’t always point due north, Casey keeps her friend’s at times delusional pining for her boss in check with a well-timed slap. She also reprimands Jane after her vengeful social sabotage at her sister’s rehearsal dinner.
Michelle from How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days
The hottest of messes and the inspiration for the entire conceit of the film, Kathryn Hahn’s Michelle is Andie’s kindhearted but romantically inept BFF. She steals the scene when she pretends to be a couples’ therapist for dysfunctional Andie and Ben, but also encourages her friend to meet his family and spend the weekend with them in Staten Island. It’s here that Andie actually presses pause on the ruse for some tender moments and allows herself to fall for Ben.
Arthur from The Holiday
The unlikely friendship of charming octogenarian Arthur and lovesick Iris is so incredibly poignant. He provides Iris with much-needed support and guidance as she navigates her heartbreak. More effective than her own therapist, Arthur has real breakthroughs with her, sagely reminding her: “In the movies, we have leading ladies, and we have the best friend. You, I can tell, are a leading lady, but for some reason, you’re behaving like the best friend.” He gives her gumption and helps her realize she deserves an HEA of her own.
George from My Best Friend’s Wedding
The oh-so-charming George stole our hearts with his transcendent rendition of “I Say A Little Prayer” but more than that, he’s the voice of reason (and comic relief) in a film where the leading lady is hard to root for. While he initially goes along with her exploits, George ultimately tries to get Julianne to do the right thing and puts her in her place. When she’s left heartbroken at Michael’s wedding, he comforts and consoles her with a dance. Rupert Everett takes the gay best friend trope and elevates it to new heights.
Dionne from Clueless
Dionne Davenport is Cher’s #1 confidante — Cher claims it’s because Dionne also knows what it’s like to have everyone be jealous of her, but we suspect they have a much deeper relationship than that. Dionne is the definition of the friend saying “exactly” no matter what or how delulu it is. She sticks with Cher through all her crazy schemes, like setting up Miss Geist and Mr Hall, and never lets anyone make her bestie feel less than. The definition of ride-or-die!
Allan from What If
Allan, played hilariously by Adam Driver, introduces Wallace to his cousin Chantry at a party, kicking off the central plot of the film. Despite Allan’s eccentric and carefree ways, he genuinely cares about Wallace and gives him bracing reality checks regularly. While he and Nicole not-so-nicely steal their friends’ clothes while they skinny dip, Allan does force Wallace and Chantry to come to terms with their feelings for each other, or at least realize they aren’t 100% platonic. Ultimately, his impulsive, romantic ways with his own relationship propels Wallace to take a leap of faith.
Who is your favorite rom-com BFF?