10 Best Movies Like Anyone But You

Summary

• Anyone But You offers a modern twist on the enemies to lovers trope, with humor and charm reminiscent of classic rom-coms.
• Director Will Gluck’s clever writing and the chemistry between Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell make this rom-com a delightful escape.
• From hilarious mishaps to heartfelt moments, Anyone But You blends familiar tropes with a fresh take on romance and friendship dynamics.

The 2023 romantic comedy Anyone But You delivers a classic “enemies to lovers” story that is reminiscent of several other films in the genre, making it perfect for anyone looking for stories full of humor and love. This fun film, loosely based on Shakespeare‘s play Much Ado About Nothing, brings the timeless tale into the modern era. Director Will Gluck’s clever writing and the charming performances by Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell create a fresh take on familiar tropes, as their characters navigate a series of misunderstandings and meddling friends on their path to romance.

From the initial meet-cute in a cozy café to the inevitable fake dating scheme set against the backdrop of a picturesque Australian wedding, Anyone But You hits all the right notes for fans of the genre. Whether it’s the hilarious mishaps or the heartfelt confessions, Anyone But You offers a delightful escape into the world of love and laughter. With its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and a supporting cast that adds to the story’s charm, this film is sure to evoke memories of beloved rom-coms while carving out its own place in the hearts of viewers.

10 Easy A (2010)

Starring Emma Stone and Penn Badgley

Easy A, directed by Will Gluck, shares a notable similarity with his most current work, Anyone But You, in its use of a Natasha Bedingfield song to enhance the film’s narrative. Just as Anyone But You popularized and reinvigorated “Unwritten,”Easy A did the same for “Pocketful of Sunshine,” seamlessly integrating the song into the story and creating a memorable musical moment. Gluck’s signature style shines through in both films, as he demonstrates a keen understanding of how music can elevate and complement the emotions and themes explored on screen.

The director’s choice to feature Bedingfield’s songs in both movies highlights his ability to create a strong connection between the audience and the characters, using music as a powerful tool. The chosen songs do a great job at evoking feelings of empowerment, self-discovery, and personal growth. This shared musical thread between Easy A and Anyone But You shows Gluck’s skill at crafting engaging and relatable stories.

9 Set It Up (2018)

Starring Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch

Set It Up shares a notable similarity with Anyone But You in its casting of Glen Powell, who brings his undeniable charm and comedic timing to both films. Powell’s presence in Set It Up is sure to delight those who enjoyed his performance in Anyone But You, as he once again showcases his ability to create palpable on-screen chemistry with his co-star Zoey Deutch.

The two actors’ dynamic is reminiscent of Powell’s rapport with his Anyone But You co-star, Sydney Sweeney, demonstrating his knack for bringing out the best in his scene partners. Set It Up also offers a similarly engaging romantic comedy premise, with the added twist of focusing on two pairs of potential lovers: the assistants and their bosses. This dual narrative structure allows for a more complex exploration of relationships and provides ample opportunities for humor, heartwarming moments, and the occasional cringe-worthy scene, all essential elements of a well-crafted rom-com.

8 10 Things I Hate About You (1999)

Starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles

Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s comedic works, 10 Things I Hate About You offers a fresh and contemporary take on a classic tale. While Anyone But You is a modern retelling of Much Ado About Nothing, 10 Things I Hate About You models its story after Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The film weaves together multiple storylines and character dynamics, creating a rich tapestry of relationships. The narrative focuses on the budding romance between Patrick and Kat, and both characters must navigate complex social structures and personal barriers to pursue their romantic interests.

Patrick adds another layer of depth to the story, as his unexpected connection with Kat parallels the unconventional pairing in Anyone But You. While 10 Things I Hate About You features a younger cast and a high school setting, its ability to capture the essence of Shakespearean comedy in a modern context is reminiscent of the approach taken in Anyone But You. Both films successfully transpose timeless themes and character archetypes into relatable, contemporary scenarios, allowing audiences to connect with the story on a deeper level.

10 Things I Hate About You
is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.

7 The Proposal (2009)

Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds

The Proposal and Anyone But You both employ the beloved fake dating trope, a narrative device that sets the stage for a series of hilarious misunderstandings and unexpected romance. In The Proposal, Margaret Tate and Andrew Paxton find themselves in a predicament when Margaret faces deportation, leading her to claim an impromptu engagement with her unsuspecting assistant. This sudden turn of events forces the pair to maintain the illusion of a genuine relationship, not only in front of their colleagues, but also during a visit to Andrew’s hometown in Alaska.

The pretense of being a couple creates a myriad of awkward and entertaining situations, as Margaret and Andrew must navigate the challenges of presenting a convincing front while gradually confronting their own growing feelings for one another. This dynamic closely mirrors the central premise of Anyone But You, where the protagonists are thrust into a fake dating scenario that ultimately leads to a transformative journey of self-discovery and love. As both pairs of characters shed their initial preconceptions and reservations, they begin to see each other in a new light, allowing for genuine affection to blossom.

Watch
The Proposal
on Hulu.

6 Much Ado About Nothing (1993)

Starring Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh

Anyone But You and the 1993 film Much Ado About Nothing share a fundamental similarity in their source material, as both are adaptations of Shakespeare’s beloved play. While Anyone But You transposes the classic tale into a contemporary setting, Much Ado About Nothing remains faithful to the original time period and language. Despite these differences in approach, both films successfully capture the essence of Shakespeare’s witty and romantic narrative, particularly the iconic “enemies-to-lovers” dynamic between the lead characters.

In Anyone But You, the protagonists’ journey from initial disdain to growing affection mirrors the relationship between Beatrice and Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing, highlighting the timeless appeal of this classic trope. The 1993 adaptation is lauded for its ability to make Shakespeare’s complex language and themes accessible to a wide audience, a quality that is also present in Anyone But You’s modern retelling. The decision to adapt Much Ado About Nothing for different eras and audiences demonstrates the enduring relevance and adaptability of Shakespeare’s works.

Much Ado About Nothing
is availble on Tubi and The Roku Channel.

5 Palm Springs (2020)

Starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti

Palm Springs shares a key similarity with Anyone But You in its focus on two wedding guests who find themselves navigating unexpected circumstances together. At the heart of Palm Springs are Niles and Sarah, who become trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day repeatedly. This unique premise sets the stage for a series of humorous and introspective moments as the characters grapple with their predicament while gradually developing feelings for one another.

The film’s unpredictable nature, coupled with Samberg and Milioti’s undeniable chemistry, elevates Palm Springs beyond a typical rom-com. Despite its lighthearted tone, Palm Springs also manages to infuse the story with thought-provoking elements, encouraging audiences to reflect on the nature of existence and the choices one makes. The supporting cast, particularly J.K. Simmons as the eccentric Roy, adds an extra layer of hilarity to the already charming central storyline.

4 Rye Lane (2023)

Starring David Jonsson and Vivian Oparah

Rye Lane and Anyone But You both feature a charming meet-cute between their respective protagonists. In Rye Lane, Yas and Dom’s initial encounter sets the stage for a day-long adventure through the lively streets of South London, allowing them to connect on a deeper level and support each other through their individual struggles. This shared experience of an extended, serendipitous meeting mirrors the way in which the lead characters in Anyone But You find themselves unexpectedly drawn to one another despite their initial reservations.

As Yas and Dom navigate their way through the city, their burgeoning relationship unfolds organically, showcasing the power of a chance encounter to spark a meaningful connection. The film’s focus on the authentic development of their bond over the course of a single day echoes the way in which Anyone But You explores the transformative potential of a well-crafted interaction between two people. By placing its central characters in a shared space and time, Rye Lane bears witness to the magic that can happen when two people open themselves up to the possibility of love.

3 Just Go With It (2011)

Starring Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston

Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston’s comedic chemistry shines in Just Go with It, a film that shares a notable similarity with Anyone But You in its exploration of the consequences of dishonesty in romantic relationships. Just Go With It’s main character, Danny, is a plastic surgeon who habitually lies about being married to avoid commitment, a behavior reminiscent of the deceptive tendencies exhibited by certain characters in Anyone But You. When fate intervenes and Danny meets Palmer, a woman he genuinely wishes to pursue a relationship with, he finds himself ensnared in a tangled web of his own making.

Desperate to maintain the illusion of an impending divorce, Danny recruits his secretary Katherine to act as his soon-to-be-ex-wife. This charade parallels the way characters in Anyone But You often find themselves trapped by their own deceptions while navigating the complexities of budding romances. As the stakes escalate and the truth threatens to unravel, Just Go with It underscores the significance of honesty and authenticity in forging meaningful connections.

2 To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018)

Starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo

Lara Jean’s secret love letters serve as the catalyst for a series of unexpected events in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, a film that shares a likeness with Anyone But You in its exploration of the fake dating trope. When these deeply personal letters are mysteriously mailed out to their recipients, including her sister’s ex-boyfriend Josh and the charming Peter Kavinsky, Lara Jean finds herself in a precarious situation.

In an effort to avoid confronting her feelings for Josh, she agrees to enter into a pretend relationship with Peter, who has his own ulterior motive of making his ex-girlfriend jealous. This arrangement mirrors the way in which the protagonists in Anyone But You initially embark on a false romance, only to find themselves gradually developing genuine feelings for one another. As Lara Jean and Peter navigate the challenges of maintaining their fictional relationship, they unexpectedly discover a true connection blossoming between them, a journey that is both endearing and relatable.

1 Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

Starring Patrick Dempsey and Amanda Peterson

Another exploration of the fake dating trope and the consequences that arise from pretending to be in a relationship is the 1980s classic Can’t Buy Me Love. Ronald Miller, a nerdy outcast, strikes a deal with popular cheerleader Cindy Mancini to pose as his girlfriend, hoping to boost his social status and gain acceptance among his peers. As Ronald’s popularity soars, he finds himself becoming increasingly self-absorbed and disconnected from his true friends, a development that parallels the way in which characters in Anyone But You often struggle to maintain their authentic selves while navigating the complexities of a fabricated romance.

The film’s central question of whether Ronald can win back Cindy’s affection and rediscover his genuine self mirrors the emotional journey undertaken by the protagonists in Anyone But You, as they grapple with the consequences of their deception and strive to forge a real connection. Ultimately, Can’t Buy Me Love serves as a humorous reminder of the importance of staying true to oneself, a theme that resonates strongly with the core message of Anyone But You.

Stream
Can’t Buy Me Love
on AMC+.