Wedding-themed movies have long been a beloved genre, with iconic titles like Father of the Bride, My Best Friend’s Wedding, and Four Weddings and a Funeral dominating the 20th century. These films are remembered not just for their romantic plots, but also for their cultural influence and timeless appeal.
While weddings served as the central theme, the emotional depth and humor of these classics helped solidify their place in cinematic history. They set the standard for what audiences expected from a great wedding movie.
Modern Wedding Films Blend Humor, Romance, and Evolving Views on Love and Commitment
As we moved into the 21st century, wedding movies continued to evolve with a modern twist. Films like Wedding Crashers, The Wedding Singer, The Wedding Planner, and 27 Dresses carried the torch, combining romance with more contemporary humor and situations. These movies reflect changing societal norms and relationship dynamics, offering a fresh take on wedding culture while retaining the charm that made their predecessors so popular.
BridesmaidsAmong these modern titles, Bridesmaids has emerged as the definitive wedding movie of the 21st century. Released in 2011, it has achieved cult status and was recently named one of the top 100 best movies of the 21st century by The New York Times. This recognition came as part of a list compiled through a poll of 500 notable figures in the film industry, including directors, actors, and other creatives. Bridesmaids stood out not only as a comedy but also as a film with emotional resonance and memorable performances.
A Hilarious Yet Heartfelt Tale of Friendship, Chaos, and Pre-Wedding Emotions Unleashed
The film’s plot revolves around a tight-knit group of women preparing for their friend Lillian’s wedding, with Kristen Wiig playing Annie, the conflicted maid of honor. Tensions rise when Annie clashes with Helen, a seemingly perfect new friend of the bride. The movie dives into the chaos of pre-wedding events, including a failed bachelorette trip and a scene-stealing dress-shopping fiasco. With an ensemble cast featuring Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, and Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids strikes a balance between heartfelt storytelling and outrageous comedy.
What sets Bridesmaids apart, according to The New York Times, is its emotional depth beneath the humor. The film portrays Annie’s struggles with jealousy, insecurity, and personal failure in a way that feels authentic and relatable. It’s this vulnerability—combined with laugh-out-loud moments—that earned the film its place among the century’s best. Remarkably, it’s the only wedding-centered film to make the list, surpassing other well-loved titles like My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Bride Wars.