Paul Rudd Romantic Comedy Roles

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Updated April 22, 2024 20.3K views 13 items

List of Romantic comedy movies/films with performances by Paul Rudd, listed alphabetically with movie trailers when available. These Paul Rudd Romantic comedy roles include starring, supporting and cameo appearances. You can sort these Paul Rudd Romantic comedy movies for additional information as well, such as who directed the films and when they were released. Over the years Paul Rudd has become known for playing characters in Romantic comedy movies, so this list is the perfect resource for finding some you haven't already seen.

Movies here include everything from The 40-Year-Old Virgin to Clueless.

This list answers the questions, "What Romantic comedy movies has Paul Rudd been in?" and "What are the best Paul Rudd Romantic comedy roles?"

You can't vote on this list, but if you want to re-order it you can re-rank the list to put your favorites at the top. {#nodes}
  • 200 Cigarettes

    200 Cigarettes

    Ben Affleck, Casey Affleck, Dave Chappelle

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Coming of Age
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this quirky, ensemble comedy, Rudd's comedic timing shines as he portrays a neurotic artist navigating the chaotic New York City streets on New Year's Eve. His chemistry with co-star Courtney Love adds an extra layer of entertainment, showcasing his ability to connect with various actors in diverse roles.

    This ensemble comedy follows an array of young people in New York City on New Year's Eve. Among the numerous characters looking for love and fun are impulsive artist Ellie (Janeane Garofalo) and punks Tom (Casey Affleck) and Dave (Guillermo Diaz), who meet up with Stephie (Gaby Hoffmann) and Val (Christina Ricci), two girls from Long Island. Also interacting with various partygoers are a pensive bartender (Ben Affleck) and a taxi driver (Dave Chappelle) who operates a disco in his cab.
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  • Clueless

    Clueless

    Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Teen, Chick Flicks, Coming of Age
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: As the charming and witty stepbrother Josh in this classic '90s teen film, Paul Rudd proves he can easily steal scenes with his undeniable charisma and natural comedic instincts. His portrayal of a smart yet self-aware character creates a lovable and memorable counterpart to Alicia Silverstone's iconic Cher Horowitz.

    In the heart of Beverly Hills, high schooler Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) reigns as a self-proclaimed fashionista and matchmaker. Clueless, a comedy-drama flick directed by Amy Heckerling, sees Cher navigating the tricky waters of adolescence while attempting to handle love interests and maintain her social status. Alongside Cher is her best friend Dionne Davenport (Stacey Dash), who aids in her various escapades. The film, an amusing modern adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma, cleverly taps into teenage angst and the complexities of young love. Despite its light-hearted tone, it subtly addresses pertinent social issues, making it a timeless classic.
  • Forgetting Sarah Marshall

    Forgetting Sarah Marshall

    Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, Mila Kunis

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Breakup
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this hilarious romantic comedy, Rudd displays his innate ability to bring levity and humor to even the smallest of roles as the eccentric surf instructor, Kunu. Despite limited screen time, his quirky performance leaves a lasting impression on viewers who appreciate his idiosyncratic comedic style.

    In the comedic romp Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Peter Bretter (Jason Segel) is a down-on-his-luck musician struggling to move on from his television star ex-girlfriend, Sarah Marshall (Kristen Bell). In an attempt to heal, he takes an impromptu trip to Hawaii, only to find himself at the same resort as Sarah and her new rockstar boyfriend, Aldous Snow (Russell Brand). Amidst the tropical backdrop, hilarity ensues as Peter navigates heartbreak, unexpected friendships with hotel staff like Rachel Jansen (Mila Kunis), and the complexities of love.
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  • How Do You Know

    How Do You Know

    Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sports
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this underrated romantic dramedy directed by James L. Brooks, Paul Rudd showcases his versatile acting chops as George Madison – a vulnerable corporate executive caught up in legal turmoil while juggling love interests played by Reese Witherspoon and Owen Wilson. A must-see for fans who enjoy watching Rudd tackle more complex characters with genuine emotion and depth.

    Lisa Jorgenson's (Reese Witherspoon) entire life has been defined by softball, but at 31, she is deemed too old to play and cut from the team. After being cast adrift, she begins a fling with Matty (Owen Wilson), a charming womanizer who plays professional baseball. About the same time, she goes on a blind date with George (Paul Rudd), a businessman on the hook for stock fraud. Caught in a romantic triangle with the two men, Lisa ponders the meaning of love.
  • I Could Never Be Your Woman

    I Could Never Be Your Woman

    Michelle Pfeiffer, Paul Rudd, Saoirse Ronan

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Age-Difference
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: Starring opposite Michelle Pfeiffer in this age-gap romantic comedy, Paul Rudd charms viewers with his endearing portrayal of Adam – an insecure actor looking for love despite societal expectations that would keep him apart from Pfeiffer's Rosie. Their palpable chemistry solidifies Rudd as a leading man in the romantic comedy genre.

    Mother Nature (Saoirse Ronan) loves to cause mischief, and she steps in to help two love-starved souls find happiness. She helps an aging professional woman (Michelle Pfeiffer) who has no luck with love find her match with a much younger man (Paul Rudd). As their relationship blossoms into something beyond physical attraction, her adolescent daughter (Tracey Ullman) begins to question the tingling sensations she experiences whenever she is in the company of a handsome local boy.
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  • Knocked Up

    Knocked Up

    Seth Rogen, Katherine Heigl, Paul Rudd

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Unplanned Pregnancy
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this Judd Apatow-directed hit, Paul Rudd excellently navigates both dramatic and comedic territory as Pete – a husband struggling with marital issues while supporting his wife's pregnant sister. His authentic and honest performance brings depth and relatability to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

    Rising journalist Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) hits a serious bump in the road after a one-night stand with irresponsible slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) results in pregnancy. Rather than raise the baby on her own, she decides to give Ben a chance to prove he is father material. However, he is unsure if he is ready to be a parent, and both wonder if they would be compatible lifetime partners.
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  • Over Her Dead Body

    Over Her Dead Body

    Eva Longoria, Paul Rudd, Lake Bell

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Supernatural
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: As Henry, a lovable widower caught between his deceased fiancée's spirit and a new love interest, Rudd demonstrates his ability to bring warmth and nuance to unconventional romantic roles. His chemistry with co-stars Eva Longoria and Lake Bell further highlights his skill at creating memorable on-screen partnerships.

    After his fiancée, Kate (Eva Longoria Parker), dies in an accident on their wedding day, veterinarian Henry (Paul Rudd) grows depressed. To help him move on, his sister has him visit psychic Ashley (Lake Bell) and gives her Kate's diary. Ashley uses the journal's details to convincingly deliver the fake message that Kate wants Henry to move on. However, Kate's ghost is watching over Ashley and Henry. Furious when they fall for each other, she vows to sabotage their relationship.
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  • Overnight Delivery

    Overnight Delivery

    Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Larry Drake

    For Fans Of: Romance, Adventure, Comedy, Road Movie
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this '90s road trip rom-com, Paul Rudd shines as Wyatt Trips – an anxious college student racing against time to retrieve an incriminating letter he sent to his girlfriend. The film offers fans an early glimpse into the talent that would propel him into superstardom later in his career.

    College student Wyatt (Paul Rudd) is convinced that his hometown girlfriend, Kimberly (Christine Taylor), is cheating on him. Disconsolate at a strip club, he nonetheless tries to defend the honor of Ivy (Reese Witherspoon), one of the dancers, who befriends him for his gesture. Ivy convinces Wyatt that he should send Kimberly a vicious breakup letter, which he does, by express mail. When he has second thoughts, he and Ivy hit the road to retrieve the note before it reaches its destination.
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  • P.S.

    P.S.

    Laura Linney, Topher Grace, Paul Rudd

    For Fans Of: Sex Comedy, Romance, Drama, Reunion
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this thought-provoking drama, Paul Rudd plays Sammy Silverstein – a potential soulmate for Laura Linney's Louise Harrington who believes he may be the reincarnation of her deceased high school sweetheart. The captivating premise allows Rudd to show off his impressive acting range in a more dramatic role than many of his iconic comedies.

    Louise Harrington (Laura Linney) is a lonely divorcée working at the admissions office at Columbia University when she notices an applicant with a familiar name. She meets with the applicant, F. Scott Feinstadt (Topher Grace), and finds that he not only shares the name of her long-dead high school sweetheart, but also looks and paints much like he did. Their meeting ends with Louise taking him to bed, which only deepens her sense that she is living somewhere between the present and the past.
  • The 40-Year-Old Virgin

    The 40-Year-Old Virgin

    Steve Carell, Catherine Keener, Paul Rudd

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Sex Comedy, Late Bloomers
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: This classic comedy from director Judd Apatow allows Paul Rudd to flex his comedic muscles as David – one of Steve Carell's well-meaning but misguided friends who attempt (and often fail) to help him navigate the dating world. His standout performance in this ensemble cast further solidified Rudd's status as a comedic powerhouse.

    The 40-Year-Old Virgin is a comedic exploration of late-blooming adulthood, starring Steve Carell as Andy Stitzer, a man who has managed to avoid life's intimate interactions. The movie, directed by Judd Apatow, follows the journey of Andy as his friends David (Paul Rudd), Jay (Romany Malco), and Cal (Seth Rogen) discover his secret and embark on a mission to end his virgin status. Through their misadventures and Andy's burgeoning relationship with Trish (Catherine Keener), the film delves into themes of friendship, love, and the pressures of societal norms. This light-hearted comedy won an MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance by Carell.
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  • The Baxter

    The Baxter

    Michael Showalter, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Williams

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Romance, Drama, Alternative Love Stories
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: In this charming indie romantic comedy, Paul Rudd stars as the titular "Baxter" – a lovable, yet perpetually unlucky-in-love character searching for his own happy ending. His earnest portrayal, coupled with his impeccable comedic timing, makes for an engaging performance that will delight fans of both Rudd and unconventional love stories.

    Elliot Sherman (Michael Showalter) has had terrible luck with women during his life, losing three of them to ex-boyfriends in outlandish situations. Now, a week before he is to marry Caroline (Elizabeth Banks), she mentions an old high-school boyfriend, Bradley (Justin Theroux), and Elliot worries that the curse is about to strike again. A co-worker named Cecil (Michelle Williams) attempts to reassure him, but trying not to give in to anxiety only makes things worse.
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  • The Object of My Affection

    The Object of My Affection

    Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, Alan Alda

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, Romance, LGBT+
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: Starring alongside Jennifer Aniston in this heartwarming romantic drama, Paul Rudd delivers a touching performance as George Hanson – a gay man who forms an unlikely bond with Aniston's Nina Borowski as they navigate the complexities of love and friendship. This film showcases not only Rudd's acting range but also his ability to create captivating on-screen relationships.

    New York City social worker Nina Borowski (Jennifer Aniston) invites her gay friend, George (Paul Rudd), to move into her apartment after he breaks up with his longtime lover, Robert (Tim Daly). Meanwhile, Nina gets pregnant and decides to keep the baby -- but end her relationship with the child's father, boyfriend Vince (John Pankow). As Nina and George live and raise the baby together, the two grow close -- and Nina realizes she's beginning to fall in love with her friend.
  • The Oh in Ohio

    The Oh in Ohio

    Heather Graham, Liza Minnelli, Mischa Barton

    For Fans Of: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Sexuality.
    Reasons to Watch if you Love Paul Rudd: As Jack Chase – a high school biology teacher stuck in a passionless marriage – Paul Rudd displays his trademark charm, wit, and sincerity in this offbeat comedy-drama. His nuanced performance explores themes of intimacy and self-discovery while providing fans with plenty of laughs along the way.

    The Oh in Ohio is a 2006 comedy film directed by Billy Kent. It was screened at several US film festivals from March to May 2006 and was released theatrically by Cyan Pictures on July 14, 2006. Set in Cleveland, much of the film was shot on location at well-known Cleveland landmarks such as Coventry Village and Case Western Reserve University.
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