10 Romantic Comedies for Self-Respecting Feminists

Rom-coms get a bad rap. Sure, they appeal to the romantic in all of us. And no matter how ridiculous the plot, it can still be a fun way to spend a couple hours. But unfortunately some do their heroine dirty. Is it too much to ask for happy ending that doesn't require the heroine to change herself, get lied to, give up her career, lose her friends or endure any life-altering event just to finally have a man by her side? Until things change, there are a few tried and true rom-coms that don't require you to forgo your feminism in order to enjoy a little romance in your life.

1. Down With Love

Is anything cuter than Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor? How about Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGragor in Doris Day/Rock Hudson era throwback, complete with more double entendrees than you'll know what to do with. Somehow in the midst of all the kitsch, Renee's Barbra Novak makes a worthy mission of helping women take control of their sexuality and enjoying sex "a la carte." Hijinks ensue, identities are mistaken, but not before Barbra makes a name for herself and becomes a publishing mogul in her own right.

2. Ever After

Ever wonder what the best Cinderella story is? This one. Period. In what is one of Drew Barrymore's best roles, she gives us a Cinderella worthy of a prince who also has a strong mind and speaks her thoughts. Instead of being rescued by her prince, she pushes him to be better, to do better for his people and to use his privilege for good. Plus, she rescues herself, which is the ultimate badass move.

3. Legally Blonde

"What, like it's hard?" Elle Woods might be going to law school to win back her man, but she stays to prove she deserves to be there and is just as smart as anyone else. Throughout everything, she remains unfailingly kind, whip smart and never loses her love of pink. You might go in expecting to find a dumb blonde chasing after a douchebag boyfriend, instead you find an empowering feminist tale encouraging women to be themselves and never, ever sell themselves short.

4. In Her Shoes

The fact that this is an adaptation of a chick lit novel from Jennifer Weiner shouldn't go unnoticed. She is one of the queens of chick lit after all. And perhaps it's less of a rom com, as romance is not the primary thread and there isn't much comedy. This story is still full of heart. It centers around sisterhood, family and finding your self worth. It doesn't hurt that there's a happy ending at the end of day.

5. For a Good Time Call...

This little indie film sure packs a punch. Centering around a phone sex line, frenemies who become friends, finding yourself, and so much more, this fun romp is a little raunchy but full of heart and all about the importance of female friendships. It'll catch you off guard with just how good it is.

6. Penelope

Perhaps more of a children's fairy tale than a true rom-com, there's still something innocent and beautiful a woman learning to love herself. Does she stumble on a guy with a bad intentions? Yes. Does she also let herself get exploited in the hopes of finding acceptance? Also, yes. But in the process she pushes her love interest to be better, goes on a journey of finding her independence and ultimately learns that the most important love is the love you give yourself.

7. What's Your Number

Hunky Chris Evans? Yes please. Adorkable Anna Farris? Also, yes. What I love most about this is that the heroine learns her worth and desirability is not in her number of sexual partners or how much she can change to make herself more appealing to potential partners, but in finding someone who likes her for her. She pursues her passions, finds her worth and ultimately finds love in the arms of a true friend.

8. The Mirror Has Two Faces

A little less known, but still one of my favorites. Barbra Streisand and young and gorgeous Jeff Bridges try an experiment: a marriage based solely on companionship, not sex. The premise sounds a little out there, but somehow in the midst of it, you find a lovable heroine, who's already smart and snarky but feels chubbier and less attractive than her sister. And even though she's spurned into changing her looks so she finally be beautiful in everyone else's eyes, she realizes she had her worth all along. And may or may not find a relationship born out of companionship and sex.

Any other rom-coms with a brain that I missed? Share them in the comments below!