When you think ofHugh Grant, you are more than likely thinking ofhis similar rolesof the bumbling fool turned romantic lead. In fact, a huge majority of Grant’s most memorable roles are ones where he has to redeem himself in the eyes of the leading lady to prove he is worthy of their love. While some actors prefer to not be type-cast, for a better part of his career, Grant has found a home within this type of character. Luckily, we love him for that!
From roles inNotting Hill, Sense and Sensibility, Four Weddings and a Funeral,and even the iconic2000 Christmas romance film,Love Actually,we get to see Grant perfect this type of meet-cute. While most of his best roles showcase his ability to lead a rom-com, Grant has also been, in several different genre films. In fact, perSlash Film, his newest filmDungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thievesis set to drop in March 2023 and will feature the beloved actor as the main antagonist. While most of his fans are used to Grant as the lead love interest, he has some experience as of late in “bad guy” roles. Until then, here are a few of our favorite Hugh Grant movies, ranked.
10Two Weeks Notice
Two Weeks Noticeis one of the many rom-coms that make up Grant’s filmography. In this film, Grant plays George Wade, who is the head of a development firm called Wade Corporation. Sandra Bullock plays Harvard lawyer, Lucy Kelson, who hopes to use her career for social activism. She ends up working for Wade until his childish behavior and dependency on her become too much, resulting in her handing in her two weeks notice. When Wade hires a new “Lucy”, she begins to realize that the only person right for Wade is herself.
Related:Best Sandra Bullock Movies, Ranked
9Music and Lyrics
In the 2007 romcomMusic and Lyrics, Grant stars alongside Drew Barrymore in a film about writing a good lyrical song. Grant’s character Alex was a pop success in the 80s, but after being given only a few days to write a brand-new chart-topper, he fears his musical days may be over. Enter Sophie Fisher (Barrymore) who happens to be a poet and may be the missing link Alex needs. The two manage to get the song ready in time, only to take different interpretations of the feedback, causing a rift between the two. It’s in their disagreements that they ultimately fall in love with each other.
8Paddington 2
Paddington 2is the successful sequel to the 2014 film based on the beloved children’s book of Paddington the bear.The film is often praised as better than the first film, citing more cuteness. Grant’s character Phoenix Buchanan is a pleasant addition to the films despite the fact that he plays the thief and the egotistical actor who lives opposite the Brown family. In this film, Paddington works a series of odd jobs to save up for the perfect gift for Aunt Lucy’s 100th birthday. He finds the perfect gift, which is an antique pop-up book of London. Paddington buys the book, only for it to be stolen, causing him to end up in jail, having been accused of stealing the book.
7Bridget Jones’s Diary
Bridget Jones’s Diaryis loosely based on Jane Austen’sPride and Prejudiceand stars Grant, Colin Firth, and Renée Zellweger in a cutesy love-triangle film. Like most women, Bridget is struggling to find confidence in herself. As a New Year’s resolution, she decides to take control of her life and start a diary where she vows to tell the complete truth. It seems this new leaf is working when her boss, played by Grant, starts a flirtation that turns into a full-fledged fling. During this, she keeps running into a childhood acquaintance, played by Firth. His distaste for Grant’s character makes Bridget wonder what to do next.
6Cloud Atlas
Cloud Atlasis based on the 2004 novel of the same name by David Mitchell. In this sci-fi drama, the film centers around many characters and how actions of individual lives are shown in the past, present, and future. Six intertwining narratives have followed that range, from the savagery of a Pacific Island in the 1850s to a dystopian Korea in the future. Grant is one of many big stars who plays a new character in each timeline. He stars alongside Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, andPaddington 2co-star, Ben Whishaw, to name a few.
5About a Boy
About a Boyis another rom-com on Grant’s list, only this time, the main lead is a young boy as opposed to a woman. In this film, Grant plays Will Freeman, a cynical man who is more immature than the 12-year-old Marcus Brewer, played by Nicholas Hoult, whom he comes to meet. Will has decided his life could be better suited if he started dating single mothers, which is how he meets Marcus. Marcus wants Will to date his very depressed mother and begins to infiltrate his life, ultimately showing him how to be an adult and care for someone other than himself.
Related:These Are the Best Meet-Cute Moments in Rom-Com History
4Love Actually
Love Actuallyis often described as one of the worst andbest Christmas films. While we can see both sides, it is still one of Grant’s better performances. In the film, he plays the Prime Minister, one of the eight characters whose life changes drastically in the month leading up to Christmas. He ends up falling for Natalie, played by Martine McCutcheon, who is one of his staff. The two are unsure what to do about their feelings until their private love becomes very public at a children’s Christmas concert.
3Four Weddings and a Funeral
Four Weddings and a Funeralis a 1994 rom-com and one of the first of Grant’s career that sealed his fate within the genre. Grant plays Charles, one of many in a group of friends who seem to always find themselves in weddings but never as the bride or groom. It’s at one of these weddings that he meets Carrie, played by Andie MacDowell, and it’s love at first sight — at least for him. It’s not until three more weddings and a funeral that the two meet again causing Charles to question if the two are right for each other or if one of his many ex-girlfriends is better suited for him.
2Sense and Sensibility
Sense and Sensibilityis one of a few interpretations of Jane Austen’s novel of the same name. In the 1995 version starring Grant and Emma Thompson, Grant plays Edward Ferrars, a love interest to Thompson’s Elinor. Elinor is one of three daughters of the late Mr. Dashwood, who died leaving a majority of his wealth to his son. Elinor and her sisters are taken in by a sympathetic cousin, but their lack of money decreases their eligibility for marriage. Elinor takes up a fancy to Edward who comes from wealth, but his family does not approve of the pair’s match. In Jane Austen fashion, though, true love conquers all.
1Notting Hill
Julia Roberts can easily be described as a Hugh Grant of rom-coms for women. Though she tends to play strong characters who are not bumbling fools, the pair both share a long history of rom-coms. In perhaps one of the best for both, the pair star as star-crossed lovers inNotting Hill. Grant plays William Thacker, a bookstore owner who meets a beautiful and talented film star, Anna Scott (Roberts), when she walks into his shop. The two later meet again, and mutual interest sparks. As their romance blooms, many loudly wonder how the two of them can end up together.
