There’s nothing like a good Rom-com during a rainy day, especially with a plus size leading lady. Over the years, we have witnessed a shift on screen. Our beloved romantic comedies have started to spotlight plus size leading ladies.
This change is long overdue, as mainstream cinema has often relegated plus size characters to stereotypical roles, serving primarily as comic relief or “sassy sidekick,” which isn’t the case. Plus size women deserve a character that is a complex and relatable protagonist navigating love, life, and everything in between.
So, if you’re in the mood to watch a rom-com where the character looks like you, grab your favorite snacks, blanket and take a seat. Here are five rom-coms where plus size women are the main characters.
Some of Our Favorite Rom-Com Movies with a Plus Size Leading Lady
Dumplin’ (2018)
Danielle Macdonald stars as Willowdean Dickson in Netflix’s “Dumplin’.” She is the plus size daughter of a former beauty queen, played by Jennifer Aniston, who is frustrated with the pageant world’s narrow beauty standards. Willowdean decides to enter a beauty pageant as a form of protest.
Our main character learns invaluable lessons about self-acceptance, friendship, and the true meaning of beauty. The film’s heartfelt portrayal of Willowdean’s journey resonated with audiences, offering a refreshing take on body positivity in a genre often dominated by conventional beauty standards.
Baby Cakes (1989)
Ricki Lake plays Grace, a plus size aspiring dancer who dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry. Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City’s underground dance scene, Grace faces numerous challenges and setbacks as she strives to achieve her goals.
With determination, talent, and the support of her friends, Grace learns to embrace her curves and pursue her passion with confidence and flair. “Baby Cakes” offers a compelling portrayal of resilience, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams, with Ricki Lake delivering a memorable performance as our plus size leading lady.
Isn’t It Romantic (2019)
Rebel Wilson takes center stage in “Isn’t It Romantic” as Natalie, a cynical architect trapped in a romantic comedy after a head injury. As Natalie navigates this surreal rom-com universe, she confronts her insecurities and learns to embrace herself for who she truly is. Wilson’s comedic timing and relatable portrayal of Natalie’s journey make “Isn’t It Romantic” a delightful twist on the classic romantic comedy formula, challenging stereotypes and celebrating self-love.
Life Of The Party (2018)
Our next plus size leading lady is Melissa McCarthy. She stars as Deanna, a middle-aged woman who decides to enroll in college after her husband abruptly divorces her. As Deanna navigates the ups and downs of campus life alongside her daughter and newfound friends, she embraces her unique journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
McCarthy’s comedic talent shines in this heartwarming and hilarious romp, offering a refreshing take on the classic college comedy genre. “Life of the Party” celebrates plus size women’s resilience and inner strength, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and live life to the fullest.
Last Holiday (2006)
Queen Latifah is the ultimate plus size leading lady. Therefore, it is a no-brainer that the “Last Holiday” made our list. In “Last Holiday,” Queen Latifah portrays Georgia Byrd, a shy and reserved woman who works in a department store and dreams of a more adventurous life. When Georgia receives a terminal diagnosis, she decides to cash in her savings and embark on a luxurious holiday at a posh European resort.
As she indulges in extravagant experiences and crosses items off her bucket list, Georgia discovers her true worth and embraces the joy of living fully in the present moment. “Last Holiday” delivers a heartfelt message about seizing the day and cherishing life’s precious moments.
These are only 5 of the movies that have made an impact or have been memorable to us, but we want to know… Which Rom-coms with a plus size leading lady are your favorite?
Author
The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
This article beautifully celebrates the overdue shift towards spotlighting plus size leading ladies in romantic comedies. It’s heartening to see these films portray complex, relatable characters who navigate life, love, and self-acceptance with authenticity and humor. Each movie mentioned not only entertains but also inspires viewers to embrace diversity in beauty standards and celebrate every body type. Here’s to more inclusive storytelling that resonates deeply and empowers audiences worldwide!