Thereโs 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 โsassy sidekick,โ which isnโt the case. Plus size women deserve a character that is a complex and relatable protagonist navigating love, life, and everything in between.ย
So, if youโre 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.ย
Some of Our Favorite Rom-Com Movies with a Plus Size Leading Lady
Dumplinโ (2018)
Danielle Macdonald stars as Willowdean Dickson in Netflixโs โDumplinโ.โ She is the plus size daughter of a former beauty queen, played by Jennifer Aniston, who is frustrated with the pageant worldโs 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 filmโs heartfelt portrayal of Willowdeanโs journey resonated with audiences, offering a refreshing take on body positivity in a genre often dominated by conventional beauty standards.
Baby Cakes (1989)ย
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 Cityโs 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. โBaby Cakesโ 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.
Isnโt It Romantic (2019)
Rebel Wilson takes center stage in โIsnโt It Romanticโ 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. Wilsonโs comedic timing and relatable portrayal of Natalieโs journey make โIsnโt It Romanticโ a delightful twist on the classic romantic comedy formula, challenging stereotypes and celebrating self-love.
Life Of The Party (2018)ย
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.
McCarthyโs comedic talent shines in this heartwarming and hilarious romp, offering a refreshing take on the classic college comedy genre. โLife of the Partyโ celebrates plus size womenโs resilience and inner strength, proving that itโs never too late to pursue your dreams and live life to the fullest.
Last Holiday (2006)ย
Queen Latifah is the ultimate plus size leading lady. Therefore, it is a no-brainer that the โLast Holidayโ made our list. In โLast Holiday,โ 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. โLast Holidayโ delivers a heartfelt message about seizing the day and cherishing lifeโs precious moments.
These are only 5 of the movies that have made an impact or have been memorable to us, but we want to knowโฆ Which Rom-coms with a plus size leading lady are your favorite?
The authorโs 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. Itโs 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. Hereโs to more inclusive storytelling that resonates deeply and empowers audiences worldwide!