The Rise of Rom-Com Queens: Top 10 Highest-Grossing Stars Revealed

Romantic comedies may not dominate movie theaters the way they once did, but for decades, they were one of Hollywood’s most reliable genres. These films were often inexpensive to produce, yet their combination of humor, romance, and charismatic stars could generate enormous box-office returns. As a result, several actresses became closely associated with the genre, turning romantic comedies into a major part of their careers.

From the 1990s through the 2010s, these actresses delivered some of the most memorable romantic performances on screen. Many became household names by playing relatable, funny, and charming women navigating complicated relationships. Based on domestic box-office earnings from their romantic comedies, here are some of the biggest rom-com queens in Hollywood history.

Jennifer Garner

Rom-Com Box Office: $271 Million

Jennifer Garner first became widely known for her role as a skilled spy on Alias, but her transition to romantic comedies helped establish her as a major movie star. Her breakthrough came with 13 Going on 30, where her warmth, humor, and natural charm made her instantly appealing to audiences.

She later appeared in Catch & Release, Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, and the ensemble hit Valentine’s Day. Garner has continued returning to romantic and family-oriented projects, proving that her approachable screen presence remains one of her biggest strengths.

Jennifer Lopez

Rom-Com Box Office: $319 Million

Jennifer Lopez became one of the defining romantic-comedy stars of the early 2000s. Her combination of movie-star glamour, musical talent, and relatable performances made films such as The Wedding Planner and Maid in Manhattan major successes.

Maid in Manhattan remains her biggest romantic-comedy hit, while Monster-in-Law and The Wedding Planner also performed strongly. Lopez later returned to the genre with films such as Marry Me and Shotgun Wedding, demonstrating her lasting appeal as both an actress and entertainer.

Cameron Diaz

Rom-Com Box Office: $385 Million

Cameron Diaz brought a distinctive combination of humor, energy, and girl-next-door charm to romantic comedies. After establishing herself with The Mask and other early roles, she became a major star with There’s Something About Mary and My Best Friend’s Wedding.

Her successful rom-com career continued with The Sweetest Thing, The Holiday, What Happens in Vegas, and Sex Tape. Diaz’s expressive personality and comedic timing made her one of the genre’s most recognizable leading ladies.

Diane Keaton

Rom-Com Box Office: $386 Million

Diane Keaton stands out because her career in romantic comedies has extended across several generations. From Annie Hall to Something’s Gotta Give and Father of the Bride, Keaton demonstrated that romantic stories do not have to focus exclusively on young characters.

Her films frequently explore love later in life, giving audiences a refreshing alternative to the traditional Hollywood romance.

Sandra Bullock

Rom-Com Box Office: $436 Million

Sandra Bullock is another actress whose natural humor and relatable personality made her a perfect fit for romantic comedies. While she also became famous through action films, movies such as While You Were Sleeping, Miss Congeniality, Two Weeks Notice, and The Proposal showcased her comedic strengths.

Her later success with The Lost City proved that audiences still enjoyed watching Bullock combine romance, comedy, and adventure.

Katherine Heigl

Rom-Com Box Office: $444 Million

Katherine Heigl became one of Hollywood’s biggest rom-com stars following the success of Knocked Up. She quickly followed it with popular films including 27 Dresses, The Ugly Truth, and New Year’s Eve.

Although her film career eventually slowed, her run during the late 2000s established her as one of the genre’s most recognizable stars.

Meg Ryan

Rom-Com Box Office: $505 Million

Meg Ryan is arguably one of the defining faces of the 1990s romantic comedy. Her collaborations with Tom Hanks in Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail became genre classics, while When Harry Met Sally helped establish her as a romantic-comedy icon.

Her charming, relatable performances made her one of the most successful actresses of her generation.

Drew Barrymore

Rom-Com Box Office: $507 Million

Drew Barrymore successfully transformed her early career into a series of beloved romantic comedies. The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed, 50 First Dates, and Music & Lyrics all benefited from her distinctive charm.

Her chemistry with Adam Sandler was particularly successful, making their collaborations some of the genre’s most memorable pairings.

Jennifer Aniston

Rom-Com Box Office: $574 Million

After becoming a global star as Rachel Green on Friends, Jennifer Aniston successfully moved into romantic comedies. Films such as The Break-Up, Just Go With It, and He’s Just Not That Into You demonstrated her ability to bring the same warmth and humor that audiences loved on television.

Julia Roberts

Rom-Com Box Office: $818 Million

At the top of the list is Julia Roberts, whose career is practically synonymous with romantic comedies. Pretty Woman transformed her into an international superstar, while My Best Friend’s Wedding, Notting Hill, and Runaway Bride further cemented her status.

With nearly $818 million in domestic romantic-comedy earnings, Roberts remains the ultimate rom-com queen, proving just how powerful her combination of charisma, humor, and romantic appeal has been throughout Hollywood history.

Amal Clooney Wore Optical Illusion Jeans Cosigned by Jennifer Lopez—Fall-Ready Styles Start at $44

My list of must-try jean trends for 2026 is growing; it currently includes all the silhouettes one denim expert revealed to me as the must-watch of the year (save for baggy jeans, because I’ve been wearing those for years). That said, one style that didn’t land on said aforementioned list, but is clearly due for big, big things this year, is flare jeans. With a growing list of celebrity fans that includes Meghan Markle, Jennifer Lopez, Reese Witherspoon, Cindy Crawford, Kendrick Lamar (you know that moment), and, of course, Amal Clooney, there’s no denying the retro denim style that was popular in the early aughts is back—and bigger than ever.

The fact that Clooney wore flared jeans is noteworthy in and of itself. The human rights lawyer is known for her refined dressing approach, regularly opting for billowy trousers, trendy boho blouses, and comfy sweater dresses—all staples that read elegant and timeless. So, when I spotted her earlier this year in the laid-back blues while out to dinner with hubby George Clooney, I knew I had to write about it. Of course, the fact that she wore flare jeans, the style countless celebs have worn the last few weeks, is noteworthy, too, as it further cements the style’s ‘It’ status for 2026.