Admit It: Chris Evans Was Born for Rom-Coms, Not Action

Chris Evans will always be Captain America, sure. The guy made a movie theater levitate when Cap picked up Thor's hammer in Avengers: Endgame. But if we are being honest, his secret superpower might be rom-coms. He has that affable, slightly dorky charm, big golden-retriever vibes, and a smile that does half the acting for him. The box office and critics have not always loved his romances, but if you want butterflies and easy comfort, this lane fits him. Frankly, I would not mind if his next mission is rescuing modern rom-coms.

Five Chris Evans rom-coms worth your time

• Before We Go (2014)
  Evans stepped behind the camera for his directorial debut and starred opposite Alice Eve in a one-night, walk-and-talk New York story about two strangers connecting when they both need it. It is less about happily-ever-after and more about the moment, which gives it a wistful kick. Critics were not into it (Rotten Tomatoes: 28%), but IMDb voters were kinder (6.8/10).
  Director: Chris Evans. Production: Wonderland Sound and Vision. Box office: $483,938 (via The Numbers).
  Where to watch: Roku.
• Ghosted (2023)
  Imagine Knight and Day, but swapped. Ana de Armas plays a lethal spy who goes on one date with Evans' sweet, normal guy and then drags him through globe-trotting chaos. The choices are... questionable, the energy is breezy, and if you like your flirting with explosions, it scratches that itch. Critics roasted it (Rotten Tomatoes: 24%, IMDb: 5.8/10), but it still set a platform record: per Deadline, it was Apple TV+'s most-watched film debut with 328,500 viewers.
  Director: Dexter Fletcher. Production: Skydance.
  Where to watch: Apple TV+.
• The Nanny Diaries (2007)
  Based on the novel by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus, this one pairs Evans with future Avenger teammate Scarlett Johansson. She is a recent grad figuring out life as a nanny; he is the so-called 'Harvard Hottie' across the way. It is more about her growing pains than the romance, which keeps it grounded. Rotten Tomatoes: 34%. IMDb: 6.2/10. Box office: $45,991,195 (via The Numbers).
  Directors: Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. Production: FilmColony.
  Where to watch: Roku.
• What's Your Number? (2011)
  Anna Faris and Evans are not the first duo you think of, but they click in this very-2011 premise where a woman revisits old exes to see if Mr. Right was actually Mr. Already Met. It is featherlight, cozy Saturday-night stuff with a payoff that lands. Critics: nope (Rotten Tomatoes: 23%), audiences: fine (IMDb: 6.1/10). Box office: $30,163,785 (via The Numbers).
  Director: Mark Mylod. Production: Regency Enterprises.
  Where to watch: HBO Max.
• Not Another Teen Movie (2001)
  Early-career Evans goes full parody leading a spoof that mashes up She's All That, 10 Things I Hate About You, Pretty in Pink, and winks at American Pie, Cruel Intentions, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Sixteen Candles, and more. The famous whipped-cream gag? Yep, that's here, and Evans sells the absurdity with shameless commitment. Rotten Tomatoes: 32%. IMDb: 5.8/10. Box office: $62,401,343 (via The Numbers).
  Director: Joel Gallen. Production: Columbia Pictures.
  Where to watch: Rent/buy on Prime Video.

If you want to keep going, there are side quests: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (a brief but memorable bit), Playing It Cool, London, and the recently released Materialists with Pedro Pascal and Dakota Johnson.

Big picture: Evans' romance track record is not a critics' darling, but these movies are built to be watched with a blanket and a snack, not a red pen. Put a couple on, decide for yourself, and enjoy the dopamine.

Also, the man loves a rom-com

Asked to rattle off his favorites while promoting Ghosted, he pulled exactly the titles you think he would:

I like 'Notting Hill'. I like 'Love Actually'. 'When Harry Met Sally' is a classic. I like 'Grosse Point Blank'. That's a rom-com, kinda. Again, it's almost like an elevated rom-com. The writing and acting is so good. 'Sleepless in Seattle' is great.

Seasonal timing could not be better. Grab hot chocolate, pick your Chris Evans era, and report back with your favorite.