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15 Best Indonesian Romantic Comedy Movies of All Time

Written by Linda

Some people might consider the genre of romantic movies to be mundane, but numerous innovative filmmakers have incorporated comedic elements into these stories. This fusion has resulted in romantic comedies, a genre increasingly popular among a wide range of movie enthusiasts.

In Indonesia, romantic comedies are a beloved genre, regularly produced each year, though not as frequently as horror movies. Remarkably, some of these films have captivated hundreds of thousands of viewers right from their initial screenings.

Here, we present a collection of Indonesian romantic comedy movies guaranteed to attract you with their charming and captivating narratives. Do explore this list!

In the heart of Jakarta's bustling city life, we meet Dinda, a dedicated career woman in her thirties. Her life is a portrait of modern independence, but this sharply contrasts with the traditional expectations of her parents in Yogyakarta. They view Dinda's unwed status not just as a personal choice, but as a familial disappointment. This persistent pressure from her parents, who are deeply concerned about her single life, is a recurring theme in her visits home.

As her parents' wedding anniversary approaches, Dinda devises a plan to ease the familial tension. She decides to introduce a 'rented' boyfriend during the celebration. This act, she hopes, will deflect the incessant questions about her marital status. Enter Satrio, a flamboyant theater actor known for his eccentricities. Dinda believes that presenting Satrio as her partner will finally put an end to the relentless matrimonial questions.

However, instead of alleviating her parents' concerns, Satrio's introduction fuels them. Her parents, now more eager than ever, begin to push for a wedding between Dinda and her faux beau. This twist leads us into the crux of Dinda's story: a tale that navigates through societal norms, personal aspirations, and the comedic ironies of life.

Starring a Citra award-winning actor, this movie is not just a romantic comedy. It's a relatable narrative for anyone who has felt the societal pressures of reaching a certain age without tying the knot.

Rara (Jessica Mila), born with a unique skin tone and a fuller figure, often faces unfair treatment and body shaming from those around her, including her friends, coworkers, and even her own mother, a former model. In stark contrast is her sister Lulu, who is slim and beautiful, leading to constant comparisons.

Despite these challenges, Rara finds love and acceptance with her boyfriend, Dika (Reza Rahadian). They both share a love for simple living and volunteer work. Rara's life takes a turn when she's offered a promotion at her job, but there's a catch: she must lose weight and enhance her appearance.

As Rara transforms and becomes more attractive, her personality begins to change as well. The film explores what these changes mean for Rara and those around her.

Directed by Ernest Prakarsa, the movie is a film adaptation of the novel "Imperfect: A Journey to Self-Acceptance" by Meira Anastasia, who happens to be Ernest Prakasa's wife. It's a story about self-discovery, the pressures of societal standards, and the journey towards accepting oneself.

3. Love for Sale

Year 2018
Genre ,
Director
Cast Gading Marten Della Dartyan
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Love for Sale marks a significant milestone in Gading Marten's acting career, as it is his debut in a leading role. His performance in this film earned him critical acclaim, culminating in a Citra Cup nomination for Best Actor. Alongside him, co-star Della Dartyan shines, securing a Best Actress nomination for her role.

The story is about Richard, a man in his middle years who is happy being single. But his life takes a turn when a friend challenges him to bring a date to a wedding. To prove his point, Richard uses an online dating site and meets Arini. They go to the wedding together, but due to a mistake on the dating site, Richard ends up hiring Arini to be his partner for 45 days.

Arini agrees to stay with Richard for these days, following the website's rules. During this time, Richard starts to really care for her, feeling a connection he didn't expect. Just as he wants to make their relationship more serious, Arini vanishes without a trace.

Sweet 20, an enchanting Indonesian remake of the Korean hit "Miss Granny," tells the heartwarming story of 70-year-old Fatmawati. Facing the melancholy prospect of being sent to a nursing home by her son, Fatmawati grapples with feelings of sadness and a sense of helplessness. Her life, however, changes during an ordinary visit to a photo studio named "Forever Young."

In preparation for her own funeral, Fatmawati decides to have her photo taken at the studio. When the photographer inquires about her preference for the photo, she whimsically wishes to appear younger and more beautiful. To her astonishment, this wish turns into reality when a flash of light miraculously transforms her back to her 20-year-old self.

Embracing this unexpected youth, Fatmawati seizes the opportunity to fulfill her long-held dream of becoming a singer. Dressed in her old-school attire and flaunting a unique style, she not only pursues her passion but also captivates the hearts of several men along the way. Will Fatmawati remain in this rejuvenated state, or will she revert to her original age?

Sweet 20 has not only captivated audiences in Indonesia but has also seen adaptations in China, Vietnam, Japan, and Thailand, reflecting its universal appeal. The film has garnered critical acclaim, earning numerous nominations at the Indonesian Film Festival, including Best Director, Best Writing - Adapted Screenplay, and Best Leading Actress.

This film beautifully captures the evolution of a deep friendship into love, centering on the lives of Ditto and Ayu. Ayu, with her tomboyish charm, has unknowingly captured Ditto's heart. Yet, Ditto finds himself in a dilemma, unable to confess his feelings, as Ayu sees him only as a friend.

Their bond dates back to junior high school, with Ditto always being Ayu's confidant, patiently listening to her complicated love stories. Their closeness even extends to sharing a double date, but through it all, Ditto’s feelings for Ayu remain steadfast.

Ditto goes to great lengths to stay near Ayu, engaging in various efforts to strengthen their bond. However, his attempts seem to go unnoticed, as Ayu only regards him as a dear friend. Ditto's emotions are further tangled when Ayu announces her plans to marry her boyfriend. This news leaves Ditto at a crossroads: should he finally unveil his true feelings, or let Ayu proceed with her marriage?

This poignant narrative is an adaptation of a book by Ayudia Bing Slamet and her husband, chronicling their own journey from being best friends to life partners. The story mirrors their real-life romance, where Ayudia ultimately marries her best friend, known as Ditto Percussion, illustrating that sometimes love is found in the most familiar places.

Koala Kumal, inspired by Raditya Dika's novel of the same name and a spin-off from the popular film "Kambing Jantan," stands out for its remarkable ensemble of supporting actors and actresses, making it a cameo-rich experience in Raditya's filmography.

The film unfolds the life of Dika (Raditya Dika), an author grappling with heartache. His world turns upside down when his fiancée, Andrea (Acha Septriasa), is caught cheating, shattering their wedding plans already announced to friends and family. This betrayal leaves Dika so devastated that he finds himself unable to pen a single word.

Amidst this turmoil, Dika's mother (Cut Mini) embarks on a mission to heal her son's wounded heart by finding him a new partner. However, her well-intentioned efforts don't quite hit the mark. Then, Dika meets Trisna (Sheryl Sheinafia), a spirited and charming girl. Trisna brings a ray of hope to Dika's life, determined to help him overcome his writer's block and mend his broken heart. She even boldly offers to assist Dika in seeking revenge on Andrea for her betrayal.

Will Dika find the strength to avenge the hurt caused by Andrea?

In the heart of the city, Tristan (Reza Rahadian), a college dropout, embarks on an unconventional entrepreneurial journey with his friends, Amel and Rio. Together, they create "Toko Barang Mantan," a store with a unique concept: selling items left behind by former lovers.

This shop isn't just a business; it's a haven for those looking to release their past and embrace the future. Every item on the shelves tells a tale—some humorous, others peculiar, and a few tinged with sorrow. Tristan takes pride in this one-of-a-kind venture, even though business has been slow.

One day, Laras (Marsha Timothy), Tristan's own ex-girlfriend, walks into his shop. She's there to sell her engagement ring. For Tristan, Laras' unexpected visit isn't just a trip down memory lane; it's a golden chance to rekindle an old flame. However, winning back Laras' heart proves to be challenging. Unresolved stories and hidden truths from their past slowly unravel, revealing a complicated tapestry of emotions and memories.

8. My Sassy Girl (2022)

Year 2022
Genre , ,
Director
Cast Jefri Nichol Tiara Andini Raja Giannuca Petrus Mahendra
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In this Indonesian romantic comedy, Gian (Jefri Nichol) and Sisi (Tiara Andini) meet unexpectedly at a train station, starting with a funny incident where Sisi, who has had too much to drink, gets sick on Gian's clothes. What starts as an embarrassing situation soon turns into a love story. However, Sisi's parents don't think Gian is right for her, worrying about his future.

Gian is feeling upset and starts to avoid Sisi and stop talking to her. As time goes by, Sisi tries to move on and invites Gian to meet the man her parents want her to marry. Surprisingly, Gian gives this man advice on how to understand Sisi, showing he still cares a lot about her.

Gian leaves without saying goodbye, which makes Sisi realize how important he is to her. When Sisi knows how much Gian really understands and cares for her, she quickly goes after him, leaving her arranged date behind. This leaves us wondering if Gian and Sisi will end up together.

This movie is a new version of a popular Korean movie from 2001 with the same name. It's part of a series of remakes by Falcon Pictures, who have also recreated other Korean movies like "Miracle in Cell No. 7" and "Hello Ghost," adding a special Indonesian flavor to these well-known stories.

Ariel (Enzy Storia) is a young entrepreneur struggling to keep her family's sock shop afloat amidst a sea of debts. This burden left to her by her family weighs heavily on her shoulders.

In comes Anggun (Karina Nadila), Ariel's best friend. Anggun is deeply concerned about Ariel's predicament, so she creates a plan to help. She enrolls Ariel in a zodiac-themed vlog competition that promises a hefty cash prize.

The catch of the competition is intriguing: Ariel must convince others that star signs have no influence on love and romance. This aligns perfectly with Ariel's own skepticism about the idea of soulmates determined by zodiac signs. To prove her point, Ariel sets out to interact with 12 men, each representing a different zodiac sign.

Will she successfully debunk the myth of zodiac-based soulmates? Or will her journey lead her to unexpected romantic feelings for one of the 12 men? Directed by Dinna Jasanti, this movie offers a delightful and light-hearted viewing experience, ideal for a relaxing weekend.

Milly & Mamet: Ini Bukan Cinta & Rangga is a spin-off in the beloved Ada Apa dengan Cinta (What Is With Love?) universe, focusing on the domestic life of Milly and Mamet post-marriage and children.

Milly is formerly a bank employee who has resigned to dedicate herself to raising their child. Meanwhile, Mamet supports their family by working at Milly's father's company, a job that strains his relationship with his in-laws and stirs up troubles.

The plot thickens when Mamet's college friend, Alexandra (Julie Estelle), offers him an exciting opportunity to co-found a culinary business. Eager for a new venture, Mamet jumps at the chance. This decision, however, brings unforeseen challenges, especially for Milly, who struggles to adapt to her role as a housewife. Watching Mamet immerse himself in his new endeavor only adds to her frustration, pushing their marriage to a crossroads.

As they navigate these personal and professional trials, the question looms: Can Milly and Mamet withstand these tests and maintain the strength of their relationship?

Operation Wedding is a heartwarming story about Kardi (Bucek Depp), a dad who has to step up big time after his wife passes away. He's a retired Navy guy, so you can bet he's strict with his four girls. But despite being the youngest, Windi (Yuki Kato) is often one step ahead of her older sisters Vera (Dahlia Poland), Lira (Kimberly Ryder), and Tara (Sylvia Fully).

Things get interesting when Windi meets Rendi (Adipati Dolken). He likes her a lot and wants to take her out. But her dad and sisters? They're not making it easy for him, always getting in the way.

Rendi isn't the type to give up. He throws a curveball and says if he can't date Windi, he'll marry her instead. Now, here's the catch: her dad says okay, but only if her older sisters get married first. And there's another twist – any guy who wants to marry one of his daughters has to pass some tough tests set by Kardi.

The film "Operation Wedding" was such a hit that director Sony Gaokasak transformed it into a 17-episode series. Fans of the movie will surely enjoy the series, which promises the same blend of humor and heartwarming family dynamics.

12. 200 Pounds Beauty (Remake Indonesia)

Year 2023
Genre ,
Director
Cast Syifa Hadju Baskara Mahendra Alyssa Daguise Edward Akbar Zsa Zsa Utari
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The story unfolds around a young, gifted, yet undervalued singer named Juwita (Syifa Hadju). Her life takes a page from the Japanese comic "Daiseikou Desu" and the South Korean movie "200 Pounds Beauty." Despite her remarkable singing talent, Juwita’s career is overshadowed by her weight, relegating her to a background vocalist for a more visually appealing singer, Eva. Her dedication to this thankless job is fueled by her feelings for Andre, the man she secretly admires.

Juwita's world turns upside down when she experiences a humiliating incident on stage, witnessed by a large audience. This painful moment drives her into seclusion, overwhelmed by shame. Determined to redefine herself, Juwita makes a drastic decision to undergo comprehensive plastic surgery, completely altering her appearance.

Emerging from this transformation as Angelica, Juwita steps into the limelight, successfully launching her career as a singer. However, her journey to stardom is riddled with emotional upheaval and a crisis of identity. Angelica's story becomes a poignant exploration of self-discovery, as she grapples with the realization that true beauty lies within. Her journey teaches her to cherish and boldly embrace her true self, above all else.

Eiffel... I'm in Love tells the story of Tita, a teenager under the watchful eye of her overprotective mother. She lives a restricted life, where even a simple trip to the mall with friends requires her mother's presence.

One day, Tita's mother's friend visits from France, bringing along her son Adit, who is Tita's age. To Tita's surprise, she finds out that her parents have arranged for her to marry Adit. This news throws her into confusion, especially since she is already in a relationship with her boyfriend, Ergi.

However, things change when Ergi is caught cheating on her. During this tough time, Adit steps in to comfort Tita, taking her out to the movies. It's here that Tita begins to see Adit as a caring and kind man. Just when she starts to have feelings for Adit, Adit has to return to France. So, how will the love story between Tita and Adit continue?

Eiffel...I'm in Love has been a critical success, winning numerous accolades, including the title of Most Favorite Movie at the MTV Indonesia Movie Award in 2004. Its lead actor, Samuel Rizal, also bagged the Best Actor award at the same ceremony.

In the bustling city of Jakarta, Alfi (Raditya Dika) is a young, single man struggling to land a job. One day, he's got the news that his younger brother, Alfa (Frederik Alexander), is set to get married.

This news sends Alfi into a whirlwind of self-reflection. Having never been in a relationship himself, he doesn't want to be seemed lonely and out of place at his brother's wedding. In comes the comic relief – his two friends from the boarding house, Wawan (Pandji Pragiwaksono) and Victor (Babe Cabita), who take it upon themselves to help Alfi find a girlfriend.

Amidst this quest, a beautiful and charming woman named Angel (Annisa Rawles) moves into Alfi's boarding house. Without hesitation, Alfi starts to pursue her, only to find that he's not the only one vying for her attention. A handsome rival, Joe (Chandra Liauw), also has his sights set on Angel. Will Alfi triumph in love and win Angel's heart?

"Single" is another gem in Raditya Dika's filmography, following his successful projects like "Marmut Merah Jambu" and "Malam Minggu Miko". Adding to the film's allure is the appearance of renowned actors and actresses in cameo roles, including Pevita Pearce, Dede Yusuf, and even the popular band D'Masiv, making it a must-watch for those who love a blend of romance and comedy with a uniquely Indonesian flavor.

In this movie, we follow Alam (Chicco Jerikho) and Mia (Lala Karmela), a young couple excited for their first baby. They know each other from social media, fall in love, and get married. But, Mia's parents didn't like Alam at first.

Even when Mia is about to have their baby, her parents still don't warm up to Alam. Determined to prove himself as a good husband, Alam ensures Mia that she could deliver their baby in the finest hospital.

But a financial hurdle emerges. He can only afford half the cost of the delivery as the hospital's maternity promo package has expired. This drives Alam to desperate measures, including selling his laptop and car. Can Alam establish himself as a devoted husband and son-in-law?

Set predominantly in a hospital, this movie has gained critical acclaim, receiving nominations for Best Female Actor and Best Couple at the 2017 Indonesian Movie Actors Awards. Its unique and engaging storyline promises to be a delightful watch during your leisure time.

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