Workplace Romcoms, From Sweet To Steamy
Romance in the workplace is sometimes tricky to navigate, but many of us do meet our future partners at work. We can a lot of our time at work, and it offers plenty of opportunities for juicy conflict, forced proximity and high stakes.
Here are my five favourite workplace romcom movies, ranked from sweet to steamy.
Two Weeks Notice
Because I can’t write a romcom list without including Hugh Grant, and because Sandra Bullock is the romcom queen. Sandra plays the earnest lawyer vs Hugh’s charming but slightly hopeless businessman.
Steam rating: Less Rom than Com and at the sweeter end of the spectrum. Could watch with your teenager or your parents.
Watch it on: Stan
Set it Up
This recent movie features a gorgeous pair of personal assistants who set their respective megalomaniacal bosses up so that they can get a break from their incessant demands.
Steam rating: As sweet as the two leads. Not steamy but has occasional sexual references.
Watch it on: Netflix
Working Girl
I love this movie from the moment Carly Simon belts out the opening song to the fantastic final scene. Harrison Ford and Melanie Griffith are at the top of their game. I re-watched this recently with some girlfriends and everything about it has stood the test of time. If you haven’t seen it or haven’t seen it recently, get thee to a streaming service.
Steam rating: Mild. I intend to make my teenagers watch it to show them what office life was like in ye olden days.
Watch it on: Disney +
The Proposal
This is the second Sandra Bullock on the list but this also has Betty White, Ryan Reynolds, and Alaska! It’s got enemies to lovers, a fake relationship and a kick-arse heroine who is unapologetically ambitious.
Steam rating: Medium. Could watch with your mother.
Watch it on: Disney +
How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days
A modern classic. Kate Hudson has to get Matthew McConaughey to dump her so she can write about it; he has to make her fall in love with him so he can get the advertising account. Perfect conflict lock, lots of hijinks but also a great connection between the characters.
Steam rating: There’s some nudity and shower sex. Great girls’ night viewing.
Watch it on: Binge
The Hating Game
The book is one of my favourite re-reads, and the movie is great too. Workplace enemies Lucy and Josh are both competing for a promotion, but Josh has a big secret he’s keeping from Lucy…
Steam rating: Pass me a fan. Best to watch with a friend or a date.
Watch it on: Amazon Prime
My new release, Fiji Escape with Her Boss, falls somewhere in the middle of this list. It’s about a woman keeping a secret from her too-sexy-for-work boss. It’s not as steamy as The Hating Game, so my mother will read it but my teenagers will not.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Justine Lewis
Justine writes uplifting, heart-warming contemporary romances. She lives in Australia with her hero husband, two teenagers and outgoing puppy. When she isn’t writing she loves to walk her dog in the bush near her house, attempt to keep her garden alive, and search for the perfect frock. She loves hearing from readers and you can visit her at justinelewis.com.
Love workplace romance stories? Don’t miss Fiji Escape with Her Boss
From Fijian fling…to forever?
Single mum Lucy is nervous to be accompanying new boss Marcus on a work trip to Fiji. Having sacrificed so much for her son, she’s determined to seize this career-defining moment – if she can keep her growing attraction to Marcus under control! Marcus has protected himself since a tragic accident tore his family apart. His desire for Lucy is undeniable, but can he offer her little family everything they truly deserve?