John Tucker Must Die (2006)

In the hilarious 2006 comedy *John Tucker Must Die*, high school heartthrob John Tucker (Jesse Metcalfe) seemingly has it all – until three of his distinct girlfriends, fed up with his philandering, discover they're all being played. After discovering they are all dating the same guy, three popular students from different cliques – basketball captain Carrie (Arielle Kebbel), head cheerleader Heather (Ashanti), and straight-A student Beth (Sophia Bush) – unexpectedly unite their forces for a common cause: revenge. They enlist the help of the new girl in town, Kate Spencer (Brittany Snow), to execute their elaborate plan and conspire to break the jerk's heart, while destroying his reputation with a series of increasingly outrageous and comedic ploys designed to humiliate him publicly. While *John Tucker Must Die* is undeniably a sharp, comedic take on female empowerment and high school revenge, it earns its place on a "Best Romance Movies" list through its surprising and genuinely sweet central love story. As Kate becomes increasingly enmeshed in the plot against John, she finds herself unexpectedly drawn to his sensitive, artistic younger brother, Scott (Penn Badgley). Their burgeoning connection, built on shared understanding and mutual respect rather than manipulation, provides a refreshing contrast to the film's initial premise of deceit. The movie ultimately champions authenticity and self-worth, showcasing a protagonist who learns to navigate the complexities of desire and loyalty, leading her to discover a true and heartfelt romance that blossoms amidst the chaos of calculated vengeance. It's a delightful blend of humor, heart, and a clear message that real love can be found in the most unexpected places, even when you're busy destroying someone else's.