The best rom-coms to heal a broken heart are Bridget Jones’s Diary, Legally Blonde and The Holiday, according to a poll.
Research among 2,000 adults revealed The Wedding Singer and Bridesmaids can also provide comfort after a split.
Other classics to make the top 10 included the star-studded Crazy Stupid Love and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.
It also emerged 28 per cent have been involved in a rom-com-like romance, and one in 10 (11 per cent) even believe such films has changed their expectations on relationships.
The research was commissioned by Costa Coffee, which has teamed up with Odeon to show the top three rom-coms this autumn with a free drink from the brand.
Julia Foye, spokesperson for the coffee chain, said: “Clearly, watching rom-coms where the main characters move on can help people heal.
“Our research has shown that these films can have a real positive impact and not only be relatable but put a smile on faces too.
“While some are more realistic than others in the plot, it was interesting to find how effective they were in getting viewers to shed a tear or two, then move on.”
More than six in 10 (63 per cent) respondents had experienced heartbreak before, with 32 per cent of those feeling empowered by rom-coms having watched them following a break-up.
And 62 per cent believed romantic comedies could have a positive emotional impact on the healing process.
Providing escapism, getting you laughing again and being relatable were the top reasons such films were seen as having such a positive influence.
Despite 53 per cent believing relationship portrayals in these movies are unrealistic, 28 per cent have still compared their own with them.
Such is the enjoyment of their favourites of the genre, 46 per cent know the plot inside out and 26 per cent have rewatched it more than they’d like to admit.
And 22 per cent still frequently cry real tears when watching them according to the OnePoll data.
The humour, the resolution with a happy ending and watching the personal growth of a character were seen as the best elements of rom-coms.
Sandra Ferreira, from Costa, which is expanding its range of Maple Hazel drinks, added: “This Autumn, we are on a mission to encourage the nation to move on from old routines and habits and try something new.”
TOP 10 ROM-COMS TO HELP OVERCOME A HEARTBREAK:
- Bridget Jones’s Diary
- Legally Blonde
- The Holiday
- Bridesmaids
- My Best Friend’s Wedding
- Crazy, Stupid, Love
- The Wedding Singer
- How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
- Eat, Pray, Love
- The First Wives Club
Produced in association with SWNS Talker
(Additional reporting provided by Talker)
