Ryan Coogler Reveals His Favourite Underrated Rom-Com Gem

Ryan Coogler’s career has been marked by a remarkable ability to traverse genres, achieving acclaim in each. From the moment Robert Redford recognised his talent in the independent drama Fruitvale Station, it was evident that Coogler was set for a distinguished path. Where many directors might remain within familiar territory, he has delivered a compelling biographical drama, a gripping sports story with Creed, a widely celebrated superhero adventure in Black Panther, and a period horror with Sinners. This breadth of work makes it hardly surprising that he holds a soft spot for romantic comedies, a genre often dismissed by those with more rigid tastes.

During a visit to the Criterion Closet, Coogler singled out the 1997 romantic comedy Love Jones for special praise, calling it

“exceptional”

and describing it as a

“perfect movie”

. The film stands out as one of the few mainstream romantic comedies to centre on African-American life, featuring an all-Black cast and offering a richer, more nuanced emotional experience than many of its contemporaries. The chemistry between Nia Long and Larenz Tate is particularly striking, with Long, herself a poet, contributing her own verse to the script.

Genre Versatility and Romantic Storytelling

Although Coogler is not typically associated with romantic comedies, he has woven meaningful romantic threads into much of his work. Creed benefits from the dynamic between Michael B Jordan and Tessa Thompson, echoing the rapport of Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire in the original Rocky. In a landscape where many superhero films are criticised for lacklustre romantic subplots, the genuine connection between Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther stands out as a rare highlight within the franchise.

Coogler’s appreciation for Love Jones also reflects his commitment to championing underrepresented voices in cinema. He has consistently spoken up for Black filmmakers who have not always received the recognition they deserve. Love Jones, now considered a classic, was the only film directed by Theodore Witcher. Despite writing the crime thriller Body Count the following year, Witcher never returned to directing, a fate that might have been different had the film’s box office performance matched its critical acclaim. Coogler has noted that many white directors have been granted further opportunities after commercial disappointments, a courtesy not always extended to their Black counterparts.

Looking Ahead: Coogler’s Future Projects

Whether Coogler will ever direct a romantic comedy himself remains to be seen, especially as his upcoming projects are already in motion. He is set to return for the final chapter of the Black Panther trilogy, with rumours swirling about a central role for Denzel Washington. Additionally, he is developing a highly secretive reboot of The X-Files. With such a busy schedule, it is uncertain when or if he will turn his hand to the romantic comedy genre, but given his track record, it would certainly be something to watch for.