Ryan Coogler Reveals the Romantic Comedy He Calls Flawless
Ryan Coogler calls the 1997 film Love Jones a 'perfect movie,' praising its emotional resonance and unique portrayal of Black love. His admiration for this rom-com highlights his broad cinematic taste and support for underrepresented voices.
Ryan Coogler’s filmmaking journey stands out for its remarkable range. He’s proven his talent across genres, from hard-hitting dramas to superhero blockbusters, and even horror. But his appreciation for cinema doesn’t stop there. Despite his recent work on a vampire action thriller, Coogler has a genuine fondness for romantic comedies—a genre he believes deserves more respect.
Coogler’s big break came when Robert Redford recognized his work on the indie drama Fruitvale Station. Since then, he’s shown he can masterfully handle a variety of stories: the powerful biopic Fruitvale Station, the sports drama Creed, the cultural phenomenon Black Panther, and the period horror Sinners . His willingness to explore new territory sets him apart from many directors who stick to one style.
Love Jones: A Standout in Romantic Comedy
During a visit to the Criterion Closet, Coogler singled out the 1997 romantic comedy Love Jones as an “exceptional” film, calling it a
“perfect movie. ”
What makes Love Jones unique is its authentic celebration of Black love and culture, featuring an all-Black cast and a depth rarely seen in mainstream rom-coms of its era. The chemistry between Nia Long and Larenz Tate is electric, with Long—herself a talented poet—contributing her own poetry to the film. This emotional richness set it apart from the formulaic romantic comedies that followed in the next decade.
Though Coogler isn’t typically associated with the rom-com genre, he’s woven compelling love stories into his own films. Creed benefited from the dynamic between Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson, echoing the classic pairing of Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire in Rocky. Even in the Marvel universe, where romantic subplots often fall flat, the connection between Chadwick Boseman and Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther stood out as one of the franchise ’s most genuine relationships.
Championing Underrepresented Filmmakers
Coogler has consistently advocated for Black filmmakers who haven’t always received the recognition they deserve. Love Jones is now considered a classic, but it was the only film directed by Theodore Witcher. Despite writing the crime thriller Body Count the following year, Witcher never got another shot at directing. The film’s lackluster box office performance may have played a role, but Coogler points out that many white directors have been given second chances after commercial failures.
As Coogler’s career continues to evolve, fans wonder if he’ll ever direct a romantic comedy himself. With plans to return for the final chapter of the Black Panther trilogy—rumored to feature Denzel Washington—and a secretive reboot of The X-Files in the works, his schedule is packed. Still, his admiration for Love Jones suggests that a rom-com from Coogler could be something special to look forward to.