Second lead syndrome

What’s a romcom without an unhinged friend, a non-judgy flatmate, or a back-slapping bromance? These 10 romcom leads had the best hype-buddies. Happy Palentine’s Day

- Taranna Khetpal

William's (Hugh Grant's) weirdo flatmate (Rhys Ifans) wanders around the place in his underwear, leans in to the paparazzi when they camp at his doorstep, and made Will wear prescription scuba goggles to the cinema because he was sitting on Will's specs.

This is how most friendships are: Messy but not malicious.

Casually unhinged Joanna (Vanessa Kirby) isn't just a friend, she’s a gatekeeper. Joanna screens Mary's (Rachel McAdams's) suitors before they waste her time. She's why Mary never walks into a blind date alone. Joanna is already there, reading the room, spotting red flags, and stepping in as the designated rejector. Don't we all need her?

The Greek chorus of bad advice. The trio convinces Bridg (Renee Zellweger) that she's better off with the sexy rake, not the stable crush. They show up for her, even when her home-cooked dinner is a blue disaster. Shazzer brings a charcuterie board of profanity to every meeting. Jude either offers affirmation, or has a meltdown over a guy. Tom drinks every problem away. They like her: “Just as you are”.