But their stories are destined to intersect in more complicated ways. Jacob, the cynic, finds himself unexpectedly falling for Hannah (Emma Stone), a smart, ambitious law school graduate who refuses to be a notch on his bedpost. Meanwhile, Cal’s 13-year-old son, Robbie (Jonah Bobo), is hopelessly in love with his 17-year-old babysitter, Jessica (Analeigh Tipton), who is, in turn, hopelessly in love with the much-older Cal. And at the center of it all, Emily grapples with the consequences of her choice, realizing that the life she threw away might be the only one she ever wanted.

In the summer of 2011, audiences were treated to a romantic comedy that seemed, on paper, to be a collection of well-worn tropes: the suburban divorce, the slick bachelor, the grand romantic gesture, and a cast of beautiful people falling in and out of love. Yet, under the assured direction of Glenn Ficarra and John Requa and a whip-smart script by Dan Fogelman, Crazy, Stupid, Love transcended its genre trappings to become a sharp, tender, and surprisingly profound exploration of modern romance. A decade and a half later, it remains a high-water mark for the studio rom-com.

Crazy, Stupid, Love holds a rare 79% on Rotten Tomatoes and an even rarer distinction: it is a romantic comedy beloved by people who claim to hate romantic comedies. Its legacy can be seen in the next wave of “elevated” rom-coms that followed, films that prioritize witty dialogue, emotional honesty, and character complexity over contrived misunderstandings.

At the heart of the film is Cal Weaver (Steve Carell), a man whose life implodes when his wife Emily (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce. It’s a devastating premise, but the film pivots quickly into a mentorship dynamic that is pure cinema gold.