Rom-coms can actually be a great salve for a broken heart, providing empathy and hope during an otherwise difficult period.

2,000 adults in a new poll reported the top reasons such films were seen as having such a positive influence: they provide escapism, get you to laugh again, and they're relatable.

According to the survey, the top three romantic comedies are: Bridget Jones's Diary, Legally Blonde, and The Holiday.

The Wedding Singer and Bridesmaids were the next most popular in providing comfort after a split.

Other classics that made the top 10 included the star studded Crazy Stupid Love, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The First Wives Club, and Eat, Pray, Love.

62 percent of respondents believed romantic comedies could have a positive emotional impact on the healing process, and nearly one-third of heartbreak survivors reported feeling empowered by rom-coms, having watched them following a break-up.

28 percent said they had been involved in a ‘rom com-like' romance, and 11 percent even believe such films has changed their expectations on relationships.

The survey was commissioned by Costa Coffee, which teamed up with cinema chain Odeon in the UK to show the top three rom-coms this autumn to their members, along with a free Maple Hazel beverage from the brand.

"Clearly, watching rom-coms where the main characters move on can help people heal," said Julia Foye, a spokesperson for the coffee chain. "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.

Despite 53 percent believing relationship portrayals in these movies are unrealistic, 28 percent have still compared them to their own lives.

"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—then move on."

26 percent have rewatched the films more than they'd like to admit—with 22 percent saying they still frequently cry along with the characters, according to the OnePoll data.

The humor, the resolution with a happy ending, and watching the personal growth of a character were seen as the best elements of the popular film genre.

TOP 10 ROM-COMS TO HELP OVERCOME A HEARTBREAK:

1. Bridget Jones's Diary 2. Legally Blonde 3. The Holiday 4. Bridesmaids 5. My Best Friend's Wedding 6. Crazy, Stupid, Love 7. The Wedding Singer 8. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days 9. Eat, Pray, Love 10. The First Wives Club (An oldie but a goodie: After years of helping their hubbies climb the ladder of success, each wife has been dumped for a newer, curvier model. But the trio is determined to turn their pain into gain.)