Romance is a genre that has been captivating audiences for decades. From grand gestures of love to heart-wrenching breakups, these films evoke all sorts of emotions within us. Love is an evergreen theme that continues to inspire filmmakers and writers around the world, and this is reflected in the variety of romance movies available to watch. Some of these movies have won international recognition and have become household names, while others have remained hidden gems, waiting to be discovered.

These undiscovered romance movies are a testament to the fact that sometimes, the greatest love stories are the ones that fly under the radar. They may not have the big budgets, the flashy special effects or the A-list stars, but what they lack in glitz and glamour, they more than make up for in heart and soul. These movies are unpretentious and raw, capturing the essence of what it truly means to love and be loved.

Related: Greatest Love Stories of All Time, According to the American Film Institute

One of the most beautiful things about these hidden gem romance movies is the diversity they offer. From tales of forbidden love to cross-cultural romances, these films explore the complexities of relationships and the human emotions that come with them. They also provide a glimpse into different perspectives and ways of life, allowing us to broaden our horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around us.

So, if you’re a fan of romance movies, and you’re looking for something a little bit different, it’s time to take a step off the beaten path and explore some of the most captivating and touching romance movies that you’ve probably never seen. These films are sure to warm your heart and leave you feeling inspired, uplifted and, most importantly, in love.

11 Girl With A Pearl Earring (2003)

Girl with a Pearl Earring
UK Film Council

The paintings of Johannes Vermeer are renowned for their timeless beauty, and his most famous work, Girl with a Pearl Earring, is no exception. This 2003 film, based on the novel of the same name, brings the painting to life in a story that explores the mysteries and intrigue of the golden age of Dutch painting.

At its core, the movie is a love story, but it's also so much more. Set in Delft, the Netherlands in the late 1600s, the film explores the dynamics of class, art, and gender in a society on the brink of change. The story revolves around Griet, a young maid who becomes the muse of Vermeer, played by Colin Firth. The film is a feast for the senses, from its stunning cinematography to the lush period costumes and sets.

10 The Way We Were (1973)

The Way We Were
Columbia Pictures

This classic romantic drama, starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, tells the story of a political activist and a writer whose paths cross and then separate again and again over the course of many years. The film explores the complexities of relationships, love, and the choices we make in life.

The Way We Were is a movie that speaks to the hearts of anyone who's ever been in love. It's a story about two people who are passionate and fiercely independent, but who are also fundamentally different in many ways. The film is a testament to the idea that true love endures, even when it's not always easy. With its timeless themes, excellent performances, and memorable score, The Way We Were remains one of the greatest love stories of all time.

9 Somewhere In Time (1980)

Somewhere In Time (1980) by Jeannot Szwarc
Universal Pictures

This 1980 film is a unique love story that blurs the lines between past and present, fantasy and reality. The movie stars Christopher Reeve as Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes obsessed with a portrait of a beautiful actress, played by Jane Seymour, from the turn of the century.

What makes Somewhere in Time stand out is its imaginative approach to the romance genre. The film is a timeless story of love and longing, but it's also a film that challenges the viewer to think about the power of the human mind and the role that time plays in our lives. With its stunning cinematography, memorable score, and outstanding performances, Somewhere in Time is a movie that will leave you spellbound, and wondering what might have been.

8 Under The Hawthorn Tree (2010)

Under the Hawthorn Tree
Edko Films Ltd

A tale of love and loss set against the backdrop of the Cultural Revolution in China, Under the Hawthorn Tree is a heart-wrenching and beautiful movie that will leave you spellbound. The film tells the story of Jingqiu, a young girl who falls in love with a soldier, and the challenges they face as they navigate their forbidden love.

The movie is a masterclass in storytelling, with lush cinematography, a haunting score and unforgettable performances from the lead actors. What makes this movie stand out is its ability to convey the pain and beauty of love in the face of adversity.

7 Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
Fox Searchlight

Me and Earl and the Dying Girl is a quirky, off-beat movie that is equal parts hilarious and heart-warming. The film tells the story of Greg, a high school student who befriends a classmate with leukemia, and the journey they embark on together. With a unique and quirky sense of humor, this movie is a breath of fresh air in the world of teen films.

The lead actors are simply phenomenal, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both relatable and endearing. What makes this movie stand out is its ability to find humor in the darkest of situations and to make us laugh and cry in the same breath.

Related: Top 10 Underrated Coming of Age Movies

6 Blue Jay (2016)

Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass in Blue Jay
The Orchard

In Blue Jay, two former high school sweethearts cross paths after 20 years and find themselves reminiscing about the past and rediscovering their feelings for each other. The film is a poignant and beautifully crafted movie that explores the complexities of love and the power of memories. The lead actors are both fantastic, bringing a real sense of chemistry to the screen and making their characters' journey all the more poignant.

What makes this movie stand out is its ability to create a sense of intimacy and closeness, making us feel as though we are right there with the characters as they navigate their feelings. It's a beautiful movie that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

5 The Way He Looks (2014)

The Brazilian coming-of-age romantic drama The Way He Looks
Vitrine Films

The Way He Looks is a coming-of-age love story set in a small Brazilian town. The film follows the journey of Leo, a blind high school student who is searching for independence and love. Along the way, he meets Gabriel, a new transfer student who challenges Leo's perception of the world and himself. As their friendship deepens, Leo must navigate the complexities of teenage romance and self-discovery.

Simply put, The Way He Looks is a delicate and heartfelt portrayal of a young man finding his place in the world. The film's beautiful cinematography and touching score add to its emotional impact, making it a must-watch for anyone who has ever felt lost and alone. The characters are well-developed, and their relationships with each other are nuanced and genuine.

4 La Belle Époque (2019)

La belle époque
Pathé Films

La Belle Époque is a charming French romance film that tells the story of a disillusioned man named Victor. After a lifetime of disappointment, Victor is given the opportunity to relive the happiest moment of his life in a simulated historical experience. As he embarks on his journey, he meets a young actress who helps him rediscover the joys of life and love.

What sets this film apart is its whimsical and nostalgic take on love and relationships. The film's witty and lighthearted tone is a refreshing change of pace from the typical dramatic romance films, and its beautiful cinematography and charming performances make it a joy to watch. The film's exploration of love and the importance of memories is both moving and thought-provoking, making La Belle Époque a must-watch for fans of the romance genre.

3 Shithouse (2020)

Shithouse
IFC Films

Shithouse is a coming-of-age romance that tells the story of a college freshman named Alex who is struggling to find his place in the world. After a rough first semester, he finds solace in a college party where he meets Maggie, a senior who is equally lost in life. As the two bond over their shared experiences and insecurities, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and falling in love.

Shithouse really mesmerizes the viewer with its realistic and relatable portrayal of young adulthood. The characters are complex and multidimensional, and their conversations feel authentic and raw. The film expertly captures the ups and downs of college life and the struggles of finding one's place in the world. It's a touching, honest and humorous look at the complexities of growing up and falling in love for the first time.

Related: Best Movies That Perfectly Capture College Life Ranked

2 5 to 7 (2014)

5 to 7
IFC Films 

5 to 7 is a charming and unconventional romance movie that explores the idea of a love affair between two people from different walks of life. The film revolves around Brian, a struggling writer who falls in love with Arielle, a French woman who is married with children. The two embark on a secret affair that takes place between the hours of 5 and 7 PM, providing a glimpse into the complexities of balancing love and life.

What makes 5 to 7 worth watching is its nuanced portrayal of the characters and their motivations. The film is a celebration of love in all its forms, and it challenges the traditional notions of what a relationship should look like. It's a beautifully shot movie that captures the heart and soul of Paris and the magic of love.

1 Far from the Madding Crowd (2015)

Schoenartz stands close behind Mulligan in Far From the Madding Crowd
Fox Searchlight Pictures

Far from the Madding Crowd is a classic romance set in Victorian England that tells the story of a young woman named Bathsheba Everdene and her three suitors. The film follows her journey as she navigates the complexities of love and relationships in a world where women were expected to be passive and obedient.

What makes Far from the Madding Crowd stand out is its strong and independent female lead, Bathsheba. The film is a nuanced portrayal of a woman who defies societal norms and strives to carve out a life for herself. It's a timeless romance that explores the power dynamics of relationships and the lengths one will go to in pursuit of love. The film is beautifully shot and features breathtaking landscapes that provide the perfect backdrop for this classic love story.