It’s a genre beloved by many and despised by others, but even those who say they hate rom-coms have a couple of secret favorites. They can provide the perfect pick-me-up after a long day or a much-needed cathartic cry. There’s a sincerity present in the genre that is often lacking in pure comedy movies, and it’s this approach to romance and emotion that will never get old. Watching someone confess their feelings under heightened circumstances — running through traffic, in the pouring rain, in front of a huge crowd — often feels more heroic than watching someone save the world.
Update August 28, 2023: This list has been updated with even more underrated romantic comedies that are worth checking out.
King of the rom-com, Richard Curtis, tells TIME Magazine that “the only way you can write a good romantic comedy is being somebody who’s obsessed by love.” It’s this obsession that translates into joyful and earnest storytelling, and while that can be too much for some, there’s always a time when a good, old-fashioned rom-com is essential. An injection of optimism and charm into a bad day can turn the whole thing around. Everyone has heard of Notting Hill and My Best Friend’s Wedding, but sometimes we’re in the mood for something fresh. Here are the twelve of most underrated rom-coms for when you want to laugh, cry, or swoon.
1 Wimbledon (2004)
A lover of Tennis? Wimbledon might be the perfect romantic comedy for you! Starring Kristen Dunst and Paul Bettanty, Wimbledon tells the story of Peter, a pro tennis player who has fallen from the 11th rank to 119th in the world. Just as he is about to give up on doing anything to improve, he meets, rising and passionate tennis player Lizzie, who through her attitude, heightens his love for the game once again and inspires him to get back the lane of winners. However, how long is it before it becomes a distraction for the both of them? With exciting tennis sequences, two characters with ambition, Wimbledon hits the sweet spot.
2 No Reservations (2007)
Centered around food and family, No Reservations is a warm film about perfectionist master chef, Kate, is obsessive about her job which she goes to therapy for. When a tragedy hits her, and she has to be her niece's guardian angel, she must take more time off, and hires Nick to be a sous-chef. However, her Nick is her complete opposite, laid back, friendly and total joy to be around throws her perfectionism into a havoc, but could this be what she exactly needs? Catherine Zeta-Jones and Aaron Eckhart have amazing chemistry and will tease your eyes with awesome looking meals!
3 Life Partners (2014)
Life Partners is a sweet romantic comedy starring Leighton Meester and Gillian Jacobs as Sasha and Paige. When Paige gets into a serious relationship, her friendship with Sasha goes through a drastic change. Paige's new relationship means that she doesn't rely on Sasha as heavily, and their friendship loses some of its depth. The movie has a great balance of humor and sincerity as Sasha navigates the lesbian dating scene in an attempt to find someone to fill the gap left by Paige. It's refreshing and often flies under the radar when people are looking for rom-coms, so don't miss out on this one.
4 Juliet Naked (2018)
The stars of Juliet Naked include Rose Byrne (check), Chris O'Dowd, and Ethan Hawke, so it's surprising that this charming rom-com gets overlooked so often. Byrne and O'Dowd begin the movie as a dissatisfied married couple, with O'Dowd more obsessed with musician Tucker Crowe (played by Hawke) than his wife. One thing leads to another and Hawke ends up in their seaside town to woo Byrne, much to O'Dowd's dismay. The premise may seem slightly convoluted, but the payoff is well worth it. These three great actors pull it off with ease and the movie is an excellent ride.
5 The Object of My Affection (1998)
The Object of My Affection is not your typical romantic comedy, which makes it interesting. Starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd, a pregnant social worker has a gay best friend whom she lives with and starts developing feelings for. Despite knowing his sexual orientation, she wants to raise her child with him because they share an ultra-special bond. They might not be mutually in love with each other, but they definitely share a friendship and compassion for each other like no other.
On top of that, he wants to become a father, but can it ever work out long-term? The Object of My Affection powerfully portrays the power of company and care despite one's different sexual desires and preferences. Pure, and moving, The Object of My Affection makes its unique mark in the genre.
6 Flipped (2010)
Some amazing love stories to ever grace the big screen are young love stories and Flipped is one of them. Ever since Juli saw Bryce in second grade, she decided he was special. On the other hand, Bryce doesn't think of much Juli, and is even cold to her. Fast-forward to eighth grade, and just as Bryce starts seeing Juli in a different light, she wants nothing to do with him. Has it become too late?
Feel-good, relatable, with a touch of innocence, Flipped is raw as it discusses two teenagers' developing personalities, while including their respective families, and their road to figuring out how to deal with life and your first love. It's also told from both of Juli and Bryce's perspectives, which makes it more intimate and compelling. It is also from director Rob Reiner, famous for romantic comedies like When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, so he knows how to do a romance.
7 Dil Chahta Hai (2001)
Dil Chahta Hai is an underrated Indian gem of a movie. It oozes life and heart. In this mature and sweet film, three inseparable friends start having major conflicts in their lives as each one of them falls in love under different circumstances. Starring Amir Khan, Akshaye Khanna, and Saif Ali Khan, the stars give performances full of depth and humor that make their presence on screen an absolute blast for those watching. The film covers issues such as addiction, disease, traditions, and family values and just intimately looks at life and love from the eyes of the three leading men. Dil Chahta is simply a delightful and wholesome watch that's rich in love stories that perfectly overlap.
8 Crush (2022)
A Hulu original, Crush is a lesbian high school rom-com starring Rowan Blanchard, Auli'i Cravalho, and Isabella Ferreira. The main character, played by Blanchard, is torn between two sisters as she attempts to clear her name after being falsely accused of vandalizing the school. Crush is fast-paced and effortlessly humorous, with the three leads bouncing off each other expertly. Some may not have been interested due to the high school setting, but it's enjoyable for all ages and well worth giving a shot. You'll find yourself smiling without even realizing it.
9 Plus One (2019)
In Plus One, two single friends team up to be plus-ones for each other during wedding season. The two leads are played by Jack Quaid, whom you might recognize from The Boys, and Maya Erskine, writer and star of PEN15. Both have a great screen presence and their chemistry is really enjoyable to watch. The writers and directors of the movie are Jeff Chan and Andrew Rhymer, who also work on PEN15, so, with this big staff reunion, if that's up your alley, Plus One probably will be too.
10 Stuck in Love (2012)
Stuck in Love is an ensemble piece about the different members of a family whose parents are going through a divorce. Some of the many stars include Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connely, Lily Collins, Nat Wolff, and Kristen Bell. Each character responds differently to the divorce, and it's interesting to watch them all attempt to navigate the situation, which is impossible to do perfectly. The movie has a charming indie soundtrack and beautiful scenery; it's very easy on the senses. With a lot of the movie set around the holidays, it also makes for good festive viewing that isn't too heavy on the festive.
11 Sing Street (2016)
Sing Street is both an underrated coming-of-age story and an underrated romantic comedy. The film follows a young boy in Ireland during the 1980s who decides to start a band to impress a girl. The movie is full of heart and humor and captures the feeling of young romantic love where the whole world lies ahead of oneself. It is funny and moving in the ways that the best romantic comedies often are.
12 Moonstruck (1987)
Lastly, we have Moonstruck, starring Cher and Nicolas Cage. From just the main cast, it's clear that this movie is somewhat bonkers. It follows Cher's character Loretta Castorini who falls in love with her fiancé's brother, played by Cage. There are thick Brooklyn accents, Italian superstitions, and secret relationships galore; there's not much more you can ask for. The movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, and Cher's role even won her the Oscar for Best Actress. Speaking to The New York Times, Cher recalls working on Moonstruck, "I never think I’m doing a good job," but "The performances are great. There’s not a weak performance in that."