Top 10 Underrated Romance Movies
#10: “The Big Sick” (2017)
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All things considered, "The Big Sick" did okay at the box office and earned a standing ovation from critics, but 2017's romantic comedy is arguably among the genre's best entries of the 2000s and deserves much greater recognition. Along with pivoting around a cute couple with awesome and frequently hilarious chemistry, "The Big Sick" expertly touches upon themes of culture clash, generational differences, and familial expectations. While the humor is almost always perfect, "The Big Sick" is also not afraid to break a few hearts along the way.
#9: “What's Your Number?” (2011)
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Certain films possess incredible stories that stand the test of the time. Others rely on their cast to boost otherwise forgettable material. "What's Your Number?" got ravaged by critics for its cliche plot centering around a rather flimsy premise, but most agreed that Anna Faris is pretty great in the lead role. Faris' comedic chops elevate "What's Your Number?" out of mediocrity, resulting in a romantic comedy that is perfect for a rainy Tuesday night. Funnily enough, "What's Your Number?" also stars Chris Evans and actually came out two months after the first "Captain America," although the films have little else in common.
#8: “Appropriate Behavior” (2015)
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Most romance films highlight a relationship's fiery highs and heartbreaking lows, with only a select few shifting attention to the aftermath of a break-up. While more of a character-driven comedy than a pure romance, "Appropriate Behavior" examines the ways a relationship's conclusion can propel personal growth, at least once the protagonist stops resorting to elaborate ploys to win back her ex. This quintessentially New York comedy is firmly rooted in contemporary culture, all explored through the gaze of a likable albeit rash main character who is struggling to come to terms with her own identity.
#7: “Take This Waltz” (2012)
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Romances tend to focus on the more juicy bits of a relationship because a meet-cute or a heart-wrenching breakup make for some compelling entertainment. While not without its share of emotional moments, "Take This Waltz" is primarily about a married couple – Margot and Lou – whose relationship has plateaued. After developing a crush on another guy living on the same street, Margot begins to question whether her comfortable marriage to Lou is truly satisfying. "Take This Waltz" presents a realistic relationship rarely depicted in such a nuanced way in romantic films.
#6: “Beyond the Lights” (2014)
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Boasting an awesome cast led by the mesmerizing Gugu Mbatha-Raw, "Beyond the Lights" presents a sobering look into the music industry, all tied together through the romance between singer Noni and police officer Kaz. On the verge of superstardom, Noni feels herself being crushed under the weight of the expectations placed on the singer's shoulders by her mother and the business in general. While Noni finds strength through her relationship with Kaz, and the same holds true in reverse, romance is merely one fantastic thread in the stunning tapestry weaved by "Beyond the Lights."
#5: “Celeste and Jesse Forever” (2012)
With a title that is somehow both ironic and appropriate, "Celeste and Jesse Forever" makes the risky decision to introduce an inherently likable married couple before swiftly breaking them up. Celeste and Jesse are charming and, at times, great together; yet, the entire movie is dedicated to showing that divorce is probably the best arrangement for both parties. While the romantic comedy subverts some genre tropes, "Celeste and Jesse Forever" is primarily a grounded look into marriage, dating, and adulthood. In some ways, this 2012 film is the antithesis of a Hollywood romance.
#4: “Enough Said” (2013)
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With James Gandolfini tragically passing away shortly before the film's release, "Enough Said" offers one of the beloved actor's greatest performances. Casting "The Sopranos" actor as a reserved and sensitive divorced dad who starts a relationship with Julia Louis-Dreyfus' similarly experienced Eva, "Enough Said" is a rare and poignant story about middle-aged love. Even though the two main characters clearly have chemistry, both are too weary to wholeheartedly embrace a new romance without scanning for the personality flaws that caused previous ones to fail. Genuinely funny and occasionally sad, "Enough Said" is a romance for the ages.
#3: “Ruby Sparks” (2012)
An author works through a writer's block by literally bringing to life one of his fictional characters. Written by and starring Zoe Kazan, "Ruby Sparks" is an endearing and frequently witty comedy revolving around the unorthodox pairing of a guy named Calvin and his imaginary-turned-real girlfriend, Ruby Sparks. Even though the film touches upon some interesting ideas, especially whenever Calvin tries to rewrite Ruby to be closer to the perfect partner, "Ruby Sparks" never loses sight of the fact that it is a comedy. In many ways, Calvin and Ruby's relationship is incredibly toxic, but the couple is still pretty charming.
#2: “About Time” (2013)
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As the director of "Love Actually" and the writer behind "Four Weddings and a Funeral" and "Bridget Jones's Diary," Richard Curtis is not a name to take lightly when it comes to romance. "About Time" tends to be overshadowed by the "Notting Hills" of the world, but this delightful and lighthearted romp hits many of the same highs as the author's more celebrated works. Tim Lake can travel back in time to previously lived moments, an ability the protagonist primarily uses to woo the affable Mary. "About Time" moves along at a swift pace, but it’s Tim and Mary's effortless banter that ensures this is one movie worth revisiting. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “What If” (2013) “Keep the Change” (2017) “Obvious Child” (2014) “Man Up” (2015) “The Broken Circle Breakdown” (2012)
#1: “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002)
Sandwiched between the dense "Magnolia" and the ambitious "There Will Be Blood," famed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson released a quirky romantic comedy starring - of all people - Adam Sandler. "Punch-Drunk Love" is almost absurdly straightforward: a lonely man discovers love, along with the courage to defend this newfound happiness. Even though the plot may seem simplistic on the surface, "Punch-Drunk Love's" characters are wildly unpredictable, particularly Sandler's mild-mannered Barry who is perpetually on the verge of an emotional breakdown. "Punch-Drunk Love" is a must-watch for anyone with a TV, but romance fans should make 2002's film their top priority.
