15 Romance Movies Which Are So Underrated That You Will Want to See Them Again

These films show how love has always been made to be accepted and celebrated.

Maryjane

• Published in Film & TV
• April 30, 2022

The best romantic films are those that you can enjoy time after time. Be it Rose's goodbye to Jack in Titanic or that rain-kissing moment in The Notebook, some film scenes have become so memorable that they've redefined pop culture by becoming part of the way we act and think about love.

Even though you're not a big admirer of romantic films, the best ones have a way of captivating you. That's because they're great films in general, with rich convos, subtle characters, and compelling fiction and suspense that can sometimes feel real.

I know I had a difficult time letting go of The Fault In Our Stars—so difficult, in fact, that I had to see it five times in cinemas. Yes, don't pass judgment on me!

While it may be difficult to distinguish rom-coms from frantic airport chases and dazzling last-minute declarations of love, the genre is more than Nora Ephron's classics and Hugh Grant's shaggy hair. If you've seen all of Julia Roberts' masterpieces twice and are searching for something a little different, we've compiled a list of underrated rom-coms that are ideal for your next romantic date.

So grab your pillows and your drinks, because this weekend is going to be a real treat for you!

1. Blue Jay (2016)

Blue Jay’s Jim is childhood sweethearts with Amanda and as it happens, luck pushes them apart. Years later, they see once again and bask in each other’s arms, but what comes next?

2. Sir (2020)

Ratna is a domestic worker at Ashwin’s Mumbai apartment but elitism and class structures can't alter the workings of the heart. Ratna and Ashwin fell in love because there’s “no need to be anybody but oneself”.

3. The Lunchbox (2013)

Packing delicious lunches for your husband who, mistakenly reaches for an about-to-retire widower, Saajan. They exchange cute notes and Saajan leaves her cheating husband.

4. Ruby Sparks (2012)

Calvin is a novelist who writes his girlfriend, Ruby Sparks into existence and introduces her to his brother, Harry. Calvin’s writing directly impacts how Ruby operates in reality.

Calvin will soon realise that Ruby deserves to be more.

5. Our Souls At Night (2017)

Addie, who is a widow approaches her neighbour, a widower named Louis, to sleep with her with the motive of warding off their loneliness. This leads to full emotional fulfilling conversations and it evolves into a romance.

6. Once Again (2018)

Tara runs a small restaurant and delivers Amar’s meals. Soon, they start talking over the phone as Tara’s adult son is getting married and Amar is an ageing actor.

7. Supernova (2020)

Tusker’s dementia diagnosis is putting a strain on his relationship with his partner, Sam. His decision to die by suicide is further straining Sam. Will Sam respect Tusker’s decision?

8. Her (2013)

Theodore is facing an impending divorce when he meets Samantha and it could have been perfect if Samantha wasn't an AI. Director Spike Jonze portrays a human-AI love story and in the end, Samantha, like her fellow AIs, goes away, leaving their human companion tender-hearted.

9. Something’s Gotta Give (2003)

Harry dates women three decades younger than him, until he realises that his OG HOE is a playwright in her fifties named Erica. Will the fact that she is his ex-girlfriend’s mother hinder their relationship?

10. Letters To Juliet (2010)

God gives Victor another day and he makes it Sophie’s problem by being standoffish during their pre-honeymoon. But fear not, Sophie will also meet someone who might be the bane of her existence.

11. Lars And The Real Girl (2007)

Bianca’s body is actually a life-size doll that Lars ordered from an adult website. Her role is imperative to Lars unpacking his childhood trauma while also looking for friendship and romance.

12. Happy Accidents (2000)

He's not yours, but Ruby’s man and he is called Sam. His one true jam is time-traveling.

13. Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Ennis and Jack are cowboys who meet and fall in love. Even though they’ll go on to marry different people, their love for each other remains.

14. Blue Valentine (2010)

Dean and Cindy date before getting married but love isn’t enough to sustain a marriage. Different things start to crop up and their love for each other becomes, “the rhyme between lost and most”.

15. Barfi! (2012)

Barfi is a man with disabilities and is autistic but he is drowning in his love for Jhilmil. The world has been cruel to them but they look at each other with love.

Sometimes it sparks you up inside, like Ruby Sparks. And sometimes it’s just a nightmare disguised as a daydream.

But, whatever the form the movie takes and whether it ends in a "happily-ever-after" or not, these films show how love has always been made to be accepted and celebrated. Which Rom-Com movie would you like to see again?

Maryjane