Romantic comedies, or rom-coms as they’re often called, come with certain expectations. When you think of them, you might picture blossoming love stories, awkward crushes, and those delightful, cringy moments we can’t help but laugh at. But for every classic like When Harry Met Sally or the evergreen 10 Things I Hate About You, there are numerous hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The beauty of these underrated rom-coms lies not only in their unique takes on romance but also in the powerful performances and relatable stories they bring to the table.
One such film is The Half of It, released on Netflix. This coming-of-age story follows Ellie, a shy high school student who helps the popular jock Paul woo the girl they both secretly love. With its mix of humor and poignant moments, this film isn’t just about romance – it delves deep about friendship, identity, and the struggles of being true to oneself. Viewers might find themselves laughing at the awkward moments and tearing up at the emotional depth.
Speaking of emotional depth, Crazy Rich Asians went on to become quite the sensation, but it’s often the quieter films like The Big Sick or Booksmart which capture the true essence of romance and friendship without the fuss of grandeur. The Big Sick is based on real-life events from the life of comedian Kumail Nanjiani, telling the story of how he fell for Emily just as they were faced with unexpected challenges. The film beautifully highlights how love can blossom even through hardship, making it relatable for anyone who has had to fight for what they love.
Over the years, films like 500 Days of Summer have rewritten the rules of traditional love stories by breaking out of the fairy tale mold. Instead of perfectly happy endings, this film explores the ups and downs of young love, which brings forth the reality of relationships to the forefront. Its whimsical storytelling and unique narrative structure captivated audiences and inspired others to step outside the box of typical romantic setups.
For those who prefer stories centered on female friendships, Someone Great explores the emotional rollercoaster of breakups intertwined with friendship. Featuring fun performances by Gina Rodriguez and Brittany Snow, this film is perfect for those moments when you and your friends need to commiserate over lost loves, all wrapped up with humor and style. The film’s humorous take on heartbreak has made it relatable to many millennials going through the same struggles.
The quaint charm of indie films can’t be overlooked either. The Way We Were is another classic, but it’s the likes of Love, Rosie and Little Italy which often get lost amid the clutter of blockbusters. Love, Rosie is filled to the brim with missed opportunities and life’s what-ifs as it chronicles the ups and downs of lifelong friends who just might have missed their chance at romance. Little Italy plays up the classic enemies-to-lovers trope filled with humor and delicious pizza, showcasing how love can flourish even amid rivalry.
For those who appreciate LGBTQ+ narratives, The Handmaiden, though it might be classified more as psychological thriller, weaves romance beautiful and intricately, showcasing the relationship of two women amid the backdrop of deceit and intrigue. It’s completely out of the ordinary for typical rom-coms, but it encapsulates the essence of love and longing, making it one of the most captivating and underrated films to come out of the genre.
Turning our eyes to the streaming world, many rom-coms are exclusive to platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. Films such as Palm Springs have struck the right balance of comedy and romance with its clever premise of time loops and unexpected love, demonstrating the extent to which love can develop under bizarre circumstances. It perfectly humorizes the adventure of romance, showing us how love can be both fun and absurd at the same time.
With the film industry constantly growing, the expansion of the romance genre shows no signs of stopping. Every year brings fresh stories, and the beauty of discovering underrated gems is simply unmatched. While it’s easy to gravitate toward the familiar classics, stepping out of your comfort zone to explore lesser-known titles can lead to some delightful surprises. You never know, the next film you watch might end up being one of your all-time favorites.
So grab your couch blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and let’s not forget the hot cocoa, because it’s about time you give these underrated romantic comedies their moment to shine!
