21 Romantic Comedies That Never Got The Love They Deserved
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Before you scroll, I'd like to make one thing clear: I am of the firm belief that the rules of what constitutes a romantic comedy need to be relaxed. So for the purposes of this UNRANKED list of 21 great and underrated rom-coms, please understand an action, dramedy, or even sci-fi film can achieve rom-com status with a compelling couple thrown somewhere into the mix and a healthy dose of humor.
1.About Time (2013)
Not the Rachel McAdams rom-com recommendation you expected, but the Rachel McAdams rom-com recommendation you deserve. About Time is magical and captivating in its simple, sci-fi adjacent premise. On Tim’s (Domhnall Gleeson, Ex Machina) 21st birthday, his father (Bill Nighy, Love Actually) tells him a long-held family secret: All the men in the family have the ability to travel back in time within their own lives. So he can’t go see the dinosaurs, but he can redo that awkward encounter with the pretty girl — and that's basically what he does. What ensues is a story about all the little entanglements of life, and the importance of living each day with intention and appreciation. Stock up on tissues and whatever snack you prefer to have on hand during a minor existential crisis before viewing.
Watch it on Netflix.
2.Adventureland (2009)
No matter how long I monologize on the subject, I don’t think enough could ever possibly be said about the (I’m pleased to say) Oscar-nominated Kristen Stewart and Jesse Eisenberg’s electric chemistry. In the summer of 1987, James, fresh out of college, lands his first real job working at Adventureland, the kind of theme park that the Disneylands of the world are now slowly running out of business. In typical summer job fashion, the staff at Adventureland is messily entangled in one another’s personal lives, and eventually James strikes up a friendship-turned-something-more with his coworker Em (Stewart). Ryan Reynolds, Freaks and Geeks’ Martin Starr, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig also star in this nostalgically romantic coming-of-age story that never quite got the recognition it deserved.
Watch it on Hulu.
3.American Ultra (2015)
Once again, the merits of the Eisenberg/Stewart chemistry simply cannot be overstated. This indie romantic dramedy gets turned upside down into an action-thriller when small-town stoner Mike Howell has an odd interaction with a customer at his convenience store job. After failing to leave town for a vacation with his girlfriend, Phoebe (Stewart), yet again due to his travel-induced panic attacks, Mike is “activated” by a mysterious stranger at the checkout counter. The stranger is CIA Agent Victoria Lasseter (Connie Britton), head of the “Wiseman” program of which Mike is the sole survivor. Lasseter leaves, and a little while later, Mike discovers he is now an expert killer. After taking out two guys he spots tampering with his car, he calls Phoebe for help, and the couple become targets of the US government. Despite the bullets, blood, and endless supply of bad guys, American Ultra has an ultra romantic B plot that would steal more of the spotlight if not for all the explosions going on over in plot A. It’s a great entry-level rom-com for a rom-com hater, plus it gets bonus points in my book for a rare Topher Grace (That ‘70s Show) sighting.
Watch it on Netflix.
4.Bend It Like Beckham (2003)
If, for nothing else, Bend It Like Beckham is worth watching for one of Keira Knightley’s greatest hair moments. But there are also other reasons… Jess Bhamra lives with her strict Indian family in London and wants nothing more than to play football professionally. One day she meets Jules, a player for the local amateur team, the Hounslow Harriers. Jules invites Jess to join them, and because her family is preoccupied with her older sister’s wedding, Jess agrees to play for the team, coached by Irish hottie Joe (Jonathan Rhys Meyers, The 12th Man) in secret. Everyone’s facing parental disapproval all the while trying to score — in terms of goals and other things — in this sporty rom-com about family, tradition, and finding yourself.
Watch it on HBO Max.
5.The Big Sick (2017)
I think Zoe Kazan could’ve gone on to have a rom-com career rivaling Rachel McAdams in another life. Instead, we just have a few fantastic rom-com titles with her at the helm, this being arguably tied for the top spot. The Big Sick is based loosely on Kumail Nanjiani’s real love story with his wife, Emily Gordon. The couple also wrote the screenplay for the strikingly intimate film, in which Nanjiani plays himself, and Kazan takes over as Emily. Kumail meets Emily at his comedy show, and the two hit it off instantly. He keeps their burgeoning relationship a secret from his parents, because Emily is white, and he knows his Pakistani parents would not approve. This secret eventually leads Emily to break up with him, but Kumail is quickly brought back into Emily’s life after she is hospitalized, and eventually placed in a coma. The Big Sick is surprising and tender and about much more than just romantic love. Ray Romano and Holly Hunter are practically perfect as Emily’s parents, and the film gives you everything you could want in a heartfelt rom-com, plus a little more.
Watch it on Prime Video.
6.Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011)
Steve Carell gives a surprisingly stellar performance as the begrudged ex-husband alongside a star-studded cast in Crazy, Stupid, Love. When Cal’s wife of over 20 years (Julianne Moore) asks for a divorce and admits to having an affair, he sets out on the typical divorced movie-dad route, moving into a run-down bachelor pad and frequenting a trendy bar where his age and clothes stick out awkwardly. It’s there that he meets Jacob, a suave, smooth-talking playboy played by Ryan Gosling — what’s Gosling’s acting career made of? Rom-com material. Jacob can get nearly any girl he wants, except the elusive Hannah (Emma Stone), who he’s fresh off a rejection from. Cal and Jacob strike up a mentor and mentee-style friendship, and Cal gets a makeover, which successfully reminds the audience that Michael Scott is long gone and Carell has entered his sexy era. Jacob finally wins Hannah over, and everyone is (temporarily) very happy. Of course it doesn’t stay that way because, as the film implies, love is crazy and stupid. But watching this movie the next time you want to pop on a rom-com? Now that’s smart.
Watch it on HBO Max.
7.Date Night (2010)
I think at this point it’s just obvious that Steve Carell is the rom-com star we’ve always needed more of. This time around, he is once again in a somewhat tired marriage, but this one sees slightly more action. Phil and Claire (Tina Fey) Foster are just a plain old couple from New Jersey, until one night on a whim, they steal a reservation for the Tripplehorns at a hip and trendy New York restaurant. In the middle of their meal, they are approached by two armed men who believe them to have stolen a flash drive from an infamous mob boss. This case of mistaken identity leads the pair on a wild hunt for the real Tripplehorns, reigniting the long-diminished spark between them along the way. Carell and Fey no doubt are the draw for all the hilarious celebrity cameos in this hybrid romantic-action-comedy, including Kristen Wiig, Mark Ruffalo, James Franco, and Mila Kunis. Make Date Night your next date night movie — you won’t be disappointed.
Watch it on Hulu.
8.In a World... (2013)
In a World… is one of those semi-obscure/forgotten films of the early 2010s that will have you, out loud, saying, “Oh my god, I can’t believe they’re in this too,” about every 10 minutes or so, even if you’re an audience of one. The film follows Carol (played by Lake Bell — who also directs the film and just directed a fantastic episode of Pam & Tommy, but I digress) who is a struggling voice coach trying to break into the movie trailer voiceover business. She’s living in her father, famous voiceover artist Sam Sotto’s (Fred Melamed, A Serious Man) shadow, but manages to land a chance at a big job in a new blockbuster trilogy that plans to revive the classic “In a world…” movie trailer phrasing. This great comedy is more than half about a woman pursuing, and somewhat succeeding, in her career, but there’s also some great romance between her and two iconic comedy staples: Ken Marino (Marry Me, Wanderlust) and Demetri Martin. Also Nick Offerman and Tig Notaro are in it, so yeah, it’s good.
Rent it on Prime Video.
9.The Lobster (2015)
Look, nowhere in the rules does it say that romantic comedies can’t also break your heart. Trust me, I’ve checked. The Lobster is an excellent example of why we allow funny films to be so cruel, because it really is worth it. Set in a dystopian society where single people are shunned and shuttered inside a horrific hotel wherein they have 45 days to find a mate or be turned into the animal of their choice, the recently single David (Colin Farrell) arrives accompanied by his brother, who has already been turned into a dog. David chooses to become a lobster, should he fail to meet someone. This movie is gruesome, upsetting at times, and utterly romantic. Rachel Weisz, John C. Reilly, and Olivia Colman star in this perhaps-controversial but ultimately great date night flick.
Watch it on Hulu.
10.The Long Shot (2019)
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment we collectively realized Seth Rogen is hot, but I’m pretty sure this film gets major points for preemptively deciding they could successfully cast him opposite Charlize Theron. Yes, maybe the title is a nod to the unlikelihood of an organic relationship between the two, but watch the movie and tell me it doesn’t work. He’s an NYC journalist; she’s the Secretary of State — can I make it any more obvious? Shortly after losing his job, Fred Flarsky runs into his former babysitter/love of his adolescent life, Charlotte Field, who is now Secretary of State and about to launch her campaign to be president. She hires Fred as her speechwriter, and under the guise of learning more about her in the interest of his writing, the two fall in love. The Long Shot doesn’t shy away from its own unrealistic premise, which makes it an unbelievably fun, lightweight film to watch when you just want to feel good.
Watch it on HBO Max.
11.Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015)
The Fault in Our Stars has nothing on Me and Earl and the Dying Girl. Despite Greg (Thomas Mann) promising the viewers “this isn’t a touching romantic story,” it really, truly is. It’s also a prom story and a coming-of-age story (as most prom rom-coms are), and once again, it’s one of those rom-coms that aims to break hearts. When 17-year-old Greg Gaines is informed by his parents that his classmate and former childhood pal has just been diagnosed with cancer, he does not spring to action. Luckily his parents (played here by the always-wonderful Connie Britton and Nick Offerman) force him to go provide the dying girl with some sort of comfort. Greg and Rachel (should-be-Oscar-nominated Olivia Cooke) then spark up a strained but heartwarming friendship, often accompanied by Greg’s friend (whom he calls his “coworker” due to intimacy issues) Earl (RJ Cyler). Greg and Earl make terribly great movies together, and decide to make one for Rachel. It doesn’t go as planned. You’ll definitely cry, but tears can be romantic, right?
Watch it on Tubi or rent it on Amazon Prime Video.
12.Obvious Child (2014)
Jenny Slate gives a performance in Obvious Child so compelling you may find yourself in love with her by the end of the movie — I know I did. This oddball, pro-choice rom-com finds recently dumped stand-up comic Donna scheduling an abortion appointment on Valentine’s Day following her one-night stand with Max. Obvious Child is a subversive story of self-love, friendship, and unexpected partnership, but it’s also about Donna finding her independence as a woman. Jake Lacy (The Office) is adorably believable as Max, and Gaby Hoffmann (Transparent) shines from the supporting sidelines in what is an incredibly sweet abortion flick.
Watch it on Prime video with Showtime.
13.Palm Springs (2020)
Due to Palm Springs’ unfortunate (or convenient, depending on which way you look at it) timing, this sci-fi/fantasy rom-com got funneled into the quarantine-binge-and-then-never-revisit bucket, but it deserved better. Cristin Milioti of How I Met Your Mother fame and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Andy Samberg star as Sarah and Nyle, two wedding guests who both end up trapped in some supernatural time loop. The pair are living the same day over and over again, which can be fun and carefree, or a total nightmare, depending on how they’re each feeling that day. Eventually, the two fall in love, but Sarah still wants to find a way out of the loop, no matter the cost. Samberg is a surprisingly great leading man, and my feelings on Milioti are already well documented in my work. Will this film ultimately remind you of the early days of quarantine? Probably. But who hasn’t been feeling some vaguely embarrassing but nonetheless potent nostalgia for those early pandemic days lately? Please don’t tell me it’s just me…
Watch it on Hulu.
14.The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
Princess Mia is headed to Genovia to continue her royal studies and eventually assume the throne, but turns out she has to get married first. In what is an egregious departure from the book series, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement makes up for its lack of textual loyalty by introducing the powerful magnetism of Chris Pine into Mia’s world. Just view this film as a total one-off, and it’ll all work out for the best. Anne Hathaway is even more lovable as Mia the second time around after thankfully giving up the “I’m a total geek” bit that absolutely no one was buying, and Julie Andrews is Julie Andrews, so you really can’t go wrong there. An arranged engagement, friends to lovers arc, and a cameo by Raven-Symoné all confirm this film as a must-watch (and then rewatch).
Watch it on Disney+.
15.Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Aubrey Plaza, Mark Duplass, Jake Johnson. Need I say more? Fine, I will, but only because Safety Not Guaranteed is firmly cemented in my top-10 favorite movies, and I really believe it deserves a spot in every film lover's heart. A magazine writer spots a newspaper classified ad requesting a partner for a mission involving time travel, and he decides to make it his next big story. Dragging along two interns, Jeff and his new team head to the perfectly picturesque Ocean View, Washington, and track down Kenneth, the aspiring time traveler. Darius (Plaza) and Kenneth start to grow close after a very extended job interview to be the time-traveler’s assistant, and Jeff’s story becomes increasingly complicated. Safety Not Guaranteed is both lighthearted and poignant, simple and striking. It’s a film that has a good chance of staying with you for a long time.
Watch it on Tubi or rent it on Prime Video.
16.Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
This isn’t the only rom-com on this list riddled with apocalyptic vibes, but it may be the most bittersweet of them all. Steve Carell and Keira Knightley, an iconic onscreen couple that we really should be talking about more often, star in this depressing and delightful film that looks at humanity’s core, and how people react under immense pressure. When the news breaks that all efforts to stop a giant asteroid from hitting Earth and destroying all life have failed, Dodge’s wife leaves him immediately. As the world around him devolves into chaos, he decides to go find Olivia, the one that got away. He finds his neighbor, Penny, crying outside his fire escape, and the two team up to help one another reach their final destinations. With only a few weeks of life left, the unlikely couple head out on a wild road trip, witnessing murder, chain restaurant orgies, and plenty of people in denial of everyone’s imminent doom. It’s really romantic, I promise.
Watch it on HBO Max.
17.Splash (1984)
What’s more romantic than a young Tom Hanks? And then add mermaids into the mix? It’s almost too good. Set in New York City (the location of practically all great rom-coms), Allen is an eligible bachelor who feels unlucky in love because no girl can compare to the mermaid he’s convinced he hallucinated that one time he almost drowned as a kid. Then, after losing his wallet in the ocean (we’ve all been there, buddy), he gets a call from the police station to come pick up a beautiful woman (Daryl Hannah) arrested for indecent exposure after she walked out of the ocean completely naked, with Allen’s wallet. The pair fall fast for one another, but Allen feels like there’s something his new love just isn’t telling him. Splash has underwater kissing, an exceptional '80s-style mermaid, and a young Eugene Levy. Dive on into this classic Ron Howard rom-com — the water is just fine.
Watch it on Disney+.
18.The Switch (2010)
Rom-com royalty Jennifer Aniston stars opposite Jason Bateman in this quirky (to say the least) 2010 film that yeah, OK, probably couldn’t get made in 2022. Wally and Kassie are best friends who maybe at one point could have been something more, but Wally feels like Kassie has firmly relegated him to the friend zone. When Kassie decides she’s done trying to pursue a relationship and wants to instead pursue having a baby on her own through the use of a donor, Wally, of course, offers to step up to the plate. Citing his general neuroticism and their close friendship as obvious red flags, Kassie instead chooses Roland, a married professor at Columbia. But after drinking too much at her big “getting pregnant” party, Wally messes with the donor sample, sending it, only semi-intentionally, down the drain. His solution to this unsavory problem he’s created comes back to bite him seven years later, with Kassie and the now-6-year-old Sebastian. The Switch is a fantastic rom-com and a movie about fatherhood all rolled into one, generally formulaic but incredibly funny plot.
Watch it on Prime Video.
19.Top Five (2014)
Written and directed by Chris Rock, Top Five follows Andre Allen (Rock), recovering alcoholic and former star of the Hammy the Bear franchise, a series of movies about a cop in a bear suit. When New York Times reporter Chelsea Brown (Rosario Dawson) is assigned to spend the day interviewing Andre, the two learn about each other’s lives and begin to bond over a crazy string of events, including the pair catching Chelsea’s boyfriend cheating on her with a man. Despite being engaged to a reality star, Andre kisses Chelsea, but quickly discovers she isn’t a fan of his work after all. Dejected, Andre ends up on a downward spiral that has the potential to set him on the right path. Top Five is just as funny as your favorite Chris Rock comedy special, with the engaging addition of romance. Certainly more com than rom, Top Five is an easy way to test out the waters of the genre.
Rent it on Prime Video.
20.What If (2013)
Further evidence that Zoe Kazan was built to be rom-com royalty, What If gives us a non-wizard-related but nevertheless magical performance from Daniel Radcliffe, with a B plot that brought you the iconic “I just had sex, and I’m about to eat nachos!” moment from Adam Driver. Med school dropout Wallace meets the utterly charming Chantry and, knowing she’s already in a long-term relationship, the two become fast friends. Wallace has “love isn’t real” goggles on after having his heart broken, and Chantry is dissatisfied in her relationship and too scared to admit it. Naturally, they fall in love, as romantic comedy besties are wont to do. They also make Fool’s Gold, the sandwich that may or may not have killed Elvis, and watch their much-braver friends, Allan (Driver) and Nicole (Mackenzie Davis, Station Eleven) fall in love beside them. It’s an overall fantastic film about going after what you really want, both in love and in life.
Watch it on Prime Video.
21.The Worst Person in the World (2021)
The Worst Person in the World has all the great qualities of a film that will make you feel that intangible something. This dark romantic comedy stars Renate Reinsve, aka Norway’s Dakota Johnson, and tells the story of Julie, a somewhat flighty, non-committal med student who has absolutely no shortage of epiphanies throughout the film. Julie jumps from dream job to not-so-dreamy job and is in and out of relationships, all in the name of searching for her true self. The film is easily relatable, and despite her titularly implied shortcomings, you can’t help but root for Julie through it all. As a devout fan of the Sally Rooney-Phoebe Waller Bridge-Phoebe Bridgers sad girl trinity, I give this melancholic dramedy my whole, but most certainly aching-hearted endorsement.
Watch it in theaters.
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