Watching a good rom-com yields a particular type of satisfaction, and we fully understand the pleasures of re-watching When Harry Met Sally… for the millionth time, reciting every word, and singing along to “Surrey With The Fringe On Top.” But sometimes revisiting the same classics over and over again can get numbing, so here are some under-loved options for your viewing pleasure.
Our criteria for this list is multi-layered. Some of the films were brushed off by critics upon release, others were beloved but not seen by many, and many have somewhat faded into obscurity. We’ve got a range of choices here, including big-budget Hollywood flicks starring rom-com kings and queens like Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock. And then we've got some indies. Some are on the melancholy side. The work of Jennifer Westfeldt is strongly represented. It's not a comprehensive list, just some of our favourites from the past few decades.
So click ahead and enjoy. All that’s required is a willingness to believe that love is real.
The Wedding Banquet(1993)
Ang Lee’s film often ends up on lists of the best romantic comedies, but for the most part it still flies under the radar. Twelve years before Brokeback Mountain, the Oscar-winning filmmaker co-wrote and directed the bilingual story of a Chinese gay man living with his boyfriend in New York. To please his traditional parents and help his friend — an artist living in Williamsburg looooooong before it was cool — get her green card, he gets married. Charming, sensitive, and funny.
Available: Amazon
Two Weeks Notice (2002)
In the grand scheme of Hugh Grant and Sandra Bullock’s individual rom-com oeuvres, this is definitely a lesser entry. And yet, their collective skills are put to delightful use. He plays a playboy billionaire; she’s the awkward activist lawyer who starts working for him.
Brown Sugar (2002)
Rick Famuyiwa (the mastermind behind this summer's indie hit Dope) wrote and directed this ode to love — and love of hip-hop. Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan star as the (immensely attractive) friends from childhood who may just be perfect for each other, despite the fact that Diggs' character proposes to and marries another woman. Brown Sugar did decent business when it was released. Thirteen years later, it's time it enjoyed a renaissance on the small screen.
Ira & Abby (2006)
As the totally fit Danny Castellano on The Mindy Project, Chris Messina pretty much plays the ultimate boyfriend. But, long before that, he was the schlubby Ira in Jennifer Westfeldt’s little seen indie, which starts with the impulsive ( very impulsive) marriage of the two leads.
Available: Amazon
Music and Lyrics (2007)
Again, not a top tier Hugh Grant romantic comedy, but yet another one that will suck you in — if for no other reason than the absurdly catchy song it features: “Pop! Goes My Heart!”
Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008)
Michael Cera's Juno character, Paulie Bleeker, will probably always remain the nec plus ultra in his portrayal of awkward love interest sweetie pies, but his Nick is a pretty good second. Although the reason this movie gets a spot on the list is the best friend: Ari Graynor gives a hilarious and fantastic performance as Norah’s drunk mess compatriot, Caroline.
Adventureland (2009)
You might be thinking that Adventureland, starring Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, is more stoner-flick/summer coming-of-age dude movie than romantic comedy, and you wouldn’t be entirely wrong. However, Stewart, doing her best sullen girl, and Eisenberg, in full neurotic flare, make an endearing team. Here's hoping they can recreate that chemistry in next month's American Ultra.
Going The Distance (2010)
The chemistry between Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, who have been a real life couple, is on full display in this movie. However, the nature of the plot — they’re in a long distance relationship — means sometimes they don’t share the screen. The hilarious supporting cast of friends (Charlie Day) and relatives (Christina Applegate) only adds to the fun.
Friends With Kids (2012)
Another Westfeldt movie about impulsive New Yorkers. In her directorial debut, Westfeldt (who also wrote the screenplay) stars as a single woman who decides to have a baby with her BFF (Adam Scott). And ... you know where this is going. The A-plus supporting cast includes SNL all stars Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, Bridesmaids ' Chris O’Dowd, and Westfeldt’s partner, Jon Hamm.
No Strings Attached(2011)
No Strings Attached, written by New Girl 's Liz Meriwether, had the burden of being one of two friends-having-sex comedies released in 2011. Despite the Kutcher factor, don't dismiss this one, especially given the supporting cast of all of your current faves, including Mindy Kaling, Greta Gerwig, and Jake Johnson.
Your Sister's Sister (2012)
Written and directed by Lynn Shelton, this one was, unlike some titles on this list, beloved by critics. The film stars a dream team of Mark Duplass, Rosemarie DeWitt, and Emily Blunt. Though it features some genre hallmarks — a one-night stand, and a woman in love with her best friend — it all comes together in a unique perfect package.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Director Colin Trevorrow is best known these days for directing Jurassic World, the fourth highest grossing film of all time, but he got his start with Safety Not Guaranteed, an odd, difficult-to-classify fantasy story with an understated romance. It's the story of a guy (Mark Duplass, again) who wants to time travel, and the group of journalists shadowing him, including Aubrey Plaza.
About Time (2013)
Is About Time really a romantic comedy? That’s up for debate. Sure, it’s written and directed by the British overlord of the genre, Richard Curtis. And yes, there’s romance between Rachel McAdams and Domhnall Gleeson (who plays a time traveller). But that’s really secondary to the tender father and son story that is the beating heart of the movie. So, no, it may not exactly fit on this list, but who cares? You’ll be crying by the end.
What If (2014)
The combined charm of Zoe Kazan and Daniel Radcliffe is what sells this one, which follows a familiar formula, but to perfection. Will Kazan and Radcliffe’s characters end up just friends? Probably not. Will we enjoy watching them figure out how to acknowledge their mutual attraction? Yes, we will.
Appropriate Behaviour ( 2015)
If you insist that couples always find their happy ending, then Appropriate Behaviour is not for you. However, if you like your romantic comedies a little more cynical, or off the beaten track, then Desiree Akhavan’s indie about a bisexual Persian woman in New York and her great love that falls apart is an absolute must.
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