Underrated Romance Movies

Everyone’s heard of classic films like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and The Notebook, but there are plenty of hidden gems in the romance genre that deserve more attention. Here is my list of the five most underrated romance movies, as well as three recommendations from fellow WHS students.

My Picks

Leap Year (2010)

I recently watched this movie for the first time, and I’m obsessed. It has everything you could ever want in a rom-com: an enemies-to-lovers trope, clever comedy, a corny plot, and a leading man with an accent. There’s not much more that I can say, it’s just so good. It had me, my older sister, and my cousin squealing excitedly while watching.

Return to Me (2000)

This movie is less “com” and more “rom”. It’s a tragically beautiful story about a man named Bob whose wife dies in a car accident, and a woman named Grace who has a weak heart and needs a transplant. Bob’s late wife happened to be an organ donor, and Grace happened to receive her heart in a life-saving surgery. Months later, the widowed husband and surgery survivor meet and fall into an unconventional love. It’s a story about soulmates and persevering love. Even though it’s not labeled under the comedy genre, certain scenes will crack you up. You may also shed a few tears, but what good romance movie doesn’t do that to a person?

Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)

This is a film about self-growth, chasing your dreams, and finding your purpose. There’s also a dash of romance and cheesiness, which just makes the story all the better. It’s such a cute movie that does not get talked about enough. 

Stardust (2007)

Stardust is an enthralling fantasy story that will hook you in instantly. It follows a man and a falling-star-turned-human on an unlikely quest. With a packed cast, interesting plot, and beautiful romance, it’s an amazing and unique movie that deserves more hype. If you’re searching for a good fantasy book-to-screen adaptation, look no further! 

Student’s Picks

50 First Dates (2004)

This is a movie about a woman with short-term memory loss and a man with the patience and dedication to build a relationship with her. It was senior Ady Campos’ pick for her favorite underrated romance movie because, “It’s super sweet, but also emotional. It makes me want to keep watching every time I see it.”

He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)

This film follows many different characters who all have difficulties when it comes to love. Senior Allison Lemmon said this is her favorite underrated romance movie because the story is unique, entertaining, and, “just so funny and heartwarming.”

About Time (2013)

About Time follows a young man named Tim who discovers that he can time travel. It’s a beautiful story about family, love, and learning to appreciate what truly matters in life. Senior Malak Saad shared that it is her favorite underrated romance movie, stating, “I like that it isn’t just a story about the love between the main characters, it goes deeper than that,” Saad continued, “It always leaves me with a warm, uplifting feeling. If you haven’t seen it, it’s worth a watch.”

The romance genre is widely beloved, yet many great stories get lost in the vast sea of films. Hopefully, this article helped you discover a new favorite to add to your watchlist!

Graphic by Ella Makohoniuk using Canva