10 Underrated Romantic Movie Gems to Watch Right Now (Seriously, You’ll Thank Us Later)

Sundays are for romantic movies

written by Joy Onu
11 min read
15 Dec, 2024

The New York Times

We all love a good rom-com marathon. But sometimes, the usual suspects and classics– The Notebook, When Harry Met Sally, How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days– leave us wanting something a little new, and a little more unexpected. Don’t get us wrong, we’re complete suckers for the classics, but sometimes you just need something different and just as classic as the classics to watch and love.

Fear not, fellow movie lovers! This list dives into the world of underrated romantic movies, guaranteed to give you all the feels. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to fall in love (or rediscover the magic) with these romantic movie gems!

1. Stay the Night (2022)

This charming Canadian romantic film stars Andrea Bang and Joey Scarpellino as two strangers navigating career difficulties who meet unexpectedly at a bar. Grace is a classic introvert who hasn’t had a lot of experience in the romance department, after meeting Carter in the most awkwardly sweet meet-cute way possible, they share an emotional connection which takes a turn as they spend an entire evening together. Expect witty, deep dialogue, unexpected twists, and a heartwarming exploration of a new friendship blossoming into something more.

2. Sylvie's Love (2020)

Set in the 1950s and 1960s, this visually stunning film follows the love story of a jazz musician and a budding filmmaker. The story starts when Sylvie (Tessa Thompson) meets Robert (Nnamdi Asomugha), an upcoming saxophonist at her father's record store in the 1950s, they begin a whirlwind summer romance which ultimately comes to an end. Fast forward to the 60s, Sylvie and Robert meet again only to discover their feelings are still intact. Now they must navigate their careers pulling them in different directions and the feelings they have for each other. It's a tale of love, loss, and the power of second chances, beautifully capturing the spirit of a bygone era.

3. Something New (2006)

Sanaa Lathan and Simon Baker heat the screen in this interracial romance. The story starts when a driven accountant, Kenya, who prioritizes work over her personal life is set up on a blind date. However, on arriving at the location for the date, she discovers that her blind date is a white man, and she ends up fleeing the scene. The two unexpectedly meet again and it turns out the white guy, Brian, is a landscape architect. Kenya hires Brian to renovate her backyard garden, and they find themselves drawn to each other despite their vastly different worlds. This is a refreshingly honest portrayal of modern love that tackles societal expectations and personal growth.

4. Nappily Ever After (2018)

This empowering rom-com celebrates Black beauty and self-love. Sanaa Lathan shines again as a woman called Violet who has a complicated relationship with her mother who drives the narrative and the need for her to look perfect at all times. After an accident at a hair salon, and an unexpected heartbreak, Violet makes the bold decision to shave her hair off, hence beginning the start of her journey to self-discovery. She begins to embrace her natural hair after a public breakdown, and with the help of a barber, she’s finally able to start living her life fully. It's a hilarious and heartwarming journey of self-discovery, with a healthy dose of romance on the side.

5. The Photograph (2020)

Issa Rae and Lakeith Stanfield deliver a powerful performance in this slow-burn romance which follows the daughter of a famous photographer, Mae, as she falls for the journalist who is investigating her late mother’s life, Michael. The film cleverly intertwines two timelines, exploring the past love story of Mae’s mother while her romantic connection unfolds in the present.

6. Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Ryan Reynolds takes us on a hilarious and heartwarming journey through his past relationships, leaving the audience guessing who his one true love might be. This clever rom-com with a twist on storytelling is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of mystery mixed with their romance.

7. Love in the Villa (2022)

Escape to the sunny shores of Italy with this Netflix rom-com. Kat Graham and Tom Hopper star as strangers who end up sharing a vacation villa, leading to a whirlwind romance with stunning scenery and enough comedic mishaps to keep you laughing.

8. Love Again (2023)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan bring chemistry to the screen in this charming rom-com. A woman grieving the loss of her fiancé uses text messages as a way to deal with her grief. Little does she know, the recipient of her fiancée’s old number is a writer who’s still recovering from being dumped a week before his wedding and about to write a piece on Celine Dion, who portrays herself. A sweet and heartwarming story about love and second chances.

9. See You on Venus (2023)

This beautifully shot film follows two teenagers, an orphaned girl named Mia who wants to travel to Europe to find her birth mother, and a boy named Kyle, who is still coming to terms with the guilt he carries from a fatal accident he was involved in. Mia convinces Kyle to go on a trip with her to Spain to find her mother, and while on this journey, young love blossoms.

10. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

This indie gem is a hilarious and honest take on modern dating. Jessica Williams portrays a playwright struggling with her love life, navigating the complexities of online dating, heartbreak, and self-discovery. She meets Boone, who is also going through a recent breakup, and together they figure out a way to make it through.

10 Underrated Romantic Movie Gems to Watch Right Now (Seriously, You’ll Thank Us Later)

Sundays are for romantic movies

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