Valentine’s Day is fast-approaching. Whether you’ll be hanging with gal-pals for some quality chilling, or you and your SO are just seeking out a low-key plan to relax with the doggos, this list of underrated romantic movies will make for a nice night at home snuggled up in your yoga pants with some take-out and heart-shaped chocolate.
In no particular order, we’ve got your oldies but goodies, some more recent finds, several are lowish-budget feel-good movies, and a few are mainstreamers that aren’t unseen but don’t normally jump to the top of the “romantic” list. The rest simply don’t get enough brownie points with viewers, but totally should. Whichever of these titles you choose, all can be relied upon to give you the warm-fuzzies!
{ Need a thoughtful gift for the book lover in your life this Valentine’s Day? Check out Baj’s curated selection of romantic bookmarks from the store! }
#1 – Return to Me
A man who falls in love with the woman who received his late wife’s heart via transplant must decide which woman it is who holds his heart.
Released – 2000
Rating – PG
This directorial gem by beloved actress Bonnie Hunt is an old favorite of mine. Truly, I tell you, it’s movie gold. It’ll make you think, cry, and laugh out loud. There’s dramatic irony, dry wit, and of course, young David Duchovny. Doesn’t that just sound like the makings of a great flick? It does everything right, is full of hilarious and memorable character dynamics, and it’s just a profoundly touching story that plucks at your heartstrings. And what isn’t awesome about Irish and Italian families coming together for maximum cultural loudness?!
#2 – The Cutting Edge
When an injured hockey player’s ambitions collide with those of a disgraced, ill-tempered pairs figure skater, the two must find a way to build a working relationship together in pursuit of their dreams to win an Olympic Gold Medal.
Released – 1992
Rating – PG
Tending to be overshadowed by athletic-romance favorites like Dirty Dancing, Footloose, and the 1978 Ice Castles, this ice-skating film is a potent hate-turned-love story that rings with some of the same tones as the classic Pride and Prejudice. And if that’s not enough for you, D.B. Sweeney may not be the best-looking male lead you’ve ever seen, but you won’t be able to deny that he has sizzling chemistry with the fiery female MC played by Moira Kelly. (ALSO – Terry O’Quinn from Lost! So weird seeing Locke play a dad — with hair.)
#3 – Penelope
Penelope is the descendent of a family of socialites that have narrowly avoided a witch’s curse until Penelope is born with the nose of a pig. Her only hope for a normal life is to break the curse by being loved by “one of her own kind” — so cue the fascinating Johnny Blueblood, who isn’t exactly who he says he is.
Released – 2007
Rating – PG
A sweet, modern re-working of the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast, this story centers around the brave Penelope Wilhern and her adventures as she tries to live her life to the fullest in spite of a family curse. The film has loads of tongue-in-cheek dialogue, colorful characters, a quirky set, and many resonating moments that leave an impression. Not to mention some great soundtrack choices, and engaging performances by the dashing James McAvoy and the ever-charming Christina Ricci.
#4 – The Magic of Ordinary Days
After she becomes pregnant by a departing soldier, Livy Dune, the wealthy, pampered daughter of a Denver minister, is forced to forever abandon her hopes of becoming an archeologist. To shield her from further scandal, Livy’s father ships her off to a remote farm and arranges her marriage with shy farmer Ray, who is struggling to live up to his proscribed responsibilities to the wartime government. The two lost souls must find a way to love and cherish one another, while also learning to forgive themselves for their own imagined shortcomings.
Released – 2005
Rating – PG
Like so many movies, this one is based on a book, and has made its way into the Hallmark Hall of Fame; but if that’s not usually your thing, don’t let it deter you! Keri Russell and counterpart Skeet Ulrich bring a heart-warming performance to a story that is already sympathetic and intriguing. And what’s more, a huge portion of this love story is communicated in body language, thankless acts of kindness, and meaningful silence, which is perfect for movie-watchers who prefer to interpret characters through action over words.
#5 – Miss Potter
Based on the life of early 20th-century author Beatrix Potter, creator of Peter Rabbit. As a young woman Potter rails against her parents’ wishes for her to marry and settle down. Instead, she continues to write about and draw the animals she has adored since childhood. Her early attempts to find a publisher for her children’s stories are unsuccessful, but an offer from a small firm will turn her into a literary phenomenon.
Released – 2006
Rating – PG
Get your box of tissues ready, this one’s a tearjerker! It follows the roller-coaster ride of determined author and illustrator, Beatrix Potter, in male-dominated 1902 London. The romance isn’t quite at the forefront, so if you are the kind of viewer that wants that as a subplot, this movie is good for that. You get all the unconventionality of Renée Zellweger and all the best likability of Ewan McGregor in a fabulous historical setting — and the fact that it’s (loosely) based on real events makes the story all the more powerful.
#6 – The Man From Snowy River
In wild 1880s Australia, young Jim Craig’s father dies tragically, driving Jim to take a job at the volatile Harrison cattle ranch where he is forced to become a man.
Released – 1982
Rating – PG
This one is not always considered a romance, which is just sad, because it is another compelling hate-turned-love story! But if you’re into more action and adventure with smaller trickles of romance laced into it, then this story of a complex power-struggle between two dynamic forces and the star-crossed lovers caught in the middle won’t disappoint. (And if you have Disney+, this movie will eventually be on there.)
#7 – Win A Date With Tad Hamilton
A small-town girl wins a date with her favorite charming A-List celebrity through a contest. When the date goes better than expected, a love triangle forms between the girl, the heartthrob, and the girl’s quirky guy best friend.
Released – 2004
Rating – PG-13
While this movie was once far more popular, it’s widely forgotten today beneath the recognition of more obvious fan-faves from this era, such as Sweet Home Alabama and 13 Going On 30. Watching it now is a fun trip recognizing so many famous faces, like Topher Grace, Kate Bosworth, Josh Duhamel, Ginnifer Goodwin, Nathan Lane, Octavia Spencer, and more. It’s a real star-studded cast! And what’s more, it’s a perfect friends-to-lovers story, and an example of a love triangle done right. This one is a must-watch if you love it when the dorky awkward guy gets the girl!
#8 – Stardust
To win the heart of his beloved, a young man named Tristan ventures into the realm of fairies to retrieve a fallen star. What Tristan finds, however, is not a chunk of space rock, but a woman named Yvaine. Yvaine is in great danger, for the king’s sons need her powers to secure the throne, and an evil witch wants to use her to achieve eternal youth and beauty.
Released – 2007
Rating – PG-13
I’m aware this pick is highly debated amongst fans of the novel, but I hated that and absolutely LOVED the movie, so that’s why I’m putting it on the list (a grand perk of being the list-maker). I feel like if you’re big on fantasy romances, it doesn’t get much better than this one, which is on par with The Princess Bride for me. You’ve got your swashbuckling rogues, magical lands, selfish bad guys, dashing lads, mouthy ladies, comedians undertaking cameos, an enormous sense of humor, and then there’s baby Ben Barnes with a bad haircut. What’s not to like?
#9 – Leap Year
When yet another anniversary passes without a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Anna decides to take action. Aware of a Celtic tradition that allows women to pop the question on Feb. 29, she plans to follow her lover to Dublin and ask him to marry her. Fate has other plans, however, and Anna winds up on the other side of the Emerald Isle with handsome, but surly, Declan — an Irishman who may just lead Anna down the road to true love.
Released – 2010
Rating – PG
WHY does no one talk about this movie?! It’s so much fun, I can hardly stand it. It’s another hate-to-love story, which I’m sure you’re catching on is a highly-decorated trope amid the ranks of my taste. It also takes place almost entirely in Ireland, and believe me when I say the on-location scenery is easy on the eyes. Traipsing along the lush green countryside with the characters will give you wanderlust for sure. And don’t get me started on how adorable the MCs are together, with their constant bickering and secret sideways looks at each other. This is definitely my favorite role to watch Matthew Goode in, and Amy Adams is brilliant, as always.
#10 – Flipped
When they meet in second grade, Juli Baker falls instantly in love with her neighbor, Bryce Loski. Bryce, however, does not feel the spark. From that day forward, he tries hard to keep brash and unpredictable Juli at bay. After six years, she begins to feel that she was wrong about him being the love of her life. Unfortunately, that is just about the time that Bryce begins to think he was wrong about Juli, too.
Released – 2010
Rating – PG
The movie based on my all-time favorite book!!! This rare treasure is directed by Rob Reiner (you know, When Harry Met Sally? Sleepless in Seattle? A thousand others?), and it’s so close to capturing the full magic of Juli and Bryce’s narrative from the novel. AHH, it’s just go good! The story is all about first love, but it’s not quite that simple, because when Juli meets Bryce, she falls head over heels ― by herself. Bryce can’t stand Juli and avoids her at all costs, until the unthinkable happens ― Bryce changes his mind about Juli, right around the time Juli is changing her mind about Bryce. It’s smart, charming, coming-of-age fun that packs a surprising punch (I usually cry several times), so this film isn’t to be taken lightly. And you’ll probably recognize some of the actors, particularly Callan McAuliffe, Madeline Carroll, Israel Broussard, and Shane Harper.
#11 – The Wedding Date
With the wedding of her younger sister fast approaching, Kat Ellis faces the undesirable prospect of traveling alone to London for the ceremony. While this is bad enough, Jeffrey, the fiance who left her, happens to be the groom’s best man. Determined to show everyone ― most of all Jeffrey ― that her romantic life is as full and thrilling as ever, Kat hires a charming male escort as her date.
Released – 2004
Rating – PG-13
This movie gets quite the flack in its reviews and ratings, but no one can seem to agree on what makes it so supposedly awful. So here’s what I say ― If you can get past Debra Messing’s horrible dye job in this film, the rest is smooth-sailing. And okay, yes, the male lead is a gigolo, but that’s part of the movie’s angst, people! Does he like her because she’s paying him, or because he actually likes her?! SUCH TENSION! And the side characters are so entertaining; this was the first time I saw Amy Adams on screen, and also the first time I saw Commodore Norrington from the PoTC movies as a non-pirate. Turns out he is actually way precious! But I digress… Anyway, this movie is probably the steamiest of the whole list (are you surprised, given the premise?), but MAN, it’s such a punch-you-in-the-gut kind of story! (In a good way.) And evidently it was adapted from a book?
#12 – Warm Bodies
After a highly unusual zombie saves a still-living girl from an attack, the two form a relationship that sets in motion events that might transform the entire lifeless world.
Released – 2013
Rating – PG-13
This one is for the viewers looking for something less girlie and swoony in favor of the more dark and unconventional. The story of Warm Bodies entails a pretty interesting concept: when most of the world has been taken out by a zombie apocalypse, there’s one zombie that isn’t like the rest — he feels things. When he encounters a living girl, he begins to change, and those changes may be the answer to healing the zombies and rebuilding the world. The theme, in the end, is a tad on the nose, but whatever — it’s romantic in the purest sense. There is also some unexpected humor in the storytelling, and Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer make a cute pair.
#13 – Everything You Want (also known as Love Surreal)
A visionary and artistic young woman finds herself torn between her imaginary boyfriend and a real boy from one of her classes.
Released – 2005
Rating – TV-PG
This was a made-for-TV movie. To use the perfect words of IMDB user mollypop92, “If you’re looking for Oscar level acting and deep, thought-provoking themes, Everything You Want is not the movie for you…Nonetheless, it is an excellent movie, with humorous, likable characters, fun and romantic moments, and a good message.” And it comes with a bonus: if you’re an old fan of Boy Meets World, big brother Eric plays an amusing role in this one, while Roswell’s sweet Shiri Appleby plays the lead.
#14 – Remember Sunday
When a lonely waitress falls for a quirky jewelry shop worker who suffers from short-term memory loss, every day becomes a new adventure.
Released – 2013
Rating – TV-PG
Another from the Hallmark Movie Hall of Fame, this is a tender and gripping story featuring two TV sweethearts, Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls) and Zachary Levi (Chuck). Set in modern-day New Orleans, a quirky waitress longing for love falls for a kind — but odd — jewelry store clerk with a life-altering secret he doesn’t know how to tell her. One of the more wholesome choices on the list, this one is bound to have you rooting for a happy ending from start to finish. Plus, I mean, you get like…a million of those adorbs crooked smiles from Zachary Levi, so sign me up!
#15 – Music and Lyrics
Former music superstar Alex Fletcher used to pack them in back in the 1980s, but now he is reduced to playing nostalgia tours and county fairs. He scores a chance at a major comeback when reigning pop diva Cora Corman asks him to write a song for her, but he hasn’t written anything in years and cannot compose lyrics anyway. Noticing that Sophie, the plant lady, has a way with words, Alex proposes that he and Sophie team up.
Released – 2007
Rating – PG-13
Both veterans to the rom-com scene, Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant bring such entertaining performances to this upbeat, 80s-nostalgic flick. The film is lush with sharp wit, snappy songs, and familiar talents playing warm characters that will make you laugh, no matter how many times you’ve heard their lines. This is a movie I never get tired of!
And funny anecdote about this one: not long after it came out, I was spending the summer with my aunt and uncle out-of-state. I would go to the library to borrow DVDs every few days, and this was one of the ones I picked out. I watched it 3-4 times before I took it back. One day soon after, I was on the phone with my mom, and she mentioned that she and my family at home were re-watching this new rom-com they had all fallen in love with. She started describing it, and I was like, “MOM! Is that Music and Lyrics?!” And she responded, “YES! How did you know that?!” We were so tickled because, even being hundreds of miles apart, we had unknowingly become obsessed with the same movie in the span of a couple of weeks. * giggles *
#16 – One Small Hitch
Lifelong friends fake their engagement to make one’s dying father happy, but the ruse gets out of hand when they start falling in love for real.
Released – (No one seems to know for sure — somewhere between 2012 and 2014)
Rating – Not Rated, but would be PG-13
It’s possible you’ve caught this one while scrolling through Netflix or Amazon Prime. I didn’t recognize any of the actors, but that didn’t stop me from being pretty impressed with the acting chops. The plot isn’t anything new, as it centers around old family friends Molly and Josh striking up a fake engagement to gratify Josh’s father, who doesn’t have long to live. As you would expect, Molly and Josh’s secret gives them more trouble than they bargained for — but oooooh, the fireworks between these two! Full of will-they-won’t-they moments and A-List-grade sexual tension, this surprisingly poignant story won’t leave you hanging.
{ Looking for your next pleasure read? Don’t miss Baj’s list of Top 20 books from last year.}
Want to find where you can currently watch these movies? Click the numbered title, and you’ll be taken to the Google page to see where the movie is available for renting, buying, or watching for free. And, in some cases, when and where it’ll be coming on TV soon. You’re welcome! 😉
Recent Comments