Don’t have any plans this Valentine’s Day? All the more time for you to stay home and catch up on watching some movies – namely these classic, underrated, and reasonably hyped-up romcoms.
The Princess Bride (1987)
This light-hearted adventure story is a must-watch classic. There’s something for everyone in this film: witty dialogue, comedic villains, sword fighting suspense, and even rodents of unusual size! And at the heart of the film is a classic love story that (spoiler alert!) unlike many others on this list doesn’t end in tragedy.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
This underrated film is both visually beautiful and brutally truthful. The protagonist Gil (played by Owen Wilson), is a writer who wishes he had lived during the 1920s. Insert a little bit of magical realism – and a strong cast of characters based on historical figures – and you have a film that isn’t afraid to question traditional romance tropes in storytelling.
Pretty in Pink (1986)
While John Hughes movies can definitely have a sappy, predictable plot to them, this doesn’t make Pretty in Pink any less fun to watch. What stands out to me in this film are the side characters. Iona (played by Annie Potts) is Andie’s (played by Molly Ringwald) older friend who generally cares about her and patiently offers Andie romantic advice. The scene where Iona gives Andie her prom dress? Now that’s true friendship. While Andie’s love life is at the center of this film, this movie would also be perfect for a Galentine’s Day movie night.
About Time (2013)
This is another underrated rom-com that deserves more appreciation! If you’re looking for a tearjerker film filled with lovable characters, found family, and stars before they became famous (Margot Robbie oh my gosh!), then look no further. Through the magic that is never really explained, our protagonist Tim (played by Domhnall Gleeson) is able to travel back and relive key moments in his life. We follow the escapades of his relatable mishaps and self-growth, ultimately feeling satisfied with what he learns about himself.
Anna Karenina (2012)
Speaking of tragically beautiful love stories, this is one for the books. If you’re a fan of Keira Knightley period dramas, you can’t miss out on Anna Karenina. While the Russian novel is incredibly intimidating in its length, this film is so aesthetically lovely that time seems to fly by while you watch it. Also, Aaron Taylor-Johnson really does justice to the character of Count Vronsky: he’s positively swoon-worthy. It will be up to you to decide if Keira’s Anna is truly the real villain of the film.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
This classic film has some of the wittiest and clever dialogue I’ve ever encountered in a rom-com. The all-star cast includes Katherine Hepburn in the starring role, Cary Grant as her ex-husband, and James Stewart as a reporter and potential love interest. Hepburn’s snarky feminist humor is really overlooked in this film, which is more so about a woman’s independence than it is about marriage and love.
Say Anything (1989)
While this film is much more famous for its iconic boom box scene, there’s so much else to love about this movie. There are so many endearing and relatable scenes: Lloyd nervously calling to ask out his crush, Diane stressing about college, and the awkwardness of Lloyd being invited to his girlfriend’s family dinner. This coming-of-age love story is a little idealistic, but it also tackles important societal issues such as economic struggles within a family, cultural judgments of virginity, and the differences in how men and women perceive what “being in love” means.
How Do You Know (2010)
This underrated gem gets overlooked for its somewhat predictable ending, but there’s something so comforting about watching it. The three main characters played by Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson are involved in a love triangle. Witherspoon debates over which man to choose, but always prioritizes her own career and goals over a potentially toxic relationship – and for that, we say: yes! Also, Witherspoon counters traditional romcom movie stereotypes and plays a professional female athlete in the film. Go Reese!
Pride and Prejudice (2005)
No list of the best romcoms would be complete without this gem. This is more so a period drama than a romcom, but Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a story filled with plenty of witty and clever humor. The romantic tension between Elizabeth and Darcy is to die for! I happen to think that this is the superior romance film, easily the best ever made, and it should be watched every February 14th.
