9 Unconventional Romance Movies That Might Awaken Something In You

We’ve all seen the lists of best rom coms. Heck, if you’re like me, you may have even written a few. But there are only so many times you can see the same five movies over and over again before you start thinking that the romance genre has gone stale. Luckily, it’s anything but. While we get plenty of conventional romantic comedy stories, there are others that have totally broke the mold. Not only are these unconventional romance movies brimming with creative plots and interesting couples, they may just awaken something in you that you were never expecting.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

There’s a reason why Tim Burton’s 1990 classic has remained a t-shirt staple at Hot Topic for decades. For many, watching Johnny Depp’s black leather strap-clad character with scissors for fingers was their first foray into crushing hard on goth boys. Who doesn’t want to be a super sweet blonde, like Winona Ryder, and attract the gaunt-looking guy who lives in the spooky mansion on the hill? Watch Edward Scissorhands on Disney+.

Benny & Joon (1993)

Another Johnny Depp joint, for better or worse, follows a neurodivergent couple finding love in a world that wasn’t made for them. It’s a great romance for those who don’t feel like everyone else, yet still want to find someone who will treat them like they’re wonderful just as they are. Everyone deserves love. Watch Benny & Joon on Tubi.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

A classic Wes Anderson film that follows a quirky family in that classic aesthetically pleasing, symmetrical look we’ve come to love, The Royal Tenenbaums is more than a romance. It’s a family drama. It’s a way of life. And it also follows a man who can’t handle being in love with his adoptive sister. Watch The Royal Tenenbaums on Amazon Video.

Secretary (2002)

Before Fifty Shades of Gray had a stranglehold on middle-aged moms everywhere, there was Secretary. Following a girl working as a secretary for her BDSM-loving boss, it’s the movie that many of those in the BDSM community attribute to their sexual awakening. Watch Secretary on Tubi and FreeVee.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

This sometimes uncomfortable indie film follows Lars, a man in a relationship with a sex doll. For him, it’s so important that he believes his girlfriend is real–and everyone in town plays along. While you may love Ryan Gosling, you may not be as into his character in this one. Then again, maybe you will be. No judgement here! Watch Lars and the Real Girl on Tubi and The Roku Channel.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

What do you do when you’re a politician and you learn that shadowy forces are literally bending reality to keep you on a certain pre-determined path? Break the system so you can be with the woman you love, of course. This is for those of you who love reality-bending storylines and the idea that someone would sacrifice anything to be with you. Watch The Adjustment Bureau on Netflix.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Two people who aren’t supposed to fall in love can’t seem to stay away from each other. It’s a story as old as time, and yet Warm Bodies managed to do it the unconventional way by making one of them a zombie. And by the end of the movie, you’ll probably be in love with Nicholas Hoult’s R, too. Hate to break it to you, but you like zombies now. Watch Warm Bodies on Peacock.

Bones and All (2022)

Crushing on Timothée Chalamet? That’s nothing new. He’s in practically every movie for a reason. But what if Timmy’s a cannibal? That’s what you get with this recent romantic horror movie that’s rightfully considered one of the best romances to come out of 2022. Watch Bones and All on Prime Video and MGM+.

Argylle (2024)

This is a new spy comedy that I really don’t want to spoil, especially since it hasn’t even been out a year. I’ll just say that it gets incredibly quirky by the end and may make you wish you could be loved by Sam Rockwell. (Then again, who doesn’t?) It’s also not anywhere near as bad as people said when it first came out. I’m not ashamed to admit I loved it. Watch Argylle on Apple TV+.