7 Underrated Romantic Comedies To Fall In Love With This Valentine’s Day
Just as scary movies remain synonymous with Halloween and Bing Crosby songs remain closely tied to Christmas, Valentine’s Day is virtually unimaginable without the dependable warmth of a worthwhile romantic comedy.
Providing love birds the perfect opportunity to nestle on the couch after an idyllic date night together, romantic comedies continue on as a hallmark of Valentine’s Day celebrations, earning as important a place in the season as flower bouquets, boxes of chocolate, expensive jewelry, or heart-shaped candies.
While it’s always tempting to pop in a familiar favorite like When Harry Met Sally…, Love Actually, or Pretty Woman, it’s always worth taking note of just how many other great movies there are within the romantic comedy genre. From innovative sci-fi films to comic book-inspired action comedies, here are seven wholly underrated romcoms we’d definitely recommend watching this coming Valentine’s Day.
Palm Springs (2020)
An inventive twist on the classic time-loop premise popularized in films like Groundhog Day and Edge of Tomorrow, Palm Springs functions as a palpable blend between science fiction, fantasy, and romantic comedy all in one neatly tied package. Featuring two remarkable performances from Andy Samberg and Cristin Miloti, Palm Springs boasts an equal number of laughs as it does thought-provoking plot elements, as seen through its key focus on two wholly different individuals reliving the same idyllic wedding reception over and over again. Smart, funny, and overarchingly original in its humor and characterization, it’s a ceaselessly enjoyable romantic comedy we simply can’t recommend enough.
The Big Sick (2017)
There’s a reason marriage vows include the words “in sickness and in health.” While anyone can stick around for the good times in a relationship, it’s the adverse moments that constitute a meaningful romance, requiring us to care for our partner as they overcome personal hardships and medical crises. Eloquently illustrating this little-discussed aspect of a relationship, The Big Sick tackles some weighty issues in the course of its two-hour runtime, focusing on a young couple navigating a serious medical illness that threatens one of their lives. Handling its foremost thematic discussions with clarity and sincerity, The Big Sick is an ingenious romantic comedy characterized by sharp writing, splendid performances, and tense emotions viewers can easily relate to and sympathize with.
Shiva Baby (2020)
Truthfully, Shiva Baby isn’t so much a romantic comedy film as it is a claustrophobic psychological drama. In it, a soon-to-graduate college student is forced to contend with increasingly awkward familial interactions amidst a small shiva observance. Portraying the anxiety and ennui that affect most college students as they prepare for graduation, Shiva Baby also eloquently explores the intricate emotions Rachel Sennott’s Danielle feels as she confronts embittered past partners and secret sugar daddies in the course of the shiva’s duration. (Spoiler alert: It’s every bit as tense and uncomfortable as you’d probably expect.)
Obvious Child (2014)
Anyone familiar with Jenny Slate’s work is sure to recognize just how fantastic a comedian she truly is. Whether guffawing at her supporting appearances in Parks and Recreation or admiring her solo work in Obvious Child, viewers can’t help but bask in the comic prowess of Slate’s performances every time she wanders on screen. In the case of Obvious Child, in particular, Slate hands in a career-defining performance as a stand-up comedian grappling with an unexpected pregnancy. Handling its potentially controversial subject matter with bravery and gusto, Obvious Child leaves an indelible impression on every viewer fortunate enough to see it, cementing Slate’s place as one of the most talented performers in the comedic field today.
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
One of the finest films from Wes Anderson yet, Moonrise Kingdom provides a stirring look at the eventful relationship formed between two wayward teenagers in 1960s New England. Escaping the restrictive and indifferent world of their suburban surroundings, Anderson documents the two lovers’ flight into the backwoods forest of their isolated island town, allowing them to pursue their idyllic dreams to live on their own as an official couple. Overcoming constant obstacles in their quest to be together, Moonrise Kingdom presents a bittersweet portrayal of a young couple experiencing love for the first time, complete with all the joys and challenges that come with an initial romantic connection.
Adventureland (2009)
The 2000s came packed to the brim with memorable teen comedies, from the raunchier antics of Superbad to the endlessly quotable humor of Mean Girls. Nestled somewhere in this diverse mix comes 2009’s criminally overlooked romantic teen comedy, Adventureland. Set in a dilapidated amusement park in 1980s Pennsylvania, Adventureland expertly explores the angst and anxiety young adults feel as they exit college and enter the uncertain world of adulthood. Propelled by memorable performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart, it’s quite possibly the most underrated comedy of the 2000s (a decade already filled with obscure and underappreciated comedic gems).
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
It doesn’t seem very fair to describe Scott Pilgrim vs. the World as a mere romantic comedy. A sprawling action fantasy film with romance, adventure, humor, and arcade-inspired fight sequences, Scott Pilgrim simply defies clear-cut genre classifications, existing in its own unique bubble that merges anime, comic books, video games, and quirky romantic comedies into one satisfying amalgamation. From its absurdist plot line to its zany comedy, from its massive ensemble cast to its inventive action scenes, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is a film that’s literally impossible not to fall in love with once you’ve hit play, unfolding with the infectious speed of a vintage Pac-Man arcade game or a ‘60s Marvel comic.
