Top 7 Underrated Rom-Coms to Watch for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is once again upon us. While it’s a dreaded holiday for some, it’s well-loved by others. Even if you’re only looking forward to the discount chocolates and conversation hearts available for sale on February 15, there is no ignoring the mob of romantic comedies that are currently dominating across TV and streaming platforms.

What makes for a good rom-com?

Romantic comedies tend to walk a fine line between comedy and romance (duh), but if it leans too far one way or the other, it becomes a bit hard to firmly classify it as a solid, all-around rom-com.

How much romantic drama is too much? If it’s all comedy and light romance, can it even be considered romantic, or is the love interest a simple, standard plot point in an all-around, classic comedy?

Honestly, I don’t think there’s a science to it, and it may be one of the few film genres that goes off of vibes more than anything else. However, Entertainment Weekly states, “Fundamentally, a rom-com is any movie in which the film’s primary comedic tension derives from a central romantic relationship.”

Sure, let’s go with that.

While films like Adam Sandler’s 50 First Dates (2004) or the ensemble film Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) are absolute classics, we’ve all watched these romantic comedies a million times, give or take. And of course, anything our rom-com queen Katherine Heigl is in becomes an automatic winner, but you’ve probably seen them all.

If you’re enjoying this Valentine’s Day watching rom-coms, here’s a list of seven underrated rom-coms you might want to consider.

But first, the honorable mentions, which are too classic to be considered underrated:

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

This one is probably my personal favorite on the list and certainly one of the funniest, but I find that when I tell friends or family about it, most of them have never seen it. Truthfully, if you only watch one movie from this list, this is the one to watch.

Childhood best friends reconnect fifteen years after a falling out. She’s a massively successful celebrity chef, and he’s, well, there. The dynamic between Ali Wong, playing Sasha, and Randall Park as Marcus is perfect, and each of the supporting cast members brings their A-game.

Though I’d love to tell you the best part, half of what makes the scene so hilarious is the shocking reveal. You’ll know the scene when it happens, trust me.

Only You (1994)

To watch this one, I had to hunt it down at a thrift store and find a DVD copy. It wasn’t an easy task, but it was definitely worth it.

The premise didn’t sell me at first, but my mom swore it was worth the watch, so this suggestion is thanks to her.

Faith, portrayed by Marisa Tomei, was told by a fortune teller as a child that she would marry a man named Damon Bradley. But, life goes on, and she finds herself engaged to a podiatrist until Damon Bradley calls to leave a voicemail. She abandons her wedding in search of him in Italy, finding Robert Downey Jr., who, conveniently, tells her his name is Damon Bradley. The catch: it isn’t.

The two set out on a wild goose chase to find the real Damon Bradley. I’m sure you can take a few guesses at what happens along the way. Downey and Tomei’s chemistry is off the charts, which is no surprise if you know they dated in real life during this time. A fact that makes their meeting in Captain America: Civil War (2016), with Downey as Tony Stark/Iron Man and Tomei as Aunt May, that much more comical.

Honestly, the only bad thing about this movie is Marisa Tomei’s haircut (sorry).

Couples Retreat (2009)

Vince Vaughn, Kristen Bell, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Kristin Davis, Faizon Love. Need I say more?

This film follows four couples who are somewhat roped into an all-inclusive island resort. But there’s always a catch. Bateman and his wife, played by Bell, trick their friends into signing up for a couples’ tropical paradise, which happens to share space with a singles resort. However, they will be on the island for couples counseling, which is mandatory, unbeknownst to them.

Technically, I would say that this film does meet EW’s definition of a romantic comedy, but to me, it leans much more heavily on its comedic aspects rather than its romantic ones. Still, it’s a hilarious movie that tends to get washed out when compared to films in the actors’ filmographies, like Wedding Crashers (2005).

Elemental (2023)

This one is probably the biggest “hear me out” on the list, purely because it’s animated. Elemental isn’t only an underrated rom-com, it’s an underrated movie altogether.

Fire and water. They don’t mix. But what if the fell for each other? Abstractedly, that’s the overview.

Everything in this film works, and it really doesn’t get enough credit for it. The animation style, the world-building, the caricatures. It all blends seamlessly. Though it’s not your standard rom-com, it’s sure to pleasantly surprise you.

License to Wed (2007)

A people-pleasing, love-struck Ben, played by none other than The Office’s John Krasinski, aims to please his fiancée, Sadie, played by Mandy Moore, and her family. A tale as old as time, perhaps, but fans of The Office will love the style of humor. Plus, it has half the cast of The Office already in it!

To make her family happy, Ben agrees to take on an expedited marriage counseling course, overseen by Reverend Frank, in order to have their wedding at St. Augustine’s church in only three weeks. Naturally, hijinks ensue.

The star of the show is the late and great Robin Williams as our dear Reverend. Hearing his comedic inflection and timing in a movie again is pure nostalgia that I haven’t felt in quite some time.

It’s reminiscent of other comedies like Meet the Parents (2000). While not on the same scale or level of quality as the other films on this list, it’s a fun break from the beaten path and definitely worth turning on if you’re either actively surviving or recently survived the ordeal of wedding planning.

P.S. I Love You (2007)

Without giving too much away, I’ll have to warn you. This one toes the line, and some might not consider it funny enough to classify as a rom-com. I think it skirts by. However, it establishes the sad part about five minutes into the movie, so you know what to expect off the bat!

Starring Gerard Butler and Hilary Swank, this film has been one of my favorites for a long-time and I’ve had to force most of my friends to watch it, so it makes the list!

Though it has some aspects of drama, its supporting cast of stars like Lisa Kudrow, Harry Connick Jr., Kathy Bates, and even Jeffrey Dean Morgan help round this out and make sure the balance of comedy meets the status quo to be considered a rom-com, at least in my book.

You might not break down laughing at this one, but any true rom-com lover will surely be adding this to their list of favorites after watching.

Ticket to Paradise (2022)

Two divorcees, played by George Clooney and Julia Roberts, must band together to sabotage their daughter’s wedding, for fear that she is making a massive mistake. What better place to do that than in Bali!

At the time, it seemed like folks did not like this movie when it came out. Maybe they expected more, but I thought it had that early 2000s, cheesy flair that makes so many of the rom-coms we love be considered classics.

If movies aren’t your thing, check out our list of thetop seven out-of-the-box co-op games for couples. Don’t forget to let us know your favorites in the comments and subscribe to get two articles each week straight to your inbox!

By Emily Provost

Off the Shelf Media