Everyone agrees that the golden age of the romantic comedy was between the 1990s and the 2000s, when the genre was not only one of the most popular at the box office, it also delivered some of the best love stories on screen.
However, that doesn’t mean that recent years haven’t brought some good stories. In recent years, it feels like the genre is having a ‘renaissance,’ with some films (such as ‘Anyone But You’) proving that there’s much more to do in modern times.
And, speaking of modern times, here we’ve got a selection of recent romantic comedies that we think are underrated. These movies may not have made a huge splash at the box office, but they offer unique and heartfelt takes on love and relationships that are well worth watching.
Somebody I Used To Know (2023)
Available to watch on: Prime Video
Directed by Dave Franco, and co-written with his wife Alison Brie, who also stars, the movie is everything a good rom-com should be. It follows Brie as Ally, a TV writer whose show will be canceled so she decides to take a vacation in her hometown. There, she will reconnect with her ex-boyfriend (Jay Ellis), who is about to marry someone else.
Palm Springs (2020)
Available to watch on: Hulu
Starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti, this rom-com takes the time loop trope to create one of the most beautiful love stories of recent years. It was directed by Max Barbakow (in his feature directorial debut) from a screenplay by Andy Siara.
Plus One (2019)
Available to watch on: Netflix, Hulu, Hoopla, The Roku Channel
Andrew Rhymer wrote, directed and produced this rom-com starring Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid. It follows two longtime friends who agree to be each other’s plus one at every wedding they’re invited to. It also stars Beck Bennett, Rosalind Chao, Perrey Reeves, and Ed Begley Jr.
What’s Love Got to Do With It? (2022)
Available to watch on: Hulu
Directed by Shekhar Kapur and written by Jemima Khan, this rom-com follows Lily James as a documentary filmmaker who decides to do a film about her childhood best friend Kazim “Kaz” Khan’s arranged marriage to a bride from Pakistan.
Cha Cha Real Smooth (2022)
Available to watch on: Apple TV+
Written, produced, and directed by Cooper Raiff, the film follows the story of a 22-year-old college graduate (Raiff) who begins earning money as a party starter. Along the way, he develops a relationship with a 32-year-old mother, portrayed by Dakota Johnson, who also serves as a producer on the film. The cast features Raúl Castillo, Odeya Rush, Evan Assante, Vanessa Burghardt, Brad Garrett, and Leslie Mann.
