The romantic comedy genre is a treasure trove of cinematic comfort food, offering a delightful blend of laughter, love, and happily-ever-afters. While classics like "When Harry Met Sally..." and "Notting Hill" often steal the spotlight, a plethora of hidden gems deserve recognition for their charm, wit, and unique takes on the genre. These underrated rom-coms may have flown under the radar upon their initial release, but they offer fresh perspectives on romance, hilarious scenarios, and endearing characters that will leave you swooning and chuckling in equal measure. This article shines a light on eight such films, highlighting why they deserve a spot on your watchlist and proving that the best rom-coms aren't always the most well-known.
1. Man Up (2015): A Case of Mistaken Identity Leads to Unexpected Romance
"Man Up" is a charming British rom-com that proves that sometimes, the best things in life happen when you least expect them. Nancy (Lake Bell), a thirty-something singleton disillusioned with the dating scene, is mistaken for Jack's (Simon Pegg) blind date. Instead of correcting the misunderstanding, she decides to go along with it, leading to a night of unexpected connection and hilarious misadventures.
The film's strength lies in the undeniable chemistry between Lake Bell and Simon Pegg. Bell's portrayal of Nancy is both relatable and endearing, while Pegg brings his signature charm and comedic timing to the role of Jack. The film's witty script and fast-paced plot keep you engaged from beginning to end. "Man Up" is a delightful and heartwarming rom-com that reminds us that sometimes, taking a chance on the unexpected can lead to the greatest rewards. It's a film that celebrates spontaneity and the beauty of embracing the unknown in the pursuit of love.
2. Set It Up (2018): Assistants Play Matchmaker for Their Demanding Bosses
This Netflix original rom-com is a delightful throwback to the classic screwball comedies of the past. "Set It Up" follows two overworked assistants, Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), who conspire to set up their demanding bosses, Kirsten (Lucy Liu) and Rick (Taye Diggs), in an attempt to get some much-needed free time. Their matchmaking scheme leads to a series of hilarious mishaps and, of course, unexpected feelings between the two assistants.
Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell have fantastic chemistry, and their witty banter is a highlight of the film. Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs are equally entertaining as the high-powered bosses who are oblivious to their assistants' manipulations. "Set It Up" is a smart, funny, and charming rom-com that proves that sometimes, the best love stories are the ones you don't see coming. It's a celebration of friendship, ambition, and the unexpected sparks that can fly when you least expect them.
3. Plus One (2019): Wedding Season Survival with a Platonic Plus One
"Plus One" offers a fresh and relatable take on the wedding season frenzy. Longtime friends Ben (Jack Quaid) and Alice (Maya Erskine) make a pact to be each other's plus-ones for a summer filled with weddings. As they navigate a series of increasingly bizarre nuptials, they begin to question whether their platonic arrangement might be masking deeper feelings.
Jack Quaid and Maya Erskine have a natural and endearing chemistry, and their portrayal of long-term friendship evolving into something more feels authentic and relatable. The film's humor is sharp and observational, poking fun at the absurdities of wedding culture. "Plus One" is a charming and insightful rom-com that explores the complexities of friendship, love, and the pressure to find "the one." It's a reminder that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that have been there all along, hiding in plain sight.
4. The Lovebirds (2020): A Couple's Wild Night Takes an Unexpected Turn
This action-packed rom-com follows a couple on the brink of a breakup, Leilani (Issa Rae) and Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani), who become unintentionally embroiled in a bizarre murder mystery. As they try to clear their names, they are forced to confront the issues in their relationship while dodging criminals and navigating a series of increasingly outrageous situations.
Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani have incredible comedic chemistry, and their witty banter is a highlight of the film. The film's fast-paced plot and blend of action and comedy keep you on the edge of your seat. "The Lovebirds" is a hilarious and thrilling rom-com that proves that sometimes, the most exciting adventures happen when you least expect them. It's a reminder that even in the face of danger and chaos, love and laughter can prevail. The movie offers an unconventional premise that tests the central couple in extreme ways, but only strengthens their bond.
5. Obvious Child (2014): A Rom-Com That Tackles Abortion with Humor and Heart
"Obvious Child" is a groundbreaking romantic comedy that tackles the sensitive topic of abortion with honesty, humor, and heart. Donna Stern (Jenny Slate), a stand-up comedian, finds herself unexpectedly pregnant after a one-night stand. The film follows her journey as she navigates her decision to have an abortion while also developing a budding relationship with Max (Jake Lacy), the man she slept with.
Jenny Slate delivers a phenomenal performance as Donna, portraying her character's vulnerability, wit, and strength with remarkable nuance. The film's script is both hilarious and insightful, offering a refreshingly honest portrayal of a woman's right to choose. "Obvious Child" is a bold and important rom-com that proves that even the most challenging topics can be explored with humor and empathy. It's a film that sparks conversation and challenges societal norms, reminding us that a woman's story deserves to be told with honesty and respect.
6. They Came Together (2014): A Hilarious Parody of Rom-Com Tropes
This satirical romantic comedy, starring Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler, is a hilarious send-up of the genre's most beloved and well-worn tropes. Joel (Rudd) and Molly (Poehler) tell the story of their relationship, which is presented as a series of increasingly absurd rom-com clichés, from the meet-cute to the grand romantic gesture.
The film's humor is meta and self-aware, poking fun at the predictability and formulaic nature of many romantic comedies. Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler are comedic powerhouses, and their performances are perfectly over-the-top. "They Came Together" is a must-watch for any rom-com fan who enjoys a good laugh at the genre's expense. It's a clever and hilarious parody that reminds us not to take the conventions of romantic comedies too seriously. This film is perfect for people who love rom-coms, but can also admit to their silly and formulaic nature.
7. Sleeping with Other People (2015): Can Ex-Sex Addicts Be Just Friends?
"Sleeping with Other People" explores the complexities of modern relationships through the story of two former sex addicts, Lainey (Alison Brie) and Jake (Jason Sudeikis), who form a platonic friendship after reconnecting at a sex addicts' meeting. As they navigate their individual romantic entanglements, they struggle to maintain their platonic boundaries and confront their lingering feelings for each other.
Alison Brie and Jason Sudeikis deliver strong performances, portraying their characters' vulnerabilities and flaws with honesty and humor. The film's script is sharp and witty, offering a refreshingly candid take on sex, love, and relationships in the modern age. "Sleeping with Other People" is a smart and insightful rom-com that challenges the notion of what a "happily ever after" can look like. It's a film that explores the gray areas of relationships and the challenges of maintaining boundaries when attraction and history are involved.
8. Celeste & Jesse Forever (2012): Navigating Divorce and Lingering Feelings
This bittersweet romantic comedy follows Celeste (Rashida Jones, who also co-wrote the screenplay) and Jesse (Andy Samberg), a couple in the midst of a divorce who are trying to remain best friends. As they navigate their new reality and start dating other people, they are forced to confront their lingering feelings for each other and the challenges of letting go.
Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg deliver nuanced performances, portraying the complexities of their characters' emotions with both humor and হৃদয়. The film's script is both funny and poignant, offering a realistic portrayal of the messy aftermath of a breakup. "Celeste & Jesse Forever" is a touching and insightful rom-com that explores the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring power of connection. It's a reminder that sometimes, the end of a romantic relationship doesn't necessarily mean the end of a meaningful bond. It is a mature and realistic take on a rom-com, that doesn't shy away from the pain of break-ups.
Conclusion: Expanding Your Rom-Com Horizons
These eight underrated romantic comedies offer a refreshing alternative to the typical rom-com fare, showcasing diverse stories, unique perspectives, and a willingness to push the boundaries of the genre. They prove that laughter and love can be found in the most unexpected places, and that the best love stories are often the ones that surprise us. So, if you're looking for a rom-com that's a little bit different, a little bit bolder, and a whole lot of fun, add these hidden gems to your watchlist and prepare to be charmed, entertained, and maybe even a little bit surprised. You might just discover your new favorite rom-com among these lesser-known treasures.
FAQs
1. Why are these rom-coms considered "underrated"?
These rom-coms are considered underrated because they didn't receive widespread mainstream attention or critical acclaim upon their initial release, despite being well-written, well-acted, and offering unique takes on the genre. They often flew under the radar compared to bigger-budget or more heavily promoted romantic comedies.
2. Where can I watch these movies?
These films are available on various streaming platforms, rental services, and for purchase on DVD/Blu-ray. You can check websites like JustWatch or Reelgood to find out where they are currently streaming. Availability may vary depending on your region.
3. Are these movies appropriate for all ages?
The appropriateness of these films varies. Some, like "Obvious Child" and "Sleeping with Other People," deal with mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Others, like "Man Up" and "Set It Up," are more broadly appealing.
4. Do these movies have happy endings?
While most of these films have generally positive or hopeful endings, they may not always be the traditional "happily-ever-after" you might expect from a typical rom-com. Some, like "Celeste & Jesse Forever," offer more bittersweet or nuanced conclusions.
5. What makes these rom-coms different from the more popular ones?
These rom-coms often differ from more mainstream offerings by:
Tackling unconventional themes: They explore topics like abortion, sex addiction, and the complexities of divorce.
Featuring diverse and relatable characters: They move beyond typical rom-com archetypes, offering more nuanced and realistic portrayals of individuals.
Subverting genre tropes: They play with or parody common rom-com conventions, offering fresh perspectives on familiar storylines.
Prioritizing witty writing and strong performances: They rely on sharp dialogue and compelling acting to create humor and emotional depth.
6. What are some other underrated rom-coms I should check out? There are many other great, lesser-known rom-coms! Some recommendations include: Safety Not Guaranteed, The Incredible Jessica James, Drinking Buddies, Enough Said, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, In a World..., and What If. This list is just a starting point for exploring the vast world of underrated rom-coms.
7. Do any of these movies have sequels? No, none of these movies have sequels. They are all stand-alone stories.
Comentarios