This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s summer editorial intern Alexandra Speck. Find her on Instagram at @alexandraspeckk. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
Romantic comedies are movie night staples, and for good reason. Humorous, heartwarming, and often wildly relatable, rom-coms are beloved by all ages and never fail to put a smile on my face. (What can I say? I’m a sucker for a happy ending.) If you think you’ve watched every classic from the late 80s through the early 2000s, these underrated rom com recommendations may be just what you need to kick off your next movie night. Grab a bowl of popcorn and a comfy blanket, and scroll ahead for our suggestions.
Can’t Buy Me Love
Most of us know Patrick Dempsey from his role as Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey’s Anatomy, but this 1987 rom-com was my introduction to the heartthrob. His witty character agrees to help the most popular girl in high school out of a financial bind in exchange for some good old-fashioned fake dating. This movie is one of my favorite renditions of the classic trope. It’s simple and wholesome, with just the right amount of 80s cheese. Can’t Buy Me Love is available for free on Tubi and for rent on Prime Video. (Don’t let the trailer quality scare you away – the movie itself is totally clear.)
Sweet Home Alabama
Sweet Home Alabama (2002) is a Reese Witherspoon classic, released just one year after we first met Elle Woods. It commences with Witherspoon’s engagement to a wealthy politician’s son (played by Patrick Dempsety, yet again), but there’s one obstacle in her path down the aisle: the high school sweetheart she never divorced. Reese returns to her Alabama hometown, brandishing divorce papers and demanding cooperation from her ex-lover. Classic rom-com levity and love triangle-induced chaos ensue. The movie is laugh-out-loud funny and, in my opinion, gets better with every rewatch. Sweet Home Alabama is available on Hulu, and you can rent it on Prime Video.
Love, Rosie
Love, Rosie (2014) isn’t just one of my favorite rom-coms; it’s one of my favorite movies, period. Lily Collins and Sam Claflin play childhood best friends stuck in an endless loop of will-they-won’t-they. The pining is gut-wrenching, but their ending is so satisfying. The cinematography is simple yet stunning and works in harmony the scenic English setting. Romance readers will devour this objectively perfect interpretation of the friends-to-lovers trope. Love, Rosie is available to stream on Prime Video, Paramount +, The Roku Channel, and Pluto TV.
About Time
About Time (2013) certainly ticks all the rom-com boxes: romance is its primary focus, and the casual, witty dialogue is exactly what romantic comedy lovers expect from their movie nights. However, About Time is really made memorable by its inclusion of fantasy. Domhnall Gleeson – you may know him as Bill Weasley, Ron’s eldest sibling, from Harry Potter – plays a time-traveling romantic, starring alongside Rachel McAdams. By jumping back and forth in time, Gleeson’s character humorously fulfills everyone’s inner desire to “redo” awkward conversations and failed first dates. Rather than overpowering the plot, the supernatural component is a clever tool to move it forward. The film is also visually stunning, packed to the brim with gorgeous landscapes and colorful wardrobes. Be warned: About Time is a definitely a tearjerker. Rom-com fans will still adore it, but have tissues nearby. About Time isn’t currently offered for free on the major subscription services, but it’s available on most rental platforms, including Prime Video.
What’s your go-to underrated rom com? Share your favorites in the comments below!
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