The romance genre can be described as the “comfort food” of movies. Warm, fuzzy, and lighthearted romantic films are a breezy watch, leaving the viewer with a pleasant aftertaste. Add to that the infusion of other elements like comedy and drama, and you have a well-rounded narrative that’s got something for everyone. The 2010s saw a slight shift in the genre as old-school sensibilities evolved into a more modern-day approach, with the reflection of overt themes of sexuality and sexual identity.
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While the 2010s were predominantly overshadowed by blockbusters such as La La Land and The Fault in Our Stars, the decade also has a few underrated gems you might not have heard of. Due to the changing nature of theatrical distribution, romance movies became less financially viable, and studios shifted their focus to bigger tentpole films. Romance films tended to be seen as less worthy of big-screen viewing, so audiences tended to wait to watch them at home, on streaming. This meant that a lot of films went under the radar. So, without further ado, here are the 2010s’ 12 most underrated romance movies, ranked.
Update January 26, 2024: Looking to get ahead, start on Valentine’s Day, and find a romantic movie to watch? This article has been updated with even more great underrated romances from the 2010s that are worth checking out, and where you can stream each title.
12 No Strings Attached (2011)
Beautifully highlighting the modern-day struggle between casual sex and commitment, No Strings Attached starts off as a film about a casual arrangement between its two leads, Emma and Adam (played by Natalie Portman and Ashton Kutcher, respectively), before turning into a bona fide love story. Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film diverges from other romcoms in its exploration of casual sex and “friends with benefits” policies. It proved to be successful at the box office, going on to make a total of $149 million worldwide on a $25 million budget.
What Makes It Underrated
Like Just Go With It, No Strings Attached was far from a hit with critics. Yet, while it might be a tad on the predictable side, the film is, nevertheless, a light-hearted and easy-to-watch romantic comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Furthermore, with a winning lead performance by Portman, whose presence single-handedly elevates the film, and a talented supporting cast that includes big names, such as Greta Gerwig, Kevin Kline, Mindy Kaling, and Jake Johnson, No Strings Attached is a perfectly delightful and occasionallyy witty romantic comedy that deserves more love. Stream on Paramount+
11 The Age of Adaline (2015)
Directed by Lee Toland Krieger, 2015’s The Age of Adaline puts a rather fantastical spin on the conventional romance story. The film stars Blake Lively as a woman born at the beginning of the 20th century named Adaline Bowman who, after being brought back from the dead following a fatal accident, finds that she is no longer capable of aging. Despite knowing that falling in love would mean outliving her lover, she unwittingly finds herself developing feelings for a man she meets on New Year’s Eve 2015. Michiel Hussain plays Adaline’s love interest, Ellis Jones, while Harrison Ford portrays Ellis’s father, William.
What Makes It Underrated
On the whole, The Age of Adaline gained a relatively mixed response from critics, who praised Lively’s performance but were critical of the film’s pacing and script. However, don’t be fooled by reviewers because, at its heart, The Age of Adaline is a beautiful and unashamedly romantic film that manages to tug at the heartstrings. The central conundrum it presents – whether falling in love is worth watching your lover die while you live on – may not be a wholly original concept, but it’s certainly a compelling one. And with the addition of an engaging central performance by Lively, a strong supporting cast, and a satisfying ending, The Age of Adaline is far better than critics would have you believe. Rent on AppleTV+
10 What If/The F Word (2014)
What If
- Release Date
- September 7, 2013
What If (or in some countries released as The F Word) features Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Driver, Zoe Kazan, and Mackenzie Davis. With a cast like that, one has to wonder why this was not a bigger deal and more well-remembered, but sadly, this film feels very overlooked. Wallace (Radcliffe) falls for a young woman named Chantry (Zoe Kazan), the cousin of his best friend and roommate Alan (Driver). The only issue is that Chantry has a boyfriend, so the two decide to just be friends, which, of course, is complicated due to their growing feelings for one another. The film’s premise makes it a modern-day riff on When Harry Met Sally…
Why It’s Underrated
One reason it could be underrated is just because of the dual names in different regions, and now What If…? is also the name of a popular MCU show, which will likely be what search engines think when one looks it up. Yet the movie had a small limited release in theaters and has never quiet got the streaming bump it deserves. Being released shortly after the Harry Potter films ended, it is a great showcase of Radcliffe trying to stretch his acting muscles; while it also came out a year before The Force Awakens, and Adam Driver would become a much bigger star, it is nice to see him in a more comedic role. This is also one of many romances of the 2010s that Kazan is in that will appear on this list. What If is certainly worth checking out and should not be forgotten. Stream on Fubo.
9 Long Shot (2019)
2019’s Long Shot is a film that has no right to be as good as it is. Directed by Jonathan Levine, the romantic comedy stars Seth Rogen as a New York City journalist named Fred Flarksy, who reunites with his former babysitter/childhood crush, Charlotte Field (Charlize Theron), who is now a U.S. Secretary of State preparing to run for president. Charlotte enlists Fred as her official speechwriter, and the two soon develop feelings for one another. As well as Rogen and Theron, the film also stars Andy Serkis, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Bob Odenkirk, Alexander Skarsgård, and Lisa Kudrow, among others. Despite generally positive reviews from critics, Long Shot underperformed at the box office, making just over $53 million on a $40 million budget and seemed to signal that romantic comedies were no long theatrical viable, despite it being good.
What Makes It Underrated
The film’s wacky and contrived premise, coupled with its polar opposite stars, means that, on paper, Long Shot shouldn’t work. This was likely the thinking of prospective audiences who chose not to go and see it in cinemas. However, against all odds, it does work. Thanks to a gag-filled script filled with more hits than misses, and two leads who share a surprising amount of chemistry, the film is a highly enjoyable and hilariously fun slice of romcom madness. While it may require viewers to suspend their belief more than they ever have before, for those who manage to go along with its madcap setup, Long Shot delivers a wonderfully silly romantic comedy that more people need to see. Stream on Paramount+
8 Ruby Sparks (2012)
2012’s Ruby Sparks is a romantic fantasy film that plays on the trope of the dark side of wishes coming true. Struggling novelist Calvin Weir-Fields (Paul Dano) decides to overcome his most recent case of writer’s block by writing a character based on his ideal woman. What he doesn’t anticipate is his fictional creation, who he has named Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan) jumping off the page and entering reality. However, what initially feels like a dream come true, slowly becomes bogged down with the realities of everyday life. Alongside Dano and Kazon, who also wrote the film’s script, Ruby Sparks stars Annette Benning, Antonio Banderas, Chris Messina, and Steve Coogan in supporting roles.
What Makes It Underrated
After making less than $10 million at the worldwide box office, Ruby Sparks has remained largely forgotten since its initial release, which is a shame, because, overall, it’s a highly inventive and original romantic movie. And while it doesn’t entirely live up to its genius premise, the film is, nevertheless, an interesting and charming look at relationship dynamics and the importance of self-identity. Add to that a pair of endearing performances by Dano and Kazan, as well as a strong supporting cast, and you have a clever and unique take on the classic romance formula. Rent on AppleTV+
7 Only Lovers Left Alive (2013)
Jim Jarmusch’s love letter to Detroit and rock and roll, Only Lovers Left Alive is more of a vibe than a film. Released in 2013, the romantic fantasy film revolves around the marriage between Adam and Eve (Tom Hiddleston and Tilda Swinton, respectively), a pair of centuries-old vampires whose idyllic world is shattered when Eve’s younger sister, Ava (Mia Wasikowska) arrives in town from Los Angeles. Following its premiere at the 66th Cannes Film Festival, Only Lovers Left Alive was met with overwhelmingly positive reviews. The film’s cast also includes Jeffrey Wright, Anton Yelchin, and John Hurt.
What Makes It Underrated
Offbeat, sexy, and darkly comedic, Only Lovers Left Alive is everything audiences have come to expect from a Jim Jarmusch film, and more. Arguably the most tasteful and evolved depiction of vampires in modern-day cinema, the film plays out as a slow-burn celebration of art, music, and style, doing away with the modern malaise of generic culture. However, for all its darkness, poeticism, and quirky humor, it’s also a deeply romantic film with a surprisingly compelling love story at its core. Only Lovers Left Alive may be an example of Jarmusch emphasizing style over subject, but with glowing central performances by Hiddleston and Swinton and some insightful takes on love, it’s a clever and eccentric slice of romantic escapism. Stream on Fubo
6 Set It Up (2018)
The 2018 Netflix original movie, Set It Up is an example of a good old-fashioned romantic comedy done right. Directed by Claire Scanlan from a script by Katie Silberman, the film centers on two overworked assistants, Harper and Charlie (played by Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell, respectively), who hatch a plan to set their bosses up on dates. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Harper and Charlie might be the ones who need setting up. Lucy Lui and Taye Diggs star as Harper and Charlie’s demanding bosses, while Pete Davidson, Joan Smalls, and Meredith Hagner also make appearances.
What Makes It Underrated
Upon its release, Set It Up was met with mostly favorable reviews by critics. However, in the time since it debuted, the film has seemingly disappeared from the public conscience. This is no reflection on the movie’s quality, however, with the modern romcom offering an entertaining and surprisingly clever entry in the genre. In fact, what makes this film so good is how it plays out exactly like one would expect from a romcom: there are no big twists or changes to the formula, it’s a classic romcom through and through. However, thanks to its sharp dialogue, charismatic performances, and joyous tone, Set It Up is a classic romcom done right. Stream on Netflix
5 Love, Simon (2018)
Love, Simon
- Release Date
- February 16, 2018
- Director
- Greg Berlanti
Not only an underrated romance film, 2018’s Love, Simon is also one of the best LGBTQ+ films of the 2010s. Based on Becky Albertalli’s novel, Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, the film tells the story of Simon Spier (Nick Robinson), a closeted gay high school boy whose secret is threatened when a fellow student starts to blackmail him. As well as this, Simon tries to work out the identity of a fellow closeted gay student whom he has been speaking to anonymously over email. Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Alexandra Shipp, and Tony Hale all appear in supporting roles, and the film was a hit among critics.
What Makes It Underrated
Love, Simon is a film that feels like it’s still waiting for its big moment in the spotlight. While it was a favorite with the critics and a modest hit at the box office, it never reached the level of popularity it is so clearly capable of. A coming-of-age film and a romcom all mixed into one, the film manages to be a fresh and interesting take on both genres. It’s sweet without being sickly, and charming without being pompous and, overall, is a heartwarming and sensitive look at what life is like for a young LGBTQ+ person. Moreover, with an intelligent script and some neat direction, Love, Simon is a remarkable romantic comedy-drama that has been criminally overlooked. Stream on Hulu
4 Enough Said (2013)
Most romantic films tend to focus on young couples trying to find love and navigate life. 2013’s Enough Said wonderfully breaks this formula by focusing on two divorced people looking for love. Written and directed by Nicole Holofcener, the film stars Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Eva, a recently divorced single mother and massage therapist who pursues a relationship with James Gandolfini’s Albert. However, things become complicated when Eva discovers that Albert is the ex-husband of her new friend, Marianne (Catherine Keener). Enough Said received widespread critical acclaim despite largely flying under the radar at the box office. It was released not long after Gandolfini tragically passed away.
What Makes It Underrated
Enough Said manages to sidestep the kind of clichés that bog down most modern rom-coms, and instead focuses on telling an authentic and original story. Holofcener’s script is packed with pathos, nuance, and genuine heartfelt emotions, as well as a healthy dose of joy and levity. Aside from the film’s narrative sensibilities, it also has a string of memorable performances, with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini both doing what they do best and sharing a chemistry that can only be described as palpable. Enough Said is a charming and warm romantic comedy-drama all about the trials and tribulations of dating later in life, and it’s a film that more people need to see. Rent on AppleTV+
3 The Big Sick (2017)
The Big Sick is an underrated romance film not because it didn’t gain recognition – after all, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay – but because it’s been largely forgotten since it premiered in 2017 and is now best known for being the movie that launched the film career of star Kumail Nanjiani instead of the movie itself. The film sees Kumail Nanjiani playing a fictionalized version of himself, a Pakistan-born stand-up comedian also called Kumail. When Kumail begins dating a white graduate student, Emily (Zoe Kazan), he is flung into a world of cultural differences, which only becomes intensified when Emily contracts a mysterious illness. The film’s script was written by Nanjiani and his real-life wife, Emily V, Gordon, and is loosely based on their real-life romance. Big names such as Ray Romano, Holly Hunter, Bo Burnham, and Adeel Akhtar make up the supporting cast. This is also the third movie on this list that features Kazan after What If and Ruby Sparks, making her the unofficial queen of romances in the 2010s.
What Makes It Underrated
Despite making a big impression on critics upon its release, The Big Sick rarely gets mentioned in discussions about the best romance films. Which, quite frankly, is criminal. After all, the film does what few romantic comedy dramas are able to: it manages to be laugh-out-loud funny while also being full of heart. What’s even more impressive is that it does this without messing with the standard romance formula too much. In fact, what makes The Big Sick stand out is how it uses its simple premise to explore themes of love, identity, and familial interference. Rich with drama and depth and brimming with wit and charisma, The Big Sick is easily one of the best romance films of the 2010s. Stream on Prime Video
2 Blue Valentine (2010)
While conventional romantic films paint a rosy picture of life after marriage, Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine is a somber portrait of a toxic marriage, hanging on by a shard of self-contrived and self-conscious effort. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star as husband and wife Dean and Cindy, whose relationship from its early beginnings to its dramatic ending is told via a non-linear narrative that sees the action jumping back and forth between different timelines. Essentially, its a film that asks pertinent questions about relationships, such as “how do they fail?” and “Is there something that can be done to salvage the equation?. The film garnered positive reviews from critics and earned Michelle Williams an Academy Award nomination.
What Makes It Underrated
Possibly because it lives in the shadow of its two stars’ more famous works, but, like others on this list, Blue Valentine simply doesn’t get mentioned enough nowadays. A claustrophobic and raw film, it depicts the life cycle of a romantic relationship with depressing accuracy and honest realism. The film’s unconventional narrative structure, which could easily be used as a gimmick, allows the viewer to examine where the fictional relationship went wrong in forensic detail. It’s not a film that’s always easy to watch, but with powerful performances by its two leads, some stunning cinematography, and crafty direction, Blue Valentine is essential viewing for anyone willing to acknowledge the fact that love, much like life, requires attention and care. Stream on Max
1 Her (2013)
Her
- Release Date
- December 18, 2013
The most underrated, and arguably the best, romance film of the 2010s focuses on a rather unconventional love affair. Directed by Spike Jonze, 2013’s Her tells the story of Theodore Twomly (Joaquin Phoenix), a lonely, recently divorced man living in the not-too-distant future, who begins a relationship with an artificially intelligent virtual assistant called Samantha (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). The film, which also stars Amy Adams, Rooney Mara, and Olivia Wilde, was met with acclaim by critics and was nominated for five Academy Awards in total. However, it was only a modest success at the worldwide box office.
What Makes It Underrated
Similarly to others on this list, Her was celebrated when it was initially released in theaters, but those celebrations have seemingly petered out over the years. What makes the film great, though, is how, with its Black Mirror-esque premise, it’s able to make comments about the increasingly clinical and lonely nature of both our world and modern relationships. However, despite its satirical edge, the film doesn’t make Theodore’s relationship with what is essentially a robot into a joke, but rather paints a sympathetic and non-judgemental portrait of how loneliness can manifest. Furthermore, with gorgeous production design, a mesmerizing score, and a tender and layered central performance by Phoenix, Her is a surprisingly moving and magnificently original romance film that’s up there among the very best in the genre. Stream on Max
