Top 10 Forgotten Rom-Coms That Deserve to Be Classics
#10: “Deliver Us From Eva” (2003)
Eva knows exactly what she wants out of life. Her personality is strong enough to the point of influencing every aspect of her three sisters' lives, much to their partners’ dismay. In order to take control of their lives, Mike, Tim, and Darrell pay Mike’s pal Ray a large amount of money to make Eva fall in love with him, in the hopes the two will start their lives together… elsewhere! Eva isn't your stereotypical rom-com lead; she takes charge in every aspect of her life, and doesn't need prince charming to rescue her. If it weren’t for Ray’s hiring and his initial deception, the film could be said to depict a relatively healthy and equal relationship between a Black couple - unfortunately, we still don’t see enough positive examples in romantic comedies.
#9: “Down With Love” (2003)
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During the 1960s, the patriarchy and sexist ideas about a woman's place in society were rampant. In "Down With Love," writer Barbara Novack is determined to change the narrative once and for all! Barbara writes a book with the same title, encouraging women to determine their own views on love and intimacy over tying the knot. Barbara's strong commitment to embodying "Down with love” qualities is soon threatened when her nemesis, fellow writer Catcher Block, schemes to undermine her best-selling beliefs by winning her heart. This aesthetically pleasing flick deserves more recognition for its portrayal of independent and forward-thinking women of the sixties while maintaining a fun and flirty romcom feel. We're down with that!
#8: “The Decoy Bride” (2011)
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Would you marry a stranger to protect the one you love? This thought-provoking question is explored in "The Decoy Bride," starring David Tennant. Tennant's character James is set to marry A-list actress Lara, but their nuptials are overshadowed by the threat of meddling paparazzi. In order to distract a persistent photographer, her team hatches a plan to stage a wedding and use a 'decoy bride' to pose as the movie star! Unfortunately, "The Decoy Bride" 's wit and warmth weren't experienced by many moviegoers during its 42 weeks in theaters - or should we say theater, as the British flick opened in only one domestically! Its limited exposure doesn't take away from the film's tenderness and refreshing ability to treat both leading ladies fairly as equal love interests though.
#7: “She’s Out Of My League” (2010)
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On a scale of one to ten, how much do you believe in yourself? Lovable nerd Kirk, who his friend thinks is a "5" on the attractive scale, falls for career-driven and perfect “ten,” Molly. Despite their obvious chemistry and how easily their lives seem to mesh after they start dating, they are constantly reminded of their opposite scores on the so-called attractiveness scale. Kirk then starts obsessing over whether they'd be able to work out. The film features all of the rom-com elements we love, including quirky family members and a hilarious friend group, but it stands out for the way it thoughtfully encourages viewers to remember how important it is to love and believe in yourself above all.
#6: “Fever Pitch” (2005)
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Ah, baseball! The treasured American pastime of family, friends, and fresh hotdogs can inspire excitement, joy, and even personal transformation! “Fever Pitch” tells the story of Ben, played by Jimmy Fallon, a man who, for better or for worse, remains extremely devoted to his childhood team, the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox have seemingly influenced every decision Ben has ever made - that is, until he starts dating Lindsey, played by Drew Barrymore. Throughout their relationship, Lindsey helps him understand the difference between passion and priorities. Though they break up at one point, they’re ultimately able to overcome their issues and reunite by communicating effectively and showing how devoted they are to each other. Now that’s a homerun!
#5: “Take This Waltz” (2011)
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Sometimes a relationship isn’t always slow dancing and fireworks. In “Take This Waltz,” Michelle Williams and Seth Rogen play Margot and Lou, who are experiencing a lull in their marriage. After she has a spontaneous meet-cute on a plane with Daniel, Margot starts to feel again and again like Lou doesn’t seem interested in reigniting their spark. Meanwhile, Daniel makes her laugh and feel seen in a way Lou hasn't in a long time. So she chooses the potential of having a happier life with Daniel over repairing her marriage. "Take This Waltz" swaps traditional romantic comedy elements for a realistic depiction of marriage, and gives viewers a chance to see Seth Rogen play a serious leading man role. May we have this dance?
#4: “The Opposite Of Sex” (1998)
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In "The Opposite Of Sex," Christina Ricci plays Dedee, a pregnant teen whose misguided views on sexuality shape her worldview. After moving in with her half-brother Bill, Dedee meets Lucia, played by Lisa Kudrow. Dedee tells Lucia that she thinks it’s believes it’s “too bad” that Bill, whose previous partner Tom died from AIDS, is gay. Though Lucia challenges Dedee’s dangerous ideology, Dedee’s subsequent decisions ultimately lead to her apologizing to Bill for all that she’s done. The film sets itself apart from other entries on this list by its darker approach to showing the ways sex can negatively impact relationships through creating unwanted attachment. Dedee's jarring narration also helps set her apart from your typical upbeat rom-com heroine.
#3: “Crossing Delancey” (1988)
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If rom-coms have taught us anything, there's no better place to find love than in New York! Multiple rom-coms have captured this feeling, including "Crossing Delancey," which follows Isabelle, a bookish 30-something single woman who feels quite comfortable avoiding commitment. When her Bubbe hires a matchmaker to help a reluctant Isabelle speed up the process of finding Mr. Right, her single gal status is threatened after she finds herself undeniably attracted to her potential suitor. Though less well known than some other romcoms of the ‘80s, this film is a charming love letter to a beloved city, and a life-shaping relationship. That's romance!
#2: “The American President” (1995)
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We expect Presidents to appear dignified, and their main focus to be in serving their country when they’re in office. "The American President" rejects those ideas, and tells a story of a President who leads with his heart. Michael Douglas plays President Andrew Shepherd, a widow who realizes he's ready to find love again when he meets lawyer Sydney Wade, played by Annette Bening. President Shepherd and Sydney learn to navigate their relationship with grace in spite of endless critical opinion. Written by Aaron Sorkin, "The American President" tends to be overshadowed by his later series, "The West Wing." But "The American President" includes Sorkin's ability to write lovable characters who keep viewers' attention. Martin Sheen even delivers a tender performance as a political figure, too! Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “A Lot Like Love” (2005) Friends Become Lovers Over Time “The Fighting Temptations” (2003) A Pathological Liar Works to Redeem Himself While Falling in Love “Only You” (1994) A Woman Meets Her Soulmate While Chasing a Childhood Fantasy “Paper Heart” (2009) A Documentarian Falls in Love While Creating a Documentary About Love
#1: “Strictly Ballroom” (1992)
We know Baz Luhrmann knows a thing or two about romance, but what happens when he brings spice into ballroom dancing? The answer can be found in 1992's "Strictly Ballroom!" This underrated rom-com follows Scott Hastings, who dedicates himself to training for the Pan Pacific Championship. After many zany missteps out of Scott's control, he finds his perfect partner in Fran, a shy dancer whose presence is always painfully overlooked. "Strictly Ballroom" contains aspects we love from more well-known Baz Luhrmann films. Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice's chemistry is as addicting to watch as Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes' in "Romeo + Juliet." The fearless Bohemian spirit of "Moulin Rouge!" is also on display. There are no missteps!
