MomSkoop
Sometimes the best romantic comedies aren’t the ones everyone talks about. Hidden gems exist in every genre, and rom-coms are no exception. These underrated films offer fresh perspectives, genuine laughs, and heartfelt moments that deserve way more recognition than they’ve received. Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or need something uplifting after a long day, this list has something special for every mood.
1. About Time (2013)
Time travel meets romance in one of the most emotionally satisfying films you’ll ever watch. Domhnall Gleeson plays Tim, a young man who discovers he can travel back in time and decides to use this gift to find love.
What starts as a quirky premise becomes something much deeper. The relationship between Tim and Mary feels authentic and sweet, but the real heart of the story lies in his bond with his father. It’s rare for a rom-com to explore family love so beautifully.
Director Richard Curtis crafted something truly special here. You’ll laugh at the awkward moments, swoon at the romance, and probably cry by the end. The film reminds us that every ordinary day holds magic if we pay attention.
2. Begin Again (2013)
Music has the power to heal broken hearts, and this film proves it beautifully. Keira Knightley plays a songwriter who’s just been dumped by her famous boyfriend, while Mark Ruffalo is a struggling music producer who’s lost his way.
Their chance meeting in a bar leads to an unconventional collaboration. Together, they record an album using the streets of New York as their studio. The soundtrack alone makes this worth watching, but the emotional journey keeps you invested.
What makes this stand out is how it focuses on personal growth rather than rushing into romance. Both characters need to find themselves before they can truly connect with anyone else. It’s refreshing, honest, and filled with gorgeous musical moments.
3. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)
Jessica Williams absolutely shines in this role as a playwright navigating life after a breakup. Her character is bold, creative, and unapologetically herself, which makes every scene feel alive and authentic.
The film doesn’t follow typical rom-com rules. Jessica isn’t waiting around for someone to complete her—she’s already complete and just figuring out what she wants next. Her journey includes awkward dates, supportive friendships, and pursuing her theatrical dreams with fierce determination.
What really works here is the humor and heart. You’ll find yourself rooting for Jessica not because she needs saving, but because she’s genuinely interesting and fun to watch. It’s empowering without being preachy, funny without being silly.
4. The Big Sick (2017)
Based on the real-life romance of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, this film tackles serious topics while maintaining its comedic charm. Kumail plays himself as a struggling comedian who falls for Emily, despite his family’s expectations that he’ll have an arranged marriage.
When Emily suddenly falls into a medically induced coma, everything changes. Kumail finds himself bonding with her worried parents, played brilliantly by Holly Hunter and Ray Romano. The hospital scenes could have been heavy, but they’re handled with surprising warmth and humor.
This movie earned its Oscar nomination for a reason. It balances cultural expectations, family pressure, and genuine romance without losing sight of what makes rom-coms enjoyable in the first place.
5. Juliet, Naked (2018)
Ever dated someone who was more obsessed with their hobby than with you? Annie has, and she’s spent years with a boyfriend who worships a reclusive musician named Tucker Crowe.
When Tucker unexpectedly enters her life through an online exchange, things get complicated and surprisingly romantic. Rose Byrne and Ethan Hawke have wonderful chemistry, bringing warmth to characters who are both a bit lost and looking for something real.
The film explores what happens when you get a second chance at happiness later in life. It’s funny without being loud, romantic without being cheesy. Plus, the British coastal setting adds charm to every frame, making this perfect for a relaxed evening watch.
6. Plus One (2019)
Wedding season can be exhausting when you’re single, so Alice and Ben make a pact to be each other’s plus-ones for an entire summer of ceremonies. What could possibly go wrong?
This film nails the friends-to-lovers trope with sharp dialogue and genuine chemistry between the leads. Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid make you believe in their friendship first, which makes the romantic tension even more satisfying when it builds.
The wedding settings provide endless opportunities for comedy and awkward moments. But beneath the laughs, there’s real emotional honesty about timing, fear, and taking risks on love. It feels modern and relatable, like something that could actually happen to you and your best friend.
7. Man Up (2015)
Nancy gets mistaken for someone’s blind date, and instead of correcting the error, she goes along with it. Simon Pegg and Lake Bell create comedy gold as two people who are tired of dating disasters and ready to give up.
Their night together unfolds across London with hilarious mishaps and surprisingly deep conversations. The mistaken identity could have been just a gimmick, but the script uses it to explore honesty, vulnerability, and what we really want from relationships.
British humor shines throughout, but the heart of the story is universal. Both characters feel real and flawed, making their connection all the more believable. By the end, you’ll be grinning and maybe even believing in blind dates again.
8. The Half of It (2020)
Ellie Chu is a shy, brilliant student who agrees to help the sweet but inarticulate jock Paul write love letters to his crush. There’s just one problem—Ellie starts falling for the same girl.
Director Alice Wu reimagines the Cyrano de Bergerac story with intelligence and sensitivity. This isn’t your typical teen rom-com. It explores identity, sexuality, and friendship with a maturity that’s rare in the genre.
Leah Lewis delivers a nuanced performance as Ellie, capturing the loneliness of being different in a small town. The film suggests that love isn’t always about getting the person—sometimes it’s about understanding yourself and finding genuine connection wherever it appears.
9. Set It Up (2018)
Two overworked assistants hatch a plan to set up their demanding bosses with each other, hoping to get some free time back in their lives. Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell are absolutely delightful as Harper and Charlie.
Their scheming leads to all sorts of comedic complications, but the real magic happens in their own developing relationship. The banter is quick and witty, and you can feel the chemistry building with every shared late-night pizza in the office.
This Netflix original brought back the feel-good energy of classic 90s rom-coms. It’s light, fun, and perfectly paced. Sometimes you just want a movie that makes you smile, and this one delivers exactly that without trying too hard.
10. The DUFF (2015)
Bianca discovers she’s been labeled the DUFF—Designated Ugly Fat Friend—of her social group, and she’s determined to reinvent herself with help from her neighbor Wesley. Mae Whitman brings charm and relatability to a character who could have been a stereotype.
High school movies often rely on tired tropes, but this one subverts expectations. Bianca’s journey isn’t really about changing her appearance—it’s about recognizing her own worth regardless of labels others put on her.
The romance develops naturally between two people who initially can’t stand each other. There’s genuine humor mixed with meaningful messages about self-acceptance and social media’s impact on teenage life. It’s smarter and sweeter than you might expect.
11. Sleeping With Other People (2015)
Lainey and Jake are both terrible at relationships—they’re serial cheaters who can’t seem to commit to anyone. When they reconnect years after losing their virginity to each other, they decide to become friends and help each other break their destructive patterns.
Jason Sudeikis and Alison Brie have electric chemistry that makes their “just friends” arrangement feel impossible from the start. The film is surprisingly honest about why people self-sabotage in relationships and what it takes to actually change.
There’s adult humor throughout, but it never feels gratuitous. Instead, it serves the story of two messy people trying to figure out how to be better. It’s sexy, funny, and ultimately hopeful about love and personal growth.
12. What If (2013)
Wallace meets Chantry at a party and feels an instant connection—except she has a boyfriend. Daniel Radcliffe proves he’s more than just Harry Potter in this charming tale about friendship, timing, and what happens when you meet the right person at the wrong time.
The chemistry between Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan feels effortless and genuine. Their friendship develops through witty conversations, late-night walks, and shared humor. You’ll find yourself wondering whether they’ll cross that line or stay friends.
Toronto provides a beautiful backdrop for their story. The film respects both the friendship and the romantic tension without rushing either. It’s thoughtful, funny, and asks real questions about whether men and women can truly be just friends.
13. The Perfect Date (2019)
Brooks creates an app offering his services as a stand-in boyfriend for any occasion, hoping to earn money for college. Noah Centineo brings his signature charm to a character who learns that being someone you’re not gets exhausting quickly.
Each date teaches Brooks something new about himself and what he actually wants from life and relationships. The premise is fun and perfectly suited for a Netflix teen rom-com. Laura Marano plays the girl who helps him see beyond his carefully crafted personas.
It’s not groundbreaking, but sometimes you want something easy and enjoyable. The movie delivers exactly what it promises—cute moments, gentle humor, and a sweet message about authenticity. Perfect for a casual movie night when you need something light.
14. Happy, Thank You, More Please (2010)
Sam is a struggling writer in New York who accidentally becomes responsible for a foster kid while trying to figure out his own messy life. Josh Radnor wrote, directed, and starred in this indie gem that feels like a warm hug.
The film weaves together multiple storylines about friends navigating love, career disappointments, and growing up. It’s not just about Sam’s romance—it’s about all the relationships that shape us, including friendships and the family we choose.
There’s a sincerity here that bigger budget films often lack. The characters feel like people you might actually know, dealing with real problems and making imperfect choices. It’s hopeful without being unrealistic, romantic without being sappy.