Rom-coms are not for everyone, but some movies might change your mind. Whether you want to dive into the rom-com fever or need to trick someone into watching a rom-com, these movies offer unique takes on the genre while keeping those quintessential rom-com vibes alive.
From absurdist comedies to psychological explorations, these movies all ask the same question: what is love? Here are the top 10 rom-coms to watch if you hate rom-coms.
10. High Fidelity (2000)
John Cusack might be a rom-com king, but ‘High Fidelity’ is far more than what you would expect from the genre. He stars in the movie as Rob Gordon, a record store owner obsessed with compiling top-five lists. When he goes through a very bad breakup, Rob looks back on his previous breakups and confronts his romantic failures. The movie is actually adapted from the novel of the same name and has a very unconventional approach towards rom-com tropes.
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9. Bros (2022)
At its heart, ‘Bros’ is a quintessential light-hearted rom-com. Two people who are completely different clash and eventually discover they have plenty in common, and then they fall in love. However, what makes ‘Bros’ so unique is its exploration of the unique struggles of LGBTQ+ relationships and the difficulties of confronting internalised homophobia. ‘Bros’ might be built on your classic rom-com tropes, but it is a distinctly 21st-century story.
8. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
One of the most emotional movies designed as a rom-com, ‘Silver Linings Playbook’ follows Pat after he loses his house, job and wife, gets out of a psychiatric hospital and tries to clean up his life. Along the way, he meets Tiffany, who agrees to help him get back with his wife if he becomes her dance partner in an upcoming competition. As the two spend time together, Pat begins to realise Tiffany has scars of her own and that she might be the only one who truly understands his situation.
7. Amélie (2001)
This whimsical French film is a masterpiece that cannot be put into a box of genre. It follows the shy and quirky waitress Amélie, who likes to change the lives of those around her, but behind the scenes, she deals with her own isolation. Her quest to help others find happiness leads her on a journey to confront true love of her own. With its gorgeous cinematography, heartwarming message and an addictively charming protagonist, ‘Amélie’ is a rom-com like no other.
6. The Philadelphia Story (1940)
A classic in this genre and a great screwball comedy, ‘The Philadelphia Story’ is one of those required watches for everyone. Featuring charming performances from a star-studded cast, it follows the Philadelphia socialite Tracy Lord as she prepares for her remarriage but crosses paths with both her ex and a prying reporter, leading to her romantic life getting all tangled up. While the movie is a product of its time, revisiting it shows just how witty rom-coms can be and why we keep falling for this genre over and over again.
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5. The Lobster (2015)
Yorgos Lanthimos’ absurdist black comedy ‘The Lobster’ is a true example of satirical rom-coms. When his wife leaves him, David finds himself in a hotel with other single people, all of whom have to find a partner in 45 days. Or else, they will be turned into an animal of their choice. With this peculiar premise, the movie delivers a wacky and deadpan social commentary on the idea of love.
4. The Apartment (1960)
This Oscar-winning movie is another rom-com classic that is a must-watch. C.C. Baxter is a lonely insurance clerk who hopes to climb the corporate ladder. To get his superiors’ favour, he allows them to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. Things get complicated when Baxter falls for the elevator operator Fran Kubelik, who turns out to be his boss’s mistress. The movie is a genuinely fun watch, especially thanks to the clever performances of Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine.
3. Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)
This sci-fi rom-com is really about the pain of a breakup. When Joel and Clementine go through a neurological procedure to erase all memories of each other from their brain, they are forced to relive those memories as they disappear. The movie relies on the rom-com formula to create a deeply emotional exploration of human nature and the idea of love that remains unmatched.
2. Groundhog Day (1993)
This is another rom-com classic that throws the usual rom-com tropes out the window and confronts the genre with a unique premise. It tells the story of the cynical weatherman Phil Connors, who is out to cover the annual Groundhog Day event in the town of Punxsutawney. But when he wakes up the next morning, he realises that he is reliving the same day over and over again. He tries to figure out his situation with his only confidant, Rita.
1. Palm Springs (2020)
In the similar realms of other fantasy rom-coms in this list, ‘Palm Springs’ follows Nyles, who is stuck in a time loop and living the same wedding day in Palm Springs over and over again. One of these nights, he meets and falls for Sarah, and accidentally gets her trapped in the loop as well. Together, they confront the question of whether anything truly matters. While ‘Palm Springs’ is an absurdist commentary, it is peppered with quintessential rom-com tropes and truly helps you appreciate romance more.
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