Rom-com couples will forever stay an iconic part of pop culture. But for every Harry and Sally, there are countless romances that quietly slip under the radar. Here are ten underrated rom-com couples who should be getting far more love than they actually do.
10. Ally and Colin in ‘What’s Your Number?’ (2011)
Despite having a stellar cast, ‘What’s Your Number?’ remains one of the most underrated rom-coms of the 2010s. But Anna Faris and Chris Evans share that effortless chemistry as Ally and Colin, that’s impossible not to root for.
When Ally decides to track down the nineteen men she’s previously dated in hopes of finding “the one”, she realises what she’s looking for is right next door. Their witty banter and slow-burning friendship-to-romance story is genuinely underrated.
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9. Hannah & Jacob in ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ (2011)
Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling have certainly become one of Hollywood’s most beloved rom-com pairings. But their chemistry in ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ is criminally overlooked.
Hannah is a law student, and she despises the charming player Jacob, who seems to embody everything that she stands against. But through a series of hilarious yet heartwarming twists, they find an irresistible connection that turns into one of the sweetest romances we have seen in rom-coms.
8. Melanie & Jack in ‘One Fine Day’ (1996)
George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer share an electric chemistry in one of the most overlooked yet charming rom-coms of the 90s. The movie follows two overworked single parents, Jack and Melanie, through the course of a day after their hectic schedules collide.
As they race across the impossibly chaotic New York City, Jack and Melanie’s razor-sharp banter carries every scene. The movie definitely lives up to the title, and that’s all thanks to their undeniable chemistry.
7. Emily & Kumail in ‘The Big Sick’ (2017)
Some of the best love stories are always inspired by the real ones, and ‘The Big Sick’ is the perfect example of that. Written by the real-life couple themselves, it follows the relationship between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon.
Through Emily’s hospitalisation and their struggles to overcome cultural expectations, one thing that always shone through in the movie was their pure and grounded love for each other.
6. Anna & Declan in ‘Leap Year’ (2010)
‘Leap Year’ may have a plot that’s a bit out there, but the couple definitely had us rewatching that movie multiple times. Anna Brady travels to Ireland to propose to her longtime boyfriend on Leap Day and has to rely on the rugged yet charming innkeeper, Declan, to do that.
Their cross-country trip is filled with hilarious banter and unexpected adventures as they start to grow closer. The picturesque setting, along with Amy Adams and Matthew Goode’s effortless chemistry, is what always makes us come back to this overlooked gem.
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5. Lena & Barry in ‘Punch-Drunk Love’ (2002)
Adam Sandler has starred in plenty of romantic comedies, but none are quite as unconventional or as underrated as ‘Punch-Drunk Love’. Barry Egan is a painfully lonely businessman whose life begins to change after meeting his sister’s friend, Lena.
Lena is the presence that makes Barry believe he is worthy of love. Their romance is very refreshing amidst the rom-com crowd and stands as proof that the strongest relationships are built on empathy, patience, and understanding.
4. Juli & Bryce in ‘Flipped’ (2010)
Few coming-of-age romances have captured the pure innocence of first love like this cult classic. ‘Flipped’ follows Juli Baker, a girl who fell head over heels for Bryce Loski the moment she saw him when they were seven years old.
Bryce, however, spends all his time trying to avoid her, convinced she is simply too strange with her love of climbing trees and raising chickens. Though their perspective begins to reverse as they grow older, they realise that they must look past their first impression to find a true connection.
3. Fran Kubelik & C.C. Baxter in ‘The Apartment’ (1960)
‘The Apartment’ is one of those classic rom-coms that still holds up, and Baxter and Fran definitely deserve more attention for giving us one of cinema’s most satisfying romances. Baxter is a lonely insurance clerk who lends his apartment to his superiors in hopes of earning a promotion.
Instead, he meets and falls for the warm-hearted elevator operator, Fran. Along with having genuine chemistry, the couple also has a great story that proves kindness and second chances never go out of style.
2. Sarah & Nyles in ‘Palm Springs’ (2020)
‘Palm Springs’ is one of those films that got lost during its release in lockdown. But Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti’s romance shines through. The movie follows them as they become two wedding guests trapped in an endless time loop, forced to relive the same day over and over again.
As they struggle to get out, they unexpectedly find a heartfelt connection that helps them confront their fears, regrets, and future together. Nyles and Sarah have that spark that only grows stronger with each repeated day.
1. Mary & Tim in ‘About Time’ (2013)
Rachel McAdams will forever stay iconic for her romance with Ryan Gosling in ‘The Notebook’. But her chemistry with Domhnall Gleeson in ‘About Time’ deserves much more love. When Tim finds out that he can travel through time, he decides to use the power to his advantage and get a girlfriend.
Though he finds the girl of his dreams in Mary, he realises that messing around with time will result in many unwanted consequences. What makes Tim and Mary’s relationship so great is that in every timeline, they always find their way back to each other, proving that their love is simply timeless.
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