When a big-name actor stars in the latest romantic-comedy, this is often when we find our romance fixes. But what about those Indie films? Or romantic films that simply don’t have the star power to dazzle? These are the films that we don’t see plastered everywhere. These are the films that take a little extra effort to dig up because of this. These are the undiscovered romantic comedies that, no matter the hype big-budget titles generate, we sometimes wish for.
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Instead of revisiting these popular movies (don’t mistake me, I always love the nostalgic charm of films like Sweet Home Alabama or the cute antics of The Wedding Planner), we want to spotlight some of the films that don’t get much attention. Though some are a little rough around the edges (really, this is part of their charm), below is a list of twelve such films from the results of this cinematic journey. It’s been broken up into a “part 1” list of titles with a second offering in the works (because, yes, there are more unknown romantic-comedies than I anticipated, a task which requires, ahem, further research).
Just for the purpose of clarification, there will be some exclusion to this list, and yet it isn’t an all-inclusive list. Because we feature Hallmark a great deal in their own separate category, I’ve chosen not to include any of their originals on this list.
Enjoy our list of undiscovered (and some that are, in my opinion, really underrated) romantic comedies!
12 Undiscovered Romantic Comedies
(Sorted alphabetically)
#1: All Roads Lead to Rome
If you don’t mind a slow (slow) pace, this film has a beautiful setting and some star power, Sarah Jessica-Parker headlines.
Content: Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, though there’s nothing overly explicit.
Where to Watch: All Roads Lead to Rome is available on Amazon Video.
#2: Carrie Pilby
Though its more about a girl finding herself and coming into her own, this film does have a sweet romance. One that for me, was perfectly pitched to go with its other plots and themes. That’s why it’s so perfect, no matter how subtle.
Content: Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, though there’s nothing overly explicit.
Where to Watch: You can stream (rent or buy) Carrie Pilby on Amazon Video, Netflix or iTunes; or purchase the film on DVD.
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#3: A Date with Miss Fortune
Though I haven’t seen this one, it sounds adorable and features a married couple as its stars and producers. The story (inspired by the real-life couple’s own romance) is about two people who fall in love after a “fateful encounter.”
Content: Rated PG-13 for some suggestive material, though there’s nothing overly explicit.
Where to Watch: A Date with Miss Fortune is (at this time) available to stream with Amazon Prime or DVD.
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#4: Leading Lady
Though most of these, I’ve actually seen (or watched over half through), this is one I have not. But it makes the list because familiar face Katie McGrath (A Princess for Christmas, Merlin) headlines. The story sounds completely charming about an actress who has to rely on a rough-around-the-edges farmer to coach her for her next role.
Content: Though “Unrated,” I suspect this one is similar to a PG-13 rating.
Where to watch: Leading Lady is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video or on DVD.
#5: Lost for Words
Set in Hong Kong, this hidden gem is beautifully shot. It has its flaws and won’t appeal to everyone (especially for those who detest ambiguity), but it’s worth a second look. Sean Faris (popular from Hallmark dramas) co-stars as an ex-Marine who meets and falls in love with a ballerina.
Content: There is some adult material, including a promiscuous roommate and sexual content, but doesn’t abuse its PG-13 rating.
Where to watch: Lost for Words is currently on Amazon Prime.
#7: Lucky 7
There’s a reason why I watched this rom-com starring Kimberley Williams-Paisley time and again as a teen. It’s one of those super cute films that never ceases to make its viewer smile.
Content: Adult situations do work their way into the story which earns this one a PG-13 rating.
Where to watch: Lucky 7 can be viewed on the streaming website Hallmark Movies Now or rented/purchased on Amazon Video.
#8: Non-Transferable
Starring Lizzie Bennet Diaries titular actress, Ashley Clements, this one is quirky and cute. It tells the story of a woman who’s dumped just before her and her boyfriend plan to leave on a vacation. Since everything is tied together in both of their names, she needs a stand-in which inspires her friend to arrange for “Josh” to go with her best friend. Daniel Vincent Gordh also has a cameo role that makes me wish he were in the leading man role.
Content: There is adult content in this film; including sexual material. The film is rated TV-14.
Where to watch: Non-Transferable is currently on Amazon Prime.
#9: The Other End of the Line
Sweet and wholesome, this underrated romance stars Jesse Metcalfe (Hallmark’s Chesapeake Shores) as a successful businessman who forms a bond with his credit card customer service representative. When a business trip to San Francisco arises, he suggests he and Jennifer meet, little realizing she’s not a San Franciscan and is actually halfway across the world: in India!
Content: There is some adult content in this film; including sexual material. The film is rated PG-13.
Where to watch: The Other End of the Line is available to rent or own on Amazon Video, DVD.
#10: The Rewrite
Starring Hugh Grant in his signature leading man role (a bumbling dude who can never quite make that declaration of love), in this he plays a former screenwriter who, while guest lecturing becomes entangled with a student, before realizing his real love may be right in front of him.
Content: There is adult content in this film; including some language and sexual material. The film is rated PG-13.
Where to watch: The Rewrite is available to rent or own on Amazon Video, DVD or to stream on Hulu.
#11: Shanghai Calling
Though I have not seen this one either, it looks darling. It’s about a man whose family heritage is Chinese, but being raised in America, he knows nothing about the culture or traditions. When his work takes him to Shanghai, he experiences culture shock, legal trouble and the possibility of a new romance with an American woman. Bill Paxton, Daniel Henney and Eliza Couple star.
Content: rated PG-13 for “some language including sexual references.”
Where to Watch: Shanghai Calling is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video or DVD.
#12: Shirin in Love
While the beginning is a little rough, this story ends up being really sweet. Riley Smith stars as a man who is roped into the chaotic life of a rule-breaking woman who’s about to marry. When his life again intersects with hers, he discovers there’s more to her than first impressions.
Content: There is adult content in this film; including some language and sexual material. The film is rated PG-13.
Where to watch: Shirin in Love is (at this time) available to stream with Amazon Prime or DVD.
Have you seen any of these? Do you enjoy watching them now and again? Or do any evoke nostalgic feelings (as they do for me)? Sound off below with your thoughts and recommendations. I’d love to know about your favorite underrated romantic comedies!
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Surprisingly, I’ve only seen a handful of these, so now I have some new films to add to my watch list. Lucky 7 is a particular favorite, but you forgot to mention that Patrick Dempsey also stars. I’ve never been able to resist him. I’m looking forward to Part 2 of this list.
HOW COULD I FORGET PATRICK!? You are so right, Brittaney. Like you, he’s always been a favorite romcom leading man. 🙂
Thanks so much for reading – and I’m looking forward to sharing Part 2.
Oh, man, this takes me back! I LOVED “Lucky 7”–and all the other ABC Family Originals. I found “Lucky 7” in the $5 bin at Walmart several years ago. Maybe it’s time to pull it out again! Did you ever watch “I Want to Marry Ryan Banks” with Alias-era Bradley Cooper? I taped that one and had it on VHS for a while–then it was released on DVD as “Reality of Love” and my sisters got it for me for my birthday one year. I wish I could watch all those old ABC Family movies again 🙂
I haven’t watched “Lucky 7” in SO long, Becky… but I do find it cute and fun. Confession: I own the movie on DVD too, though I did’t find it at a bargain price that I remember. 😉
I haven’t see ‘Ryan Banks’! I’ll have to look it up though because I do enjoy watching popular film stars in “baby” roles before they were household names. Perhaps that one should show up on a “part 2” list. 🙂