Hidden Gems of Love That Deserve a Spot on Your Watchlist
When it comes to romantic movies, everyone knows The Notebook, Titanic, or Pride and Prejudice. But some love stories quietly steal hearts without ever hitting the mainstream radar. If you’re looking for something fresh, emotional, and beautifully crafted, here are 10 underrated romantic films you probably haven’t seen — but absolutely should.
1. Like Crazy (2011)
- Director: Drake Doremus
- IMDB Rating: 6.6
- Starring: Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin, Jennifer Lawrence
A raw, realistic portrayal of long-distance love between a British student and an American boy, Like Crazy captures the emotional messiness of relationships and immigration struggles with heart-wrenching honesty.
2. The One I Love (2014)
- Director: Charlie McDowell
- IMDB Rating: 7.1
- Starring: Mark Duplass, Elisabeth Moss
This mind-bending romantic dramedy explores the idea of falling in love with a version of someone — literally. A perfect blend of romance and psychological twist that keeps you thinking long after the credits roll.
3. In Your Eyes (2014)
- Writer: Joss Whedon
- IMDB Rating: 7.0
- Starring: Zoe Kazan, Michael Stahl-David
Two strangers across the country mysteriously share a telepathic bond. A whimsical and touching story about connection beyond physical space.
4. The Spectacular Now (2013)
- Director: James Ponsoldt
- IMDB Rating: 7.1
- Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley
This film dives into young love with mature emotional depth, showing how two broken teenagers help heal each other. Subtle, real, and unexpectedly powerful.
5. Love Me If You Dare (Jeux d’enfants) (2003)
- Director: Yann Samuell
- IMDB Rating: 7.5
- Starring: Marion Cotillard, Guillaume Canet
A twisted childhood game of dares follows two lovers into adulthood. Passionate, dangerous, and visually bold — it’s love and madness rolled into one.
6. Before We Go (2014)
- Director: Chris Evans
- IMDB Rating: 6.8
- Starring: Chris Evans, Alice Eve
Two strangers meet by chance in New York and spend one night walking, talking, and sharing vulnerabilities. A soulful, slow-burn romance with a minimalist charm.
7. Take This Waltz (2011)
- Director: Sarah Polley
- IMDB Rating: 6.5
- Starring: Michelle Williams, Seth Rogen, Luke Kirby
A story of emotional cheating and restlessness, Take This Waltz captures the complexity of desire and the pain of choosing between comfort and passion.
8. The Infinite Man (2014)
- Director: Hugh Sullivan
- IMDB Rating: 6.3
- Starring: Josh McConville, Hannah Marshall
A sci-fi romantic comedy about a man trying to create the perfect weekend with his girlfriend by looping time — until everything goes hilariously wrong.
9. The Fundamentals of Caring (2016)
- Director: Rob Burnett
- IMDB Rating: 7.3
- Starring: Paul Rudd, Craig Roberts, Selena Gomez
While more of a road trip dramedy, it has a sincere romantic subplot that shines. The film explores healing, connection, and finding love when you least expect it.
10. Comet (2014)
- Director: Sam Esmail
- IMDB Rating: 6.7
- Starring: Justin Long, Emmy Rossum
Told in a nonlinear narrative, this melancholic and visually stunning romance captures the chaos and beauty of a six-year relationship across alternate realities.