Over the last couple of years, there has been a lack of romantic movies being released. However, with the latest romantic comedy, Marry Me, having performed exceptionally well at the Box Office (via Forbes), this recent news has inspired Reddit users to reflect on the best romantic movies released within the past decade.
From time loop sci-fi flirty flicks to stories of romance hindered by class differences and illness, these romance movies have dominated the last 10 years and deserve their place within viewers' hearts. They'll certainly fill that love-shaped hole in your watch history after binge-watching Marry Me.
Can You Keep A Secret? (2019)
- Available To Stream On Netflix
Based on the written works of Sophie Kinsella, Can You Keep A Secret? is a feel-good romantic comedy released in 2019 and sees a relationship grow by a chance meeting and the fate that follows it. The movie pairs two unlikely characters together (which is why it is pretty perfect in terms of a romance movie, especially with Jack's hidden secret and the heart-wrenching moments it creates).
Reddit u/Breros explained how, despite the movie having an underlying story of sadness, they "had to laugh so much about the situations" due to the movie balancing its story with laughter and loss. Many fans including Breros feel that "it's a good story" that abandons the predictable plots usually seen in romance movies.
What If (2013)
- Available To Stream On Amazon Prime Video
In terms of Daniel Radcliffe's best non-Harry Potter movies, What If (released as The F Word in other countries) would be up there with one of the best. He is sweet, charming, and seemingly human, but it's his friendship with Chantry that stole the hearts of fans due to it accurately representing what it feels like to fall in love with a friend and how this can suddenly complicate that said friendship.
The movie is a great portrayal of love at the wrong time whilst simultaneously creating a heartwarming growing friendship through conversations, adventures, and life milestones. It also has a star-studded cast with one Redditor stating that they "enjoyed Daniel Radcliffe and Adam Driver's performance, plus it was nice to see Zoe Kazan and Mackenzie Davis on a movie."
The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020)
- Available To Stream On Starz Play Amazon Channel
The Broken Hearts Gallery is a criminally underrated romance flick, essentially made for those suffering from a broken heart. It is an unconventional story of friendship, love, and mutual understanding through the use of creativity, making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch that is representative of modern-day dating.
LucasWhelan shared that "The Broken Hearts Gallery is wonderful [but] kind of slipped through the [...] cracks" resulting in it being somewhat ignored. However, the movie brings New York and old romantic mementos to life whilst also offering a mildly dramatic but equally wholesome story of love post heartbreak.
The Big Sick (2017)
- Available To Stream On Amazon Prime Video
The Big Sick is one of the best rom-com streaming on Amazon Prime right now, as it delves into a range of serious issues whilst remaining a level of humor and romance that left fans satisfied. The movie both warmed and broke fans' hearts when it was revealed that it was based on Kumali Nanjiani and his wife Emily V. Gordon's real-life romance, which the pair wrote together.
As a romance, many fans including, DCBronzeAge, shared that "The Big Sick was one of [their] favorites" as it offers more than just a love story but one of truth that faced many hurdles, with a big part of the movie exploring themes of race, illness and more. The Big Sick reimagines the normal structure and themes of a romance movie which is why it remains such a great one.
Yesterday (2019)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Video
Yesterday didn't just stress the role The Beatles played in the history of music but also the role a significant other can have in building up their partner's self-esteem. The movie is a humorous one, filled with great music and star-studded celebrities. It is also a story of music and a relationship where the partners instill self-belief in each other.
According to Buckyplustwo, "Yesterday is very fun and [includes] great music too." The movie is an innovative one that represents a very normal depiction of romance despite it occurring during a very unusual situation. It hones in on the importance of having a supportive partner but also how vital conversation and mutual understanding can be too, making it a relatable watch.
Love, Simon (2018)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Prime Video
Love, Simon is one of the best LGBTQ+ coming-of-age movies that has been released in the last decade. The movie is a vibrant and poignant depiction of self-acceptance and delves into some important topics.
The movie also highlights the use of social media, as well as the highs and lows of it, when it comes to how publicised things can become. In the end, Love, Simon finally sees Simon find his contentment and happiness with his friends and new love, which many fans had been anticipating after seeing the relationship grow over a series of emails. That's why it's not surprising that fans, including Buckyplustwo, believe "Love, Simon is great."
Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- Available To Stream On HBO Max
Crazy Rich Asians gave viewers the glitz, the glamour, and the romance all in one, whilst simultaneously documenting class differences at the same time. It is a visually stunning movie that has an equally stunning love story that is somewhat marred by the wealth of Nick's family status; however, as always, love prevails and offers a modern romance that centers around similar themes seen in regency pieces.
MakeMeADonut explained how "Crazy Rich Asians is super cute and always makes [them] feel good things" due to the wholesome relationship between Nick and Rachel. It is a movie that produces those warm, fuzzy feelings whilst also proving that money isn't everything but love is.
Set It Up (2018)
- Available To Stream On Netflix
Set It Up is an obscure (but awesome) Netflix rom-com where Charlie and Harper seek to matchmake their two horrible bosses in a bid to free up their lives. The movie offers a unique plot that won over fans due to the pair falling in love as they meddle in the lives of others. The couple has great onscreen chemistry and creates a situation that many millennials can somewhat relate to.
Despite having a great love story that grows over time, many fans, including Paddy2015, feel that "it is so underrated [as it is] one of the best Netflix films." The slow-burn romance had fans hooked through scheming, coffee dates, and sneaking around, and, overall, is a great modern-day romance that fans can't help but love.
Palm Springs (2020)
- Available To Stream On Hulu
Palm Springs is one of the wackiest romances released in the last decade, with one Redditor even suggesting that they "never thought pairing Andy Samberg & Cristin Milioti in a rom-com." However, this movie couple gripped fans. The sci-fi flick set within a time loop sees an unusual relationship progress between Nyles and Sarah, who are victims of their own version of groundhog day.
The movie emanates a vibe similar to that of True Romance and Bonnie & Clyde, with the pair seeing their endless life cycle as an adventure that gives them a get-out-of-jail-free card. But, the pair do more than just have fun as they actively support and share when times get tough, making it a seriously unique but wholesome watch for fans of science fiction and romance.
About Time (2013)
- Available To Buy On Amazon Video
According to this [deleted] Reddit user, "About Time is wonderful" and its continued success proves what a charming watch this romantic flick truly is. The movie is a romantic fantasy, where Tim learns that the men in his family, including him, can time travel. However, the only thing on Tim's mind when traveling through the years of his existence is love.
Whether it be family love or the moment he meets Mary, Tim makes every viewer believe that there is true love out there and even prompts the question about what a person could do if they could travel back in time. About Time is warm, heartwarming, and in parts heartbreaking, but, ultimately, tells the story of second chances through the endearing love story that is Tim and Mary.