10 Underrated Romance Movies To Watch This Valentine’s Day 

February may be the shortest month, but it merits some of the best movies to watch. Time to snuggle up with the person you love, or your best friends, and watch a film that gives you butterflies. I wanted to give an array of different films, so no matter what your taste may be, you can find the Valentine’s Day film for you. 

1. If Beale Street Could Talk (2018)

The lesser-known gem from critically acclaimed director Barry Jenkins, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ is an always topical film about police malpractice and the perseverance of love in hard times. The film is not only a tender tale between the main characters, Tish and Fonny, but also about the love and sacrifice of family. Based on the James Baldwin novel of the same name, ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’ is a timeless classic brought to life with stunning empathy and visuals by Jenkins.

2. Design For Living (1933)

This film is like ‘Challengers’ but from the 1930s and they aren’t playing tennis. ‘Design For Living’ follows two men named George and Thomas who encounter the witty and independent Gilda. Instantly infatuated with her, the men fight for her affection, but Gilda does not want to choose. She wants them both. Coming out before the Hays Code made ‘Design For Living’ a modern examination of lust and the complexities of love that holds up just as well today as it did back then.  

3. In The Mood For Love (2000)

Deemed one of the best films of the 2000s, ‘In the Mood for Love’ is a feast for the eyes. With cinematography covered in bright red and muted greens, there is no doubt that it is one of the best-looking films of all time. Other than the visual strengths, the film is also a beautiful examination of time, betrayal, and lost opportunities. The film follows two married neighbors who discover their significant others are cheating with the others. The two begin to see each other and reenact what they imagine happened between their spouses to understand how this happened. ‘In the Mood for Love’ is a devastating and complex love story about two people longing to be with each other, yet not wanting to stoop to the level their husband or wife did. 

4. Emma. (2020)

Enter the Regency Era with this charming take on the classic Jane Austen book, ‘Emma.’ If you have been living under a rock since 1815, the plot of ‘Emma’ goes as follows: The clever and rich Emma Woodhouse occupies her days with matchmaking people, even if her idea of the perfect match is misguided or selfish. Emma declares that she will never marry and will opt to care for her father, but with Mr Knightly and Mr Churchill in town, she might be changing her plans. ‘Emma.’ is a treat for the eyes and a gift for any lover of period pieces. 

5. Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

Relatively underrated film in the Hugh Grant romcom catalog, ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’ is a delightful, and very British, film about relationships and whether they can last forever. This film is one of the few true romcoms nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, all due to its charm and commentary on the complexities of relationships. The film serves as a highlight not only in Grant’s career but also in Andie MacDowell’s. 

6. The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love (1995) 

The title gives away the main draw of the film. It is a simple but gratifying tale of two high school students falling in love and the parental and societal challenges that come with it. The film thrives on its dialogue and the realistic portrayal of young love. The film also includes a climactic end that will get you on your feet. Ahead of its time in many ways, ‘The Incredibly True Adventures of Two Girls in Love’ is a sapphic film in the likes of ‘Desert Hearts’ or ‘Water Lilies.’

7. How to Steal a Million (1966)

‘How to Steal a Million’ is as if ‘Ocean’s 11’ had a little more romance and it was starring 60’s Audrey Hepburn. The film is directed by William Wyler, who worked with Hepburn on films like ‘Roman Holiday’ and ‘The Children’s Hour.’ The film is filled with twists and playful suspense that will leave each viewer entertained and on the edge of their seat. An underrated film in Hepburn’s and Wyler’s career, ‘How to Steal a Million’ is an amusing romp that will definitely not disappoint. 

8. Bones and All (2022)

Luca Guadagnino has established himself in the mainstream as a master of the sexy film with ‘Call Me By Your Name’ and ‘Challengers,’ but I argue ‘Bones and All’ is the sexiest of them all. Timothee Chalamet and Taylor Russell take on the characters Lee and Maren, respectively. The two have a hunger for human flesh and find solace in each other through this connection. The film uses cannibalism as a metaphor for struggles with identity, alienation, and the intricacy of love. ‘Bones and All’ is truly about how all-encompassing love can be when you meet the right person. 

9. Punch-Drunk Love (2002)

Now, I do not think anyone was expecting Adam Sandler to make it on this list, but his turn in ‘Punch-Drunk Love’ is one of the many standouts in his filmography. The film covers toxic masculinity, longing, and the lengths one will go to for love. The film can be quite anxiety-inducing, diving headfirst into the main character’s head, played by Sandler. With quirky humor, unconventional romance, and a stand-out color palette, Paul Thomas Anderson made a captivating film about the side effects of looking for and falling in love. 

10. Set It Up (2018)

With the release of ‘Anyone but You,’ the world called on Glen Powell to save the romcom, but he had already done so five years earlier. ‘Set It Up’ is a deeply overlooked Netflix romcom starring the ever-entertaining Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch. The film follows two personal assistants who band together to match-make their overbearing boss in order to get some much-needed free time. One thing leads to another… and you know the rest. ‘Set It Up’ should have been a modern classic upon release, with its wonderful leads and clever script, but it has instead fallen into the hidden gem category of the rom-com.

You could not go wrong with any of these films this Valentine’s Day, whether you prefer a classic Jane Austen adaptation or the Timothee Chalamet cannibal love story. All you need to do is grab the ones you love and kick back with a box of chocolates while watching one of them. 

Thanks for reading this article! If you liked this list of 10 Underrated Romance Movies To Watch This Valentine’s Day, make sure to check out our other lists at Feature First.