It IS worth the watch: Underrated Romance Edition

If you’ve been following along, you would know I am currently watching a vast number of movies everyone says I need to be watching. (Guys. I’m sorry I haven't updated it in a while. Ok. The movies on the list I have to LEGIT focus on. So… my bad. BUT, will be posting another review soon. I PROMISE.) I feel it’s my turn to tell you what movies you need to be watching. What are my qualifications? I am so glad you asked. 

Most thirteen-year-olds ask for a phone or a cool gadget for their birthday. Understandable. I asked for a DVD/VCR player. The VCR was CRUCIAL. Like most teenagers, I wanted to be able to watch TV in my room. I’ve always been quite fond of movies. My screentime has always been high. Unfortunately, I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to bring it down. Then again, there is nothing like watching a movie after a long day at work. Allow me to set the scene. It’s lightly raining outside. You’re wearing your favorite pajamas and a face mask. Your sheets are clean, and you’re having a massive bowl of popcorn with M&M's sprinkled in for dinner. Doesn’t that sound like the DREAM! There is a dreaded question, though… what to watch? 

Streaming is a double-edged sword. You have so much to choose from! But, you have so much to choose from… where do you start? Enter this list. While I love my “Is it worth the watch?” series, I am going to be sprinkling in my own “It IS worth the watch”. Let’s start with one of my favorite genres: Romance. The world is full of love stories, but which ones do you NEED to watch? With this being such a popular genre, I will be focusing on the underrated love stories that fall into various sub-genres in the romance category. Let’s begin! 

How to win a date with Tad Hamilton (2007) - ROM/COM 

If you’re a fan of friends-to-lovers, this is the movie for you. If you’re a fan of fun, laughter, and joy, this movie is for you! The plot: Rosalee, against the advice of her best friend Pete, puts her name in to win a date with Tad Hamilton: Hollywood’s Leading Man. After a whirlwind date, Tad is won over. While he moves into a fabulous farm outside of town, Pete is trying to find the time to tell his BFF his true feelings. What happens after the date with Tad? What does Rosalee want? Did I mention Ginnifer Goodwin is in this movie? You KNOW the movie is going to be great if G-Goodwin is in it. But WHY should you watch it? This is a true rom-com, with a tearful monologue perfectly executed by none other than Topher Grace. A great watch for groups looking for something filled with witty dialogue and a happy ending for everyone. 

Beyond the Lights (2014) - Romantic Drama

Gugu Mbatha-Raw SHINES as Noni: A young woman who has grown up in the spotlight and is struggling with her identity, expectations, and overall life her mother has pushed her into. In a moment of crisis, she is helped by Kaz. A normal guy working a normal job. A man who shows up for her and leaves space for her to show up however she needs to. Both of them find a sort of peace with each other, and everyone else is not a part of the fan club. With her mom, label, and world commenting on their budding relationship, what will Noni choose? The life of a pop star or a life away from the spotlight? This movie is beautiful, and I mean BEAUTIFUL. It’s also low-key a musical, BUT NOT IN THE WAY YOU THINK IT IS. Noni is a singer. Oh! And Machine Gun Kelly plays her singer BF! All’s to say you won’t regret this dreamy, heartbreaking, and stunning rom/drama. 

Broken Hearts Gallery (2020) - ROM/COM 

Bernadette Peters, Phillipa Soo, Suki Waterhouse, and no this isn’t a musical. This is also the movie I’m currently watching while writing this article. It’s just that GOOD. Lucy is an enthusiastic optimist with a hoarding issue. Nick is a pessimist with a less-than-finished hotel. When they meet on one of the worst nights of both of their lives, the ‘Broken Heart Gallery’ is born. This may be my favorite rom/com NOT from the early 2000s. Dacre Montgomery and Geraldine Viswanathan are MAGIC in this movie. Too funny for their own good, filled with whimsy, and with a “When Harry Met Sally” running through NYC moment, you will NOT be disappointed. Head on over to HULU or Disney+ to watch. 

Stardust (2007) - Romantasy 

When a man loves a woman, he will go to the ends of the earth to earn her love. This story is no different. To win over the love of his life, Tristan travels beyond the walls of his small town to a mythical world filled with witches, living stars, and a blood-thirsty pirate played by none other than Robert De Niro. Tristan seeks to bring back a piece of a star for his hopeful betrothed. The problem is that when the star falls, it doesn’t turn into dust. It takes the shape of a young woman played by Claire Danes, but he is not the only one looking for the star. A witch played by Michelle Pfeiffer wants the star's heart for herself. What will happen to the star? Will Tristan marry the love of his life? It’s also PG, so fun for the whole family, and the cast, I mean SERIOUSLY STACKED. 

I hope you choose one of these amazing films for your next movie night. I KNOW you will not be disappointed. Happy movie night friends! 

Photos from Pinterest