Romance is an everlasting genre. Audiences yearn for great love stories to unfold on screen to make them feel something when they finish watching a film. It can be in the form of a romance drama, romantic comedy, or even a romantic subplot in a gigantic blockbuster movie. With so many love stories being put on the big screen and streaming, some of them find their audience and become a cultural phenomenon, while others get overlooked and then forgotten, despite having the right ingredients.
In this list, we take a look at some of the forgotten romantic movies that deliver flying colors in the romance department. These movies do not rely on clichés or cheap sentimentality. They look at love in a mature way, which probably makes them be forgotten because they hit too close to home. They should have dominated ‘best romance movies’ lists, yet they stay under the radar. These are the hidden films waiting to be discovered by viewers willing to look beyond the usual classics.
6
‘Forces of Nature’ (1999)
Forces of Nature follows Ben Holmes (Ben Affleck), who is traveling across the country to marry his fiancée, when a series of disasters disrupts his plans. Stranded after a plane accident, he ends up traveling with the impulsive Sarah Lewis (Sandra Bullock). As the pair encounter increasingly absurd obstacles, they form a connection that forces Ben to question whether marrying her fiancée is the right decision.
The film is often dismissed as an inferior 90s romantic comedy in an era where the genre thrived. However, it deserves more credit and reevaluation in this era. The aesthetic and style of the film can be classified as experimental and very late 90s, which makes it different than the rest of its peers. Sandra Bullock’s energetic performance contrasts perfectly with Ben Affleck’s more restrained approach, creating a dynamic that feels engaging even when the story becomes increasingly improbable. Beneath the quirky premise lies a thoughtful exploration of uncertainty and the fear of making life-changing decisions. Its resolution is unlike other rom-coms, but it is a mature and grounded one.
5
‘Far from the Madding Crowd’ (2015)
Far from the Madding Crowd follows Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan), a strong-willed young woman who unexpectedly inherits a large farm and determines to run it herself in Victorian England. As she manages her estate, she finds herself pursued by three men, the loyal and dependable shepherd Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenarts), the wealthy and respectable William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), and the charming but reckless Sergeant Troy (Tom Sturridge).
Based on the classic novel by Thomas Hardy, this 2015 film is the second adaptation of the book after the 1967 film starring Julie Christie. This update is fitting for the current times. With the always amazing Carey Mulligan in the role, Bathsheba’s journey is compelling because she is allowed to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow without the story ever punishing her for her ambition or independence. The romance with Gabriel develops slowly but satisfyingly. Combined with stunning cinematography and rich period detail, the film is a mature and timeless love story that deserves to be seen more.
4
‘The Five-Year Engagement’ (2012)
The Five-Year Engagement follows Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet’s (Emily Blunt) engagement, whose marriage plans are delayed by career opportunities, family matters, and life’s unexpected complications. The simple engagement stretches into years as the pair move across the country, make sacrifices for one another, and struggle to maintain their relationship while their friends move forward with marriage and parenthood.
With producer Judd Apatow and the director of Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Five-Year Engagement seemed more of a comedy than romance. However, it is actually a real and grounded look at romance. It looks at the realities of long-term commitment with surprising honesty. This felt like you’re watching the next chapter after the ending of a feel-good love story, where all the issues and complications arise. Jason Segel and Emily Blunt share exceptional chemistry, and they’re also supported by a stellar ensemble that includes Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, and Rhys Ifans. It’s a romance that is brave to explore that love isn’t just about finding the right person, it’s about how the couple stay with each other.
3
‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ (2018)
