7 Hidden Gem Rom-Coms from the 2010's

Romantic comedies have long been a popular film genre with a devoted following. Mostly because the films in the genre are easy to watch and provide spectators with an escape from real-world problems while still preserving a feeling of reality, sometimes in brilliant locales that heighten the sense of fun and escapism.

The decade of 2010 saw a slew of touching and humorous romantic comedies. Many of the decade's rom-coms broke the norm and improved the genre while typically adhering to its formula. The genre saw a comeback thanks to films like Crazy Rich Asians, To All the Boys I've Loved Before, and Always Be My Maybe from the late 2010s.

About Time (2014)

A fanciful and sentimental film, perhaps more about family than the traditional rom-coms. Yes, the plot is a little out there, but that it may be unrealistic is quickly forgotten by the heartfelt way director Richard Curtis navigates the film realistic emotions toward satisfying emotional harbors.

A film about love, family, memory and the passage of time that will tug on the emotions.

Love Rosie (2014)

Perhaps it may seem as though it's another cliched rom-com, Lilly Collins and Sam Claflin's compelling performances and convincing chemistry elevate this conventional rom com above many other love stories of the decade. The novel-based movie is captivating and lovely, depicting the story of two lifetime best friends who have always had romantic affections for one another but have never had the right opportunity. Almost the very definition of a rom-com plot. Plus English accents!

Critics gave it less than stellar reviews, but audiences were much more enthusiastic.

The Big Sick (2017)

The Big Sick is a charming, touching, and emotionally romantic film based on the actual romantic relationship of comedian Kumail Nanjiani and wife Emily V. Gordon that will make you laugh, weep, and fill your heart with warmth. The film was a critical hit, with the majority of critics complimenting the whole cast's performances as well as the film's amusing and poignant plot. The script was beautifully written by the movie's stars Kumail Nanjiani and wife Emily V. Gordon, providing the picture with realism as well as much-appreciated heart and laughter.

Cross-cultural themes and endearing protagonists demonstrate that there are still plenty of new directions that may be taken with the classic rom-com template. The Big Sick won the "Best Comedy Film" prize at the Critics' Choice Movie Accolades in 2018 after being nominated for a number of awards.

To All the Boys I've Left Before (2018)

Based on the book series of the same name, To All The Boys I've Loved Before is a beautiful, romantic, and poignant teen romance. The film was a critical triumph, with the majority of reviews praising the characters and the lighter aspect of the picture for being a fun adolescent romance that exceeded expectations. While adhering to the standard romcom format and looking corny, the film manages to outperform all expectations and succeeds in feeling original and new. Using all of the genre's typical clichés and polishing each and every element, the film raised the bar for what we expect from a great rom-com.

Love, Simon (2018)

Love, Simon is reminiscent of the legendary John Hughes' classic romantic comedies. The film is significant for being the first major Hollywood studio picture to center on a gay adolescent relationship. Love, Simon has gained a devoted following due to its critical success and a milestone of inclusion.

The film's varied and brilliant ensemble, humor, large heart, and innovative normality were all appreciated by critics. Nick Robinson received many accolades for his role as Simon. Love, Viktor, a spin-off series based in the same universe, was published on Hulu in 2020.

Always Be My Maybe (2019)

Everyone praised Ali Wong and Randal Park's performances and chemistry in this humorous romantic comedy, which was a smash with critics and spectators alike. Always Be My Maybe doesn't accomplish anything unique with the genre and is quite predictable, yet it manages to stand out in a crowded genre thanks to engaging chemistry, honest acting, and laugh-out-loud wit. The brilliant and hilarious appearance by Keanu Reeves, who plays a ridiculous version of himself, may be the film's most memorable scene. It only enhances the caliber of this endearing and sincere rom-com.

Leap Year (2010)

Included here as a fan favorite, rather than a critical success. Sometimes the plot may not be the strength of of film, but rather chemistry between characters and charm. For a rom-com, these are often the most important criteria. Matthew Goode and Amy Adams do find that chemistry in Leap Year. The charm to is there, certainly helped by the lush Irish backdrop.

The plot centers around an old Irish tradition that a man may not refuse a marriage invitation from a woman on a leap day. Anna ( Amy Adams) has planned a whole trip around this fact with her boyfriend ( Adam Scott). But things go rom-com haywire when the inn keeper (Matthew Goode) falls for Anna.

So while the critics panned it, audiences gave it higher ratings recognizing it as a fun and quirky without being to serious. And sometimes, that's what we need.