7 Underrated Romantic Movies You Probably Haven't Seen Yet

Everyone has seen the famous romances. This list is for the ones that slipped under the radar: quiet, warm and well worth an evening. It collects seven underrated romantic movies from several countries and decades, each judged on how much feeling it packs in, how strong the chemistry is, and how well it holds up on a rewatch. The list runs from worst to best, so number one is the strongest recommendation. Availability changes by country, so check a tracker such as JustWatch before you press play.

Who it's for: Viewers who like their romance quirky and stylish. Why it ranks here: Wes Anderson's film follows two twelve-year-olds on a New England island who run away together, sending the whole community into a search. It is a sweet, deadpan love story with Anderson's trademark look. It is more charming than emotional. Skip it if: You find Anderson's formal, symmetrical style cold.

Who it's for: Music lovers and fans of gentle, low-key romance. Why it ranks here: Keira Knightley plays a songwriter who teams up with a down-on-his-luck record executive (Mark Ruffalo) to record an album on the streets of New York. The romance is more about creative partnership than a conventional love story, and the songs carry the film. Skip it if: You want a traditional, kiss-at-the-end romance.

Who it's for: Anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories with great music. Why it ranks here: In 1980s Dublin, a teenager starts a band to impress a girl, and the project slowly becomes something bigger. John Carney's film is funny, hopeful and full of catchy songs, and it captures first-crush excitement well. Skip it if: Teen romances are not your thing.

Who it's for: Fans of period romances with emotional depth. Why it ranks here: Saoirse Ronan plays a young Irish woman who moves to 1950s New York and finds herself torn between two countries and two men. Based on Colm Tóibín's novel, it is calm and beautifully acted, and its quiet story about homesickness feels true. It earned a Best Picture nomination. Skip it if: You want fast-paced comedy.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants an energetic, feel-good Bollywood romance. Why it ranks here: A heartbroken businessman (Shahid Kapoor) meets a talkative, irrepressible traveller (Kareena Kapoor) on a train, and their journey changes both of them. Directed by Imtiaz Ali, the film is funny, colourful and full of memorable songs, and it remains a rewatch favourite. Skip it if: You dislike song-and-dance sequences.

Who it's for: Viewers who love conversation-driven romance. Why it ranks here: Two strangers (Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy) meet on a train and spend one night walking around Vienna, talking about life and love. Richard Linklater's film has almost no plot, yet it feels intimate and real, and it inspired two sequels. Skip it if: You need big events and dramatic turns.

Who it's for: Anyone who wants a gentle, deeply human love story. Why it ranks here: A lunchbox delivered to the wrong office in Mumbai leads a lonely housewife (Nimrat Kaur) and a widowed accountant (Irrfan Khan) to begin exchanging notes. Directed by Ritesh Batra, it builds a tender connection through letters alone, and the performances are subtle and moving. It is the most quietly powerful film on the list. Skip it if: You prefer your romances loud and fast.

Want something sweet and musical? Try Sing Street or Begin Again.

Want a feel-good classic? Pick Jab We Met.

Want something thoughtful and quiet? Go for Before Sunrise or The Lunchbox.

Want a period drama? Choose Brooklyn.

If you have already watched all the famous romances, one of these seven underrated romantic movies will give you something fresh. Which one is your favourite, and which hidden gem did we miss? Tell us in the comments and save this list for your next movie night.