Whether your taste in romantic movies leans towards comedies, dramas, thrillers or just straight-up romance movies, there are a lot of options out there to fill your heart up or break it.
Here are a selection of romantic movies across the whole spectrum of love that most people have forgotten about or just never heard of.
Love Story (1970)
The original heart-ripping tearjerker, Love Story has been pushed aside and lost in time for more recent tragic romance movies like The Notebook. But Love Story still holds up 54 years later and unless you’re truly heartless, it will leave you a blubbering, sobbing mess by the end. Love Story is currently on sale on the Apple TV Store. It’s also available to rent or purchase on other VOD platforms.
Little Children (2006)
Directed by Todd Field (In the Bedroom, Tár) and starring Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson, Little Children is a drama-filled love story about two married people who fall for each other. It’s gut-wrenching at times, but also very real and the performances are truly remarkable. It should be noted there is a subplot involving a sex offender that could be a trigger for some. Little Children is only available to watch in Canada on VOD platforms.
Once (2007)
Once is an indie film about an Irish busker in Dublin who ends up falling for, and recording an album with, a Czech immigrant. Even if you haven’t seen the film, the soundtrack for Once is enough to get the tears flowing (the main song from the movie won the Oscar in 2008). Once is available to watch on VOD platforms in Canada.
Away We Go (2009)
John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph star as a couple expecting their first child while they try to find the perfect place to settle down to start their family. Directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty), and written by Dave Eggers and his wife Vendela Vida, Away We Go is a touching, beautiful movie with sme great performances. Allison Janney, Catherine O’Hara, and Jeff Daniels co-star. You can watch Away We Go for free on Kanopy or Plex.
Take This Waltz (2011)
Sarah Polley’s Take This Waltz is a riveting love story about a young married woman (Michelle Williams) who has lost her passion for her husband (Seth Rogen) and is beginning to fantasize about her neighbour (Luke Kirby). And it all unfolds in a hot Toronto summer. Take This Waltz is available to watch in Canada on Netflix, Crave, AMC+, CBC Gem and Tubi.
About Time (2013)
Most people remember The Time Traveler’s Wife, which is a similar time-traveling romance movie starring Rachel McAdams, but About Time is the better watch thanks to writer and director Richard Curtis and lead actor Domhall Gleeson (McAdams is also great, as always). About Time is available to watch on Netflix Canada.
The One I Love (2014)
Mark Duplass and Elisabeth Moss star as a married couple on the verge of separation in The One I Love, which is all we can really say without spoiling it. If you’re looking for a unique romantic comedy, this is the one to watch. The One I Love is available to watch for free on Kanopy.
By the Sea (2015)
Written and directed by Angelina Jolie, and starring her and her husband at the time, Brad Pitt, By the Sea tells the story of a married American couple attempting to mend their relationship while staying in a seaside town in France in the ’70s. By the Sea is a mesmerizing watch, especially considering the parallels to the real-life marriage between Pitt and Jolie. By the Sea is available to watch in Canada on VOD platforms.
Do you have a forgotten or unpopular romantic movie to recommend? Tell us in the comments below.
