The romance genre is often pigeonholed, with movies that fall into this category considered cheesy or saccharine. However, all of these films subvert audience expectations, demonstrating that there’s a lot more depth and realism within the romance niche than viewers might expect. Just because a romantic movie is more realistic, that doesn’t mean the characters don’t end up together or that there isn’t a happily-ever-after. However, it does indicate that there will be bumps along the way and that love won’t necessarily conquer all.

These are all beautiful romance movies with incredible writing, as it’s the script and performances that elevate these projects beyond the typical genre fare. Part of the appeal of most romantic comedies or dramas is that they’re full of fantasy, transporting the audience to a world where romance is the answer. However, these projects buck this trend, rooting themselves in the parts of relationships that aren’t necessarily cinematic but certainly will connect with audiences who are looking for true portrayals of the ups and downs of love.

10

Before Sunset (2004)

Directed by Richard Linklater

Out of all the movies in the Before Trilogy, Before Sunset is considered one of the most realistic and genuine, even though it’s the shortest. The film sees Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Céline (Julie Delpy) reunite nine years after their chance encounter in Vienna when they fell in love. When we catch up with them in Before Sunset, Jesse and Céline are different, more jaded people who have lost some of their romantic ideation about life and love.

However, the spark and fervor of their connection haven’t faded, and the memory of what they felt together has deeply impacted their relationships in adult life. While Before Sunrise saw them engage in youthful fantasy and Before Midnight touches upon maintaining love later in life, Before Sunset is equally balanced by the hope and fear that love inspires. This is what has made Richard Linklater’s romantic trilogy so timeless, inspiring new emotionally resonant movies every year.

9

Blue Valentine (2010)

Directed by Derek Cianfrance

Blue Valentine might be a romance film, but that doesn’t mean the story won’t break your heart. Starring Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams in the roles of Dean and Cindy, Blue Valentine gives the actors amazing materials to work with, allowing them to give landmark performances. The story flashes between their early romance and eventual married life. One is full of romance and mystery, while the other showcases the reality of where their relationship ended up many years later.

The intense juxtaposition between the two timelines is what makes Blue Valentine such an interrogative and moving piece of art. Blue Valentine pulls no punches in showing how easy it is for a promising connection to deteriorate into chaos, resentment, and anguish. However, the beauty of Blue Valentine is that even in the early romantic moments, it’s clear that the relationship Cindy and Dean are building will never work, showing the audience how these cycles arise.

8

Celeste And Jesse Forever (2012)

Directed by Lee Toland Krieger

Sometimes, the most realistic thing a rom-com can do is have its main characters break up. This is the premise of Celeste and Jesse Forever, which sees its тιтular characters get divorced and learn to navigate the world as single people despite their enduring closeness. Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg play Celeste and Jesse, and though there are some genuinely sad moments throughout the story, their heart and humor strike a balanced tone.

Celeste and Jesse Forever subvert audiences’ expectations about what a rom-com should be, opening the door for relationships to evolve and finding happiness in solitude.

As the plot progresses, Celeste and Jesse go back and forth on who is more impacted by the divorce and who is ready to move on. Celeste initiates the divorce, but the reality of being apart and saying goodbye to someone you were once so close to is difficult for her to bear. Celeste and Jesse Forever subvert audiences’ expectations about what a rom-com should be, opening the door for relationships to evolve and finding happiness in solitude.

7

The Incredibly True Adventure Of Two Girls In Love (1995)

Directed by Maria Maggenti

The understated indie romantic drama, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love, stars Laurel Holloman and Nicole Ari Parker as the тιтular young women who find each other in the story. Part of the New Queer Cinema Movement, the film chronicles the experiences of Randy and Evie, who come from different worlds within their small town, coming together to find small moments of happiness and love. Though the plot doesn’t pretend that discrimination and hate don’t exist, it doesn’t make this the center of the story either.

The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love elevates the sweetness and vulnerability of first love, crafting a touching yet down-to-earth tale. Acceptance and love are at the forefront of the movie, making it a feel-good film without leaning into overly saccharine or cheesy territory. The relationship that blossoms between Randy and Evie also allows them to be honest about their desires in other aspects of life, opening up their worlds.

6

Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind (2004)

Directed by Michel Gondry

Though Jim Carrey already demonstrated his skills as a dramatic actor in projects like The Truman Show, he takes this to the next level with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Kate Winslet is just as unforgettable alongside him, and though the performers couldn’t be more different in their acting styles, they have an undeniable chemistry that makes the relationship between Joel and Clementine work. While the film revolves around the breakup between the two characters, it eventually reaffirms the human desire to seek out love, even if the cost is heartbreak.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind might bring a tear to the eye, but it’s an ultimately uplifting story about how the joys of love and relationships are worth remembering and holding on to.

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind might bring a tear to the eye, but it’s an ultimately uplifting story about how the joys of love and relationships are worth remembering and holding on to. Despite the sci-fi elements and otherworldly conceit of the project, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is frequently cited as one of the 21st century’s most raw and vulnerable depictions of romance. Over twenty years later, it’s still widely discussed for its impact on the genre.

5

Past Lives (2023)

Directed by Celine Song

Celine Song’s landmark romantic drama, Past Lives, instantly skyrocketed the writer-director to fame, as well as reaffirming the talent and notoriety of the star, Greta Lee. Between the fantastic script and Lee’s heart-breaking performance, there’s little to say against Past Lives​​​​​​, as the project taps into deep wells of nostalgia and the tragedy of mourning the person you once were. The plot revolves around Nora’s (Lee) reconnection with her childhood sweetheart from South Korea years later when she’s happily married in New York.

Though Nora loves and feels connected to Arthur (John Magaro), seeing Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) again stirs up the unresolved feelings she has about her past and the many versions of herself. Both Nora and Hae Sung know that they’re not meant to be together in this life, but that doesn’t stop them from imagining one where they live out their fantasies together. Past Lives does an excellent job of balancing the desire for fantasy with the realities of what love looks like every day.

4

Brief Encounter (1945)

Directed by David Lean

Brief Encounter explores the real and terrifying possibility that you can love your spouse and be committed to them, but someone might come along and move you in new and unexpected ways. This happens to the protagonists, Laura (Celia Johnson) and Alec (Trevor Howard), and what unfolds is an unforgettably heart-wrenching love story that exists almost entirely in glances and pᴀssing conversations. Though the pair can never be together, the depth and realism of their connection are obvious.

Projects like Before Sunrise and In The Mood For Love wouldn’t exist without Brief Encounter, making it a must-watch piece of cinema history.

Brief Encounter is a very old movie that new film fans should watch, as it’s a precursor to many of the contemporary romance movies that move audiences to tears. Projects like Before Sunrise and In The Mood For Love wouldn’t exist without Brief Encounter, making it a must-watch piece of cinema history. Part of the genius of Brief Encounter is the fact that the story exists only in a few contained settings and moments, elevating the anguish that Laura and Alec feel.

3

Once (2007)

Directed by John Carney

The ultra-low-budget movie musical Once is a quiet, introspective exploration of an emotional and spiritual connection between two people from different worlds. John Carney, the director, would go on to helm projects like Begin Again and Sing Street, two worthy additions to his filmography. Out of all Carney’s movies, Once stands out for its raw portrayal of the relationship between the characters in the film, known only as Guy and Girl, played by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová.

The original songs and beautiful music that make Once so vivid are a large part of what draws people to the film years after it first premiered. Set in Dublin, Once boasts a methodical and unrushed pace, allowing Guy and Girl to make their first uncertain steps toward each other and ultimately have their lives changed for the better. Though Once doesn’t include the classic happily-ever-after that audiences might seek in a romance movie, the ending is far more impactful.

2

Love & Basketball (2000)

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Both a sweeping coming-of-age tale and an exploration of first love, Love & Basketball is elevated by the chemistry between its leads, Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood in her feature debut, Love & Basketball spends time with Quincy (Epps) and Monica (Lathan) as they grow up and share a love of both basketball and each other. However, their pᴀssions aren’t always easily understood, and their ambitions prevent them from admitting the depth of their feelings.

Despite this, Love & Basketball doesn’t diminish the importance of their career ambitions, making space for them to evolve as people before allowing Quincy and Monica to find their way back to each other.

Despite this, Love & Basketball doesn’t diminish the importance of their career ambitions, making space for them to evolve as people before allowing Quincy and Monica to find their way back to each other. Additionally, Love & Basketball instantly stands out for its ability to tackle the lives of budding athletes with realism, without losing any depth or nuance in their personal lives. As time has progressed, Love & Basketball has remained a favorite in the rom-com genre.

1

Brooklyn (2015)

Directed by John Crowley

One of Saoirse Ronan’s best movies, the romantic period piece, Brooklyn, follows the story of Eilis, a young Irish immigrant in New York City in the 1950s. Ronan is astounding as Eilis, interweaving the sadness and heartbreak of leaving home with the rush of falling in love for the first time with both a person and a place. Her love interest, Tony (Emory Cohen), slowly wins her heart and shows her what her life could be like in Brooklyn. However, this doesn’t stop Eilis from longing for her home.

Falling in love doesn’t suddenly make her forget where she came from or what life was like in Ireland; it only changes her perspective and forces her to confront what she truly wants out of life. The love that blossoms between Tony and Eilis is genuine and true, but it isn’t flashy or over-the-top. Even as she commits herself to Tony, Eilis takes a larger look at her life outside their romance and determines how she wants him to fit into it.