Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start your annual romcom binge. However, if you’re anything like me, you’re a little sick of the typical romance films with little to no plot. Sure, they’re classics for a reason, but how many times have you seen them by now?
Instead of pressing replay on “When Harry Met Sally” or “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” why don’t you check out some of these unconventional romance movies to change things up a bit?
‘Bottoms’
OK, it might be way more of a “com” than a “rom,” but “Bottoms” is absolutely peak cinema. The whole premise of the film is the main characters starting a fight club to get with their crushes. Pretty romantic, right? But Ayo Edebiri and Rachel Sennott are always a hit. My roommate convinced me to see this in theaters when it came out, and it changed my life.
‘But I’m A Cheerleader’
This film is a lesbian staple, as it should be. It’s peak comedy, stars Natasha Lyonne and even features RuPaul. Throughout the film, Lyonne’s character, Megan, comes to terms with her sexuality and falls in love with Clea DuVall’s Graham. Their relationship is super cute, and it’s a must-watch for anyone wanting a good laugh.
‘Happiest Season’
This film is often associated with the winter holiday season, but I am a firm believer that a good holiday movie can be evergreen. This one is a messy watch — it’s far from a perfect romance. This queer story follows the difficulties of family dynamics in relationships. Harper invites her partner, Abby, to spend the holidays with her family, but there’s a problem: she’s not out.
‘Bad Moms’
It’s not necessarily a romantic film, but “Bad Moms” is the perfect, chaotic watch for Galentines! It may be my favorite comedy ever, and that’s saying a lot. Nothing screams friendship like three moms who totally stop caring and decide to have the time of their lives. If the first film isn’t enough, “Bad Moms Christmas,” the festive sequel, takes the fun of the original film to a new level.
‘Palm Springs’
One thing about me is that I love Andy Samberg’s comedy, and “Palm Springs” is no exception. It’s like “Groundhog Day,” but make it a romcom. It’s a fun, romantic twist on a classic tale. The two main characters are stuck reliving the same day over and over, and they just can’t seem to get away from each other.
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‘Lisa Frankenstein’
What happens when a girl literally falls in love with a dead guy? “Lisa Frankenstein” follows Lisa Swallows, a teenage girl, who develops feelings for a corpse that comes to life. It’s murder-filled, spooky and totally romantic.
‘Carol’
This film is also often associated with the holidays, but it’s a great queer romance story. Also, it has Cate Blanchett and Sarah Paulson, which makes it a must-watch. It’s a complex, forbidden romance taking place in the 1950s. “Carol” is messy, brilliant and great for Valentine’s Day.
‘La La Land’
Look, I know it’s kind of mainstream, but how can you talk about romance movies without mentioning “La La Land”? I mean, it’s THE romance movie. And how can you go wrong with Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling? Plus, it’s a musical, which makes it kind of unconventional, right?
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