As the title suggests, the romantic comedy genre is the perfect blend of romance and comedy, making for entertaining watches that allow audiences to delve into the wonders of love without the drama that comes with it. Often featuring two loving leads who find themselves in a troublesome situation and ultimately end up together, many characteristic elements make a good rom-com.
With so many popular pictures of this category out there, some have inevitably fallen under their shadow; this is, of course, no different for the romantic comedy genre.The 1990s was an immaculate decade for romantic comedies and many great films fell under the radar. FromStill BreathingtoThe Wedding Banquet,we look back at some of the most underrated 90s rom-coms.
10’Still Breathing' (1997)
Director: James F. Robinson
StarringThe Whale’s Oscar-winnerBranden Fraseras an artist and street performer, thisJames F. Robinsonromantic comedy follows the character as he navigates through life and eventually realizes that con artist Roz (JoannaGoing) is the woman he has seen in a vision. Little does he know, however, that she sees him as her next victim.
Shot on location in Los Angeles, California, and San Antonio, Texas,the often-overlookedStill Breathingis an entertaining movie in the genre, especially fit for those who like a bit of fantasy in romance stories. F. Robinson’s quirky movie is not a masterpiece by any means, but it will likely still charm audiences and keep them invested in its lightweight, feel-good narrative, if only for its refreshing originality.
Watch on Peacock
9’It Could Happen To You' (1994)
Director: Andrew Bergman
Image via TriStar Pictures
Based on the true news story ofPhyllisPenzoandOfficerRobertCunningham,It Could Happen To YoustarsNicolas CageandBridget Fondaand centers around a police officer short on cash and unable to tip his waitress. Half-jokingly, he offers to share his earnings if he wins the lottery, something that understandably infuriates Charlie’s wife Muriel when he fulfills his promise.
Andrew Bergman’s underrated 1994 rom-com is creative and delivers plenty of feel-good, funny moments. Part of what makes it stand out is the great writing, three-dimensional characters, and the believable relationships they share.It Could Happen To Youmay not be the best romantic comedy out there. Still, the fact that it was remade in Hindi (asBade Dilwala), must say something.
Watch on Netflix
8’The Truth About Cats & Dogs’ (1996)
Director: Michael Lehmann
WhileUma Thurman’s efforts are pretty well known inQuentin Tarantino’sKill Bill, the star has managed to stand out in the romantic comedy genre, too. She took part inMichael Lehmann’s underrated 1996 film as a model who serves as her radio host best friend’s (Janeane Garofalo) impersonator when a handsome man (Ben Chaplin) wants to see her.
The Truth About Cats & Dogsis easily one of the 1990s most underrated romantic comedies, as it unfortunately did not get the mainstream attention that other more popular flicks got at the time. Though the film got positive reviews from critics, particularly regarding Janeane Garofalo’s performance, general audiences didn’t see the appeal, as reflected in itsRotten Tomatoesscore. Still, Lehmann’s movie is a well-crafted picture of its category, providing an enjoyable storyline throughout (spoiler alert: it is one of the fewfilms where the dog doesn’t die).
Watch on Apple T
7’Forget Paris' (1995)
Director: Billy Crystal
Image Via Sony Pictures Releasing
Billy Crystalput his multi-tasking skills to show by directing, co-writing, producing, and starring in this 1995 film. The star steps shoes in the film as an NBA referee, whileDebraWingershowcases her talents as an independent airline official. When the pair meet in Paris, their lives are forever changed and their relationship is put to the test by love and marriage.
If audiences are into the “on and off again” type of relationship in romantic films,Crystal’s overlooked rom-com may be the right pick. At its core, and despite its simplistic story,Forget Parisis well-acted and involving. Fans of the genre may enjoy this, as it is in equal amounts funny and tender, set against the backdrop of the internationally beloved city of love.
Watch on Hoopla
6’Only You' (1994)
Director: Norman Jewison
Before sharing the big screen in the MCU,Robert Downey Jr.andMarisa Tomeihad already shared the screenand played lovers at that. This entertainingNorman Jewisonrom-com follows Tomei’s Faith, who has been told that her destiny was a man named Damon Bradley, played by Downey Jr. Years later, however, when Faith is about to marry another man, Bradley calls to wish them all the best. That’s when Faith blows off the wedding and pursues Damon to Italy.
Brought to you from the mind behind theCher-ledMoonstruck, the bewitchingOnly Youis understandably not everyone’s cup of tea, mostly given its fantasy elements. Nonetheless,those who enjoy a nice blend of comedy, fantasy, and romance will probably appreciate Jewison’s flick. Some of the film’s strongest aspects are the amazing visuals and its appealing premise.
Watch on Fubo
5’Beautiful Girls' (1996)
Director: Ted Demme
Directed byTedDemmeand written byScottRosenberg,Beautiful Girlsis a romantic comedy that seesMatt Dilon’s New York-based pianist head back to his small hometown in Massachusetts for a high school reunion, where he learns that his friends are evaluating their lives and relationships. In the meantime, they reunite with the beautiful girls (UmaThurman,Rosie O’Donnell,Lauren Holly, andMira Sorvino) who turned their lives upside down.
The underratedBeautiful Girlswas released to critical acclaim(featuring a reasonable 78%Tomatometerscore). Still, it didn’t get as much attention internationally, and its 10k audience ratings on the platform highlight that. Demme’s movie is warm and thoughtful, shedding light on the pursuit of happiness andthe journey of self-discovery. Plus,Natalie Portmanalso stars in an early role.
4’The Best Man' (1999)
Director: Malcolm D. Lee
ThisTaye Diggs-led movie portrays the life of a Chicago writer and bachelor named Harper Stewart who slowly descends into madness when his best friend guesses that his new (and potentially bestselling) novel’s story is based on his friends' past. When a copy of the book makes its way into the hands of his ex-flame (Nia Long), Harper does whatever he can to keep it tucked away.
Malcolm D. Lee’s character-driven directorial debut (produced bySpike Lee, who is Lee’s cousin) is worth the watch; it features great pacing and a funny script that sends out messages about fidelity all while providing an engaging script and an appealing love story at its center. Its Christmas-themed sequel namedThe Best Man Holidayand a limited series,The Best Man: The Final Chapters, are also available for audiences to stream.
The Best Man
Rent on Apple TV
3’But I’m a Cheerleader' (1999)
Director: Jamie Babbit
Jamie Babbit’s satirical comedy directorial debut follows a naive seventeen-year-old girl, played byRussian Doll’sNatasha Lyonne, who is sent to a rehab camp when her parents and friends suspect that she is a lesbian. Despite its cult classic status (with many cinephiles on Letterboxd loving it),But I’m a Cheerleaderremains an underseen romantic comedy by general audiences(it is also rotten on theTomatometer).
Featuring great visuals and striking aesthetics on top of a thoroughly interesting narrative that sheds light on sexuality and gender roles, Lyonne’sunderrated classic of camp cinemais a fan favorite. Despite being appealing essentially to younger audiences, the highly enjoyable romantic comedyBut I’m a Cheerleaderis fit for all ages thanks to its fun plot and the important subjects it tackles.
Watch on Tubi
2’Love Jones' (1997)
Director: Theodore Witcher
Centering around young black poet (Larenz Tate) Darius Lovehall and the talented but struggling photographer Nina Mosley’s (Nia Long) relationship, which is put to the test when a chain of romantic complications sets into motion as the two attempt to figure out whether they’re in love with each other or just enjoying each other’s company.
Theodore Witcher’s overlooked romantic comedy is intelligently written,featuring likable characters and an engaging plot. Although it doesn’t really feel like a rom-com at times (but rather a dramatic romance film),Love Jonesstill excels at providing audiences with an irresistible narrative anchored by a romance tale for the ages. It is an artistic movie with great chemistry between the leads, and for that,Love Jonesis worth watching.
1’The Wedding Banquet' (1993)
Director: Ang Lee
It would be a crime not to mentionAng Lee’s movieThe Wedding Banquetconsidering theremarkable work of the acclaimed filmmaker. This romantic comedy follows a gay landlord (Winston Chao) who joins forces with a tenant (May Chin) and agrees to a marriage of convenience. However, when his parents arrive, things get out of hand.
If readers are on the lookout for lesser-known, great rom-coms,The Wedding Banquetis a great choice. It’s worth noting that Lee’s R-rated, sweet LGBT movie may not be fit to everyone’s taste. However, it is funny and lighthearted (but frankly a bit sad, especially if we’re not talking about a certain scene), featuring some memorable flashes of humor and believable acting performances that keep audiences invested.
NEXT:‘When a Man Loves a Woman’: The ‘To Leslie’ of the ’90s Rom-Com Craze
