15 Romcom Gems you may have Missed ✨🙌
Part 1 of the most wonderful Romance films that may have escaped your radar.
Whether you’ve only watched a few romcoms or you’re a long time fan of the romance genre, here’s a list of absolute gems that you may have not come across, especially in recent times (some of these are gems from a few moons ago but have not lost their joyful shine).
Get that cosy blanket on, your beverage of choice on the ready and the snacks in arms reach… and press play on these lovelies!
Here are first seven on the list:
Paperback Hero
Under the Tuscan Sun
Simply Irresistible
The Truth about Cats & Dogs
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
Tune in for Love
Falling Inn Love
Paperback Hero
From the late 90s this is a Hugh Jackman film before he became a household name and I think it is one of his best. His co-star Claudia Karvan is a familiar face from a number of Australian series, and brings the very down-to-earth character Ruby to life in a way that makes you smile every time. It is a must for your romcom viewing!
Under the Tuscan Sun
One of my favourite movies of all time - this brings the beauty of Italian countryside, gorgeous characters and a beautiful story. With a wonderfully strong female core of Diane Lane, Sandra Oh and Lindsay Duncan, this is just a must see. If you’re not dreaming of a life in the wilds of Italy after this I’ll be amazed!
Simply Irresistible
I’m not sure this was ever a big hit at the time (some say it panned 😆) but I must have watched this film dozens of times because it is just such a lovely film. This enchanting romance brings to life the idea that food holds your magical energy and influences everyone who eats it - I love this. A reminder we are all magical ✨😊 Sarah Michelle Gellar brings sparkle, alongside her co-star Sean Patrick Flanery and some delightful scenes with Amanda Peet - an early sighting of her before her career took flight. Very light and easy to watch romcom that brings a smile.
The Truth about Cats & Dogs
A Romcom from some time ago starring t stars Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman, Ben Chaplin and Jamie Foxx - what a star line up! The story follows Abby, a veterinarian and radio talk show host who asks her model friend Noelle to impersonate her when a handsome man shows interest in her. Of course this backfires somewhat and so the story unfolds. Love the scene with Uma’s character Noelle eating cake, among many other truly funny lines, with such on point timing by Janeane, Uma, Ben and Jamie A charming movie not to be missed - and a sensational soundtrack too - I had so forgotten this!
Salmon Fishing in the Yemen
With Emily Blunt & Ewan McGregor with extraordinary scenery as the backdrop, how could you go wrong with this romcom. Also supported by the extraordinary Kristin Scott Thomas, star of many films including Four Weddings & a Funeral, another Romcom must. Beautifully captured and wonderful chemistry between the two actors (btw Ewan McGregor has never looked so fine!), this is a must see if you haven’t caught it already (sorry for the pun 😂).
Tune in for Love
This is a Kdrama to love. For the uninitiated, there are far fewer Romcom/Kdrama films to choose from compared with the one-off series format… check other posts for the many wonderful opportunities to watch these… but when they do come they are usually brilliant. This one stars Kim Go-Eun who followed this film up with her lead role in the Kdrama The King: Eternal Monarch with Lee Min-ho (aka the KDrama Master). She is a great actress to watch, there’s real artistry in her performances, and she is accompanied by another great actor, Jung Hae-in. Do catch him in the 2024 KDrama Love Next Door with Jung So-min - it is another delight!
The story takes the two main characters, Mi-soo and Hyun-woo, across multiple years of a ‘will they, wont they’ timing in love challenge. Really lovely story and will take you through ups and downs ending with a beautiful moment between them.
Falling Inn Love
I’m finishing Part 1 off with this romantic movie set in the beautiful New Zealand countryside. A really charming romcom starring Christina Millian and Adam Demos. The setting and supporting cast really bring this movie to life, with many well known Kiwi actors making this a truly NZ feeling film. Renovating a beautiful old wooden house, fitting in to a very rural community, and a sort of love-triangle, the lead character Gabriella keeps it coming with the romance and the comedic moments.
Light, funny and so very watchable - worthy of a romance-filled evening in at any time.
Part 2 with the next 8 off-the-radar films… Coming Very Soon!