It’s February, and as the romantics among us gear up for Valentine’s Day, it’s a great time to check out some romantic comedies from the library (or stream them on Kanopy or Hoopla)! While I’d never say no to a classic rom-com like When Harry Met Sally, Moonstruck, or 10 Things I Hate About You, I’d like to share some gems of the genre that you may have missed when they first came out. Read on for some possibly new-to-you movie selections, including double feature ideas!

Man Up directed by Ben Palmer

I’ll kick off this list with one of my favorite lesser-known rom-coms – “Man Up” from 2015. Lake Bell of “In a World” and Simon Pegg of “Shaun of the Dead” have great chemistry in this London-set story of mistaken identity. When Bell’s character Nancy finds herself mistaken for Pegg’s blind date, instead of clearing up the misunderstanding, she decides to pretend to be the other woman. If that premise sounds too cringe-worthy, maybe this isn’t the movie for you. But if you like your rom-coms with plenty of laughs (and a dance number set to Duran Duran’s “The Reflex”), this film will hit the spot!

Make it a double feature: In A World, Shaun of the Dead, Run Fatboy Run

Just Wright directed by Sanaa Hamri

For rom-com fans in search of a friends-to-lovers narrative, for basketball fans, or for fans of rom-coms with black representation, “Just Wright” is the name of the game. This 2010 film features Queen Latifah as a physical therapist who must help a basketball star played by Common to recover from a potentially career-ending injury. Paula Patton rounds out the cast as Latifah’s godsister and rival for Common’s romantic affections. This is a well-written movie that takes its time to develop the characters and deftly combines quiet moments with sports action scenes. There is one plot point late in the movie which strikes a sour note, but even with that slight wrinkle, this movie is worth a watch, and you’ll fall in love with Queen Latifah as a romantic lead, if you haven’t already. 

Make it a double feature: Last Holiday, Love and Basketball, Think Like A Man

Impromptu directed by James Lapine

If you’re a fan of period pieces, you’ll definitely want to check out the 1991 film “Impromptu.” This Hugh Grant/Judy Davis movie depicts the real-life romance between Polish composer Frederic Chopin and French author George Sand. Sand was famous in her day for wearing men’s clothing and having many love affairs, while Chopin paid more attention to propriety. This “opposites attract” love story takes its time to unfold, but the time is well spent with an accomplished and hilarious supporting cast including Julian Sands, Bernadette Peters, Mandy Patinkin, and Emma Thompson. Fans of Chopin will also be delighted by his music perfectly complementing scenes of romance and longing. As a bonus, this movie is also currently available on Hoopla!

Make it a double feature: Much Ado About Nothing, A Room With A View, Bright Star

Design For Living directed by Ernst Lubitsch

If nothing says romance to you like old black and white movies, there are plenty to choose from, but one of my current favorites is the 1933 Ernst Lubitsch film, “Design for Living.” Released at the end of the pre-Code era, this film feels very modern, as lead actress Miriam Hopkins plays a character who falls in love with two men at the same time and tries to form romantic relationships with both of them. Predictably, this results in conflict and consternation, but what’s less predictable is the ending. The humor and romance in this film are light and fun; the Paris setting is romantic; and the lead actors, Fredric March and Gary Cooper, are both quite dashing!

Make it a double feature: An American in Paris, Trouble in Paradise, Ball of Fire

Strictly Ballroom directed by Baz Luhrmann

Before he was exploring the life of Elvis, gorgeously depicting the Moulin Rouge, or even creating the definitive modern Romeo and Juliet, Baz Luhrmann made his directorial debut with this over-the-top tale of the world of Australian ballroom dancing. Starring two relative unknowns with great chemistry – Paul Mercurio and Tara Morice – this “girl meets boy who teaches her to dance” film is as romantic and fun as any in the genre. The soundtrack – a mix of Latin, classical, and pop music of different eras – will have you dancing and singing along. The costumes and production design by Luhrmann’s wife and regular collaborator, Catherine Martin, are also impressive. Turn on this film with its lush, colorful backdrops, and you’ll find that “love is in the air.”

Make it a double feature: Moulin Rouge!, Romeo + Juliet, Dirty Dancing

I hope you’ve found a hidden gem to enjoy this month, or whenever you’re feeling romantic! If you’re looking for more recommendations for rom-coms, or any movies, always feel free to ask library staff!