10 Underrated Millennial Romance Movies Worth Watching On A Romantic Movie Night

The Top 10 Underrated Millennial Romance Movies

Millennials, known for their distinctive tastes and preferences, have left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, especially in the realm of romance. While the allure of visually stunning spectacles may draw audiences to theaters, films that evoke genuine emotions have the power to stand the test of time. This list unveils ten underrated millennial romance movies that may not have received their due recognition upon initial release but are bound to tug at your heartstrings.

Table of Contents

1. Hot Summer Nights (2017)

Directed by Elijah Bynum

Kicking off our list is Hot Summer Nights, a film that starts as a typical teenage romantic comedy but takes an unexpected turn into the realm of neo-noir crime thriller. Following the story of Daniel Middleton (Timothee Chalamet), a teenage loner entangled in love and illicit dealings during a Cape Cod summer, this movie encapsulates the excitement and terror of young love. The ’90s coastal setting, dark humor, and Chalamet’s compelling performance make it a must-watch for any A24 enthusiast.

Where to Watch: Apple TV

2. How I Live Now (2013)

Directed by Kevin Macdonald

How I Live Now presents a unique take on young love against the backdrop of a near-future world grappling with a global infrastructure collapse. The film delves into the unexpected places where hope can emerge, focusing on Daisy (Saoirse Ronan) and her love for her cousin Eddie (George MacKay) during a summer overshadowed by apocalyptic events. Despite its science fiction premise, the movie skillfully portrays the discomforts of young love, even without the apocalyptic backdrop, making it a compelling watch.

Release Date: September 10, 2013

3. Other People (2016)

Directed by Chris Kelly

Comedy often serves as a therapeutic medium for navigating tragedy, and Chris Kelly’s Other People does just that. The story revolves around struggling comedy writer David (Jesse Plemons), returning to his hometown when his mother Joanne (Molly Shannon) is diagnosed with cancer. Amidst the challenges of a breakup and larger family issues, the film explores the complexities of relationships, showcasing the intimate, human side of dealing with heartbreak and health issues.

Release Date: September 9, 2016

4. Babyteeth (2020)

Directed by Shannon Murphy

Babyteeth, an intimate family drama, unfolds the story of Milla Finlay (Eliza Scanlen), a teenage girl facing a terminal illness. As Milla falls in love with Moses (Toby Wallace), the film explores darkly funny yet sincere moments of familial bonding amidst difficult circumstances. Steering away from generic labels, Babyteeth focuses on the beauty of time and relationships during challenging situations, offering a refreshing perspective on illness in cinema.

Release Date: July 19, 2020

5. Mistress America (2015)

Directed by Noah Baumbach

Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach’s collaboration yielded critical acclaim for Frances Ha and Barbie, but their 2015 romantic comedy Mistress America often flies under the radar. The film follows college freshman Tracy Fishko (Lola Kirke) and her soon-to-be-stepsister Brooke (Gerwig) in a narrative that, despite a fractured relationship inciting incident, beautifully depicts familial bonding. A delightful exploration of how Tracy and Brooke impact each other’s lives, it showcases Gerwig’s talent not just as a director but as a physical comedian.

Release Date: August 14, 2015

6. Warm Bodies (2013)

Directed by Jonathan Levine

In the seemingly unlikely genre of romantic zombie comedy, Warm Bodies stands out as a funny, charming, and romantic film. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the film narrates the love story between a young zombie, R (Nicholas Hoult), and Julie (Teresa Palmer). Director Jonathan Levine weaves a tale about the power of empathy, showcasing humor and challenges in the relationship between two vastly different characters.

Release Date: January 31, 2013

7. Columbus (2017)

Directed by Kogonada

Columbus, a slow-paced exploration of observations and beauty, centers around architecture scholar Jin Lee (John Cho) and library worker Casey (Haley Lu Richardson). The film expertly weaves discussions about life, art, cultural differences, and love as the characters tour the city. Kogonada’s ability to make existentialist discussions enthralling shines through, creating a film that embraces conversations without veering into pretentiousness.

8. Like Crazy (2011)

Directed by Drake Doremus

Few films capture the challenges of long-term relationships as authentically as Like Crazy. The movie delves into the romance between American student Jacob Helm (Anton Yelchin) and British girlfriend Anna Gardner (Felicity Jones), exploring the difficulties of maintaining love across borders. A tearjerker that balances emotional authenticity with real-world scenarios, Like Crazy navigates a love triangle that feels both heartbreaking and plausible.

Release Date: October 28, 2011

9. Waves (2019)

Directed by Trey Edward Schults

Waves employs an inventive story structure to explore familial expectations, sibling rivalry, and societal pressures. The film shifts perspectives between siblings Tyler Williams (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) and Emily (Taylor Russell), providing a comprehensive narrative about family bonds. Trey Edward Schults masterfully balances the film’s perspective, making Waves a must-watch for fans of independent cinema.

Release Date: November 15, 2019

10. Submarine (2011)

Directed by Richard Ayoade

Closing our list is the hilariously awkward Submarine, a coming-of-age story that navigates the misperceptions of young men about love. The film follows teenage loner Oliver Tate (Craig Roberts) as he hilariously fumbles through attempts to win over his classmate Jordana (Yasmin Paige). While embracing high school awkwardness, Submarine treats Oliver’s feelings with empathy, highlighting the stark contrast between his life and the fantasy he has imagined.

Release Date: March 18, 2011

Presented by Ben Stiller, these ten underrated millennial romance movies offer diverse narratives, memorable characters, and a fresh perspective on love. Whether you’re a fan of crime thrillers, apocalyptic settings, or heartwarming family dramas, there’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in this list. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a cinematic journey into the world of millennial romance!

Author Profile

Mark Boardman

Mark Boardman is an established showbiz journalist and freelance copywriter whose work has been published in Business Insider, Daily Mail, Bloomberg, MTV, Buzzfeed, and The New York Post, amongst other media. Often spotted on the red carpet at celebrity events and film screenings, Mark is a regular guest on BBC Radio London and in demand for his opinions on media outlets such as Newsweek, Daily Express, and OK! Magazine, as well as Heart radio, Capital FM, LBC, and Radio 2. His TV credits include ITV News, This Morning, BBC News, The One Show, Sky News, GB News, and Channel T4. Mark is a keen traveller having visited 40+ countries, and a devout sports fan who also attends as many gigs as he can across the capital when not rubbing shoulders with the stars. Email Mark@MarkMeets.com