The romantic movie, and the rom-com in particular, has earned itself real respect in the modern entertainment universe. And there are so many modern classics to choose from: Sleepless in Seattle, Notting Hill, Maid in Manhattan, Music and Lyrics, Love Actually, When Harry Met Sally… the list is seemingly endless.
But if you’re one of those people who doesn’t mind a little bit of romance, yet finds the full-on approach a little too much to handle, there are less sickly sweet options on offer. [Read: 67 sweet yet small romantic gestures that show love in the biggest way]
20 Unromantic Movies With a Surprise Romantic Twist
The following list of twenty collates just a few of those movies that may not, for all intents and purposes, seem to contain any romantic content, but if you look carefully, you will find it there. [Read: Movie date: How to build sexual chemistry & create a perfect date]
1. Gladiator
Yes, I am referring to the historical epic starring Russell Crowe. It might be full of swords, slaughter, and mayhem, but his dedication to his murdered wife, who he aspires to meet in the afterlife after avenging her first, is truly moving.
2. Slumdog Millionaire
What can I say about this wonderful film that hasn’t already been said? Promoted as a rags to riches story of a young Mumbai slum dweller, it also contains some of the most poignantly romantic moments ever as he searches for, locates, and rescues one of the girls he grew up with from her adult prison of circumstance.
3. Seven Samurai
Kurosawa’s classic might be more of a Western with swords than a romantic movie, but the developing romance between the young innocent samurai and the villager’s daughter is beyond sweet. [Read: 50 best steamy romance movies to get you both hot, naughty & in the mood]
4. Wall-E
They might be robots and it might be a cartoon, but when sparks fly between the goofy Wall-E and the sophisticated EVE, the romance is simply undeniable.
5. Shawshank Redemption
Ostensibly, this film is all about the platonic relationship between two inmates of Shawshank prison, but it is Andy Dufresne’s refusal to wrongly admit to his wife’s murder, after having loved and adored her so much, that provides one significantly romantic twist to this tale.
And yes, of course, there’s also the platonic bromance that keeps the story warm all throughout! [Read: 41 best sad movies to heal your broken heart, make you cry & feel better]
6. King Kong
Whether it’s the original or any of the newer ones, it doesn’t matter which version you watch. The relationship between the film’s titular character and the main female role is legendary – the true ‘Beauty and the Beast’ story.
7. The 40-Year Old Virgin
The main character’s relationship with the E-Bay saleswoman is comedy gold at every turn. It is, however, also incredibly sweet, and really turns the typical male/female romantic relationship entirely on its head.
8. Avengers: Age of Ultron
I’m sure there’ll be a few sniggers at this one, but the burgeoning relationship between Black Widow and the Hulk is surely worthy of a goofy smile or two. [Read: 35 fun & creatively cheap date ideas that prove money can’t buy love!]
9. The Life of Brian
Monty Python’s classic comedy film is irreverent, silly, and supremely hilarious, but the story of a man who accidentally achieves sainthood on his quest to impress the female object of his affection is humanly heartwarming.
10. Grosse Pointe Blank
An assassin goes to his high school reunion and attempts to woo a former sweetheart whilst dodging bullets and returning them with equal fervor. Unorthodox, but romantic nonetheless.
11. Forgetting Sarah Marshall
There are moments in this film where it seems like every scene is yet another excuse for the lead male actor to get his tackle out.
That said, his quest to pursue his ex-girlfriend to the other side of Hawaii and his desperately comedic efforts to impress her is softened by a credible romance with the resort’s receptionist. [Read: 30 famous movie lines you can use to woo a guy or gal]
12. Edward Scissorhands
Johnny Depp’s misunderstood scissor-handed freak and the romance that blooms with the young female he encounters is actually one of cinema’s sweetest. This is definitely one to watch for those with a soft spot for life’s losers.
13. Star Wars
What do you mean, Star Wars isn’t romantic?! Putting aside Luke’s more cringeworthy moments with his sister, the clash of personalities and the love-hate relationship between Han Solo and Princess Leia is about as classic a Hollywood romance as you get.
14. Shaun of the Dead
This brilliant spoof on the zombie movie is also a classic romance. TV salesman Shaun is a perennial loser whose girl has given up on him. But come the zombie apocalypse, his true character shines through, and he wins her back with a heavy dose of decisiveness and heroism. [Read: 10 movies that both ladies and gents will enjoy]
15. Avatar
It might be an action film, and it might be all sci-fi and 3D, but the Earth soldier’s romantic relationship with the 8-foot-tall blue giantess from another planet is pure magic.
16. Ted
Though Ted is a foul-mouthed, misogynistic, and divinely animated teddy bear, his best buddy’s efforts to keep his significant other in that role is real romance at its best. This movie is all the better for its grit and worldly awareness.
17. Spirited Away
The second animated film on the list, Spirited Away is a charming tale of a young girl trapped in the spirit world.
However, with the help of a spirit prince, she manages to escape back to the real world with her parents, and the puppy love relationship she develops with her savior is utterly heartwarming. [Read: 69 best & most romantic movies that are a must-watch in 2023]
18. Mulholland Drive
David Lynch is known more for people talking backward and one-eyed women hugging logs than he is for romance. But the king of the surreal creates a slight obsession-fueled romance between the two female leads that is simply mesmerizing.
19. The Last Samurai
There are two samurai movies on this list, and this one again sits firmly within action territory. It is the burgeoning relationship between Tom Cruise’s American cavalryman and the wife of the samurai he killed that provides the romance – and it works really well. [Read: 50 best steamy romance movies to get you both hot, naughty & in the mood]
20. Om Shanti Om
This 2007 Bollywood movie is the last on the list, but definitely not least. I imagine that anyone who’s ever seen the film will wonder why it’s been included – as it was sold as a romantic film from the very start.
Well, unfortunately, the West seems to be intent on approaching Indian cinema with a derisive attitude that does no justice to its unparalleled joy and love for life.
The surprise for anyone who has previously maintained such an attitude towards Bollywood is the sheer magic of the romantic plot. Full of high drama, tragedy, beauty, color, and amazing musical numbers, it is an utter joy to behold.
[Read: 13 non-porn erotic movies that are sure to turn you on]
A movie doesn’t have to be all wet kisses and wistful looks to be romantic. If you think that some of these choices are about as romantic as a wet weekend in the mid-Atlantic, then try watching them again – you may just be surprised.
