As Valentine’s Day makes its annual return, audiences are once again turning to the film genre that warms the heart. Romantic comedies, heartfelt tragedies, and timeless love stories are climbing the charts, each offering its own version of that signature rain-soaked love confession and long-awaited kiss. Whether you prefer laughter, heartbreak, or a little bit of both, February is the season for on-screen passion. In honor of Cupid readying his bow and arrow, here is a look at some of the most under-appreciated romance movies released each decade between 2000 and today.

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” directed by Donald Petrie, quietly earns its place among the best romantic comedies of the early 2000s. The 2003 film, starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey, offers an effortlessly entertaining, feel-good watch anchored by sharp banter and a busy New York setting. Hudson plays Andie Anderson, a savvy advice columnist, who sets out to write a unique piece on how to drive a man away by committing every classic dating mistake. Meanwhile, McConaughey’s Ben Barry, a confident advertising executive, makes a bet that he can persuade any woman to fall in love with him in just 10 days. When their paths cross, the movie leans into a more playful and willing scene that gradually softens into something more sincere. Despite its predictable plot, both actors deliver captivating performances and easy, on-screen chemistry that elevates the production beyond a standard rom-com that gives the piece a timeless, rewatchable quality that still resonates with audiences today.

Rachel McAdams first captivated audiences through her previous movie appearance, setting the stage for high

expectations  around her next romantic lead. Yet, the 2013 film “About Time,” directed by Richard Curtis, remains surprisingly underappreciated despite its emotional pull. Alongside McAdams shines Domhnall Gleeson in telling a genuine and passion-filled story, exploring themes of love and second chances with gentle fantasy woven in. Gleeson plays 21 year old Tim Lake, who finds out he can time travel shortly after New Year’s Eve. Rather than using this ability for fame or money, he uses it to improve his love life. McAdams plays Mary, a woman that Tim sets his eyes on early on. Both actors fully commit to their roles, radiating easy chemistry that envelops viewers and tugs at the heartstrings from start to finish, elevated by McAdams authenticity and Gleesons raw emotion. It’s gentle humor and lasting sentiment stick within, often leaving audiences reaching for the tissues long after the credits roll.

Since 2020, the film industry has rolled out an array of love stories, but one that resonates with book lovers is the adaptation of Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation,” directed by

Brett Haley. Starring Emily Bader and Tom Blyth as Poppy and Alex, two small-town Ohio friends whose annual summer trips evolve into something deeper. The movie captures the tenderness and tension that defined Henry’s best seller, without giving it a repetitive feel. While many argue that books are always better than their movie counterparts, this adaptation challenges that notion through Haley’s thoughtful direction and attention to the smallest of detail. The lighting shifts and vivid scenery both have a purpose in forming the movie’s tone. Combined with a script that favors genuine emotion over cliche diolague, the writing immerses the audience and that proves that, sometimes, the screen can tell the story just as beautifully as the page.

This Valentines Day, I encourage everyone to cozy up with one of these heartfelt films. Whether you’re sharing the night with someone special or indulging in a solo movie marathon with a box of chocolates by your side, these stories are guaranteed to bring that warm, feel-good glow, perfect for the season of love.