The Most Underrated Romance Movies Of The '80s
Vote up the 80s RomComs that deserve more credit for bringing the heart and the heat.
The 1980s delivered some of pop culture's most beloved romance movies, and did so in style with shoulder pads. From fan favorites like The Princess Bride to Ghost, the decade was a boon for cinematic love stories. It wasn't just the big hit movies, though; the ‘80s also gave us a treasure trove of underrated romance movie gems. Though they failed to achieve the same level of mainstream success as the biggest “chick flicks” of the ’80s, these overlooked movies stand out for their heartwarming performances, witty scripts, and nuanced direction.
These underrated romance films of the 1980s relied on compelling characters and well-crafted narratives to win over audiences. From quirky comedies like Earth Girls are Easy to poignant dramas such as The Accidental Tourist, these movies feature unique love stories that still resonate decades later. Beyond just surface-level schmaltz, these underappreciated films offer thoughtful themes, grounded settings, and passionate acting that elevate them into worthwhile viewing experiences.
For those seeking '80s romance films that deliver more than predictable formulas, the underrated options of the decade have a lot to offer.
Disclaimer: This article was written using generative AI tools and reviewed by a human.
- 122 VOTESPhoto: Buena Vista Pictures
Can't Buy Me Love plays with teenage romance movie conventions with Patrick Dempsey starring as Ronald Miller, an unpopular high school student who buys popularity by paying the most popular girl to pretend to date him.
As the story unfolds, Ronald transforms from a nerdy outcast to a beloved big deal. However, this newfound fame comes at a price as he struggles to maintain his true identity amidst the shallow expectations of high school society.
Can't Buy Me Love cleverly uses humor and romance to shed light on the pressures of adolescence and the importance of authenticity, both of which were especially relevant during the consumer-driven, go-go '80s.
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In the 1989 classic Say Anything, John Cusack stars as Lloyd Dobler, an earnest and love-struck teen who falls for the high school valedictorian Diane Court (Ione Skye). This movie goes beyond the typical teenage love story and explores themes of ambition, self-doubt, and the coming-of-age transition to adulthood.
As Diane prepares to leave for her scholarship in England, Lloyd grapples with his feelings of inadequacy. The iconic boombox scene where Lloyd serenades Diane has been etched into pop culture history, symbolizing unrequited love and teenage angst. Say Anything is a heartwarming film that reminds viewers about the complexities of first love and the importance of personal dreams.
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- 328 VOTESPhoto: 20th Century Fox
Romancing the Stone is a delightfully adventurous romantic comedy starring Kathleen Turner as Joan Wilder, a buttoned-up romance novelist who embarks on an unexpected journey to save her missing, possibly kidnapped, sister. Traveling solo through Colombia, she collides with Jack Colton, played by Michael Douglas, a charming yet roguish bird smuggler. The madcap plot weaves elements of comedy and adventure into an unpredictable love story with genuine chemistry between the two leads.
In the film's second half, viewers witness Joan's transformation from a meek and introverted writer to a daring adventurer. It's through this evolution that she discovers not only courage but also true love in an unlikely place.
Romancing the Stone brilliantly showcases how sometimes life's most thrilling stories can be found far beyond one's comfort zone, and it has influenced films like The Lost City. And it also has a standout supporting performance from Danny DeVito, a figure synonymous with '80s romance.
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- 425 VOTESPhoto: MGM/United Artists
Moonstruck, starring Cher, Nicolas Cage, and a ton of ringers, is a romantic comedy that all too often flies under the radar when discussing '80s cinema. The film follows Loretta Castorini (Cher), a widow who falls for her fiancé's younger brother, Ronny Cammareri (Cage) while her parents and navigate their own unexpectedly complicated love lives and the moon stirs deep emotions in seemingly everyone (except Johnny Cammareri).
Despite winning three Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Cher and Best Original Screenplay, Moonstruck doesn't seem to get the recognition it deserves. This could be because of its unconventional plot, its tricky tone, or even just because it doesn't fit neatly into the typical romantic comedy mold.
This is precisely what makes Moonstruck so special, though. Its quirky characters and unpredictable storyline set it apart from other films in the genre. Plus, Cher and Cage deliver standout performances that are both hilarious and emotionally resonant. If you're a fan of offbeat rom-coms with lots of heart, this could be your jam.
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- 528 VOTESPhoto: Columbia Pictures
While The Karate Kid Part II may be best known for its martial arts sequences, at its heart, it’s also a touching romantic tale. In this sequel to the triumphant blockbuster Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) accompanies his mentor Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) to Okinawa, where he meets and falls for Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita), a local dancer.
Against the tense backdrop of an old feud between Mr. Miyagi and his childhood friend Sato, Daniel finds himself navigating love in a foreign land while training for another fight. This film adds depth to Daniel's character as he learns more about Miyagi’s past and experiences first-hand life outside of his American suburban bubble.
The budding romance between Daniel and Kumiko adds a layer of sweetness to this sequel, which deserves a better reputation than it has, arguably thanks to continued and increasingly irrelevant sequels.
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Steve Martin's Roxanne, loosely based on Edmond Rostand's play Cyrano de Bergerac, is an odd little gem from the 1980s. Martin stars as C.D. Bales, a fire chief in a picturesque mountain village with an unusually large nose who falls for Roxanne Kowalski (Daryl Hannah), a new addition in town, but she has eyes for another man (Rick Rossovich).
While Roxanne was well-received upon its release and even earned Martin a Best Actor nomination at the Golden Globes, it tends to be overlooked when discussing great romantic comedies from this era, with the likes When Harry Met Sally… or The Princess Bride overshadowing a more modest endeavor.
What sets Roxanne apart, however, is its clever writing (Martin also penned the screenplay) and its unique blend of humor and heartfelt romance. It's a film that showcases Martin's comedic prowess while also allowing him to flex his dramatic muscles, resulting in a well-rounded and engaging performance.
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Overshadowed by the John Hughes jams of the decade, Just One of the Guys is a teen comedy that adds a little twist to the typical high school movie. Joyce Hyser stars as Terry Griffith, an aspiring journalist who, after losing a writing competition she's confident she deserved to win, decides to disguise herself as a boy at a rival high school to prove her point.
As Terry navigates her new identity, she experiences firsthand the double standards and gender biases ingrained in society and evident in the social petri dish that is high school. But things get complicated when she falls for her new friend Rick, played by Clayton Rohner.
This film cleverly uses humor and romance to explore themes of gender equality and identity while delivering plenty of '80s charm, as well as a notoriously surprising reveal or two.
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Directed by Howard Deutch and written by John Hughes, Some Kind of Wonderful has long been overshadowed by other Hughes classics like The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles. However, this heartfelt tale about friendship turning into love between high school outcasts Keith (Eric Stoltz) and Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson) deserves some consideration alongside the likes of Pretty in Pink.
Despite being a box office disappointment upon release, Some Kind of Wonderful has since gained a cult following thanks to its authentic performances and poignant take on young love. Keith, an artist, courts the upper crust Amanda (Lea Thompson) with the help of Watts, his best friend. It's all about class mobility as Keith must choose between his chance at greater status and his own authentic feelings.
Part of what sets Some Kind of Wonderful apart is its reversal of typical gender roles – with Watts being the tomboyish drummer who pines for her best friend Keith.
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- 922 VOTESPhoto: Atlantic Releasing
One of the most quietly influential romantic comedies of the decade is Valley Girl, starring Nicolas Cage and Deborah Foreman. The film centers on a punk rocker from Hollywood who falls for a girl from the San Fernando Valley despite their different backgrounds and social circles.
While it's often dismissed as just another teen movie from the '80s boom, Valley Girl has much more going on beneath the surface. Its depiction of young love against social pressures and cliquey judgments remains relevant today, and its sharp dialogue is filled with wit and humor. Plus, Cage and Foreman's chemistry is undeniable, making their characters' romance all the more engaging.
What makes Valley Girl deserving of more recognition is its unique blend of comedy, drama, and music. It's not only an entertaining rom-com but also a snapshot of '80s pop culture that taps into something universal and earnest about falling in love during adolescence.
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- 1013 VOTESPhoto: Universal Pictures
Somewhere In Time is a romantic fantasy that aims to transcend time itself. Christopher Reeve plays Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes smitten with a photograph of Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour), an actress from the early 1900s. Using self-hypnosis, he transports himself back in time just to meet her.
The film explores their passionate but doomed love affair with a deftness that moved audiences during its theatrical run. Somewhere In Time blends romance, fantasy, and drama to create a timeless love story all about fate, destiny, and self-determination.
Between Superman and Dr. Quinn, both its stars are known for larger-than-life roles that overshadow their quiet, accomplished work in this handsome picture.
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In Out of Africa, Meryl Streep delivers a characteristically incredible performance as Karen Blixen, a Danish woman who runs a coffee plantation in Kenya during the early 20th century. Here she meets the free-spirited big-game hunter Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford), and they embark on a passionate but ultimately troublesome love affair.
Set against the landscapes of colonial Africa, this film is as much about love as it is about personal growth and freedom. It explores Blixen's struggles with her failing marriage, her life-threatening illness, and her complicated relationship with Finch.
Sweeping cinematography along with compelling performances make Out of Africa not just an epic tale of romance but also a testament to one woman's resilience. Its relative disinterest in the implications of colonialism's legacy have contributed to its lack of continued relevance.
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Set against the picturesque backdrop of Italy and England in the Edwardian Era, A Room With A View provides a delightful exploration into social norms and romantic freedom. Lucy Honeychurch, played by Helena Bonham Carter, finds herself torn between societal expectations and her own fervent desires when she falls in love while on holiday in Italy.
Returning to England, she becomes engaged to a man from her class but struggles to forget her Italian romance. The film elegantly portrays Edwardian society's restrictions while exploring the theme of love versus duty.
- 136 VOTESPhoto: Warner Bros. Pictures
In The Accidental Tourist, William Hurt plays Macon Leary, who prefers the comforts of home over exploring new places. That's an issue, given that he's a travel writer. Following his son's death and subsequent separation from his wife (Kathleen Turner), he meets Muriel Pritchett (Geena Davis), an eccentric dog trainer who helps him rediscover life's joys.
This film offers a slow-burn of a romance that takes viewers through loss, healing, and self-discovery. The Accidental Tourist highlights how sometimes an outsider’s perspective can help us appreciate what we have overlooked in our lives, and how our biggest challenges can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
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In Earth Girls Are Easy, Geena Davis plays a Valley girl whose life turns upside down when three furry aliens crash into her swimming pool. The extraterrestrial trio, played by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey, and Damon Wayans, quickly adapt to their new surroundings, but their antics always retain some fish-out-of-water mania.
The movie is a unique mixture of science fiction, comedy, and romance, with the heaviest emphasis on laughs.
Despite its absurd premise and happily silly execution, Earth Girls Are Easy provides just enough romance to make it something special, and benefits from the chemistry of Davis and Goldblum, who were actually married by the time the film hit theaters.
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- 152 VOTESPhoto: Columbia Pictures
Like director Luc Besson's The Fifth Element, The Big Blue is a visually stunning film. Unlike that sci-fi adventure, The Big Blue delves is about depths both literal and metaphorical, as it explores free diving and friendship.
The movie follows lifelong friends Jacques Mayol (Jean-Marc Barr) and Enzo Molinari (Jean Reno) as they compete to be the world's top free divers—a sport where competitors must dive really, really deep underwater with just one breath.
Caught in between this rivalry is Johana Baker (Rosanna Arquette), who develops feelings for Jacques but struggles to understand his obsession with the sea.
This visually mesmerizing film is as much a romance as it is an exploration of man's relationship with nature. The Big Blue offers a deep dive into the human spirit, love, and the endless allure of the ocean.
- 164 VOTESPhoto: Mainline Pictures
My Beautiful Laundrette is a groundbreaking film that explores racial tension, economic disparity, and homosexuality in 1980s Britain. The story follows Omar (Gordon Warnecke), a young British-Pakistani man who takes over the running of his uncle's laundromat. He hires his childhood friend and former lover, Johnny, played by a young Daniel Day-Lewis, to help him overhaul the business.
The movie paints an authentic portrait of the UK during the Thatcher years, looking at London through the lens of their relationship, as the pair navigate social and cultural taboos.
Despite the odds stacked against them, their shared ambition and deep emotional connection make My Beautiful Laundrette not just a commentary on socio-political issues but also a poignant love story.
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- 178 VOTESPhoto: Paramount Pictures
Terms of Endearment is a heartfelt drama that explores the intricate, often complicated relationship between a mother and her daughter. Shirley MacLaine as Aurora Greenway and Debra Winger as Emma Horton deliver stellar performances in this film that expertly balances humor and pathos while exploring life's inherent bittersweetness.
In addition to the mother-daughter dynamics, the movie showcases Emma's tumultuous marriage and Aurora's complicated romantic life. It beautifully captures various stages of life – youth, middle age, love, betrayal, illness, and death – with an emotional depth that leaves viewers both moved and enlightened. Despite its heavy subject matter, Terms of Endearment remains an uplifting story about love's enduring power through life’s ups and downs.
It was acclaimed at the time, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, but as time has gone on, Terms of Endearment hasn't remained foremost in popular culture, and arguably deserves to be remembered more fondly.
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Best Friends
Photo: Warner Bros. PicturesBest Friends is a charming exploration into the journey from lovers to spouses. Starring Burt Reynolds and Goldie Hawn as Hollywood screenwriters, this movie dives into the complexities and surprises that surround saying “I do.” After impulsively deciding to get married, they soon discover that their personal lives are much more complicated than any script they've ever written.
The movie takes audiences on a heartfelt journey through the couple's post-wedding road trip, where they visit each other’s families and learn more about their new partner. Best Friends balances several different tones, and provides a look at some now-dated ideas of romance.
Hawn and Reynolds are distinct and game performers. Together, they elevate Best Friends into a more memorable movie than the title suggests.
