Most romantic comedies usually follow the same kind of crowd-pleasing format: Two lovable characters encounter each other in a memorable meet-cute, develop a strong and stirring romantic connection, get hit with a few obstacles and misunderstandings that temporarily cause them to split up, and ultimately come back together for a sweet "happily ever after" ending, usually featuring some kind of grand public gesture.
And while these three rom-com movies certainly share aspects of those genre tropes, they all take that formulaic format to unexpectedly great places. One sees a bride falling for the florist at her wedding to someone else entirely; another begins with two brutal break-ups and a shared quest to get their dumpers back.
All of these underrated gems are well worth a watch and, handily, they're all streaming now on Prime Video. Here's why you should add these three heartfelt and hilarious Prime Video romantic comedies to your watch list.
'Imagine Me & You'
This 2005 LGBTQ rom-com kicks off at the otherwise ordinary wedding of Rachel (Piper Perabo) and her longtime love, Heck (Matthew Goode), in Northern London. However, things take an unusual turn when Rachel has a love-at-first-sight moment not with her new husband, but rather her female wedding florist, the enchanting Luce (Lena Heady).
Post-wedding, Rachel seeks out Luce at her florist shop, and the two women begin spending time together, a burgeoning connection that has Rachel trying to understand her growing attraction to Headey's character and embarking on a journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening.
Directed by Ol Parker ("Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again"), "Imagine Me & You" is "a witty and immensely enjoyable" feel-good flick with a fresh queer update (per the BBC), earning it a No. 15 spot on AutoStraddle's list of the 100 best lesbian movies of all time.
Watch "Imagine Me & You" on Prime Video now
'I Want You Back'
Most rom-coms center on their lead characters finding love, but "I Want You Back" begins with its two heroes losing it. Peter (Charlie Day) and Emma (Jenny Slate) thought they were all set up for marriage, kids and more with their significant others (played by Gina Rodriguez and Scott Eastwood), until they both get dumped.
After a chance meeting in their office building, Emma and Peter hatch together a plan to win back their exes and heal themselves of their hurt and heartbreak. Hijinks predictably ensue, but the feelings that Emma and Peter end up forming for each other very much do take them by surprise.
Directed by Jason Orley from a screenplay by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, this 2022 title has a strong 87% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, where critics praised its "stellar cast playing well-rounded characters" as well as its status as "the rare rom-com that delivers its romance as capably as its comedy."
Watch "I Want You Back" on Prime Video now
'Brittany Runs a Marathon'
With a root-worthy lead performance by comedienne Jillian Bell as the titular Brittany Forgler, "Brittany Runs a Marathon" is as much a rom-com about self-love as it is romantic love. Bell plays a hilarious and hard-partying New Yorker who, after those copious late nights, chronic underemployment and toxic relationships start catching up with her both physically and mentally, she laces up her sneakers and sets a hearty goal: to run the New York City Marathon.
As Brittany navigates her new health journey, she's forced to confront her self-esteem issues, foster new friendships and potentially open herself up to love in the form of a pet sitter named Jern (Utkarsh Ambudkar).
"An earnest and hilarious dramedy that finally gives Jillian Bell a role worthy of her gifts" — per Rotten Tomatoes, where the comedy has an 89% approval rating — "Brittany Runs a Marathon" will have you cheering for its heroine as she boldly races toward a new version of herself.
Watch "Brittany Runs A Marathon" on Prime Video now
More from Tom's Guide
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- My favorite romantic comedy movie of all time just landed on Prime Video — and you’re going to love it too
- You've probably never seen this overlooked romantic comedy that's streaming for free right now — and it doesn't get enough praise
