When Harry Met Sally. Clueless. 10 Things I Hate About You. These films, along with dozens of other genre-defining romantic comedies, have captured the hearts of audiences for generations. They’re the comfort food of cinema, known for crackling chemistry between lead actors, familiar narrative structures and relatively low-stakes. In short, a perfect weeknight watch or rewatch.
But, if you’re looking for something a little less traditional, where you’re not sure the guy will get the girl – or other guy –in the end, The Diamondback has some recommendations. These thrillers, mysteries, comedies and more are sure to have something for even the most hardened rom-com lover – or hater.
Matt and Mara (Canada, 2024)
Directed by Kazik Radwanski
For the mumblecore cinephile. The newest film on the list, Radwanski reunites with Deragh Campbell and Matt Johnson in this morally gray will-they-or-won’t-they tale that evokes the style and pacing of many of Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig’s early collaborations.
Paris 05:59: Théo & Hugo (France, 2016)
Directed by Jacques Martineau, Olivier Ducastel
For the nightlife lover. Martineau and Ducastel track two men on a surprisingly heartfelt real-time journey from sex club to health clinic to empty Parisian boulevards, finding a connection neither saw coming in the process.
The Living End (USA, 1992)
Directed by Gregg Araki
For the true-crime junkie. Billed as “an irresponsible movie by Gregg Araki,” this low-budget indie helped kick off the New Queer Cinema movement with its darkly comedic tale of two HIV-positive men on a crime spree.
Vertigo (USA, 1958)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock
For the fan of twists and turns. The master of suspense turns his gaze to San Francisco in this VistaVision classic, which follows James Stewart’s descent into troubled obsession when he’s hired to investigate the wife of an old friend.
In the Mood for Love (Hong Kong, 2000)
Directed by Wong Kar-wai
For when you need a good cry. Arguably the definitive work from one of Asia’s greatest auteurs, In the Mood for Love explores the morality of love and infidelity through two unforgettable performances from Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung Man-yuk.
Double Indemnity (USA, 1944)
Directed by Billy Wilder
For the classic Hollywood obsessive. Wilder spins a tale of love, lies and murder in Double Indemnity, told through the eyes of a calculating life insurance agent who becomes embroiled with a woman planning on killing her oil-rich husband for his policy payout.
Fallen Leaves (Finland, 2023)
Directed by Aki Kaurismäki
For the very, very hopeless romantic. Finding true human connection in an increasingly isolated world is tough, especially for the working class of modern-day Helsinki. Kaurismäki’s bleakly funny Cannes Jury Prize winner succeeds at exploring contemporary romance in a uniquely honest fashion.
A Summer Dress (France, 1996)
Directed by François Ozon
For when you’re short on time. This 16-minute short film, also titled Une robe d’été, is a bisexual coming-of-age odyssey of a young man fed up with his boyfriend and intrigued by the carefree woman he meets on the beach.
Stranger by the Lake (France, 2013)
Directed by Alain Guiraudie
For when you have the TV to yourself. Guiraudie’s erotic thriller combines murder mystery with gay cruising culture to create a uniquely smart, violent and sexy exploration of lust and desire. It’s worth noting that this is probably best left to when your roommate has stepped out for the night.
Belle de Jour (France, 1967)
Directed by Luis Buñuel
For the French New Wave fanatic. Screened in the University of Maryland’s Parren J. Mitchell Art-Sociology Building last year as part of the Il Cinema Ritrovato on Tour Film Festival, this Buñuel classic explores the fracturing psyche of a bored housewife as she takes up employment in a well-to-do Parisian brothel.
