February is the time that most people watch Rom-Coms in a masochistic ritual. To some, the genre brings heartbreak of past relationships or yearning for the ones to come. However, to others this genre is enjoyable year-round and the enjoyment is only heightened during this month. I am one of those people. I am a movie fanatic, but my cultivated list of rom-coms is what I most covet. I have seen all the bests from the decades and have tried my best at making a list of the ones that don’t only feature a white heteronomarative cast. It seems like the more diverse the cast is, the movie becomes less of a romcom and more of a drama. I wanted a list of the wholesome rom-coms that lift spirits. The majority of the films I have seen are of the average, caucasian couple that follow the classic formula. And while I enjoy that type of film as much as the next, this list includes films with a more diverse cast showing people of color, LGBT, and non-neurotypical (people?).

1. She’s Gotta Have It (1986)

This film has recently been remade into a Netflix series (which is just amazing!) and has even more representation since they made the lead Pansexual. However, the original is just as great. Showing a black woman in the 80s exploring her sexuality, this is the perfect 80s rom-com aesthetic with a little more edge. If you love Spike Lee and nuanced female characters, this the one for you.

2. Moonstruck (1987)

Cher was so incredible in this role that it won her an Oscar for Best Actress. The film follows the story of an italian immigrant family and their perception of love as widow Lorretta (Cher), becomes engaged but starts falling for her fiancee’s brother (Nicholas Cage). If you can get past the unlikely scenario that Cher would fall in love with Nicholas Cage, you will love the humor, drama, and philosophy of what marriage really means.

3. Hitch (2005)

An absolute classic. If you have never seen this movie, this is your sign to do so. Will Smith didn’t do many romantic movies after this, which is another reason Hitch needs to be cherished. There is a chemistry between the cast that can’t be compared. It is the epitome of the rom-com formula, but that doesn’t make it any less valuable or quotable.

4. Hairspray (2007)

I am not much of a musical person, but if there is one musical adaptation that deserves the hype, it would be the 2007 version of Hairspray. If you love musicals, this is the movie for you. The portrayal is light, but the themes are substantial and with the songs, this movie is the best pick-me-up. Add the big-lister cast with Zac Efron and Queen Latifah and you have a recipe for one of the most enjoyable movie musicals.

5. The Big Sick (2017)

Amazon Video has tried to make original content, however, not many have made the splash that The Big Sick has. This may be because the clear sincerity seen through the screen. The movie is based on a true story that the screenwriter wrote about how he met his wife, which makes it even sweeter. This was also the first time a lead Indian character was given a role outside the realm of a humorous sidekick.

6. Obvious Child (2014)

This movie was written by Jenny Slate, a master of writing romance despite her goofy demeanor. The movie follows the beginning of a flourishing relationship, however Jenny Slate’s character becomes pregnant and she has to make a decision. This movie is not just relationship based, but focused on the female lead and her personal turmoil. It’s hilarious,smart, and a must watch.

7. Set It Up (2018)

A Netflix original movie that deserved more hype than it got when it originally came out. The movie follows two assistants as they try to get their bosses to date but then realize they might also have feelings for each other. This movie feels like the remake of a 90s romcom set in 2018, but with the diverse cast including one of Lucy Lui’s only romantic leads, it gives us a refreshing twist.

8. As Good As It Gets (1997)

I don’t think I could ever get used to Jack Nicholson being the lead of an average romantic film, but this is not an average male lead. Nicholson plays a man with severe OCD and anger issues who is learning to overcome his boundaries when he realizes he is in love with his favorite waitress. There are not many movies, especially in the romantic genre., with non-neurotypical leads However, I think this movie did an amazing job of portraying the story accurately with all its highs and lows.

9. The Incredible Jessica James (2017)

This is also one of the better Netflix original rom-coms that deserved more attention than it got. This movie was so well-written that it leaves the viewer wanting more, and many are still waiting for a sequel or series to come of it. The story follows a young black playwright in New York trying to get over a devastating break-up while building new relationships.

Not Your Typical Romcoms