As February progresses, students of Irvington High School may feel a longing for the impossible: high school romance. As disheartening as reality is, romance comedies, or rom-coms, can allow these hopeless romantics to escape the disappointments of their love lives. With an abundance of peak rom-com films from the late 1990s to the mid 2010s, the month of love is a perfect time to appreciate some underrated rom-coms.

1. About Time (2013)

About Time is a heartwarming film about the relationship between time-travelling Tim Lake (Domhnall Gleeson) and Mary (Rachel McAdams). After discovering that men in his family can travel through time, Tim decides to use his newfound ability to improve his love life, starting by winning Mary’s heart through trial and error. Despite his time-travelling ability, Tim’s relationship with Mary is far from perfect, and he begins to learn the value of time. Although About Time includes fictional aspects of time-travel, it represents real struggles in relationships and promotes important messages of spending precious time with loved ones.

1. Kate & Leopold (2001)

As a rom-com incorporating historical fantasy, Kate & Leopold is a charming film about a love beyond time. Set in New York, 21st-century businesswoman Kate McKay (Meg Ryan) is forced to take responsibility for 19th-century nobleman Leopold, the third Duke of Albany (Hugh Jackman), who was launched into the future by a rip in time. Despite growing up from completely different backgrounds (and time periods), Kate and Leopold begin to fall for each other.

• Enchanted (2007)

Enchanted is a family-friendly rom-com that combines animation and live-action in a unique twist on traditional fairy tales. After falling in love at first sight with prince Edward (James Marsden), princess Giselle (Amy Adams) is transported from the animated kingdom of Andalasia to the real world of New York City by Edward’s wicked stepmother, Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon). Although Edward arrives to rescue her, Giselle finds her happily ever after with Robert (Patrick Dempsey), a divorce lawyer, creating a messy tale of romance.

1. But I’m a Cheerleader (1999)

Due to its satirical take on sexuality, identity, and love, But I’m A Cheerleader is a cult classic for the LGBTQ+ community. After her parents suspect her of being a lesbian, Megan (Natasha Lyonne), a high school cheerleader, is sent to a conversion therapy camp. When she meets Graham (Clea DuVall) during camp, the two begin to question their identities and the camp’s attempts to convert them. But I’m Not a Cheerleader was surprisingly proactive as a film released in the late 1990s.

1. He’s Just Not That Into You (2009)

He’s Just Not That Into You is a romantic comedy-drama about the complexities of modern relationships by weaving together the messy love lives of nine Baltimore locals. Notable actors and actresses include Ben Afflech, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Bradley Cooper, and Scarlett Johansson. Although considerably more popular than other rom-coms in the ranking, He’s Just Not That Into You received mixed reactions due to the controversial messages promoted about love and relationships. Still, He’s Just Not That Into You remains a guilty pleasure for many rom-com fans.