Romantic films can serve two very different functionsthey can entertain couples, and they can serve as beacons of hope or simply entertainment for those who are not in serious relationships. Some of the lower-quality romantic comedies can quickly wear on our patience, though, with their outlandish plotlines and emotional twists. If you’re looking for some romantic films that are hopeful but also stand out from the crowd, pop one of these in at your next date night, or when you’re just looking for some reassurance that love is still out there.1. 500 Days of Summer: Very early on, this film tells you that this “is not a love story.” However, it is a story about “love,” and a very funny story about two young people with very different ideas of just what that word means. Over the course of the film, and a tumultuous relationship, each of them finds their preconceptions challenged and ultimately changedfor the better.2. Before Sunrise: Indie director Richard Linklater crafted this 1995 film about two strangers who meet on a train and find themselves in the same destination: the beautiful city of Vienna. The entire story takes place over one night, during which the two characters share their thoughts and hopes, imagining that they will never see each other again. The film is followed by a sequel, Before Sunset.3. Trust: Both more realistic and more surreal than the better-known Juno, this film also follows a teen girl who suddenly finds herself pregnant. Unfortunately, her parents don’t take it half so well as they do in the later filmher father dies of a heart attack and her mother kicks her out of the house. That’s when she meets up with an outsider working as an electronics repairman. The two build a relationship that is continually tested throughout the film.4. Annie Hall: Woody Allen cemented his reputation as an innovative film director with this 1977 comedy. Allen’s story of neurotic Alvy Singer (played by himself) and his doomed romance with the enthusiastic Annie Hall (played by frequent collaborator Diane Keaton) won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Although Allen has been approached many times about making a sequel to the film, he prefers to let it stand on its own.5. Once: If you prefer some songs with your romance, check out this 2006 Irish musical, which follows an unnamed street busker and a young flower seller who explore music and love together. The main actor and actress can now be found in the band The Swell Season.