By Maria Luiza Montejano Pedrosa
After a golden era of romantic comedy films in the 1990’s and 2000’s, it is agreed upon by many that the classic genre that was perfected over the years has lost its quality over the years. Has anything truly replaced Love Actually? We don’t think so.
The Romance comedy formula was born from the ultimate embrace of William Shakespeare, the same way that the mystery genre was perfected by Agatha Christie. He is the ultimate inspiration for many films through different times like She’s The Man (2006), a film based on Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night, and Valley Girl (1983) based on Romeo and Juliet, amongst many others.
Throughout all cinematic history, romantic comedies were a mirror to society and its constant changes. It is possible to trace romantic comedy films even a century ago with The Vagabond (1916), they were then part of the mute cinema like on The Immigrant (1917).
As the industry grew and technology advances emerged, the genre finally received voice and delivered classics like It Happened One Night (1934) and Wuthering Heights (1939), as well as noirs like Casablanca (1942) with the great Humphrey Bogart and Gilda (1946) starring the magnificent Rita Hayworth.
With the revolutionising growth of the women’s rights movement, the rom-com genre started to incorporate more strong female-centered plot points, although they were all mainly directed by male directors. Still, the 1950’s and ’60’s paved their way into one of the most important decades for the genre, delivering instant classics like Roman Holiday (1953), Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), Funny Girl (1968) and even animation films like Lady and the Tramp (1955).
Sofiia Vitkovska, a 20 year-old student, says she enjoys old romantic films. “I prefer films from the ’70’s, ’80’s or ’90’s, I don’t like modern ones. they don’t have the same vibe, the same spark as the old ones,” she said.
“Before Sunrise is one of my favorites, and Godard films as well.”
With the rise in streaming services, the genre has embraced the series format that has been working much better than films. Netflix has seen an exponential rise in popularity for series like Bridgerton, based on the book series by Julia Quinn, that has occupied fourth, sixth and tenth place (with different seasons) of their top 10 most popular shows of all time, with more than 115 million viewers world wide.
The reality is that the industry has seen a profit growth in the 2010’s and 2020’s when it comes to superhero and action films, the same way rom-coms were the easy formula to success in the 2000’s. In 2025, to invest in Marvel films would make more sense and profit than to make a rom-com that would not gross even 50% of a superhero film. The box office profits of rom com films have seen a fall of 86% from 2011 to 2014 in North America alone, which could affect the production of new films in the genre.
Asmita Kirati, a 26 year-old post-graduate student at London Metropolitan University, enjoys rom-coms but also points out the issues in romantic comedy films.
“The only movies I watch are rom-coms, although I watch a lot of Hollywood movies and series I enjoy Bollywood movies more,” she said.
“The rom-com movies I used to really like came out when I was a teenager, when I didn’t had a lot of experience. The more I grew my taste changes more, but I do think that they are not as good anymore.”
She adds that it’s the misogyny that she hates. “The thing is like that I don’t like is all the sexism, the idea that ‘boys will be boys’ but he treats the girl so bad and she ends up coming back to him. I like The Breakup with Jennifer Aniston, I was so happy she leaves him in the end.”
Kirati shares her love for book adaptations as well. “Jane Austin is my favorite author, I love Atonement with James McAvoy, he is a great actor and very versatile.”
Recent rom com films and series you should watch
Here are some recommendations of films and series that are fighting to bring back great romantic comedy.
About Fate (2022)
This Prime original film is cozy and warm, a story about how fate can change everything. The story of Margot (Emma Roberts) and Griffin is full of accidental meetings that could only be traced back to destiny. One of my personal favorites amongst the most recently made rom-coms, definitely worth your time.
Nobody Wants This (2024)
A bold premise that carries throughout with constant comedic value, it is certain to make you laugh out loud. The protagonists have great chemistry as much as comedic value; Kristen Bell brings in her A-game and Adam Brody’s performance is as incredible as predicted, a warm reminder for those who enjoyed his character Seth in the classic series The O.C.
Set It Up (2018)
Before Anyone But You (2023), Glenn Powell was already a rom-com man. The film brings in the classic enemies-to-lovers trope in a clever way – it reminds you of a 2000’s film set in NYC but with recent references. Two employees decide to match up their bosses so they can have more time off, the plan works but they end up finding a true friendship that is beginning to sparkle into love.
Red White and Royal Blue (2023)
The awaited adaptation of the famous book by Casey McQuiston was well received by the fans. It’s a fun story of a president’s son and the prince of England being enemies-to-lovers is just what everyone needed. Nicholas Galatzine’s performance of Henry is emotional and powerful, a highlight that you will notice throughout.
The Map of Tiny Perfect Things (2021)
The film has great story building, a fun coming of age that will be stuck in your head for a while. An underrated film that deserved more attention.
This Time Next Year (2024)
This film has fate and enemie-to-lovers, the ultimate pack to make a good watch. Set in London, two people are born on the same day and years later they meet and start a great story.
The comeback of romantic comedies is eagerly yearned by the people, traces of it have brought hope that a new renaissance might approach us soon. We surely hope so.
Amazing and very well written!!!! We need keep a live our good movies 🍿