Romantic comedies, often lovingly referred to as rom-coms, have been a movie staple for decades. They marry romance with comedy and are one of the most beloved genres in film history. Across the spectrum of cinematic history, romantic comedy has inspired the reimagining and redefinition of the rom-com.
In this post, we will discuss the evolution of movies, particularly romantic comedies, the changes made in modern rom-com movies, and some of the best rom-coms to have graced our screens.
The Early Days: The Classic Formula
Romantic comedies can be traced back to the beginnings of cinema, but 1930s and 1940s films created the blueprint for the rom-coms we know today. These early movies embraced the formula of an unlikely couple repeatedly enduring misunderstandings and comic mishaps before falling in love.
The Golden Age of Hollywood: Screwball Comedies
The screwball comedies of the 1930s and 1940s, a subset of rom-coms infused with rapid-fire dialogue, biting wit and feisty, independent leading ladies, emerged in the 1930s and 1940s. These films often had some battle-of-the-sex aspect in which the male and female protagonists would initially clash and fall in love. A few of this era’s landmark films include:
- It Happened One Night (1934): Directed by Frank Capra and featuring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, it is widely considered the first full-fledged romantic comedy. The film’s comical dialogue, laugh-out-loud mix-ups, and endearing connection between its leads helped lay the groundwork for romantic comedies in the decades that followed.
- His Girl Friday (1940): Starring Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell, this film is a screwball comedy at its best. It features rapid-fire dialogue and a relationship that is simultaneously adversarial and romantic.
Many of these early films impacted the structure of the romantic comedy genre, emphasising verbal sparring juxtaposed with impossible couples whose chaotic dynamics ultimately led to love.
The 1980s and 1990s: The Rise of the Modern Rom-Com
If the 1960s and ’70s marked a low point for the rom-com, the ’80s and ’90s ushered in a golden age for romantic comedies. The genre started transitioning towards more relatable, character-centred stories about love and relationships during this era, as opposed to the screwball comedies of yore.
The Birth of the Romantic Comedy Icon
- When Harry Met Sally… (1989): A Rob Reiner-directed and Nora Ephron-written touchstone of the genre, When Harry Met Sally … may be the most influential rom-com of all time. Starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, the film centres on two friends arguing over whether men and women could be friends without sex getting in the way. This movie is a significant one – we still quote iconic moments and it captures complex relationships in a way that would inform the rom-coms of the coming years.
- Pretty Woman (1990): With Julia Roberts and Richard Gere, Pretty Woman changed the concept of the modern fairy tale. The movie’s nontraditional love story involving a wealthy businessman and a sex worker struck a chord with audiences and turned in one of the most successful romantic comedies ever.
During this time, rom-coms grew increasingly aware of themselves and sophisticated, shedding the more slapstick antics of the classic screwball comedies. Shifting the focus to character development, these films feel more relatable and grounded in real-world emotions.
The 1990s Boom: A New Wave of Rom-Com Stars
In the 1990s, rom-coms became essential to Hollywood’s offering, with stars like Julia Roberts, Meg Ryan, and Hugh Grant leading the charge. Films such as Notting Hill (1999), You’ve Got Mail (1998), and My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) became immensely popular, each adding something unique to the genre.
- Notting Hill (1999): Starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, this film tells the story of an ordinary bookstore owner who falls in love with a famous actress. The film’s charm lay in its sweet, unlikely love story, set against the backdrop of London’s most picturesque neighbourhood.
- You’ve Got Mail (1998): Directed by Nora Ephron, this charming rom-com reunited Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan for a modern take on The Shop Around the Corner (1940), where two business rivals unknowingly fall in love online. The film captured the magic of new-age romance during the early days of the internet.
These films popularised the idea of the meet-cute, where two strangers meet in a quirky or unusual way, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance. The genre also introduced more relatable protagonists, moving away from the idealised characters of earlier rom-coms.
The 2000s and Beyond: Modern Rom-Coms with a Twist
While the 1990s were a high point for romantic comedies, the genre began to evolve in the 2000s and beyond, with filmmakers adding new layers to the traditional formula. The genre began to address contemporary issues and incorporate more diverse perspectives, giving rise to modern rom-com movies that offered fresh takes on the genre.
Reimagining the Formula: Embracing Diversity and Realism
In the 2000s and 2010s, the genre saw many films that tackled real-world issues such as commitment, personal growth, and the complexity of modern relationships.
- 500 Days of Summer (2009): Directed by Marc Webb and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel, 500 Days of Summer is a non-linear love story that challenges traditional rom-com tropes. The film’s unique storytelling structure and bittersweet portrayal of love resonated with audiences looking for a more realistic take on relationships.
- Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011): This ensemble rom-com, starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, and Emma Stone, introduced a more mature perspective on love and relationships. It explored themes of infidelity, self-discovery, and the complexities of modern romance, while still maintaining the genre’s hallmark humour and charm.
Streaming Platforms: A New Era for Rom-Coms
With the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, romantic comedies have found a new home. These platforms have allowed for more niche and diverse voices to be heard and a departure from traditional Hollywood formulas. Many modern rom-coms now reflect a broader range of experiences, from LGBTQ+ relationships to cross-cultural romances.
- To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018): Based on Jenny Han’s popular book series, this Netflix film became an instant hit with its heartfelt and relatable portrayal of teenage romance. Starring Lana Condor and Noah Centineo, the film introduced a fresh, diverse perspective to the rom-com genre and resonated with a young audience.
- Set It Up (2018): This Netflix original features Zoey Deutch and Glen Powell as two overworked assistants who hatch a plan to set up their bosses in an effort to get some time off. The film embraces the classic rom-com formula while giving it a modern twist, with quick-witted dialogue and focusing on personal ambition.
The rise of streaming services has also led to more inclusive and diverse storytelling, making romantic comedies accessible to a global audience and providing a platform for films that might have been overlooked in theatres.
Best Rom-Coms That Redefined the Genre
Several films have redefined the romantic comedy by pushing boundaries, introducing new themes, and offering fresh takes on the age-old formula. Some of the best rom-coms that have changed the game include:
- Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001): Starring Renée Zellweger as the lovable, relatable Bridget, this film brought a new level of authenticity to rom-coms. Bridget’s insecurities, romantic misadventures, and personal growth resonated with many viewers, making it one of the most beloved rom-coms ever.
- The Proposal (2009): This romantic comedy Starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds explored the fake relationship trope in a funny and heartwarming way. The chemistry between the leads and the film’s humorous take on love and commitment made it a standout of the decade.
- Love Actually (2003): This British ensemble rom-com, directed by Richard Curtis, weaves together multiple storylines about love and relationships during Christmas. Its heartwarming tone and relatable characters have made it a holiday classic.
Conclusion: The Future of Romantic Comedies
The romantic comedy evolution has come a long way since the screwball comedies of the 1930s, with modern rom-com movies offering fresh perspectives and new ideas. While the genre may have started with idealised love stories, today’s rom-coms tackle real-world issues and showcase a more diverse and inclusive view of romance.
As streaming platforms continue to shape the way we consume films, we can expect even more innovative and exciting romantic comedies that break away from traditional tropes and offer unique, relatable stories. Whether you’re a fan of the classic formula or looking for something fresh and new, romantic comedies will undoubtedly continue to evolve and capture our hearts for years to come.