When When Harry Met Sally came out in 1989, many critics called it a revitalization of the rom-com genre. What followed are some of the greatest movies to grace the big screen, and films that made up a huge part of my personality. I believe that rom-coms hit a golden age in the early 2000s. We had bangers after bangers. Honestly, we were spoiled. The early 2000s were the golden age of rom-coms, but I believe a new age is upon us.
I grew up on rom-coms. It set the bar for a lot of my expectations of love, no matter how unrealistic and grand they are. Yes, maybe I’ll never stumble into a bookstore owned by a young Hugh Grant while running from the paparazzi, but my love story is out there, right?!
But these movies that I loved with all my silly romantic heart had one flaw. None of those characters looked like me. As much as I wanted to, a young brown girl could only see so many pairs of two conventionally attractive white people who were obviously meant to be, get it wrong and finally figure it out. I ran into a problem that most American audiences fall into. I wanted to see something new. Luckily, some studios answered the call.Â
For example, The Lovebirds (2020), is one of my favorite movies that has come out in the past few years. Starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, this movie has everything you could want. A murder mystery, a sex cult, Kumail Nanjiani getting kicked in the balls by a horse (sorry Kumail). The Lovebirds is fresh and new, and our two protagonists are people of color. I think Lovebirds is a perfect example of the change taking over Hollywood. Couples are seeing themselves on a big screen, and how could that not have a lasting impact?
Another problem that studios faced is simply, meet cutes aren’t cutting it anymore. While, yes, there is nothing more enticing than the fact that you can run into the love of your life in a silly, fantastical way you can later recount to your grandkids down the line, modern audiences want more. We want stories that last, loves that prevail. In 2022, we are more concerned with the ending than the beginning. After so much strife and uncertainty, we want to see something that endures. Rom-coms focus more on couples that seem stronger than ones we’ve seen before. Some that reconnect, or go through hardship, and realize they need to lean on one another. Modern movies tend to center love stories that seem more tough than before, because our world seems tougher than before, and we want to see love stories that make it.
I don’t think the rom-com genre will ever die. While yes, we might be past the era of such classics like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 27 Dresses, Love Actually, etc. I think it’s far too early to call time of death on the genre. In my opinion, I think the rom-com will never die because people will always fall for each other. And there’s nothing more ridiculous than a person in love.Â
If you still aren’t convinced, these are my personal recommendations and my (very brief) thoughts on them. Give these a try!:
- Set It Up (2018) : Two interns try to set up their domineering bosses in hopes to give themselves a break. Glen Powell and Zoey Deutch create chemistry that is so seamless and endearing, that after this movie, I looked up intern jobs near me. I immediately realized how unqualified I am for a lot of jobs. This is still one of my favorite movies.
- Sleeping with Other People (2015) : Two sex addicts become best friends. I am pretty sure this movie started the “Wait, Jason Sudikeis is hot?” era that followed Ted Lasso around. 10/10.Â
- Someone Great (2019) : This movie broke my heart and put it together. Not a rom-com per say, but I still have it on this list. One of the best soundtracks of all time. Also started my obsession with Lakeith Stanfield.Â
- The Lovebirds (2020): I know I already mentioned it but I have rewatched this movie seven times. So good. So funny. I love you Issa Rae.Â
- Broken Hearts Gallery (2020): This movie feels like a warm hug. AMAZING supporting characters that feel as flushed out and real as the main ones. Adorable chemistry between the two leads.Â
- Palm Springs (2020): Oh my god, Andy Samberg is hot?! Yes. Palm Springs is the love baby of Groundhog Day and… well any other rom-com. I personally would never be able to handle being stuck in a time loop with anyone and not go insane, but Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti’s relationship almost makes me want to.Â