The rom-com genre has been around since the 50s, but its golden day has been and gone. Nowadays, rom-coms are, at best, a guilty pleasure. Have we merely out-grown them, or has the art form of creating a When Harry Met Sally-quality romantic movie been lost? Let’s investigate.
We all have a Rom-Com favourite we turn to in times of need: broken hearts, industrial-strength hangovers or Sunday blues. But here’s betting they’re at least 10 years old. The well-scripted, heart-warming and relatable movies of the nineties have been replaced by an altogether more commercial, sensationalised breed of love story. There have been attempts to bring back the witty and authentic scripts of the Nineties, but with the sole exception of a few (About Time we hear you), the genre has all but flopped.
Could it be that the many themes old-style rom-coms rely on no longer have a place in today’s society? Grand gestures, love triangles and happily-ever-afters could be seen as outdated notions in today’s climate of equality, inclusion and feminism. Those cheesy moments remain loveable in their context, but would not be as successful in a modern romantic movie.
In more recent rom-coms, film-makers have made use of a more tongue-in-cheek style comedy, like Knocked Up and Trainwreck, staying away from the more dated aspects of romance. These films challenge the idea of how a woman needs a man to be “complete.”
If rom-coms are to succeed today, they must contain substance whilst offering original storylines and the type of quotable scenes that ensure enduring success.
In honour of the best rom-coms, we have put together a list of our favourites, from the classics, through the golden era to the best recent offerings.
The Classics:
Roman Holiday (1953)
American reporter Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck) romances European princess (Audrey Hepburn) against the idyllic backdrop of Rome in this classic 60’s romance.
The movie launched Hepburn’s career whose dazzling performance won her an Oscar.
The Philadelphia Story (1940):
Philadelphia heiress Tracy is due to be married to the respectable George Kittredge, but when her ex-husband turns up the day before her wedding, romantic trouble ensues.
This tremendous comedy brings together three screen legends at the peak of their careers. The luminous cast is secondary, however, to the brilliant love story that really plays on your heartstrings.
Golden Era:
My Best Friends Wedding (1997):
Julianne is in love with her best friend Michael – who is supposed to be getting married in four days… – to the “perfect” woman. She sets out to do everything in her power to try and get them to break up.
Dermot Mulroney offers up some serious eye-candy in this bright comedy.
10 Things I Hate About You (1999):
Teenage Bianca is in a dilemma when she isn’t allowed to date anyone until her older sister Kat, a boy-hating, unpopular teen starts to date. Patrick Verona, the school rebel, is paid to try and win Kat’s affection so Bianca can date her own guy.
I only have praise for this throwback of a film. The nostalgic music, the heart-warming storyline and, of course, Heath Ledger, make for an iconic movie.
While You Were Sleeping (1995):
Lucy is mistaken as the fiancé of coma patient Peter whose family takes a liking to her, especially Peter’s brother Jack…
Despite Lucy’s fantastical situation, While You Were Sleeping has a heartwarming charm and the witty dialogue will have you in stitches. Sandra Bullock has never been more charming.
Modern movies:
The Proposal (2009):
With the threat of deportation back to Canada looming, nightmare-boss Margaret forces her assistant, Andrew, to stage an engagement for immigration.
Reynolds and Bullock pull off one of modern day’s only successful romantic comedies. There are moments of genuine, laugh-out-loud hilarity, and the unlikely chemistry between the two leads is palpable.
Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011):
Cal, a recently divorced middle-aged dad, finds himself thrown back into the confusing world of dating. With the help of Jacob, silver-tongued Lothario, we watch the unlikely pair ultimately experience love in different ways.
The title says it all: love is mystifying and elusive. It’s a film that manages to detail all the pitfalls and idiosyncrasies of dating in the modern age, while still being funny and remarkably true-to-life.
The Big Sick (2017):
After his partner, Emily, is put in a medically-induced coma, Kumail has to try and balance being a comedian, dealing with his love’s tragic illness, and his parent’s wishes to try and fix him up with someone else.
There is a poignant rawness to this original spin on a romantic comedy. Sure, not everyone can relate to this specific circumstance, but the pain and anguish Kumail feels is something that is universal.
What is your favourite rom-com? Tell us in the comments below!
