Love is one of the main themes in almost every movie, TV show, book, game, or novel. Romantic movies have always held a special place in cinema because they have captivated audiences with emotion and connection. They have increasingly represented diverse populations and challenged the traditional tropes familiar in relationships. With modern classics like Crazy Rich Asians and Bridgerton, romance has become one of the crucial parts of the entertainment industry.
The popularity of romantic movies speaks to their consistent ability to relate to audiences of all backgrounds and cultures. Even in other genres, romance always finds a way to integrate its presence to help advance a storyline. We will discuss romance movies and their evolution in depicting modern relationships.
History of Romantic Movies
Romance in film began in the early beginnings of cinema. During this time, the entertainment industry began exploring love and relationships. Broken Blossoms and The Sheik (1919) told stories of forbidden love and social barriers, marking romance’s presence in movies. Romantic musicals became popular, and films like Top Hat (1935) and An American in Paris (1951) utilized romantic plots and songs. The genre became more popular in the 1940s and 1950s with classics like Casablanca (1942) and Gone With The Wind (1939).
Those movies told love stories in times of war and social unrest, captivating audiences worldwide. Romantic films shifted during the 1960s and 1970s; during that time, films like The Way We Were and Love Story explored the complex relationships in modern society. Additionally, The genre shifted toward more humorous takes on relationships in the 1980s and 1990s; notable movies from that era are When Harry Met Sally (1989), Pretty in Pink (1986), While You Were Sleeping (1995), and Sleepless in Seattle (1993).
From the 2000s to the 2010s, there were some significant trends in the romance genre. One, in particular, was the continued tradition in relationships; rom-coms will not disappear. Another noticeable trend was tragic endings and pushes for the idea that one doesn’t need romantic fulfillment for happiness. Also, there was a rise in queer romances and representations of different identities and cultures.
The romance genre has continued to grow in the movie industry today, with films like Anora (2024), We Live in Time (2024), and even shows like Bridgerton (2020-Present) and Titanic (1997) transforming love and relationships among viewers. With its accelerating popularity, it isn’t showing signs of slowing down anytime soon. While the genre can include many tales of happiness and genuine love, it also includes elements of heartbreak and drama.
Romance Films 2020 to The Present
Considering the popularity of romance films, it is fair to ask where they will progress in the future. The genre is unlikely to slow down any time soon. With the various streaming platforms, rom-coms will continue to make surges like they did in the Golden Age of Hollywood. The reason for that is because the streaming services are funding original content. After leaving WarnerMedia, Jason Kilar said to Vox that streaming is a good development for romance movies because “it’s a model that allows for more aggressive investment in romantic comedies and dramas.”
Hulu has been actively streaming romance movies depicting modern relationships. Some films include The Hating Game, First Love, Crush, Maybe I Do, Palm Springs, Happiest Season, and She Taught Love. Since technology will continue to advance in society, there will definitely be more romances with that twist. Netflix also has some good romance films to enjoy as well. In speaking with the LA Times promoting his film Her, Spike Jonez talked about the impact of technology on relationships. He said, “I think technology is doing so many things to us. It’s helping us connect and preventing us from connecting.”
Jonez’s statement alone shows how technology is relevant in romance. That says a lot for a genre focused on love and connection. In a world still reeling from the 2020 pandemic and hostile politics, there is no telling what other catastrophic events will shift the culture next. Along with movies, romance has made its presence felt in the book/novel industry, and there are some novels to check out.
Final Thoughts
Today’s romantic films continue to grow, often blending different genres and storytelling. Whether it is classic love stories or modern depictions that reflect the changing attitudes of our time, these movies continue to shape our relationships. The genre explores different elements such as passion, connection, love, trust, and even the complexities of relationships. Plus, they have impacted other areas such as novels, history, literature, and television.
This fact alone shows how the genre can take many forms to attract the public. With the advancement of technology, representation of different cultures, streaming platforms, and reliability to the audience, romance movies will keep their spot in cinemas. Also, other genres such as comedy, fantasy, and science-fiction blend in some elements of romance, proving how romance can be necessary to a story. There is no denying that the romance genre has made its mark in the industry and is likely to do so for generations to come.
