The rom-com genre is pretty successful because it allows fans to cheer on and ship characters while enjoying the lighthearted nature of witty quips and character quirks. However, some viewers dislike the genre because it often recycles the same formula generating more clichés than fresh ideas. Among the repetitive narratives, some films stand out.
Audiences should remember that while romance takes priority in these productions, it is not the sole storyline or intention. Some movies incorporate other genres like action, fantasy, or sci-fi to dull the pervasiveness of rom-com tropes. Others do the complete opposite and wholeheartedly lean into the genre, making it known to the viewer that they are using the tropes to their benefit.
10 From Prada To Nada Explores Reconnecting With One's Roots
From Prada to Nada follows two wealthy sisters who have to readjust to life after their father's death leaves them with no money. Nora (Camilla Belle) and Mary (Alexa Vega) have to move to East L.A. with their relatives with whom they never had a previous connection and relearn their culture.
Many viewers who grew up with intersectional identities can relate to Nora and Mary as they try to fit in with their families. From Prada to Nada explores many aspects alongside romance like identity, culture, and privilege.
9 Good On Paper Makes Fans Cautious Of Meet-Cutes
Good on Paper is inspired by comedian Iliza Shlesinger's unfortunate true story of how a man manipulated her after a "meet-cute." Andrea Singer (Shlesinger) meets Dennis Kelley (Ryan Hansen) on her flight before the two start a relationship.
Dennis tells her a series of believable lies, tricking her into falling for him. Feeling that something is off, Andrea investigates him with the assistance of her friend, discovering that he has faked his persona. This movie is perfect for those who enjoy true crime adjacent productions and those who find the happy endings of rom-coms unbelievable.
8 Spontaneous' Timely Release Gives Fans A Relatable Alternate Reality
Spontaneous is an underrated movie that follows Mara Carlyle (Katherine Langford), who is quarantined with her classmates after their heads begin spontaneously exploding. Mara confronts her secret admirer during the uncertainty, and they begin a relationship that gives her a sense of normalcy.
With her love interest and best friend by her side, Mara tries to investigate the strange occurrences before the events take a turn for the worse. Spontaneous explores the turmoil of growing up in a sci-fi setting, especially in light of the ongoing global pandemic and cynicism regarding the future.
7 Wedding Crashers Has Fans Laughing All The Way
Wedding Crashers can be watched as a comedy with romance as a secondary plot. The ensemble film follows John Beckwith (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy Grey (Vince Vaughn) as they crash multiple weddings to seduce women.
They have perfected multiple aliases and backup stories, having done this for many wedding seasons. However, the two become stuck with a family on their estate in an attempt to spend time with Gloria (Isla Fisher) and Claire (Rachel McAdams) Cleary. Their time with the peculiar Clearly family leads to comical mishaps and pranks.
6 Pitch Perfect Gets Fans To Sing Along Inbetween Laughs
Pitch Perfect does not take itself seriously, making it one of the most iconic ensemble movies of the past decade. Many stars work together to provide a charming and organic dynamic. Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) joins The Barden Bellas, a cappella group at her university, as part of a deal with her father.
The group of misfits tries to beat their opposition, The Treblemakers, by singing many hit songs giving viewers something to enjoy and sing along to. As the two teams compete, Pitch Perfect explores the importance of friendship and trust while delivering memorable quips.
5 Crazy Rich Asians Broke Hollywood Barriers
Crazy Rich Asians is one of the few productions with an all-Asian cast that restarted the conversation about having greater representation in Hollywood. The movie integrated elements of other cultures even in the script that organically shifts between Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.
Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is surprised to learn that her boyfriend, Nick Young (Henry Golding), comes from one of the wealthiest families in Singapore. When they fly to his best friend's wedding, Rachel finds herself in the middle of a war with Nick's mother and other socialites. While this seems like a boring fairy-tale trope, the film explores identity, class, privilege, and societal expectations.
4 Set It Up Leans Into Classic Tropes While Staying Fresh
Set It Up is a unique rom-com that acknowledges and builds on well-known movies and tropes. Two overworked assistants, Harper Moore (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie Young (Glen Powell) hatch a plan to set their bosses up so they can get free time. They plan a meet-cute for Kristen Stevens (Lucy Liu) and Rick Otis (Taye Diggs).
Harper and Charlie continue reorganizing their bosses' schedules behind the scenes, sending gifts, and planning dates to push them together. Instead of setting itself apart, the film leans into the genre and explicitly uses tactics from notable films like The ParentTrap and Bergerac to bring their bosses together.
3 The Spy Who Dumped Me Is A Buddy Movie
The Spy Who Dumped Me is a comedy for those who enjoy spy movies dealing with escapes, agents, and trade secrets. The action-packed film follows Audrey Stockman (Mila Kunis), who discovers that her ex-boyfriend, Drew, is a spy.
Since he is in danger, Audrey and her best friend, Morgan Freeman (Kate McKinnon), decide to take over the mission. Focusing on the friendship between Audrey and Morgan and the hilarious mishaps that ensue, the movie resembles buddy films like Ride Along and The Other Guys more than romantic ones.
2 Legally Blonde Dismantled Stereotypes
Legally Blonde is an iconic film reflecting the early 2000s with its distinctive aesthetic. Elle Woods (Resse Witherspoon) starts as the caricature of a sorority girl who only cares about beauty and fashion. When her boyfriend breakups up with her because he doesn't think she is "serious," Elle proves him wrong by getting into Harvard Law School like him.
Elle's hobbies and interests set her apart from her classmates but help her excel, showing viewers that there are various ways to be innovative. It also dismantled the stereotype that women who look a certain way can't be intelligent.
1 The Love Interests Are Stuck In A Time Loop In Palm Springs
Fans of Groundhog Day will enjoy Palm Springs. It brings its sci-fi premise to the forefront, making it more than just about the relationship between Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milloti). After meeting at a destination wedding in Palm Springs, the two become stuck in a time loop.
Realizing that their attempts to return to the normal timeline failed, Nyles and Sarah decide to enjoy themselves. They examine their relationships and attitudes with all the time on their hands, revealing their flaws. Unlike other films that create characters through only one lens, Palm Springs humanizes the protagonists and explores their inner conflicts.