Regardless of their relationship status, everyone loves to sit down and watch a feel-good movie. Romantic comedies (rom-coms) are perfect for the Valentine’s Day season, but not all of them are created equally. Some rom-coms have distinct qualities that put them ahead of others. 

Although each movie is unique, many follow similar plot structures that fans love such as the “enemies to lovers” plotline. “Enemies to lovers” features two characters that start off hating each other but begin to fall in love as the story progresses. Another popular plotline includes characters that begin “fake dating” but end up falling in love. But the plot structure alone is not enough to make a rom-com popular. Many people will be turned away from a movie if the script is too cheesy or if it features actors that they don’t like. Netflix and Hallmark-produced rom-coms are often viewed as cheesy and unwatchable. 

Sophomore Payton Wright stated, “They need to stop making rom-coms on Netflix; I just can’t stand them.”

Movies that feature popular actors or even TikTok stars, like Addison Rae, often draw the attention of rom-com enthusiasts. Actors such as Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds immediately attract people and motivate them to sit through movies even if they find the plot cheesy. 

Rom-coms have been produced since the start of the film industry, but the early 2000s are widely regarded as the “golden age” for the genre. Movies like “She’s the Man” and “17 Again” are just a few examples of popular movies from this time period. 

“All the early 2000s ones are really good, the new ones are kind of bad,” according to sophomore Lauren Lukas. 

Even though the newly produced rom-coms don’t seem promising, some movies such as “Good On Paper” are still piquing fans’ interest. 

Romantic comedies are great to watch no matter the setting. Many people enjoy viewing them with significant others, friends, family or even by themselves.