Romantic comedies are some of the most beloved genres of cinema - the popularity of rom-coms peaked in the 1990s and was even considered to be a box-office contender. Rom-coms accounted for three of the top twenty highest-grossing films in 1998 and 1999, consecutively. However, in the early 2000s, the genre gradually fizzled out.

As a replacement, horror, thriller, and action films became the top genres and have been increasing in popularity ever since. Today, the genre is now back in popularity and we look back at iconic titles today and reminisce on the cheesy, cute situations.

Nostalgic Iconic Flicks

To begin, if you want a cozy, nostalgic night in, several films can cross off this box. Clueless, 10 Things IHate About You, and Notting Hill are fan favorites of this beloved genre. Clueless follows the story of a popular, wealthy girl who seems like she has everything under control when, in reality, she is clueless about her own feelings involving a special boy.

If you are looking for a subtle enemies-to-lovers romance, 10 Things I Hate About You is the perfect movie. As the name suggests, hate and love team up to unite the main character and her love interest.

Notting Hill, another nostalgic, iconic flick, follows the unexpected romance between a famous American actress and a bookstore owner in London.

Additionally, the early 2000s introduced many iconic films to the rom-com scene, such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 13 Going on 30, and The Princess Diaries.

Big city romances are always exciting to watch - How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days will make you laugh and cry as it constructs a messy relationship between an advice columnist and a cocky but charming executive.

13 Going on 30 is the outlived dream of every 13-year-old who desires to be a free adult. As obstacles and challenges hinder a 13-year-old, now transformed into a 30-year-old editor at a fashion magazine, she comes to new revelations of life as a junior high schooler.

The Princess Diaries falls under the umbrella of childhood dreams as well - a high schooler finds out she is next in line to the throne of a country with a kingdom and court! As she navigates this newfound royal life, she also comes across romantic challenges.

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Contemporary Rom-coms

Now, rom-coms have made a comeback and have been revived in recent movie franchises, as well as the genre being heavily promoted on streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, and more. Teen rom-coms such as The Kissing Booth and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before have propelled this revival; both movies have become renowned series, taking place in high school and not shying away from drama, romance, and laughter.

Other rom-coms such as Crazy Rich Asians and Always Be My Maybe have brought back the genre’s popularity, telling the stories and drama of adults navigating their own love life. In the next few years, the rom-com genre will continue to be beloved and rise in the immense industry of cinema.