When February comes around, it’s hard not to think of Valentine’s Day and, of course, romantic comedies (rom-coms). Movies like “When Harry Met Sally,” “Notting Hill” and “13 Going on 30” have become go-to classics.
Rom-coms are the perfect mix of humor and romance, showing the ups and downs of love in a way that feels both relatable and comforting.
Many dismiss them as cheesy or predictable, however, rom-coms have a special place in my heart for a reason. Although they might not be as action-packed or scary as other movies, they mix humor with romance where those feel-good moments make us smile long after the credits roll.
What I appreciate most about them is how they highlight everyday moments that get overlooked. It’s not just about grand gestures or a speech, but small things that truly matter.
Vika Sathya (10), a fan of rom-coms, shared a similar perspective.
“[Rom-coms] romanticize the fact that doing one thing is amazing…like listening to someone, having a deep conversation with your partner or even bringing flowers,” Sathya said.
They not only showcase grand gestures of love but also awkward moments and misunderstandings that make them feel real — it’s the imperfect everyday moments that make it relatable.
Rom-coms have familiarity in them, a sense of comfort. They are light, fun and most importantly, end on a positive note. Although they seem predictable, they offer a kind of escapism without the chaos of other genres, making them so enjoyable.
My sisters introduced me to “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”, an amazing movie that makes me feel this way. When I first watched it, I was instantly hooked. Lara Jean’s story, where her secret love letters were accidentally sent to her crushes, sparking a huge fake dating relationship, had me laughing and smiling throughout the whole movie. The mix of humor and awkwardness made it perfect for a starter rom-com movie. I especially liked the way the music complemented each scene.
Aditi Bright (9), a huge enthusiast of rom-coms, said rom-coms have been her favorite genre ever since she was little, when she would watch them with her mom.
“They’re really light-hearted. I feel like it’s a really feel-good movie even when there are some conflicts,” Bright said.
Some of her top favorites are “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” and “10 Things I Hate About You.”
“They’re an easy watch and they’re my go-to when having a study break,” Bright said.
I couldn’t agree more. Rom-coms are perfect for when you need a mental reset. After hours of focusing on schoolwork, you can’t dive into something complicated or heavy. Rom-coms give you a short escape where you don’t need to overthink anything.
Another movie that gives you a chance to unwind is “She’s the Man.” It’s fun and doesn’t make you overthink anything. In the movie, there aren’t any complex plot twists but it’s hilarious and the characters are frequently caught off guard by the events. Watching it is a guaranteed escape from school stress — it’s easy to follow and you can laugh and cringe at all the chaos that happens.
Esha Ramarao (10) also likes how rom-coms provide a short escape.
“You could just watch them and escape from reality… whenever I’m sad, I watch [rom-coms] and forget my problems…I can just smile and laugh, [which] makes me feel better,” Ramarao said.
This simplicity of rom-coms is what makes them perfect for movie nights with friends. You can laugh during cringy parts of the movie and debate who is the best couple. For example, in the movie “The Princess Diaries,” do Mia and Nicolas or Mia and Micheal make the better couple? Personally, I think Mia and Nicholas were the better choice.
What makes rom-coms even more irresistible is the way they portray love in many different forms, whether it’s the tension before a confession or the awkwardness of two people who are clearly meant to be with each other, but just can’t get it right.
The predictability actually works in rom-com movies’ favor, because we all love the comfort of knowing that no matter what happens, things will work out in the end. This sense of reassurance is something that keeps me coming back over and over again.
So whenever I’m in the mood for a movie, rom-coms will always be my number one choice. There’s something that never gets old about them. Whether it’s the unforgettable “10 Things I Hate About You” scene where Heath Ledger performs, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” on the bleachers, or the emotional moment in “The Notebook” when Noah reads all the letters he wrote to Allie, reminding her of their love despite her memory loss, rom-coms never fail to leave a lasting impact.