A Century of On-Screen Romance: 10 Rom-Com Recs

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As February fast approaches, so does rom-com season! This list will encompass a century of the most popular and impactful rom-com of each decade. Here are the ten rom-coms we recommend to you!

1. 1930s - Ridden by the Great Depression, the 1934 film, “It Happened One Night”, brought an uplifting story about love and self-reliance mattering more than material goods. Though the film is optimistic, it also brings a sense of realism to its portrayal of the era. 

Fun Fact: Clark Gable gifted his Best Actor Oscar to a child fan who admired it; after his passing, the fan returned the award to Gable’s family. However, it was later auctioned off and purchased anonymously by Stephen Spielberg and donated to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

1. 1940s - Blending rivalry and romance, the 1940 film, “The Shop Around the Corner” centers around two feuding employees who fall in love through anonymous letters. This film is filled to the brim with hilarious misunderstandings, humor, and charm. 

Fun Fact: Fellow rom-com, “You’ve Got Mail” (1998), was directly based on the 1940 film.

1. 1950s - Starring Marylin Monroe and Jane Russell, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” serves as a satirical rom-com critiquing the “dumb blonde” stereotype. The film explores female ambition through the pursuit of wealth and security, while highlighting the importance of female friendship and solidarity.

Fun Fact: Many modern day films and television shows have recreated Monroe’s iconic “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”. On the teen drama “Gossip Girl”, Blake Lively performed a rendition of the number in a dream sequence. 

1. 1960s - Audrey Hepburn’s iconic film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, released in 1961 transcends its genre through its exploration of freedom and stability. Main character Holly showcases the importance of embracing vulnerability and confronting past traumas, no matter how difficult it may be.

Fun Fact: “Moon River”, sung by Hepburn, was made specifically for the film, and was tailored to fit the star’s vocal range.

1. 1970s - Released in 1978, movie musical “Grease”, starring Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta, serves as a story of expression and rebellion. While the ending may have been controversial, as high schooler Sandy conforms to her love interest’s greaser world, the film showcases the power of finding identity. 

Fun Fact: “Hopefully Devoted to You”, was not part of the original stage production and was shot after the film’s production wrapped.

1. 1980s - A golden era for the genre, this decade introduced one of the most iconic rom-coms of all time, the 1987 “The Princess Bride”. Loved by many, this film encompasses a variety of genres, from adventure to romance to drama. 

Fun Fact: Andre the Giant, who played Fezzik, was not fully fluent in English, learning his lines through a cassette tape recorded by the director.

1. 1990s - Inspired by Jane Austen’s 1815 novel “Emma”, the 1995 film “Clueless” follows Cher, a wealthy teen from Beverly Hills, who spends her free time playing matchmaker with her friends and teachers. Much like Austen’s novel’s titular character Emma, Cher’s personal journey is marked with a realization of her own flaws and growth into maturity. 

Fun fact: In the film’s time span of 1hr and 37 minutes, it is estimated that Cher changes her outfit over 50 times!

1. 2000s - As rom-coms have changed throughout the decades, the early 2000s brought a new lens on the genre. My Big Fat Greek Wedding, released in 2002, centers the idea of embracing cultural identity while finding individual fulfillment, and celebrating love that bridges cultural gaps.

Fun Fact: Windex is utilized as a running gag in the movie as a cure for any ailment, inspired by writer Nina Vardalos’s real-life father's use of the cleaning supply. 

1. 2010s - Through the 2010s, rom-coms have begun to center more BIPOC characters and stories. Drawn from his real life story, Kevin Kwan’s 2013 novel, “Crazy Rich Asians”, explores social hierarchies and Singapore’s elite class. The film also serves as a modern day retelling of Cinderella. 

Fun Fact: Michelle Yeoh’s emerald ring came from her own collection as she felt her ring would elevate her character more than production’s original prop rings.

1. 2020s - The 2020s have certainly brought more LGBTQ+ rom-coms to the genre with “Happiest Season”, released in 2020 sparking much attention. Centered on a lesbian couple, the film brings attention to coming out and self expression. Set around the winter holiday season, this film serves as a heartwarming story about family. 

Fun Fact: The film features many LGBTQ+ actors: Kristen Stewart, Daniel Levy, and Aubrey Plaza.