Muses of Media

It is the month of love, so we are urged to get into the mood with romance movies.

Romance is a significant genre. Though it declined in the 21st century, it has withstood the test of time. It is as broad as it is diverse. This article will highlight some subgenres, themes, and tropes people would enjoy, depending on the vibe they want to pursue.

This is not a definitive list, but it is a nice starter pack for those who wish to set the atmosphere this month and for the rest of the year. Romance can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere.

Family Friendly

If we are looking for safe Valentine’s offerings for the whole family, here are the top-tier choices to get into. First, in Spy Kids, Carla Gugino and Antonio Banderas push the limits of appropriate chemistry for a kid’s movie. Still, the film’s overall themes of family and love in every form within that structure are just perfect for those with kids to enjoy.

Almost every Disney princess movie has a central romance with the likes of Beauty and The Beast, Cinderella, Tangled (f*ck you, Zachary Levi for ruining this adorable movie), and Aladdin. There is also a world outside of Disney that needs to be explored; Anastasia and The Swan Princess are excellent choices.

The Addams Family and Addams Family Values are others that may push some boundaries but are so much fun. Shrek is a good choice to teach the importance of loving someone for who they are and not what they look like.

The Book of Life blends Mexican folklore, dazzling animation and romance into an engaging and vibrant feature perfect for Valentine’s Day and Día de Los Muertos.

Teen Rom-Com

One of the most prominent subgenres within romance is the teen rom-com, the most recognized subgenre after the classic adult rom-com. John Hughes’s classics cannot be ignored; I’d like to highlight Some Kind of Wonderful and Pretty in Pink.

To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before took off like a rocket for the contemporary crowd, inspiring an equally engaging and romance-driven spinoff series, XO, Kitty. Rye Lane is one of last year’s best films, winning the hearts of so many. (RELEASE IT ON HOME VIDEOOO).

The Princess Diaries is a special one as each film, including the yet-to-be-made third film, follows the coming-of-age story of a relatable person who happens to be a princess and their grandmother, Julie Andrews. Relatable.

Bend It Like Beckham is not precisely an outright romantic comedy, but it is lovely to explore female friendships and family and to follow one’s dreams. True Aaron Taylor-Johnson fans cite Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging as the project that introduced them to him, but it is a dizzyingly enjoyable film on its own.

The ’90s and early aughts were a fun time for the teen rom-com with Amanda Bynes shining bright in She’s The Man and What A Girl Wants, Hilary Duff gave us a few bangers like A Cinderella Story and The Lizzie McGuire Movie, and Julia Stiles captured our hearts with 10 Things I Hate About You and The Prince & Me. Drew Barrymore has a ton of romance in her filmography, but Never Been Kissed and Ever After are delightful treats.

Lastly, But I’m A Cheerleader has solidified a place in the pantheon of ’90s teen rom-coms.

Tearjerker Romances

If you want to get into the lovey-dovey mood, the best entry point is the classic romantic dramas and romantic comedies. Whether you want a good cry or laugh, these suggestions will hit the sweet spot. Titanic’s never-ending love for this picture makes it a go-to choice. Greta Lee was astounding in Celine Song’s directorial debut, Past Lives, giving the delightful Teo Yoo a broader platform to share his work.

Barry Jenkins gave us not one but two bangers in terms of weeping romantic dramas in If Beale Street Could Talk and Moonlight.

Keira Knightley is no stranger to romantic costume dramas, but Atonement is, in a way, the most devastating tribute to love, with Never Let Me Go a close second.

When one inevitably finds their way to Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan’s Sleepless In Seattle, use the scene where Rita Wilson’s Suzy tearfully recounts the events of 1957’s An Affair to Remember as a call to action! I can continue, but I’ll leave you with these.

If you are like me and desire a laugh after a cry, do yourself a favour and indulge in everything Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams for a movie night featuring The Notebook, The Vow, Crazy, Stupid, Love and The Morning Show. Trust me, you want to do this!

Classic Romantic Comedy

For every weeping romantic adventure, there is a romantic comedy ready to lighten the mood, and how can you delve into the rom-com without giving Sandra Bullock her dues? When You Were Sleeping, The Proposal and The Lost City are top-tier choices.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding was a record-breaking hit and, to this day, resonates with so many people who come from insular cultural backgrounds. The Big Sick, inspired by the real-life romance between Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, holds many good laughs. Down with Love is amongst the most underrated Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor’s respective filmographies, which feature several great choices to get your romance fix.

Broadcast News is not a traditional romantic comedy. It follows a career-minded woman who falls in love with her job. Still, Holly Hunter is so incredible in it that it has to be revisited.

Finally, let’s take a moment to thank the entertainment gods for Queen Latifah. She is always excellent, and Just Wright and The Last Holiday are the gifts that keep giving.

Romance Is The Subplot

While it is a joy to enjoy romance as its standalone genre, everyone loves romantic subplots that bloom within other genres. My favourite is the action thriller injected with a healthy dose of romantic tension or sweetness. The high tension, excitement and action make for a great backdrop. At the top of Netflix’s current offerings are Richard Linklater and Glen Powell’s hilarious and entertaining black comedy crime thriller Hit Man. Powell is electric, but his chemistry with Adria Arjona is truly a revelation.

Superman is the prime example of the superhero subgenre that nailed the romantic angle (maybe this is a little cheat as the romance is integral to the hero’s journey). The Old Guard is also a must, as we FINALLY have a release date for the sequel.

The Count of Monte Cristo is an epic drama about revenge spurred by a romantic connection. If you are unsure about the lead (despite the wonderfulness of Henry Cavill and Guy Pearce), luckily, the French have released a new adaptation.

Drive, released at the height of Ryan Gosling’s renaissance in the 2010s, is a moody, neon-drenched thrill ride. Then there is Point Break; technically, there isn’t a full-fledged romance here, but we must all accept that Patrick Swayze is Keanu Reeves’ greatest romantic screen partner because Utah and Bodhi were meant to be.

Lastly, can we really brush on this topic without acknowledging The Bodyguard? The experience of shooting this movie with Whitney Houston still resonates with Kevin Costner to this day. So, you just have to watch it.

Galentine’s

It might be Valentine’s Day but not everyone is a couple, and the kind of love that is needed is the good few girlfriends that ride or die. So, pull up to your favourite restaurant, get some takeout (tip well; life is hard for everyone), swing past your go-to shop for your favourite sweets and drinks, then promptly return home to get into these ideal Galentine’s features by yourself or with your girls.

At the top of the list will have to be One of Them Days, the hilarious buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA. 2023’s Joy Ride is a hilarious romp that serves up some good old-fashioned drama about identity and family.

Waiting to Exhale is a ’90s classic featuring some of the pillars of Black entertainment: Loretta Devine, Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and the late great Whitney Houston. A time like this requires good, hearty laughs, so Bridesmaids, Girls Trip, The Heat, Mean Girls and Legally Blonde are a given.

If you are in the mood for some anxiety-inducing Galentine flicks, Hustlers and A Simple Favor are the best bet, with the latter’s sequel releasing imminently.

Period Drama Romances

It is diving into the romantic rabbit hole of romance cinema, complete without the chest-heaving, drama and angst of period drama. The popularity of the likes proves that we are craving the elaborate costuming, detailed set designs and lyrical language of the overly romanticized past, particularly the Austen-esque era of Regency romance.

The classic go-to for getting into the feels is the Keira Knightley-led classic Pride & Prejudice, but when you jump into this, you have to give Mr. Malcolm’s List a go, a Regency-era romance made infinitely more spectacular by the diverse and vibrant cast led by Freida Pinto and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù.

Sticking with Austen herself, the recent adaptation of Emma. is a stunner, and Love & Friendship is immensely entertaining. And no true fan would ever miss the chance to revisit the endearing Austenland and contemporary adaptations like Bridget Jones’ Diary and Clueless. Austen’s stories have their appeal and are usually geared towards a certain audience, but there is nothing more thrilling when her influence crosses into other communities and gets gems like Fire Island from rising stars Andrew Ahn and Joel Kim Booster.

The list of Austen-inspired works and adaptations can go on and on, but be sure to leave Netflix’s Persuasion off the list. Trust me.

Golden Age of Hollywood Romances

The films of the golden age of Hollywood heavily revolved around romance, and you can’t go wrong going down memory lane and enjoying the dramatic, highly-curated, and sometimes overly sterilized melodramas and romantic comedies from the ’40s and ’50s. TCM and Criterion Channel will come in handy for this category. If you are in the mood for the epic love stories, Casablanca, A Star is Born, and An Affair To Remember.

The classic rom-coms everyone has to try are His Girl Friday, The Philadelphia Story, It Happened One Night, and Roman Holiday, which are absolutely darling. And no one does noir better than the OGs, Double Indemnity, The Postman Always Rings Twice, and Vertigo are an excellent entry point.

Whatever you are craving, the roughly three decades of classic cinema is home to some of the finest actors to walk this planet and romantic features that help shape the genre to this day.

Rapid Fire

There are sooo many directions to follow when looking for romances to indulge in for Valentine’s Day or any time of the year because romance isn’t a genre bound by a calendar day. The article hasn’t scratched the surface, but let’s get into the rapid-fire paragraph covering the range of subgenres and themes under the romance umbrella.

Want to give the gothic romance a try? Any adaptation of Jane Eyre, Hitchcock’s Rebecca, or Guillermo Del Toro’s Crimson Peak is a must.

Do you get a kick out of the enemies-to-lovers trope? Red, White and Royal Blue was an adorable flick, and How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days and Set It Up are fun picks.

Finally, another favourite of mine is the messy love triangle. At the top of the options are Challengers, which are truly entertaining adventures. Then there are Reality Bites, The Half of It, and My Best Friend’s Wedding. 

The month of February is a great excuse to explore the romance genre, and often derided and disrespected genre, but it is a vast space within cinema with many subgenres and tropes that constantly keep it alive and innovative.