Romantic comedies hold a special place in Hollywood. It is the subtle changes in each movie that keep them from dying. Whether it is flamboyant best friends, shameful reveals of truth or the chase scene at the end, viewers are either glued to their seats or already changing the channel. For some though, an argument could be made about repetitive storylines being beat to death over the test of time. Here is a further look into how the archetypal rom-coms’ family and relationship values have developed over time to fit a more modern world.

Starting in the 60s, “The Graduate” (1967) features more explicit content than what was previously in romantic comedies. In past years, romantic comedies focused on ideas of marriage; however, in “The Graduate”, the protagonist falls for the daughter of his lover which some may see as morally wrong. The act of unloyalty completely contrasts with the values from years before where this concept would not be present. This sparks the shift in rom-coms, going from the ideals of marriage to dating your lover’s daughter..

This next movie from the 80s was “When Harry Met Sally” (1989). Throughout the movie, the question of whether friendships between men and women are possible is discussed. The power of physical relationships over emotional relationships is revealed, and the values of this idea are very different from the past. Addressing the idea that some urges are impossible to resist, the values presented in romantic comedies further develop. Writers show that some relationships do not  stem from emotions, but they are purely physical.

Newer movies include “The Proposal” (2009) and “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018). In “The Proposal”, Margaret Tate, played by Sandra Bullock, fakes a marriage with her assistant to avoid deportation. Unsurprisingly though, the two fall in love. This relationship stems from practicality as Tate needs to fool the law. Love went from being portrayed as a physical connection to a ruse formed out of necessity.

In “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) a different dynamic is seen where both characters love each other from the beginning, but family values stand as an obstacle. The old values of putting family over everything keep this rom-com in the limelight. Bringing romantic comedies into a contemporary world while also taking them to the past, increasing the interest from audiences as movies grow more relatable.

While sometimes romantic comedies choose to follow what is modern, they continually shift by contradicting the norm as well. Through this idea, the romantic comedy is kept alive over time.. As the genre changes, people expect society’s ideas about love to develop as well. Often times people take what is on television and subconsciously let it manifest in their lives. The values that newer romantic comedies present will continue to keep this genre alive.