Genre Research #1
My first idea for a genre to make a film opening of was a Rom-Com!
I've always loved and enjoyed romcom movies, so it was an easy first thought. The typical target audience for a movie like that would be teenagers to young adults, but are usually for everyone, having topics or humor that could be for older audiences. It really depends on which. For example, there are movies like 10 Things I hate about you and Clueless that have things teenagers would relate to. On the other hand, there are movies like Me Before You and Love Actually that have topics that take emotional maturity or experience to understand better.
Romcoms usually have two lovable leads that meet in some sort of special, bizarre way, a "meet-cute." As well as cliche elements like a comedic best friend, memorable confessions or lines, grand gestures, the building of tension, and an inevitable obstacle that the two people face that could either bring them together, or sadly tear them apart. They often fulfill a Meet-Lose-Get Back structure and a "Will They Won't They" kind of tension.
As for setting, there's no ONE place where these kinds of stories take place, it really depends on the story. If it's a plot between teenagers, the story might take place in a highschool in a small town. Or when the story surrounds adults, they might be in a city like NYC (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) or somewhere random like a Hawaiian island (50 First Dates).
Something that seems obvious but may not be is that it's vital that romcoms maintain a good balance between comedy and romance. Because we need moments that make us laugh, but also that make us swoon. And vice-versa, we want to "aw" at our televisions, but we also need a good laugh now and then to keep us interested and awake.
Lastly, lighting in romcoms is usually bright and colorful, which matches with upbeat catchy songs all throughout to keep a happy mood. Though, this isn't the case for all romcoms.
Romcoms usually follow a similar script and are marketed to be that way because it works very well. It may be predictable but that's why a lot of people like it. Some just want to watch a movie to feel good, and this is what this genre does. By incorporating familiar tropes and types of characters, romcoms lure their audience into watching something they know they'll like.
Two movies that instantly come to mind when I think of this genre are When Harry Met Sally and 27 Dresses. These movies, as discussed before, DO follow the same type of sequence in a way, but honestly that's why I like them. They're classic and rewatchable whenever I feel like I need a pick-me-up.
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1. McNutt & Partners. (2024, February 12). 6 marketing lessons to learn from a rom-com. McNutt & Partners. https://www.mcnuttpartners.com/6-marketing-lessons-to-learn-from-a-rom-com/
2. Aldredge, J. (2021, June 11). 5 genre filmmaking elements every rom-com needs. PremiumBeat. https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/rom-com-genre-filmmaking-elements/
3. Perelman, B. (2025, June 13). The 9 elements of all great rom-coms. ScreenCraft. https://screencraft.org/blog/the-9-elements-of-all-great-rom-coms/
4. Vo, A. (n.d.). The 200 best romantic comedies of all time. Rotten Tomatoes. https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/guide/best-romantic-comedies-of-all-time/
5. VanAuken, C. (2025, October 6). Film forum: Romantic comedies, a self informing, self-perpetuating genre of film. The Tartan. https://the-tartan.org/2025/10/06/film-forum-romantic-comedies-a-self-informing-self-perpetuating-genre-of-film/
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