By Melanie Gilbert 

It’s officially back! Rom-coms, the feel-good genre that brought us beloved movies such as Never Been Kissed and Clueless, is experiencing a resurgence–and we are here for it!   

Romantic comedies dominated the movie industry from the 80s to the early 2000s, delivering box office hits and contributing iconic phrases, words, and imagery to popular culture. This “golden age” of rom-coms offered audiences both escapism and humor, while presenting a comforting, idealized vision of love and relationships.   

In addition to lots of laughs and an endless parade of swoon-worthy moments, these stories also established enduring tropes: the plot devices, themes, or character types that quickly establish something familiar to the audience.  Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or just adore the witty banter, there’s no denying that rom-coms have a formula that keeps us coming back for more. So, in honor of the most romantic day of the year, let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day by breaking down some of the most beloved rom-com tropes…and guide you to some of our favorites this month on UPtv! 

THE MEET-CUTE
If you’re a fan of movies, you’ve likely heard this term before. A “meet-cute” is the delightfully awkward or unexpected moment when the romantic leads first cross paths, often under amusing or chaotic circumstances.  Think of Jonathan and Sara both reaching for the same pair of gloves at the beginning of Serendipity.  It’s a classic “meant to be” moment, with a touch of fate thrown in for good measure. 

Why We ♥️ It:  A great meet-cute sets the tone for the whole romance, giving us instant chemistry, friction, and humor. The more ridiculous the situation, the more we root for the couple to overcome it. 

UPtv Pick: 

The Attraction Test – Acclaimed college professor Tara is set to unveil her groundbreaking study which promises to ignite love between strangers. However, her launch is thrown into turmoil when a handsome skeptic publicly challenges her—live on stage—for never taking the test herself. Despite her vow to never fall in love again, she agrees to put her own experiment to the test. 

ENEMIES TO LOVERS
Two people who seemingly can’t stand each other slowly (or sometimes suddenly) realize they’re madly in love.  From sparring journalists in the classic His Girl Friday, to the modern-day snark of 10 Things I Hate About You, this trope delivers plenty of banter before the inevitable grand romantic gesture. 

Why We ♥️ It: There’s nothing quite as satisfying as watching two characters who claim to hate each other slowly let their guards down. The witty insults, the simmering tension—it’s all part of the delicious slow burn. 

UPtv Pick:  

Love in Harmony Valley  – Emma has anxiously waited to reunite with her best friend Tracey who’s been recovering after a serious accident. But Will, Tracey’s brother, won’t allow it as he blames her for the accident. When forced to work together to better their community, can Will and Emma learn to respect each other?

THE FAKE RELATIONSHIP
Remember The Proposal, where Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds’ characters fake an engagement to avoid deportation.  In this comedy of errors, two people pretend to be in a relationship for personal gain—only to end up catching real feelings. 

Why We ♥️ It: The personality clashes, the staged affection, the inevitable moment when one (or both) realizes they’re in too deep—it’s a recipe for hilarious misunderstandings and heartfelt confessions. 

UPtv Pick: 

The Engagement Back-Up – When historian Luna is entrusted with the legacy of her late father’s museum, she pretends that she’s engaged to Jackson, the infamous son of a tech mogul, in order to save it. As she discovers that there’s actually more to Jackson, will she broaden her romantic horizons as well as her professional ones?

THE MAKEOVER GLOW-UP
Who doesn’t love a makeover? One character undergoes a physical transformation that suddenly makes them “dateable,” even though their personality was great all along. We all remember the moment Laney Boggs took off her glasses in She’s All That or when Princess Mia received the royal treatment in The Princess Diaries. 

Why We ♥️ It:   While slightly ridiculous (was she really undateable just because of messy hair?), this trope taps into the fantasy of an external glow-up leading to internal confidence. Plus, it’s fun watching love interests kick themselves for not noticing sooner.  This theme reinforces an eternal truth: it’s what’s on the inside that really counts. 

UPtv Pick: 

Blueprint to the Heart – After her ratings dip, the talented host of a high-end renovation television show is forced to change her show format to include life makeovers as well. However, when she tries to upscale the handsome and down-to-earth subject of her first episode, she must choose between chasing ratings or following her heart. 

FORCED PROXIMITY 

“Forced proximity” is a classic—and often hilarious—rom-com trope in which characters who are initially antagonistic, indifferent, or simply strangers are thrust into a confined space or situation, compelling them to interact. Surprise! They develop feelings for each other. Maybe they’re stranded due to bad weather or stuck on an unexpected road trip together. Think back to While You Were Sleeping, where Lucy pretends to be engaged to a comatose man and, in the process, spends significant time with his family—creating inevitable closeness with his charming brother, Jack. 

Why We ♥️ It:  Forced proximity is a powerful tool for accelerating a relationship arc, fostering witty dialogue, awkward encounters, and the gradual reveal of hidden depths. It chips away at initial perceptions, allowing a deeper connection to form—often against the characters’ wishes. This trope reliably creates conflict and forces characters to confront their prejudices or misconceptions, making it a recipe for romantic comedy gold. 

UPtv Pick:  

The Princess and the Bodyguard – On her 35th birthday, Lexi is told she must give up her normal life in New York City and take her rightful place as a royal princess. She now has two weeks to find a suitable date for the royal gala under the watchful eye of her handsome but infuriating bodyguard, Noah.

OPPOSITES ATTRACT
Two characters with completely different personalities, lifestyles, or worldviews fall in love despite—or because of—their differences.  Who can forget when Julia Roberts’ free-spirited Maggie meets Richard Gere’s reserved businessman in Runaway Bride, and how Meg Ryan’s meticulous Sally clashes with Billy Crystal’s laid-back Harry in When Harry Met Sally. 

Why We ♥️ It: The contrast creates endless comedic moments as the couple learns from each other, discovering unexpected common ground—and often hilarious compromises—along the way. 

UPtv Pick: 

The Cowboy and the Movie Star – When city girl and actress, Isabella, lands a dream role as a rancher, the studio sends her to live on a ranch to learn the ropes. She soon discovers the rancher, Hunter, is too busy trying to save his ranch from ruin to help make her dreams come true. Can Isabella find a way to help save the ranch and her starring role? 

Rom-coms may follow a formula, but that cozy predictability is part of why we love them! These familiar themes bring heart, humor, and just the right amount of absurdity to keep us entertained. So this Valentine’s Day, grab those chocolate-dipped strawberries, cue up your favorite movie, and enjoy the timeless charm of a rom-com. 

Join us for UPtv’s Flirty February featuring rom-coms every Saturday and Sunday in February!  

And, love is in the air all month long with February Ever After on UP Faith & Family! Celebrate the season of love with our collection of heartwarming romance movies as well as our full lineup of family-friendly movies and series. Stream anytime on UP Faith & Family. Start your 7-day free trial today. 

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Melanie Gilbert owns Choral Communications and resides in Atlanta with her husband, daughter, and two cats.