Everything Is (Still) Romantic
Modern Rom-Coms That Feel Like Classics
By: Ysabel Sarinas
In an age of dating apps, situationships, talking stages, and ghosting, dating and romance probably look a bit different than they did 20 years ago. As art reflects life, rom-coms were bound to shift and change in suit. We’ve seen more cynical takes on dating; protagonists that don’t “have it all together,” a prioritization of self-discovery, all befitting a generation trying to make sense of extremely turbulent times.
As a self-identified “rom-connessiour,” I am of the belief that while this new generation of romantic media may tonally and subjectively differ from the classics we’ve grown up on, we’re still in such an exciting time for rom-coms. We’re seeing projects come out that manage to capture the nostalgic “lightning in a bottle” of the early 2000s and bring it to current day. At the same time, we’re also seeing films embracing modern love and all of its roses and thorns—sardonic, self-aware, sometimes satirical. We’re simultaneously seeing both returns to form, as well as the breaking of the mold, sometimes even within the same project.
So as a part-time journalist and full-time yearn-alist, it’s my pleasure to recommend a few new-gen rom-coms that might not be on your radar just yet, but are worth adding to the watchlist.
Rye Lane (2023)
Literally putting this at the top of the list because if I want anyone to take at least one thing from this piece, it’s to watch this movie. Set over the course of one day, the film follows two freshly-brokenhearted people helping each other get back on their feet. From the banter, to the aesthetic, to the pacing; this movie is sunshine made cinematic. The chemistry in this movie is really good, I love when a couple makes me go “damn, I want what they have,” and this movie accomplishes that handedly. Overall, Rye Lane is colorful, comedic, and charming as hell—and I need more people to see it.
Plus One (2019)
This might be the oldest movie on this list, but I’m including Plus One as it was my first experience with a rom-com that felt current instead of nostalgic. Following two best friends that vow to be each other’s plus one over the course of a summer of weddings, this movie has a groundedness that makes it feel current, but not in a way that ages poorly. If you like friends-to-lovers that genuinely feels platonic initially, protagonists who are losers (affectionately), or the “wedding season” subgenre of rom-coms, this is the one.
The Threesome (2025)
Based on the title, you can probably assume that this is a “you gotta stay with me” type of recommendation. I wouldn’t even recommend watching the trailer because I personally think it gives away too much. All I will say is that the film revolves around a threesome and the aftermath of it. While you go in expecting something raunchier because of the wild premise, this movie almost gut punches you with how much softer and more nuanced it turns out to be. If you like flawed characters, frustrating situations, or just all around MESS that somehow pulls at your heart, it’s worth checking out.
The Broken Hearts Gallery (2020)
If you’re in the mood for something that’s contemporary, but feels like an early 2000s rom-com, this scratches the itch so well. Centered around a girl who creates a gallery where people can submit remnants from former relationships, this film is sweet, nostalgic, and hopeful despite its breakup-centric premise. Also, any project with Philippa Soo is at least worth the watch, and I’ve always said that.
Fire Island (2022)
One thing about me is that I will always go to bat for a Jane Austen adaptation, and this Pride and Prejudice-inspired story feels both familiar and novel (pun intended). Set on the titular island, the film follows a group of friends on their final yearly trip together. A love letter to queer joy and community helmed by some big comedic names, this movie balances the line between heartfelt and hilarious. And bonus points for the soundtrack, because this movie gave me the gift of a MUNA cover of Britney Spear’s “Sometimes,” which I blast in my car religiously.
People We Meet on Vacation (2026)
I would be remiss if I didn’t include the latest edition to the rom-con canon and the first installment of the EHCU (Emily Henry Cinematic Universe). A lot of romance readers are no stranger to Poppy and Alex, but getting to see a beloved book come to life in a new way is always at least a little bit thrilling. Beautifully shot, full of whimsy, and hopefully the beginning of a long chain of Emily Bader-helmed rom-coms a la Julia Roberts. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m gonna go start the theatre line for the Beach Read adaptation directed by Yulin Kuang—they haven’t even casted yet, but I’ll be THERE.
How we perceive or pursue love may change over the years, but telling love stories is timeless, and I’m so excited to see what the future of rom-coms has in store.