Classic examples of romantic comedies (rom-coms), like 10 Things I Hate About You (1999) and many newer movies, such as Eternity (2025), reflect the same ideals, but have changed with technology. When it comes to the newer movies, you can see the difference between the time periods, with the inclusion of phones and the change in clothing style, while the older ones picture more house parties, big hair, and older music. Though they do have differences, their themes are timeless. They all give a sense of togetherness, and the hope that love can find anyone, no matter the person. Love shows up at the most unexpected times, and it’s important to cherish it, and work through difficult times because loved ones bring light and happiness into everyone’s life. Need a rom-com to watch? Here are some popular old and new movies to enjoy!
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Older Rom-coms
“10 Things I Hate About You”
Exploring teenage love, “10 Things I Hate About You” (1999) is a classic romantic comedy. It focuses on the Stratford sisters, Kat and Bianca, who have severely contrasting personalities. Bianca, a sophomore, is very girly and popular, while Kat, a senior, is anti-social and avoidant. Joey Donner, a jock and Cameron James, a new kid, are both interested in dating Bianca, but the only setback is that Bianca’s Dad won’t allow her to date unless Kat dates. So, the boys set out to find a date for Kat so they can take Bianca out. It’s a heartfelt movie about hope and finding love in unexpected ways, with great casting and a fabulous soundtrack.
“While You Were Sleeping”
“While You Were Sleeping” (1995) is a story about family and coming together through unfortunate circumstances. Lucy Moderatz works in a ticket booth at her local train station, and every day she sees Peter Callaghan, who she dreams about marrying one day. One day, he falls onto the tracks, hits his head, and enters a coma. At the hospital, she is mistaken for his girlfriend, and is too embarrassed to tell his family the truth, so she plays along. The story is full of ups and downs and creates a feeling of love and acceptance. The movie has a theme of the importance of family and being there for each other throughout hardship.
New Rom-coms
“Eternity”
“Eternity” (2025) is a heartfelt rom-com that delves into themes of yearning, guilt, and love. In the afterlife, souls have one week to choose where and with whom they will spend eternity. The movie follows Joan, who is faced with the unfathomable decision of choosing to spend eternity with her husband of 65 years, the father of her children and the grandpa of her grandchildren, or her late husband Luke who has been waiting for her in the afterlife— for 67 years. Over the course of the week, Joan goes on dates with each husband, rekindles lost love, and strengthens existing ties. The ending will leave such a bittersweet taste in your mouth, this love story is truly one for the ages.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before”
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” (2018) follows a high school girl named Lara Jean who is utterly in love with the idea of love. With feelings pouring out of her, Lara Jean had to put pen to paper and write letters to her crushes. Things change drastically for Lara Jean when her younger sister Kitty finds her letter and sends them all out. Battling the mortification from her crushes finding out about her profound love for them, Lara Jean falls in love along the way.
