Have you ever let your mind wander, imagining yourself in the Miguel de Benavides Library while your fingers brush through someone else’s as you both reach for the same book? Or picture yourself strolling along Lover’s Lane, secretly hoping life might throw you into a meet-cute straight out of a rom-com scene?

Amid the whirlwind of university chaos, there is something irresistible about romanticizing those little moments on campus—the fleeting hope of meeting the one most unexpectedly. Sure, it’s a bit cliché, maybe even corny, but who among us hasn’t slipped into the shoes of a hopeless romantic?

It is almost impossible not to daydream about these scenarios, especially when romantic comedies in movies have planted such ideas firmly in our heads. While we may look at how predictable they can be, there is no denying that rom-com tropes can turn ordinary moments into something magical.

But what are rom-com tropes anyway?

In simple terms, a romance trope is a familiar theme, character, or plot device used so often that it's almost become a staple in the genre. Whether it’s the “opposites attract” dynamic or the “star-crossed lovers” scenario, these tropes work because they tap into universal emotions and experiences. While many romcoms stick to their signature tropes, it’s worth noting that these tropes often mix and match, creating even more possibilities.

Friends-to-lovers

(Photo from 13 Going on 30 (2004))

The friends-to-lovers trope is a timeless favorite due to its relatable charm. At its core, the friends-to-lovers trope delves into the subtle shift from platonic to romantic feelings. It’s about the moment when the familiarity of friendship transforms into something deeper and more intimate. The characters slowly realize that the person who’s always been by their side might be the one they have been searching for all along.

13 Going on 30 (2004), one of the standout romcoms of the early 2000s, captures the magic of the friends-to-lovers trope perfectly through Jenna and Matt, whose childhood bond evolves into something deeper as they reconnect later in life. Similarly, films like Clueless (1995) and When Harry Met Sally (1989) are prime examples of how love can quietly sneak up on you, often hiding in plain sight. Whether it’s Cher’s realization about Josh or Harry and Sally’s slow burn from friendship to romance, it showcases that sometimes the best love stories are the ones that evolve naturally over time.

Enemies-to-lovers

(Photo from You’ve Got Mail (1998))

The enemies-to-lovers trope has cemented its place as a beloved staple in romantic comedies, and for good reason. This trope thrives on the tension it builds between two characters, driven by comic misunderstandings, fiery chemistry, and witty banter. According to romcom researcher Alexia Bowler, it’s this dynamic that keeps the audience hooked as the initial animosity slowly gives way to affection and emotional evolution.

It Happened One Night (1934), a classic that helped define romantic comedies, set the standard with its story of a spoiled heiress and a cynical reporter whose bickering on a cross-country journey turns into undeniable romance. In 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Kat and Patrick’s verbal sparring and reluctant partnership evolve into a heartfelt connection, proving that love can be found amid a wager. Even in You’ve Got Mail (1998), the unlikely romance between two rival bookstore owners engaging in a battle of wits proves that love can grow even between rivals, turning their conflict into something more.

Meet-Cute

(Photo from Before Sunrise (1995))

Picture this: two strangers cross paths most unexpectedly, and in that moment, sparks fly. That’s the magic of the meet-cute trope, where love begins with a chance encounter. Meet cutes are the quintessential spark that brings two leads together. Whether it’s an accidental shoulder bump, an exchange of witty banter, or even love at first sight, these moments lay the groundwork for the romance to come.

Before Sunrise (1995) epitomizes this as Jesse and Céline initiate a conversation on a train, leading to a single night in Vienna that feels both fleeting and eternal. In Notting Hill (1999), a fateful spill of orange juice brings a humble bookstore owner and a global movie star together. Meanwhile, 500 Days of Summer (2009) turns the trope on its head when Tom and Summer connect over their shared love of The Smiths, with the infamous “I love The Smiths” line showcasing how the simplest conversations can spark something extraordinary.

The makeover

(Photo from The Princess Diaries (2001))

What is it about a good makeover scene that keeps us glued to the screen? From clumsy, nerdy teens becoming royalty to shy girls blossoming into confident women, the makeover trope has long been a staple of rom-coms. The trope revolves around physical transformation as a catalyst for growth, though it is often critiqued for reinforcing beauty standards and implying that self-worth starts with appearances.

Films like The Princess Diaries (2001) embody this perfectly, where Mia Thermopolis’ journey from a frizzy-haired, awkward teenager is swapped for a refined princess with the help of a stylist and a team of experts. In Crazy Little Thing Called Love (2010), Nam’s transformation from a nerdy high schooler to a confident young woman makes her the object of affection, ultimately impacting her social standing. Meanwhile, Funny Face (1957) brings in the fashion world, where Jo Stockton’s makeover changes her wardrobe and totally reinvents her identity as she transforms from a shy bookstore clerk into a glamorous fashion model.

Star-crossed lovers

(Photo from Roman Holiday (1953))

What happens when love feels destined yet impossible, where the universe seems to conspire against two hearts trying to beat as one? That’s the essence of the star-crossed lovers trope, where forces beyond the couple’s control define romances. Generally more associated with tragic and dramatic romance, the idea of star-crossed lovers often includes obstacles that keep the couple apart. Still, it somehow ends on an emotional and hopeful note.

La La Land (2016) captures this heartbreakingly as Sebastian and Mia’s dreams ultimately lead them down separate paths, showing that love does not always align with ambition. In a classic like Roman Holiday (1953), a princess and a reporter share a fleeting romance in the streets of Rome. Despite their affection for each other, their love is doomed because their worlds are too different. Another classic, Casablanca (1942), is a perfect example where the relationship between Rick and Ilsa is marked by tragic timing and external forces beyond their control, which makes their love feel destined to fail. In A Walk to Remember (2002), Jamie and Landon’s love is thwarted not by societal expectations or familial conflicts but by Jamie’s terminal illness. The tragic fate of their relationship fits perfectly with the trope’s theme of inevitable separation.

With Valentine’s Day upon us, it’s hard not to get caught up in the magic of romcom tropes that have become the backbone of many romantic films. Whether it’s a quirky meet-cute, a slow-burn friends-to-lovers story, or a relationship doomed by circumstances, these tropes never fail to pull at our heartstrings.

And the beauty of it all is how they show us that love doesn’t always follow a straight path; it’s often messy, complicated, and full of surprises. These tropes remind us that even in the most unlikely situations, love can bloom, leaving us hopeful that maybe, just maybe, life has a little romantic twist in store for us, too.