Romance

Romance film can be defined as a genre wherein the plot revolves around the love between two protagonists. This genre usually has a theme that explores an issue within love, including but not limited to: love at first sight, forbidden love, love triangles, and sacrificial love. The tone of Romance film can vary greatly. Whether the end is happy or tragic, Romance film aims to evoke strong emotions in the audience.

Romance Film examples:

Slumdog Millionaire - Knowing the girl he loves is a fan of the show, an uneducated boy becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of Who Wants to be a Millionaireto win her over.

The Notebook - An old man who visits an elderly invalid woman, reads a love story to her that centers around two lovers torn apart by life events.  

Love Actually - A look at eight very different love stories that are loosely intertwined in England during the Christmas season.

Romance Sub-genres:

Romantic Drama

Romantic Drama film is a genre that explores the complex side of love. The plot usually centers around an obstacle that is preventing love between two people. The obstacles in Romantic Drama film can range from a family's disapproval, to forbidden love, to one's own psychological restraints. Many Romantic Dramas end with the lovers separating because of the enormity of the obstacle, the realization of incompatibility, or simply because of fate.

Examples: Titanic, Breakfast at Tiffany's, An Officer and a Gentleman.

Romantic-Comedy

Romantic-Comedy is a genre that attempts to catch the viewer’s heart with the combination of love and humor. This sub-genre is light-hearted and usually places the two protagonists in humorous situation. Romantic-Comedy film revolves around a romantic ideal, such as true love. In the end the ideal triumphs over the situation or obstacle.

Examples: Roman Holiday, When Harry Met Sally, Knocked Up.