The roots of romantic drama are deeply embedded in the , which shifted theatrical focus from ancient myths and high-status royalty to the experiences of ordinary people . This era introduced "Romanticism," a movement that prioritized imagination, inner feelings, and individualism over the rigid structures of Neoclassicism.
Clinical studies suggest that watching romantic dramas can temporarily raise oxytocin levels—the "bonding hormone." In a world where actual human connection is increasingly mediated by screens, fictional romance provides a safe, low-risk space to practice empathy, process grief, and feel connection. The roots of romantic drama are deeply embedded
With the rise of the modern Rom-Com (e.g., When Harry Met Sally , Pretty Woman ), the genre shifted toward agency. Characters had to "work" for love. This aligned with the rise of self-help culture. Entertainment presented love as a problem to be solved or a transaction to be negotiated. The drama became lighter, more digestible, and highly conducive to the multiplex cinema model. With the rise of the modern Rom-Com (e