Have romantic comedies changed Brits’ expectations of real-life relationships?

A new study has revealed more than a third of Brits claim rom-coms have changed their romantic expectations, though some criticised such films for ‘unrealistic’ portrayals of love

40 per cent of Birtish adults said watching a romantic comedy left them feeling more satisfied than their partners do

A poll of 2,000 adults found just 29 per cent feel rom-coms are accurate portrayals of relationships, with 46 per cent criticising films like Notting Hill and Pretty Woman for depicting unrealistic views of what they should be like.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) have even had disagreements with a partner over situations influenced by the films, and 13 per cent admitted to cheating on a loved one because of something they saw in a romantic comedy.

While 22 per cent noticed problems in their own relationship after watching a movie, and 15 per cent even ended a relationship because of the expectations set by the film.

It also emerged 30 per cent feel pressured to change in order to fit the image of a character played by an A-list star, with 34 per cent copying or imitating the actions of characters made famous by actors such as Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts.

Behavioural psychologist and relationship expert Jo Hemming, who is working with Pluto TV, which commissioned the research to launch it’s “Bad Romance” channel, said: "It’s interesting to see how people’s favourite romantic films can reflect their relationship preferences and personality.

“It’s a great way to gain insight into what makes someone tick in love and relationships.

“There’s no doubt that we take watching our romantic movies seriously.

“With 29 per cent reporting they have quoted a classic romantic line to their own partner, and 23 per cent reporting a situation in their own life was mirrored from a scene in a movie, romantic films have a memorable and considerable influence on our relationships in many ways.

“However, while movies have a profound impact on our relationships, we must always look inward and decide what works best for us.

“So, while holding a boombox above your head blaring "In Your Eyes" or turning up unannounced at your love interest’s doorstep with 13 cue cards may seem romantic in the movies, this may not work for all relationships and problems.”

The study also found 40 per cent feel watching a romantic comedy leaves them feeling more satisfied than their partners do.

And others use them as inspiration, with 29 per cent admitting to quoting a classic romantic comedy line to their partner.

While 23 per cent claimed a situation in their own relationship was mirrored in a scene in a movie.

It also emerged Titanic, starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, topped the list of movies that had the greatest impact on real-life couples.

This was closely followed by Bridget Jones’s Diary, with Renée Zellweger and Colin Firth, and the 1980s Patrick Swayze classic Dirty Dancing.

The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 35 per cent watch romantic comedies regularly, but seven per cent admitted to changing the channel when they’re on.

Jo Hemming added: “One of the joys of romantic movies is their comfort and reassurance, and with few differing plotlines, we watch them for escapism and entertainment.

“It’s no surprise familiar and beloved blockbuster epics of years gone by, such as Bridget Jones’ Diary, Titanic, and Dirty Dancing have the most influence on our relationships.”