Characters in films, especially romantic comedies, often don't have enough time to meet and develop relationships naturally. Hence they often meet under awkward or unusual circumstances, which lead to the inevitable romance.
The meet-cute is a contrivance used by film-makers to pull two character together into a romantic relationship much more quickly than normally occurs in reality. It also makes the initial meeting spontaneous and exciting, giving the film a boost in pacing.
Although circumstances of the meet-cute are contrived, a good use of the trope will try to make the meeting feel authentic and spontaneous.
| 1998 | The Truman Show | ||
| 1995 | Hackers | ||
| 1992 | Mississippi Masala | ||
| 1989 | Henry V | ||
| 1970 | Beyond the Valley of the Dolls | ||
| 1963 | The Birds | ||
| 1961 | 101 Dalmatians | ||
| 1952 | Singin' in the Rain | ||
| 1945 | Christmas in Connecticut | ||
| 1941 | The Lady Eve |
|
|
| 1938 | Bluebeard's Eighth Wife | ||
| 1938 | Bringing up Baby | ||
| 1936 | Mr. Deeds Goes to Town | ||
| 1934 | It Happened One Night |
|
|
| Smallville | |||
| Coupling | |||
| Farscape | |||
| Stargate SG-1 | |||
| Sailor Moon | |||
| Friends | |||
| Bewitched |
|
||