As a screenwriter, crafting a memorable meet cute scene is one of the most important and challenging aspects of writing a romantic story. The meet cute sets the tone for the rest of the film, and it’s often what audiences remember most. From the classic bumping-into-each-other scenario to more unconventional approaches, there are countless ways to make your meet cute unforgettable. In this post, we’ll explore ten creative meet cute ideas that will help you set your screenplay apart and leave your audience swooning. So grab a notebook and get ready to jot down some inspiration for your next romantic comedy or drama.
Meet Cute Ideas: What Makes a Good Meet Cute?
A good meet-cute is a scene or scenario in which the two romantic leads first meet and sparks fly between them. It’s a moment that sets the stage for their relationship and captures the audience’s attention. A memorable meet-cute is one that is unique, memorable, and feels organic to the characters and the story. Some elements that can contribute to a good meet-cute include humor, tension, chemistry between the characters, and an unexpected or creative setting. Ultimately, a good meet-cute is one that makes the audience root for the characters and invest in their journey together.
Meet Cute Ideas: What is a Typical Meet Cute?
A meet-cute is a crucial element of the story as it sets the tone for their relationship and determines how the audience perceives them. The term “meet-cute” was coined by screenwriters to describe a scene that is both cute and funny, and that starts a romantic connection between the characters.
A common trope in meet-cutes is the accidental or unexpected encounter. This can range from bumping into each other on the street to being trapped in an elevator together. The awkwardness or tension of the situation creates an opportunity for the characters to get to know each other and sets the stage for their relationship.
Another typical meet-cute scenario is the “opposites attract” trope. This often involves two characters from different backgrounds or with opposing personalities. The contrast between them creates an interesting dynamic and tension that can lead to a romantic connection. For example, a nerdy scientist and a free-spirited artist might meet in a coffee shop and bond over their love of books and music.
A third common meet-cute is the “rescue” scenario. This typically involves one character coming to the aid of the other in a moment of crisis. For example, a firefighter rescuing a woman from a burning building or a lifeguard saving a swimmer from drowning. The heroic act can create a sense of gratitude and admiration that can develop into a romantic connection.
In some cases, a meet-cute can be a more subtle or understated moment. For example, two characters might meet in a library and strike up a conversation over a shared interest in a book. The connection between them is more intellectual and emotional than physical, but it still sets the stage for a romantic relationship.
In recent years, meet-cutes have become more diverse and inclusive, with a greater representation of LGBTQ+ and BIPOC characters. This has led to more unconventional and creative meet-cutes that challenge traditional tropes and expectations. For example, a meet-cute between two women might involve bonding over their shared experience of sexism in the workplace, while a meet-cute between two men might involve a dance competition in a nightclub.
10 Meet Cute Ideas
- The Coffee Shop Connection
The classic coffee shop setting can be the perfect backdrop for a meet-cute. Imagine two characters who frequent the same coffee shop, but have never met before. One day, they happen to order the same drink, sparking a conversation about their mutual love for caffeine. They bond over their shared interest and the coffee shop becomes their regular meeting place.
- The Bookstore Encounter
Another classic setting for a meet-cute is a bookstore. Two characters might reach for the same book on a shelf, leading to a conversation about their favorite authors or genres. Alternatively, one character might be working at the bookstore and offer a recommendation to the other. They bond over their love of books and literature, and the bookstore becomes their special place.
- The Airport Mishap
An airport can be a chaotic and stressful place, but it can also be the setting for a memorable meet-cute. Imagine two characters who accidentally swap their luggage, leading to a comedic and chaotic exchange. They end up spending hours together as they try to track down their bags and their connection deepens as they share stories and experiences.
- The Dog Park Connection
For animal lovers, a dog park can be the perfect place to meet someone special. Imagine two characters whose dogs become fast friends, leading to a conversation about their pets and their lives. They bond over their shared love for animals and the dog park becomes their regular meeting place.
- The Accidental Date
What happens when two characters accidentally end up on a date? Imagine a scenario where one character thinks they are meeting a friend, while the other thinks they are meeting a blind date. They end up at the same restaurant and sparks fly as they navigate the confusion and awkwardness of the situation.
- The Adventure Buddies
Imagine two characters who meet while on an adventure or trip. They might be hiking in the mountains, exploring a new city, or on a road trip. They bond over their shared experiences and their sense of adventure, and their connection deepens as they explore the world together.
- The Workplace Romance
A workplace can be a common setting for a meet-cute. Two characters might work in the same office or on the same project, but have never really spoken before. They might bond over a shared frustration or interest in their work, or connect over a project they are working on together. The workplace becomes their regular meeting place, and their connection deepens as they get to know each other better.
- The Music Connection
Music can be a powerful way to bring people together. Imagine two characters who meet at a music festival or concert. They bond over a shared love for a particular artist or genre, and their connection deepens as they dance and sing together.
- The Social Media Connection
In the age of social media, a meet-cute can happen online. Imagine two characters who connect on a dating app or social media platform. They might bond over a shared interest or hobby, and their connection deepens as they message back and forth.
- The Unconventional Meet-Cute
Finally, a meet-cute doesn’t have to be conventional to be memorable. It could involve a character saving the other from a quirky situation, or a chance encounter on a street corner. Whatever the scenario, the most important thing is that it feels organic to the story and captures the audience’s attention.
Meet Cute Ideas: Examples of Iconic Meet-Cutes in Film and TV
There are countless examples of iconic meet-cutes in film and TV, but some stand out as particularly memorable and beloved by audiences. Here are six examples of meet-cutes that have left a lasting impression on viewers:
- When Harry Met Sally (1989) The opening scene of “When Harry Met Sally” is one of the most iconic meet-cutes in film history. Harry and Sally meet for the first time as they share a car ride from Chicago to New York. Their conversation is initially awkward and stilted, but they gradually warm up to each other as they debate the nature of relationships and men and women’s ability to be just friends.
- The Princess Bride (1987) In “The Princess Bride,” Westley and Buttercup’s meet-cute is simple but charming. As they walk through the fields, Westley asks if he can help her with anything, to which Buttercup replies, “As you wish.” It’s not until later that she realizes that “as you wish” is Westley’s way of saying “I love you.”
- Notting Hill (1999) In “Notting Hill,” William and Anna meet when Anna, a famous actress, wanders into William’s bookshop. She accidentally spills orange juice on a book and William offers to help her clean it up. As they chat, William realizes who Anna is and is completely starstruck.
- 500 Days of Summer (2009) “500 Days of Summer” plays with the meet-cute trope by showing two versions of how the main characters, Tom and Summer, meet. In one version, they have a typical romantic comedy meet-cute in an elevator. In the other version, they meet at work in a less-than-romantic way. The film uses this device to explore the idea of how we romanticize certain moments in our lives.
- Friends (1994-2004) In the pilot episode of “Friends,” Rachel bursts into Central Perk, the coffee shop where the characters often hang out. She’s wearing a wedding dress and has just left her fiancé at the altar. Ross, who has been in love with Rachel since high school, is there to comfort her. The scene sets up their will-they-won’t-they dynamic that lasts throughout the series.
- La La Land (2016) “La La Land” pays homage to classic Hollywood musicals, and the meet-cute between the two leads, Mia and Sebastian, is no exception. They first see each other in a traffic jam on the Los Angeles freeway, and then have a chance encounter later that evening at a jazz club. They sing and dance together, and the chemistry between them is palpable.
Meet Cute Ideas: How to Subvert the Meet-Cute Trope
While the meet-cute is a classic romantic comedy trope, it’s possible for screenwriters to subvert expectations and play with the format in interesting ways. One way to subvert the meet-cute trope is to reverse the typical power dynamic between the two characters. Instead of having the male character sweep the female character off her feet, for example, the female character could be the one in control. This can add an interesting twist to the story and challenge traditional gender roles.
Rather than having the meet-cute be a smooth, effortless interaction, writers can make it awkward or uncomfortable. The two characters could have a misunderstanding or get off on the wrong foot, or one of them could be having a bad day and not be in the mood for flirting. This can add realism to the scene and make the eventual romance more satisfying.
Not every meet-cute has to be the beginning of a grand romance. Writers can subvert the trope by having the two characters meet in a non-romantic context, such as at work or through a mutual friend. Or, the characters could meet and realize that they’re not attracted to each other at all. This can be a refreshing change of pace from the typical romantic comedy formula.
A meet-ugly is a variation on the meet-cute where the characters meet in a less-than-romantic setting or under less-than-ideal circumstances. For example, they could meet when one of them accidentally hits the other with their car, or when they both reach for the last item on a store shelf. This can add humor to the scene and make the eventual romance more satisfying.
Sometimes, the meet-cute can be a non-event that is overshadowed by later events in the story. For example, the characters could meet in passing and barely acknowledge each other, only to have a more meaningful interaction later on. This can build suspense and keep the audience guessing about when the two characters will finally get together.
Finally, writers can use the meet-cute to set up a twist or surprise later in the story. For example, the characters could meet and have a seemingly perfect interaction, only for it to be revealed that one of them is already in a committed relationship. This can add complexity and nuance to the story and keep the audience engaged.
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