‍How Gen Z Is Finding Comfort in Romcom Soundtracks

Gen Z, the generation that grew up with Bieber fever, Kesha’s “TiK ToK,” and the bittersweet echoes of Post Malone’s “Congratulations” at their senior proms, is now redefining music consumption with a heavy dose of nostalgia. Despite being born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, they’re drawn to the dreamy, romantic atmosphere of early 2000s romcoms—a simpler time they never lived through but long for.

TikTok is filled with videos that romanticize early 2000s city life, channeling the vibes of characters like Jenna Rink from 13 Going on 30 (2004) and Andy Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada (2006). For Gen Z, these scenes conjure a romanticized aesthetic—navigating city life with a mediocre dating scene and a low-paying 9-to-5 job, or savoring moments like the smell of cinnamon in the air, stopping by Barnes & Noble in the rain, and still making plans to meet friends for dinner. These associations paint a nostalgic, almost cinematic view of everyday life. These posts are often paired with tracks from famous romantic comedies or songs that evoke similar feelings. Norah Jones's "Don’t Know Why" is a prime example, with hashtags like #RomanticizeYourLife (330.2K posts), #Early2000s (207.8K), and #2000sNostalgia (89K), gaining massive traction on TikTok. This smooth, jazz-inflected ballad, with Jones's emotive vocals conveying longing and uncertainty, is perfect for a rom-com scene where the protagonist wanders through a rainy city, lost in memories and searching for answers.

Spotify has even leaned into this trend with a playlist called “Romcom,” filled with nostalgic tracks like Corrine Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On,” JoJo’s “Too Little Too Late,” and even newer hits like Maggie Rogers’ “Light On.” The playlist's cover currently features Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline from the film French Kiss (1995) and used to feature other power couples from films and pop culture, such as Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, and Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell from the film Anyone But You (2024). While Sweeny and Powell are not artists, and romcoms aren't technically a music genre, the playlist creator taps into how our music choices are shaped by the memories, emotions, and contexts we associate with certain songs. Similarly, numerous UGC playlists (curated by users rather than by the platform's editorial team or algorithms) with titles like “Living in a 2000s Romcom” and “Romcom Main Character Morning Routine” echo this nostalgic sentiment.

Gen Z, raised amid the 2008 financial crisis, a global pandemic, and severe wealth inequality and inflation, turns to rom-com music as a doorway to the simplicity of the past. Today’s reality clashes with the idealized worlds depicted in these films, and social media, with its curated depictions of life, only intensifies this disconnect. Take, for instance, the eternally optimistic Tom Hansen from 500 Days of Summer (2009), who comfortably works designing greeting cards and still manages to afford a trendy apartment in Los Angeles. This idealized version of life only heightens Gen Z's disillusionment, leaving them feeling short-changed by the stark contrast with their modern reality. It makes sense that “Don’t Know Why” has become a sound for the underconsumption trend, emphasizing sustainable living and making do  with what you have.

This yearning for nostalgia influences Gen Z’s  music preferences and online behavior as they navigate an era of economic and social uncertainty. Their dissatisfaction is evident in everything from nostalgic slideshows of old Olive Garden restaurants to vintage house designs and even extends to nightlife. Raised on party-centric pop culture and the sounds of recession pop, they now express their disappointment with today’s club scene, seeking comfort and community in the past.

The industry has already been capitalizing on this wave of nostalgia. Natasha Bedingfield’s “Unwritten” plays a pivotal role in the Anyone But You plot, perfectly capturing the early 2000s vibe. The track, which famously featured in movies like Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2005) and Ice Princess (2005) and even in a Pantene commercial, taps into the collective memory of that era. Whether intentional or not, including it in the film is a clever nod to its popularity among Gen Z. This same nostalgic pull might have led to similar results in other tracks that bring back memories of early 2000s pop culture and the world of rom-com.

Beyond movie syncs, the trend extends to how artists are crafting their music and visuals to resonate with this nostalgic wave. Olivia Rodrigo's music is often said to capture the emotional intensity and nostalgia of early 2000s rom com soundtracks, making her music feel deeply connected to those cinematic moments. Her lyrics about love and heartbreak echo the themes that define the genre as if they were lifted straight from a romcom starring Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon. Even in 2019, Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” music video paid homage to the iconic rom coms she grew up with.

Yet yearning for simpler times and helping fans navigate today's challenges can be as simple as embracing a back-to-basics mindset without leaning on romcom music or other pop culture references. For example, Charli XCX's "brat summer" concept embodies this, urging fans to adopt a carefree attitude—think white tank tops and BIC lighters. On a different note, Tyler, The Creator advocates for living in the moment, exemplified by his 2024 Coachella billboard that reads, “I would love to see y’all faces and not your phone lights.” Similarly, artists like Billie Eilish have embraced minimalism, often performing in simple, intimate settings focusing on raw emotion rather than flashy production.

As Gen Z navigates a complex world, their longing for the simplicity and comfort of early 2000s rom coms offers a nostalgic escape. However, authenticity is key for those looking to capitalize on this trend. Fans have always been attracted to authenticity, and now, more than ever, they can quickly discern the genuine from the contrived. The key is to keep it real and avoid overdoing it—after all, this generation values genuine connection and won’t hesitate to call you out.

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