In honor of February, the month of love, I'm going to spotlight three memorable couples who embody popular romantic tropes from Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMS). These individuals were friends, enemies, or strangers, before they fell in love, due to their unfortunate circumstances.

Disney frequently employs well-known tropes in its shows and movies to captivate audiences. Tropes, common storytelling devices, propel plots forward through repetition. Examples include the "boy or girl next door," "forbidden lover," "enemies to lovers," and "fake dating" scenarios. Viewers often encounter these tropes without consciously recognizing them, having been exposed to them in literature during their formative years.

Geek Charming - the nerd and the popular (opposites attract)

Geek Charming follows the journey of Josh, a film enthusiast, and Dylan, a popular girl, as they join forces for a film contest and a school campaign. Despite their contrasting social circles, an unexpected bond forms between them. Initially viewing Dylan as merely a subject for his film, Josh finds himself calling her his friend and gradually developing genuine feelings for her as they spend more time together. However, their budding romance faces hurdles when Josh's neglect of his friends causes conflicts, forcing him to confront his true emotions for Dylan during a pivotal film festival screening.

The friends-to-lovers trope depicted in "Geek Charming" resonates strongly with the dynamics often seen in young adult and high school settings. These relationships frequently emerge within the confines of a social hierarchy where stereotypes, jealousy, and societal expectations play significant roles. In the microcosm of high school life, these dynamics are heightened with individuals navigating the complexities of peer perception and personal connection. As such, stories like Dylan and Josh's offer a relatable reflection of the tumultuous journey from friendship to romance that many encounter during their formative years.

StarStruck - the celebrity and the ordinary girl (star-crossed lovers)

Starstruck is about Jessica Olsen, an introverted Michigan high school student visiting her grandmother in Los Angeles. Uninterested in celebrity culture, she reluctantly accompanies her sister to a club to see teen heartthrob Christopher Wilde. When they unexpectedly meet at a backstage door, Christopher drives Jessica around L.A. to avoid the paparazzi, leading to an unlikely friendship. As they bond, Christopher develops feelings for Jessica but ultimately decides to leave her at a beach alone at the end of the adventure to protect her from the spotlight. Jessica even calls Christopher a friend at one point in the movie, denying the fact that she used to hate celebrities before she met him. Even his manager, parents, and best friend, Stubby, see the friendship form between him and Jessica. In the end, Christopher eventually decides to forfeit the rules of his music and acting career for her. He knows that the rules set by his parents and the industry execs are keeping him from being a normal teenager.

The term 'star-crossed lovers' refers to two individuals whose deep connection is hindered by external circumstances or conflicts, preventing them from being together. Typically, this narrative involves a tragic element where one or both characters must make sacrifices for their love. A classic example is found in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, where the titular characters' love is thwarted by familial feuds. Similarly, in Starstruck, Jessica's initial indifference to Christopher's fame transforms as she gets to know him authentically during their adventure, echoing the theme of star-crossed lovers navigating barriers to be together.

Z-O-M-B-I-E-S - interspecies relationship

Z-O-M-B-I-E-S, a relatively recent addition to the Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOM), features an interspecies relationship. An Interspecies relationship is a bond between two species where one of them has a benefit or advantage against the other's ecosystem. At its core, the film presents a timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, weaving together elements of romance, friendship, and the triumph of acceptance over prejudice.

Centered around the protagonist, Zed Necropolis, a young and ambitious zombie harboring dreams of football glory despite his undead status, the narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a seemingly insurmountable divide between the living and the dead. In stark contrast stands Addison Wells, a spirited human, and member of her school's cheerleading squad, whose path intertwines with Zed's in an unexpected twist of fate in their community

As their bond deepens, transcending the barriers of their disparate worlds, Zed and Addison traverse a journey marked by shared passions and mutual support systems. Beyond mere camaraderie, they evolve into indispensable allies, lending strength to one another not only as singing partners and athletes but also as soulmates navigating the complexities of adolescence. Yet, amidst the backdrop of newfound companionship and burgeoning romance, Z-O-M-B-I-E-S skillfully addresses themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to defy societal norms.

In Disney Channel content, the friends-to-lovers theme is prevalent across movies and TV shows, aligning with Disney's aim to engage younger audiences with diverse storytelling. This trope is a cornerstone in almost every young adult book and film in Disney's repertoire, often appearing as a subplot or source of conflict, enriching the narratives. By using this trope, Disney effectively connects with viewers emotionally, creating a family-friendly atmosphere that resonates deeply. This demonstrates Disney's commitment to diverse storytelling and its ability to engage its target audience effectively.

Questions:

-What is your favorite romantic trope?

-What is your favorite Disney Channel Original Movie duo?

-What is your favorite DCOM?