As societal norms evolved, so did the romantic drama genre. The 1970s and 1980s saw a rise in more complex, realistic portrayals of love and relationships. Films like The English Patient (1996), Titanic (1997), and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) introduced flawed characters, non-traditional relationships, and explorations of love's darker corners. This shift towards complexity paved the way for more nuanced storytelling and character development.