The 1980s and 1990s witnessed the emergence of more cynical and jaded portrayals of romance, as seen in films like When Harry Met Sally (1989) and Sleepless in Seattle (1993). These movies poked fun at the conventions of romantic comedy and explored the complexities of relationships in a more humorous and lighthearted way. The 1990s also saw the rise of the "meet-cute," a plot device where two characters meet in a quirky or unexpected way, often leading to a romance.