Listen up, rom-com skeptics — the phrase “chick flick” should be reserved for movies about chickens, end of story. If you’ve been living in the contemporary world, you’ve undoubtedly encountered the term “chick flick” along with its literary counterpart, “chick lit.” While these expressions may seem innocuous, they are, in fact, quite patronizing and rooted in sexism. Netflix recently highlighted the reasons why we should consider retiring the term “chick flick” in a viral Twitter thread.
Essentially, unless you’re watching a film about actual baby chickens, there’s no need to use that term. Movies typically categorized as “chick flicks” are romantic comedies, as if only people with female anatomy can appreciate romance. Should we really shame everyone for enjoying love stories? Eye roll.
Netflix makes a compelling argument here. My friend Alex, for instance, is a massive fan of The Princess Bride. He shares my admiration for Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan films and has watched Love and Basketball more times than I can count. Why? Because they are simply great films, and oddly enough, gender has nothing to do with it.
You never hear someone refer to a “man movie,” do you? Just like colors, films belong to everyone, and they shouldn’t be confined to blue and pink labels. Nobody should feel guilty about their movie preferences, especially women. Cough — WOMEN — cough.
Reflect on all the romantic comedies you’ve cherished. Do you think that Julia Roberts and Richard Gere weren’t masterfully directed in Pretty Woman and Runaway Bride? Or that we should undermine the brilliant performances of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally, a film that has entertained audiences for over three decades, simply because it’s romantic? Give me a break.
As Netflix pointed out, labeling films as “chick flicks” implies that there is something trivial about enjoying them. The same goes for the term “guilty pleasure.” Have you ever heard a man use that phrase regarding the kind of movie he enjoys? Absolutely not. But women commonly do this when discussing romantic movies or novels.
To echo Netflix’s vital message, let’s be clear: if you love something and it brings you joy — whether it’s a movie about a teenage girl writing letters to her crushes or a book about a charming carpenter swooping in to save a betrayed divorcée — there is nothing to feel guilty about.
In romance films and literature, the protagonist (often a woman) is thriving. She has friends, romance, and great adventures. Reducing these narratives to “chick flicks” and “chick lit” is just another way for societal norms to make us feel bad about enjoying happiness.
Escapism can be beautiful, especially when it leads us into worlds filled with love and joy. There is no need to apologize for that enjoyment. Just embrace it.
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In short, let’s retire the term “chick flick” and embrace the idea that all films can speak to any audience. After all, stories about love and life are universal, and everyone deserves to enjoy them without stigma.
Keyphrase: retire the term ‘chick flick’
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