Should Christians Watch Rom-Coms? A Biblical Perspective
With the rise of shows like The Summer I Turned Pretty, a question I keep seeing pop up in Christian spaces is : Should Christians watch rom-coms?
I recently watched a really thoughtful video by Jeremy Johannes that raised some important points on this topic. I’d highly recommend checking out his video as well (and tell him I said hi 😉). His perspective helped me articulate something I’ve been quietly processing for a while.
So today, I want to share why I personally stopped watching rom-coms, and how you can decide for yourself whether they’re something you should be consuming in this season.
Why I Stopped Watching Rom-Coms
1. It Became Hard to Avoid “Spice”
One of the first reasons I stepped away from rom-coms was how difficult it became to tell what content was actually appropriate. I’d see a beautiful book cover in a bookstore or a promising show trailer and think, This looks harmless. But there was no easy way to know how “spicy” it would be without scrolling Goodreads reviews or Book Tok for 30–60 minutes. So, I found myself taking a chance and most times I would regret it.
The same thing happened with TV shows. I’d look them up on content-rating websites, feel like I had done my due diligence, and then, out of nowhere, there would be a graphic make-out scene or sex scene that I’d have to fast-forward through.
After a while, I realized I was constantly on edge, bracing myself for content I didn’t want to see. That wasn’t relaxing or enjoyable, it was exhausting. So instead of waiting to see if something might be inappropriate, I decided to stop watching them altogether.
2. They Left Me Feeling “Woe Is Me”
As single Christians, we have to be honest with ourselves about what actually helps us thrive.
Some people can watch a Hallmark movie and feel completely fine afterward. I am not one of those people.
For me, rom-coms, especially Hallmark-style movies, often leave me feeling sad, discouraged, and quietly wondering what was “wrong” with me. I’d finish a movie and immediately start spiraling into comparison or self-pity.
Eventually, I asked myself a simple question: Why am I choosing entertainment that consistently makes me feel worse?
So I cut rom-coms out and surprisingly, my mood improved. I felt lighter, more content, and more at peace in my singleness.
3. They Fueled Temptation
This part requires honesty, especially as Christian women.
I noticed that certain shows made me more vulnerable to sexual temptation, including self-pleasure. Shows like Bridgerton and even Gilmore Girls, which I genuinely loved, began stirring thoughts and desires that didn’t align with the life I was trying to live.
As painful as it was to let go of some favorites, I noticed something almost immediately: my purity and mental clarity improved when I stopped feeding my mind those images and storylines.
Sometimes loving God means walking away from things we enjoy. Not because they’re evil, but because they’re not beneficial for us.
4. Rom-Coms Gave Me an Unrealistic View of Love
Lately, I’ve been studying love as it’s portrayed in the Bible, and what struck me most is this: biblical love is not primarily emotional it’s sacrificial.
Love in Scripture is not all butterflies and grand gestures. It’s costly. It’s chosen daily. It’s rooted in commitment and self-denial.
God showed us love by sending His Son to die on the cross.
When we consume media that only highlights the euphoric, honeymoon stage of love, it can subtly train us to crave the benefits of relationships without work. Cutting out rom-coms helped me resist the temptation to rush into a relationship simply because I wanted feelings not responsibility.
Enjoyed this content? In my YouTube video, I share what to watch and read if you choose to step away from rom-coms. You don’t have to give up entertainment! Watch now and let me know what you think in the comments.
Should Christians Watch Rom Coms Video
A Moment of Inspiration
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
—1 Corinthians 10:31
Christian discernment can be confusing. Some Christians listen to Taylor Swift; some don’t. Some celebrate Halloween; some don’t. The same goes for movies and TV shows.
The question isn’t, Is this allowed?
The question is, Is this for the glory of God—and is it shaping me in a healthy way?
Final Encouragement
If this topic convicts you, I want you to hear this clearly: conviction is not condemnation.
If God is nudging you to rethink some of the media you consume, don’t respond with shame. Respond with obedience—and trust that He’ll fill the space with something better.
And if you’re reading this and you don’t know Jesus yet but want to, I encourage you to seek Him, pray, and find a church community where you can grow.
Lastly, if you’re interested, you can check out my book Since When Did Single Mean Sad?—a 30-day guided journal designed to help Christian singles live full, joyful lives right where they are.
Thanks for being here. I love you to the moon and back, and I’ll see you in the next post 💛
Gabrielle Denise