The Mae Whitman Rom-Com That Has Netflix Subscribers Smitten

Teen rom-coms are always popular, and there's a reason for that. Romantic comedies make you laugh, cry, and have fun as the main character goes through some tough times on their way to love. The stories are relatable for young people who can see themselves in the protagonists. Because of this, there are plenty of rom-coms out there, both good and bad, and there continue to be more every year. 

You can probably ask anyone and they will have a favorite rom-com they can immediately name. There are cult classics like "Never Been Kissed," "She's the Man," and "10 Things I Hate About You," while others might love newer hits, like "To All The Boys I've Loved Before" and "Love, Simon." Of course, with so many different teen romantic comedies out there, some are bound to be overlooked upon release, only to find popularity years later. 

This happens to be the case with one rom-com that is now streaming on Netflix and finding huge success, and that's 2015's "The DUFF," starring Mae Whitman and Robbie Amell and based on the book of the same name by Kody Keplinger. 

In "The DUFF," Whitman plays a teenage girl named Bianca Piper who finds out at a party that people in school have labelled her the "DUFF," also known as the Designated Ugly Fat Friend. Talking to her neighbor and childhood friend Wesley Rush (Amell), who is now super popular in high school, Wesley explains that the label doesn't necessarily mean that she's ugly or fat, just that she's the approachable one other's use to get to her "prettier" friends. 

Obviously still offended — as she should be — Bianca becomes determined to be beautiful and popular and everything she thinks she should be to fit in. She approaches Wesley and makes a deal — he will make her popular, and she will help him pass science. As they spent more time together, Bianca and Wesley grow closer, eventually developing feelings for one another. But because of the label others put on her, Bianca has a hard time being comfortable and accepting herself as she is. 

"The DUFF" focuses on Bianca's journey to self-acceptance, as she quickly starts to fall in love with Wesley. The movie is sweet and funny, and it's clearly impressed Netflix subscribers, as it's become extremely popular on the streamer. Also starring familiar faces like Bella Thorne, Allison Janney, Ken Jeong, and Skyler Samuels, "The DUFF" is an enjoyable rom-com that fans of the genre should definitely check out now on Netflix.