Blake Lively's acting career originated in a romance film. She got her start in the teen coming-of-age romance drama The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. This movie tells the story of four girls who are best friends, who pass around a pair of jeans that magically fits all of their bodies perfectly. Lively played Bridget in the film, which was career-defining for a number of its stars, including Amber Tamblyn, Alexis Bledel, and America Ferrera. Lively followed up her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants role in the sequel three years later.

In addition to this trouser-based duology, Lively has played roles in several other films wherein romance is a primary element. This includes, among others, New York, I Love You, The Private Lives of Pippa Lee, and The Age of Adelaine. Lively also starred in a more controversial romance movie this year, which did well at the box office.