If You Haven’t Watched These Rom-Coms, Cancel All Your Plans
The Sweetest Thing is my Casablanca.
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Hollywood had a major thing for romantic comedies in the early-aughts. From 2000 through 2010, we were all gifted with some of the best rom-coms to grace the big screen: think classics like How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, 13 Going On 30, The Proposal, Love Actually, and Bridget Jones' Diary, just to name a few. But there's a long legacy of romantic comedies that extends beyond those years. Would they exist without When Harry Met Sally, for example? Probably not. The romcom will never stop being perfect for a re-watch. And there are so many you've probably completely forgotten about by now.
Like the rest of the genre's classics out there, these are funny, full of clichéd meet-cutes, a little bit silly, admittedly kind of corny, and overall adorably sweet. They'll make you laugh, they'll make you cry, they may even send you down a Google spiral to find out what ever happened to Shane West. Whatever the case, these light-hearted films are the perfect antidote to the blues. Make yourself a giant bowl(s) of popcorn, get comfy on the couch (where else would you be at this point?), and jump back in time with us.
'13 Going on 30' (2004)
In 2004, a birthday wish and a makeover is all it took to make rom-com magic. Jennifer Garner plays a 13-year-old who wakes up in her 30-year-old body, and somehow lands both a dream job and Mark Ruffalo. The lie that this iconic film sold us? Adulthood will be fun!
Stream Now'Silver Linings Playbook' (2012)
Proof that romance doesn’t require perfection, this award-winning rom-com stars Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence at their best (and most chaotic) as two emotionally unmoored strangers navigating mental health, family dysfunction, and a mutually beneficial deal that slowly turns into something real.
'Bridesmaids' (2011)
Possibly the first honest wedding rom-com, Bridesmaids stars Kristen Wiig as a maid of honor spiraling while her best friend’s life moves forward without her.
'Crazy Rich Asians' (2018)
This glossy, globe-trotting rom-com doubles as a cultural milestone, following Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she discovers her boyfriend’s family is among Singapore’s wealthiest (and most intimidating). If you like lavish weddings and in-law meet-cutes, this Jon M. Chu spectacle is an instant classic.
'The Big Sick' (2017)
Inspired by the real-life story of Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, this smart, deeply human rom-com explores what happens when a relationship is tested by illness, cultural expectations, and timing. Funny without being flippant and emotional without being overwrought, it stands out as one of the most honest romantic comedies of the decade.
'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' (2003)
Built on dueling secret agendas and impeccable star chemistry, this absolute staple pairs rom-com royalty Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey as two people dating for all the wrong reasons, but falling for each other anyway. It’s a masterclass in genuine spark – and we’re not even talking about the iconic yellow dress.
'When Harry Met Sally' (1989)
Nora Ephron’s genre-defining classic traces a decade-long friendship between two New Yorkers debating love, sex, and whether men and women can ever really just be friends. Anchored by razor-sharp dialogue, Meg Ryan’s star-making charm, and one of the most quoted scenes in movie history, it remains the gold standard for smart, grown-up romantic comedy.
'Knocked Up' (2007)
A one-night stand turns into an unexpected partnership in this Judd Apatow-era rom-com that blends raunch humor with surprising sincerity. Starring Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl, the film captures the anxiety of adulthood and commitment.
'Bridget Jones’s Diary' (2001)
Who doesn’t love a messy heroine at the center of a timeless love triangle? Bridget Jones’s Diary follows a single woman navigating bad dates, career missteps, and competing romantic prospects played by Colin Firth and Hugh Grant. Endlessly quotable and deeply relatable, it helped define the rom-com tone of the early 2000s.
'A Lot Like Love' (2005)
In A Lot Like Love, Oliver (Ashton Kutcher) and Emily (Amanda Peet) meet on a plane and sparks fly (pun def intended) immediately. But despite the fact that their chemistry is off the charts, these two know that they're wrong for each other. Over the next few years of their lives, they end up meeting and connecting several more times, but, of course, they just can't seem to get it together. stream now
'The Fighting Temptations' (2003)
BEYONCÉ??!? Yes, it's true: Queen Bey will grace your screen when you watch this 2003 throwback. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Darren Hill, a big-time advertising executive who is basically forced to go back to his small town in Atlanta when he loses his job and his life is turned upside down. He ends up leading a church choir while they try to win a gospel competition. Beyoncé plays Lily, his childhood friend—and an incredible singer who might be the key to helping the choir win. *dun dun dunnnn* stream now
'Get Over It' (2001)
In this loose adaption of A Midsummer Night's Dream (turning Shakespeare into rom-com fodder is so fun), Berke Landers (Ben Foster) is a high school student who is determined to get his ex-girlfriend back, even if it means auditioning for the school play just to get closer to her. His best friend's sister Kelly (Kirsten Dunst) helps him get ready for the role...and, in the end, Berke falls for someone else. You'll also notice *chef's kiss* worthy appearances by Mila Kunis, Sisqó, Shane West, Colin Hanks, and
Zoë Saldaña. stream now
'In The Land Of Women' (2007)
It seems that we've all collectively forgotten that this gem of a movie exists. In The Land Of Women stars Adam Brody as Carter Webb, who moves from Los Angeles to a small town in Michigan to take care of his grandma after going through a breakup. He ends up spending most of his time with the family across the street, a mother (Meg Ryan) and daughters (one played by Kristen Stewart). It wouldn't be a perfect rom-com without Ryan's appearance and a kick-ass soundtrack, and this film has both. stream now
'The Sweetest Thing' (2002)
If you need the perfect girl's night movie to watch, make it The Sweetest Thing. Christina (Cameron Diaz), Courtney (Christina Applegate), and Jane (Selma Blair) are three friends who get into a slew of crazy adventures while searching for a man Christina met at a club one night. It's hilarious, cute, and perfectly goofy, and it will make you want to give your BFF a huge hug. stream now
'Bride and Prejudice' (2004)
Bride and Prejudice is a Bollywood rom-com take on Pride and Prejudice, and, really, how can you resist that? In the film, Manorama (Nadira Babbar) and Chaman Bakshi (Anupam Kher) search for the perfect husbands for their four daughters—except Lalita (Aishwarya Rai), the oldest daughter, has no interest in an arranged marriage. As she searches for her version of the perfect husband, she ends up meeting her William Darcy (Martin Henderson), and, as you can probably imagine the rest. stream now
'Fever Pitch' (2005)
Based on the book A Fan's Life by Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch is about Ben Wrightman (Jimmy Fallon), a teacher who is dating Lindsey Meeks (Drew Barrymoore). Despite the fact that they're basically polar opposites, the two fall in love and things are going great... until Lindsey realizes that Ben is completely obsessed with the Boston Red Sox. Are their different opinions on baseball enough to ruin their relationship? You'll have to watch to find out. stream now
'Whatever It Takes' (2000)
Whatever It Takes has an all-star early 2000s cast that is basically perfect: Shane West, Jody Lyn O'Keefe, James Franco, and Marka Sokoloff. In this teen rom-com, nerdy Ryan (West) is in love with the popular Ashley (O'Keefe), but the feeling is not mutual. Meanwhile, star athlete Chris (Franco) is into Maggie (Sokoloff), who is Ryan's super smart BFF. Ryan and Chris work together to get the girls to fall for them until they realize they're both going after the wrong girl. stream now
'Bride Wars' (2009)
Childhood besties Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) become bridezilla enemies when their dream weddings are accidentally scheduled on the same day at the same exact place. Don't worry, they end up living happily ever after. stream now
'Win A Date With Tad Hamilton!' (2004)
Like some of the best rom-coms ever, Win A Date With Tad Hamilton! is based on a ridiculous premise: a huge actor, Tad Hamilton (Josh Duhamel), moves to a small town to pursue a girl named Rosalee (Kate Bosworth), although his actions aren't totally innocent. Rosalee's best friend Pete (Topher Grace), who is, incidentally, in love with her, has to try to win her heart from a Hollywood stud. This would literally never happen IRL, but it's certainly fun to watch! stream now
'Deliver Us From Eva' (2003)
If you loved Gabrielle Union in her other early 2000's hit, Bring It On, then you'll really love her in Deliver Us From Eva. Union plays Eva, who has been in charge of taking care of her younger sisters since their parents died years before. Eva has a weird amount of control over her sisters and happens to be in control of the family trust fund—something her sister's partners are not into. They come up with a plan to set Eva up with Ray Adams (LL Cool J), who happens to be a total player, but things don't go quite as they planned. stream now
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