Top Ten Romantic Comedies of the 2000's
- karapturner97
- Apr 4, 2021
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 28, 2021
Coming from someone who is obsessed with romantic comedies, I decided to make a list of--in my opinion--the top ten romantic comedies of the 2000's. I love how predictable, happy, and unrealistically perfect they are. Scroll down to see what romcom you should watch next!
10. "Love and Basketball" (2000)
This might be a less well known romcom but I remember watching it as a kid and being enamored by Monica and Quincy's love story. It was full of competitive basketball games, a "will they or won't they" vibe, and a Tyra Banks cameo. As a young basketball star (just kidding, I was a benchwarmer) it was interesting to see how women's professional basketball is more appreciated in Europe than the U.S and the effects it has on these players. It's the classic story of two people who have a common interest, fall for each other over at the wrong place and time, yet end up together against all odds with a cute baby and a thriving WNBA career. Watch it now on Hulu
9. "Sweet Home Alabama" (2002)
This film has all of the classics that build a romantic comedy but with a southern twist. There's a successful New York City business woman with a seemingly perfect career and boyfriend, two sassy best friends, a love triangle, and a reconnection with her roots. It has pre-McDreamy Patrick Dempsey, a rough around the edges Josh Lucas, and adorable Reese Witherspoon. Apparently a few of my family members were extremely inspired by Melanie's haircut and iconic fashion (aka the bar scene off the shoulder sweater). Available on iTunes
8. Two Weeks Notice (2002)
Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant seem like a real-life couple, probably one of the more realistic and perfect ones I've seen. This movie is about best frenemies whose relationship rapidly turns from toleration to love in the last two weeks of Sandy's employment as Hugh's assistant. I'll admit that one summer I watched this movie every night on my portable DVD player because I found the movie so funny and heartwarming. Watch on HBOMax
7. "Hitch" (2005)
Unlike some other movies on this list, I probably didn't watch this until I was in college, a good 10 years after it came out. This became another comfort movie I'd watch on repeat because I loved the charming trope of two people with a hidden agendas who fall in love. Will Smith plays a charming "love doctor" for Kevin James (who seems to play the same lovable clumsy character in every film he's in) but crosses paths with Eva Mendes. It's a fun film with lots of quotable lines and was where I first learned people can jet-ski in the Hudson River. Watch it now on Hulu
6. "The Proposal" (2009)
As you can see, I love Sandra Bullock. She plays the tyrannical boss to Ryan Reynold's eager assistant. In exchange for a promotion, they pretend they're engaged so the boss doesn't get deported. This movie offers a not so typical setting (Alaska) and plenty of talented costars like Betty White and Mary Steenburgen. Besides the scenery, this movie has plenty of memorable scenes like Oscar from "The Office" stripping at Sandra's bachelorette party, a hawk stealing the family Pomeranian from the front lawn, and the classic forced kiss in front of everyone at the fake engagement party. Spoiler: They fall in love. Available on iTunes
5. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002)
This is the story of a "frumpy" woman of 30 living with her parents who decides to turn her life around by taking computer classes and consequently meets the man of her dreams. 2002 was quite a year for love against all odds I guess.This was also a big introduction for a lot of people to Greek culture, and was a huge success at the box-office. This is another movie I used to watch on repeat when I wanted a good love story with the comfort of a close family dynamic. Unfortunately the sequel didn't have quite the same sparkle as the first installment, but the chemistry between Toula and Ian is as genuine as it comes. Watch on Hulu
4. Easy A (2010)
I would personally consider "Easy A" to be the last good romantic comedy of the 2000's. Olive's content loner persona was something I related to as a teenager, and the strangeness of the characters around her always intrigued me and never failed to make me laugh. It's a refreshing story that's self-aware of the romcom stereotypes it portrays. As per usual, if you have a stellar cast of side characters, it makes the movie better. Lisa Kudrow, Stanley Tucci, and Penn Badgley all stole multiple scenes in the Ojai, CA based film. Besides the central plot, it seemed to have a ton of little storylines which all came together in an offbeat and endearing way. Available on Netflix
3. She's the Man (2006)
"When I close my eyes, I see you for what you truly are..which is UGLY!". One of the best things about this movie is how many quotes there are that me and thousands of other people use daily. Forget about the unrealistic storyline of Amanda Bynes passing as her twin brother without their parents noticing or the fact that these high school campuses look like Hogwarts. Duke and Viola's love story is unique and adorable since Duke basically makes a best friend out of the male Viola and then once revealed that it's actually a girl, falls in love with her. It's a confusing idea when you think too hard about it but the cast was amazing and made it make sense. This is probably Amanda Byne's best work along with the unbeatable chemistry she has with the charming yet awkward Channing Tatum. Watch on Hulu
2. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
Hudson and McConaughey have effortless chemistry in one of the most fun movies of the aughts. Again, this movie has everything you want in a cheesy yet amazing romantic comedy. We have the perfect side-kick best friends offering comedic relief, big success at a young age in New York City (Kate Hudson is 23!!), and two scheming people who accidentally fall in love. Whenever I have the privilege to watch this movie I savor the motorcycle scene on Long Island with Keith Urban playing in the background. Perfection! Available on iTunes.
TIE!
1. 50 First Dates (2004)
Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler are another favorite couple of mine to watch on the big screen. Though Lucy's memory loss is actually quite sad and unrealistic, it's really the thought that counts with Henry constantly trying to make her fall in love with him. Set in the beautiful state of Hawaii, we get a taste of what we can presume the locals see and live like. It's a great movie to watch when you want to laugh, feel a little sad, and believe in a love that doesn't take itself too seriously.
1. 13 Going on 30 (2004)
I think that most women can say this movie was a big part of their lives in 2004. It's a rare movie that has adult themes but also makes you want to be a carefree 13 year old again dancing to your favorite music and playing with a customized dollhouse built by your best friend. I'm pretty sure Razzles started being popular again and so did 80's music. Who can forget the scene where "Vienna" is playing while Jenna rides the train to her childhood home? It's a classic.











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