You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll crave a shopping montage.
While we love all “serious” genres of film, there’s something especially heartwarming about a good, old-fashioned romantic comedy. The best of these films deftly balance clever jokes with a genuine “will they or won’t they” dynamic and infuse a hefty dose of unapologetic cheesiness or sentimentality into the main romantic pairing. But if you’re like us, sometimes it can be hard to choose which rom-com to play between Netflix bingeing sessions. Which decade will you embrace? Do you pick something from the 80s or try a 90s standby? Luckily for us, the folks over at Hello Millions have used data from your favorite movie review sites to determine the 10 best rom-coms of the 2000s.
The report utilized rankings from Rotten Tomatoes, LetterBoxd, and IMDB — trusted web resources that you probably use when trying to decide if the latest blockbuster is worth streaming. That said, these top films might not reflect your favorite movies — and there’s a chance some of them don’t include the stars you admire most.
If you’re a Gabrielle Union fanatic, you might wonder how they got away with leaving off the 2003 film Deliver Us From Eva. If you’ve had a decades-long crush on Will Smith, you might be better off indulging in his love counseling journey in Hitch. If you’re a soccer fan who also adores realistic depictions of tense cross-cultural clashes, you need to see Bend It Like Beckham before you watch anything on this list.
That said, this list is a great resource when you need a little inspiration. You’re not obligated to host a screening of The 40-Year-Old Virgin, but maybe the mention of that raunchy 2005 comedy will jog your memory and remind you of the other 2005 rom-com Guess Who? — which stars the late (and great) Bernie Mac. Or maybe you marathon this entire list, laughing all the way through. Really, the choice — and the remote — is yours.
10 Best Rom-Coms of the 2000s
1. Amélie (2001), Rating: 8.56
A quirky young waitress (Audrey Tautou) goes on a mission to secretly bring happiness to others. Little does she know that she might end up finding something special for herself, too.
Where to watch Amélie: Apple TV
2. (Tied) The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005), Rating: 7.23
Steve Carell stars as a shy and awkward 40-year-old who’s never had a relationship with a woman. Watch as his well-meaning friends give him tips and tricks to try and finally land the girl of his dreams.
Where to watch 40-Year-Old Virgin: Hulu
2. (Tied) The Holiday (2006), Rating: 7.23
Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet star as two unlucky-in-love women living on opposite sides of the Atlantic. In a desperate bid to escape heartbreak during Christmas, they trade homes for a while. Unintentionally, however, they may both end up meeting some pretty interesting distractions.
Where to watch The Holiday: Netflix
2. (Tied) Legally Blonde (2001), Rating: 7.23
Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is going to win her ex-boyfriend back — even if she has to follow him to Harvard Law School to do it. But fitting in with the Ivy League crowd isn’t as easy as she’d hoped.
Where to watch Legally Blonde: Max
3. How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days (2003), Rating: 7.10
Kate Hudson plays a journalist writing an article on how to get dumped as fast as possible. Matthew McConaughey stars as an ad exec who makes a bet that he can get any woman to fall in love with him. Watch as they try to trick and swindle each other — and maybe fall in love in the process.
Where to watch How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Paramount Plus
4. (Tied) Meet the Parents (2000), Rating: 7.06
Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) is in love with his girlfriend and intends to propose. The only obstacle? First, he has to meet her parents and ask for their blessing. Which is harder than it sounds.
Where to watch Meet the Parents: Netflix
4. (Tied) Serendipity (2001), Rating: 7.06
Sara Thomas (Kate Beckinsale) is a woman who lets fate determine everything she does in life. When she meets Jonathan (John Cusack), she’s convinced fate will eventually bring them together — even if it takes years.
Where to watch Serendipity: Max
5. Knocked Up (2007), Rating: 7.03
Ben (Seth Rogen) is a schlubby slacker; Alison (Katherine Heigl) is a high-strung reporter. When a one night stand results in a pregnancy, the two of them try to make it work.
Where to watch Knocked Up: Max
6. (Tied) I Love You, Man (2009), Rating: 7.00
Peter (Paul Rudd) is about to get married to the love of his life. The only trouble is that he’s realized he lacks close relationships and can’t find a best man. Now, he’ll have to race to find a best bro before the big day.
Where to watch I Love You, Man: Max
7. Whatever Works (2009), Rating: 6.76
Boris (Larry David) meets Melody (Evan Rachel Wood); the two fall in love. When Melody’s parents realize their daughter has married a much older man, they try to destroy the relationship. Various romantic entanglements ensue. Note: This is a Woody Allen movie; if you’re opposed to supporting his work, it might be best to skip.
Where to watch Whatever Works: Amazon
8. Wedding Crashers (2005), Rating: 6.73
Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn star as two hedonistic opportunists who crash weddings to meet women for one-night stands. But what happens when they both fall in love with their conquests?
Where to watch Wedding Crashers: Max
9. Bring It On (2000), Rating: 6.70
A white-majority cheerleading squad from an affluent neighborhood realizes that they’ve been using plagiarized dances and cheers stolen from a rivaling Black team. This complex film delves into the depths of racism, classism, and teen romance.
Where to watch Bring It On: Amazon
10. Yes Man (2008), Rating: 6.66
Jim Carrey stars in this rom-com as a withdrawn and cautious bank loan officer who challenges himself to change his life by saying “yes” to everything. Soon, he’s thriving — but will he bite off more than he can chew?
Where to watch Yes Man: Amazon
If you’re not in the mood for any of the films on this list, check out our recommendations for the best rom-coms from the 90s and early 2000s, and romantic comedies for folks over 40.
