The Golden Era of Romantic Comedy: 12 Must-Watch Films From The 2000s
Romantic comedies have been a beloved genre since the 80s, but it was in the 2000s that they truly shone. While the 90s saw significant growth, it's undeniable that the 2000s marked a renaissance for romantic comedies. For all the rom-com enthusiasts out there, we've compiled a list of 12 films that prove the 2000s was the golden age of romantic comedy. Dive into this collection for a delightful journey through the best of the genre! 👇'
12- Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
IMDb: 6.8
If there wasn't a collective obsession with Renée Zellweger in Bridget Jones's Diary, the 2000s might have looked very different. Bridget Jones, an ordinary woman struggling with her age, weight, career, and many other things, decides to take control of her life as a New Year's resolution. This decision involves starting a diary where she promises to tell the truth about everything. The plot kicks off when her attractive but unscrupulous boss takes an interest in the quirky Miss Jones. Bridget's eccentric group of friends and a not-so-friendly familiar face add to the mix.
11- 50 First Dates (2004)
IMDb: 6.8
Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore prove to be one of the most perfect couples in romantic comedy history in this film. Henry Roth enjoys a carefree life in the paradise of Hawaii with no commitments until he meets Lucy Whitmore. Both Henry and Lucy enjoy spending time together and feel the beginning of a serious relationship. However, the next day, Henry is shocked when Lucy doesn't recognize him. The twist? Lucy suffers from short-term memory loss and can't remember each day. Despite the daily challenges, Henry is ready to make her fall in love again, even if each day is different!
10- He's Just Not That Into You (2009)
IMDb: 6.4
Gigi Haim, a young woman seeking her knight in shining armor among all the heartbreaks, is the focus of this film. After going out with real estate agent Conor Barry, Gigi anxiously waits for him to call, but he doesn't. Determined to see him, Gigi starts frequenting the bar where her friend Alex works. They become friends, and Alex helps Gigi interpret the subtle signs in her dating life.
9- The Proposal (2009)
IMDb: 6.7
Finding romance in unexpected places is not a new concept, but Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds manage to make it feel fresh. Andrew Paxton has been the heroic assistant to Margaret Tate, a hardworking editor, for three years. However, when Canadian Margaret faces the risk of deportation due to the expiration of her visa, she devises a plan: if she gets married to Andrew, their problem will be solved! Andrew agrees, with the promise of a promotion. A skeptical immigration officer assigns them the task of proving the legitimacy of their relationship. The plot gets even more colorful with plans for Andrew's grandmother's 90th birthday, tensions with his father, an old flame resurfacing, Andrew's lack of interest in Margaret, and, of course, Margaret's mysterious past. Love, family, and a bit of madness converge in this story!
8- Knocked Up (2007)
IMDb: 6.9
Seth Rogen may not be the first name that comes to mind in romantic comedy leads, but alongside Katherine Heigl, they deliver a stellar performance. When Allison gets a promotion on TV, she celebrates with her married sister Debbie at a nightclub. Allison, meeting the carefree Ben Stone, engages in conversation while Debbie's husband Pete calls to inform her that their daughter has chickenpox. Alone with Ben, they spend the night drinking, dancing, and end up having a one-night stand. Ben, not using protection, learns eight weeks later that Allison is pregnant. They decide to stay together and raise the baby, but Ben needs to grow up to build his own family.
7- Wedding Crashers (2005)
IMDb: 7
Two friends, John and Jeremy, crash weddings to pick up women. One day, they crash the wedding of Treasury Secretary Cleary's daughter. This leads them into a new chapter of their adventurous lives as they are invited to the Cleary mansion, potentially meeting the loves of their lives.
6- The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
IMDb: 7.1
Did you know that this film introduced Steve Carell and led to the increased recognition of The Office, ultimately leading to its cancellation? The film follows forty-year-old Andy, a computer geek working as a shipping clerk in an electronics store who plays video games and collects action figures. He lacks real friends and spends most of his time alone. Initially not intending to have sex, Andy finds it increasingly challenging to avoid the experience. When his coworkers discover the situation, some mock him, but a small group decides to help him. Beyond the advice, Andy needs to take a leap into reality, not just because he lacks practical experience but also because he has no interest in watching or being involved in pornography. Despite all the advice, Andy decides that Trish is the woman he truly wants. Trish, a relatively unsuccessful retailer across the street from the electronics store, becomes the focus of Andy's pursuit and affection.
5- Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
IMDb: 7.1
One of the most unforgettable romantic comedies of the 'heartbreak era.' Peter, a composer, is devastated when his girlfriend of five years, Sarah Marshall, star of a cheesy CSI-style crime show, breaks up with him. His stepbrother Brian suggests a holiday, and Peter heads to a resort in Oahu, where he encounters Sarah and her new boyfriend, the eccentric English rockstar Aldous. It's not until the considerate hotel employee Rachel invites him to hang out and rescues him from despair that Peter begins to recover. Despite constant run-ins with Sarah and Aldous, Peter starts to come alive again. Will Sarah realize what she's lost, and what will happen with Rachel?
4- High Fidelity (2000)
IMDb: 7.4
This film became so popular that they attempted to turn it into a series, but unfortunately, the story seems tailored for the big screen as most of us are not familiar with the series. The film revolves around Rob Gordon, a thirtysomething former club DJ. Our main character is the owner of a somewhat unprofitable second-hand record store in Chicago. Rob has a passion for making top-five lists, and the list of top-five breakups becomes the latest one. This list emerges when his recent girlfriend, Laura, a lawyer, breaks up with him. Rob feels the need to review his five relationships extending back to middle school and understand why his partners left him, not only for personal reasons but also to figure out why he finds himself in a place 'nowhere near what he imagined personally or professionally,' as stated by the number four on the list, Charlie Nicholson.
3- Love Actually (2003)
IMDb: 7.6
This film brings us romantic scenes where the male character stands outside the house of the woman he loves, holding a bunch of signs to declare his love. Set in London, Love Actually tells different love stories.The film includes the life of former rock star Billy Mack. Billy Mack, an aging rock star past his prime, aims to revive his career. His manager, Joe, convinces him to record a Christmas song to regain popularity. However, the song, titled 'Christmas Is All Around,' turns out to be a parody rather than a romantic love song. The film intertwines different love stories in London, exploring the complexities of romance and human relationships. The Christmas theme ties the stories together, intersecting the paths of characters. Love Actually provides a warm atmosphere celebrating the various facets of romance and the power of love.
2- 500 Days of Summer (2009)
IMDb: 7.7
Tom, a new executive assistant at a greeting card company, immediately falls deeply in love with Summer Finn from the moment they meet. Tom quickly realizes that Summer is the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with. Despite Summer's lack of belief in relationships or boyfriends, a bond forms between Tom and Summer that goes beyond just friendship. As their relationship deepens over time, it takes on an emotional dimension. However, as the story progresses, Tom and Summer's relationship enters a challenging period. Ultimately, after everything is said and done, Tom's emotional maturity and ability to confront the realities of relationships are put to the test. The conclusion of their connection is determined by Tom facing this tough choice.
Shrek (2001)
IMDb: 7.9
We award the top spot on the list to Shrek, a film that defies the stereotypes of the fairy tale and the knight in shining armor. Despite being a satirical animated film about an ogre, Shrek is undeniably a funny film that places romance at its core. For those who haven't seen it yet, here's a brief summary: Shrek learns that his swamp has been filled with fairy tale creatures by the conniving Lord Farquaad. In an attempt to reclaim his swamp, Shrek sets off with a noisy donkey as a companion. However, things take a different turn when Farquaad sends Shrek to rescue Princess Fiona, guarded by a dragon in a tower. But, of course, nothing goes as planned. When Shrek and Fiona return, not only does Shrek have a secret, but Fiona does too. And here begins the tale of a fairy tale that shakes up beauty standards! Love, secrets, and comedic events unfold in this adventure! Enjoy watching!
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