The 2000s were a glorious time for Hollywood cinema. While the movies of that era may not have been the most elaborate, they excelled at making audiences feel fantastic. Among the charming and lighthearted romantic comedies, several have stood the test of time, while others may have been overlooked yet are still hidden gems worth revisiting. Here are ten iconic rom-coms from the 2000s that are perfect for lovely gatherings or mood-lifting movie nights.
The Lake House
Following themes of mystery, distance, and text-based communication, The Lakehouse features Kate & Alex, who lived in the same house by the lake at different points in their lives. They find themselves gathered by a mailbox but separated by timelines. They keep exchanging letters throughout the house’s mailbox in hopes of a destined meetup.
Serendipity
Like its name, Serendipity features a magical and fortunate coincidence that brings Jon and Sara together, allowing them to meet and discover their unmatched chemistry. However, this coincidence is followed by an unprecedented separation, where they’ll be looking for each other everywhere throughout the movie, hoping to meet again. The theme is emphasised by the wintery Christmas atmosphere and delightful spirit of the film.
Confessions of A Shopaholic
A charming New York rom-com paired with vivid clothes and impeccable style, Confessions of A Shopaholic features Rebecca, an impulsive shopper drowning in credit card debt. She dreams of working in a prominent fashion magazine, but fate has other opinions when she gets accepted in a finance magazine and works with Luke.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World
The end of the world nears when an asteroid is predicted to hit the earth in three weeks; Penny and Dodge randomly meet and decide to help each other seek comfort and closure by going on a journey to find Penny’s parents and Dodge’s high school sweetheart.
Forgetting Sarah Marshall
Peter flies to Hawaii, hoping to forget the brutal breakup with his ex-girlfriend of five years. He bumps into her as he finds her also staying at the same hotel with her new boyfriend, but a funny and romantic twist takes place as he hits it off with Rachel, the receptionist. The romance unfolds in a Hawaiian setting paired with hilarious situations.
Practical Magic
In a fantasy setting, Sally and Gillian are two sisters who are the descendants of a long line of witches. Despite staying away from sorcery, the love lives of Sally and Gillian are doomed from birth due to an old spell that curses any man they fall in love with and causes his demise. However, the family curse is broken when other forms of love take place, overcoming all evil and despair.
Music and Lyrics
Music and Lyrics features a love story between Alex, a fallen pop star, and Sophie, the woman who waters his plants, as she starts writing his songs to help him make a strong comeback to the music industry. The story is paired with a passion for music, fine tunes, and a series of humorous events.
A Lot Like Love
Oliver and Emily hit it off when they first meet on a flight. However, they decide to part ways as they presume they’d be a terrible couple. Life has other opinions, as it keeps randomly bringing them together for years. The film features a series of joyful and heartfelt sequences that are all feel-good and very entertaining.
Celeste and Jesse Forever
A heartfelt rom-com featuring Celeste and Jesse, a married couple from a young age who decide to seek divorce as they grow out of each other. However, they never manage to actually separate, choosing instead to stay close friends and remain in love with each other despite their differences.
Begin Again
Gretta wallows in devastation after getting betrayed in her music career and cheated on by her ex-boyfriend. She finds herself again when Dan, a music producer, offers to produce her music and support her career journey. Oddly enough, she also finds comfort and closure by spending time with Dan.
